[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Skywarn Classes

[Sandy Kenyon]

Do you have a passion for weather and a desire to help keep your community
safe? Join the ranks of the 350,000+ trained SKYWARN® volunteers across the
nation by becoming a SKYWARN® spotter!



Every year, severe weather like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding
impact thousands of lives and cause billions in damages. SKYWARN®
volunteers play a vital role by providing the National Weather Service
(NWS) with real-time, accurate reports of severe weather, complementing
Doppler radar and satellite data. Your efforts could provide your community
with critical minutes that save lives.



*Why Become a SKYWARN® Spotter?*

   - Learn to identify severe weather hazards and report them to NWS.
   - Gain knowledge in thunderstorm development, storm structure, and
   safety.
   - Help protect your family, neighbors, and community with your
   observations.
   -

*Who Can Join?*
Anyone with an interest in public service is welcome! Whether you're a
first responder, educator, utility worker, or private citizen, your role
can make a difference. Individuals with responsibilities for schools,
hospitals, or other community facilities are particularly encouraged to
join.



*Upcoming Training Opportunities*
We’re excited to offer two SKYWARN® training sessions in Fairfax County:



   1. *Basic SKYWARN Training - February 11th, 2025* - *This course is a
   prerequisite for all other courses.* Basics I is a good general overview
   of what it means to be a spotter as well as the basics of the different
   weather phenomenon that impacts the Mid-Atlantic. Upon completion of the
   course, you will be registered in the program by the NWS. You will receive
   a spotter code from the NWS within 6 weeks. Training in Basics I includes:
      - The Basic Organization of the National Weather Service
      - The Role and Importance of the Skywarn Spotter
      - Reporting of Hazardous Weather
      - NWS Products and the Watch/Warning/Advisory system
      - Thunderstorm, Flooding, Tropical and Winter Weather Threats
      - The Role of Amateur Short-wave (HAM) Radio in the Spotter Program

Basics:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeX3JCTKIyD8S_urUAu0IN6fdKXiLFvBx2ZxGCnR_U1fOHbBA/viewform



   2. *Advanced SKYWARN Training (Flooding Focus) - March 11th, 2025* -
   Training in the Flood class is a good overview of flood threats in this
   area. It is intended for everyone who has already completed the basics
   course. The Flood class includes:
      - Role of spotters & review of area
      - What to report & how
      - Types of Flooding
      - Forecasting and Meteorology of Flooding
      - Flooding Case Studies
      - NWS products for flooding

Flood:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciZHxNvhlRjmz4GoIS7BfxPQ6KK05V19hjHpUe1UqXmIMKLA/viewform