Skywarn™ Spotter Program
	Weather Spotter Training Classes for July 2009 Skywarn™ Storm Spotter Guide (pdf file) For western Nevada and eastern California *** Note: The 1-800 Spotter Phone Number is for SPOTTERS ONLY, and should NOT be given out to anyone! ***

INTRODUCTION

Pleasant weather usually dominates Nevada and eastern California, but even we are susceptible to severe weather. Thunderstorms can produce flash flooding, damaging winds, hail and even tornadoes. Winter storms can bring high winds, heavy snow and river flooding.

To effectively warn for the protection of life and property, the National Weather Service must have a thorough handle on current weather conditions throughout Nevada and eastern California. Unfortunately, long distances separate National Weather Service offices. Although weather satellites and Doppler weather radar use the latest technology to provide a wealth of information to forecasters, no tool has yet been developed that can replace a human observation of the weather in a local area at a specific time.

You can help! By alerting us to significant weather events, you become the "eyes and ears" for the National Weather Service in your area and help us determine when and where we need to issue warnings. Your participation in the SKYWARN™ spotter program is entirely voluntary. You are under no obligation and cannot be compensated. However, your vigilance is valuable and greatly appreciated! It helps others and could save lives.

Spotters are needed in only the following counties/areas:

	Nevada		California
Churchill Douglas Lake Tahoe area Lyon Mineral Pershing Storey		Alpine El Dorado Lake Tahoe area Lassen Modoc - Surprise Valley Mono Nevada Placer Plumas Sierra

 

If you reside in the areas listed above and would like to become a SKYWARN™ spotter,
*** or if you are already a spotter and would like a refresher training course ***,
please email me at: (providing this information is voluntary)

  wendell.hohmann@noaa.gov.

Spotter Training Class Dates and Locations:

• Virginia City - Wednesday, July 8th 2009 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
  • Fire Department Training Building - 141 North C Street, Virginia City, NV
    • The class will cover topics including how to identify severe thunderstorm and tornado signatures, how to measure snowfall, and what to report when it comes to windstorms, winter storms, and flooding. The class will begin at 6:30 pm and end around 8:00 pm, with a period of time for questions until 8:30 pm.
• Reno, Nevada - Monday, July 13th 2009 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
  • National Weather Service Office - 2350 Raggio Parkway, Reno, Nevada
    • Registration for this class is required. Please email Rhett Milne
    • Class size will be limited. Priority will be given to those living in small towns or rural locations.
    • The class will cover topics including how to identify severe thunderstorm and tornado signatures, how to measure snowfall, and what to report when it comes to windstorms, winter storms, and flooding. The class will begin at 6:30 pm and end around 8:00 pm, with a period of time for questions until 8:30 pm.

***Click here for SKYWARN™ Spotter Program!!***

Once again, thanks very much for your help!

Wendell Hohmann