Every year, around March or April, the NWS website has listings for severe weather spotter training. I have gone the last 5 years, and have actively been reporting severe weather events. If you are interested in doing the same, keep an eye out for those listings. There are also several severe weather tips and spotter info on the NWS site. Note: severe weather does not only include tornadoes. Learn what types of events you should be reporting, including wind estimates, hail, flooding, etc. This is the first step to understanding the power of storms, and the potential for injuries and fatalities. Do your community a favor, and help out! G

can you e-mail me the web adress and what you need to do at crazyjoemn@gmail.com

http://www.weather.gov/ is the main site and then just click on the map of your state. Then just watch for the updates. Good Luck...G

Most NWS Spotter Training Classes are held in collaboration with your County Emergency Management Agency or Public Safety Departments. The NWS Offices in Des Moines and Davenport, Iowa have already made a schedule.

Now, the things you should know is that they last about 2 Hours and once you are certified, you will have a direct number to submit reports to the NWS and in some cases, your County's EMA will give you a Pager to submit reports through to their Dispatch Office(s).

I myself have not had my training for Storm Spotting yet, but I am currently a "Snow Spotter," which the NWS in Davenport, Iowa counts on for Accurate Snowfall Measurements across their County Warning Area, or CWA.

Any infomation on SKYWARN Storm-Spotting in Iowa can be found online at the following links:

NWS Des Moines, Iowa

NWS Quad Cities-Davenport, Iowa

NWS Omaha, Nebraska

NWS Sioux Falls, South Dakota

NWS La Crosse, Wisconsin

Other States you can just go to the National Weather Service Main Page at www.weather.gov as listed by Prostreeter.

Good Luck!

FYI, I am now a Trained Weather Spotter with the NWS in Davenport, Iowa. . Gotta Love It!

I am a trained spotter as well, and have been going to the NOAA classes for 5-6 years now (I go again 3/24/08) here in Kansas City, MO. Even though I have yet to actually see one, I have reported back to the local office with reports that are not tornado related (high water/wind/heavy rain squall). I have also often used what I have learned in the classes and pass them on to others. I am a parts driver, so I am out and around, so I am, always keeping an eye on the weather. Above someone posted the link to the main page, but here is the page to all off the local offices. http://www.weather.gov/organization.php I have sent this link to countless of people and urge them to attend classes, if not to be a spotter, just to learn how and what to do in case of a storm. I really must be a nerd though -- I take notes, and sit up front. During storms I often use my scanner, here in KCMO/KS I listen to MERS 154.1300, and Skywarn.

I bet their not looking for 14 Year olds eh? I live in Toledo,OH, but i work for a local station as a weather spotter well more like volunteer to be a weather spotter, but I bet there's an age limit right? Yeah you'd think that I am 14 I don't know much but sorry your really wrong! I actually help the Chief Meteorologist well more like if he has to get things done sometimes he askes for an opinion. I have braved many storms, almost got hit by a tornado, 7 funnels went over my house during one storm and in 10 mins, and I have almost been struck by lightning 3 or 4 times! Amazing isn't it? I have actually gotten knocked over by 65+ mph winds when I was out during a storm. So definatly don't underestimate me I am learning the ropes, but some I already know thanks!

Nevermind i found out there is no age limit thanks! -Brandon

Well, the storm spotter training really paid off this year. On June 7th I tracked 2 tornadoes near my home. I was lucky enough to get the right information to help me track this storm. I was in contact with The National Weather Service and my reports were used to help alert neighboring towns of the tornadoes, and saved lives. I took video of the chase which is posted on youTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlLhdsTxKA
George

My code says "Storm Chaser" on it, congrats on the W.S.

I did that two summers ago. Since then we haven't had a single tornado pass nearby.

Had one this summer heading directly for us but it dissipated before getting here. I did get a beautiful set of doppler radar screen captures as it was dissipating.