In an effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies, Oakland County is offering FREE Skywarn classes coordinated by the Oakland County Homeland Security Division. There is no way to stop tornadoes, and not all tornadoes show up on radar, but they can be seen. In fact, the human eye is the only instrument that can detect a tornado or funnel cloud with complete certainty. Skywarn will expand our networks of spotters, encourage the widest possible participation in tornado warning programs and potentially save lives. All interested parties (e.g., fire, police, EMS, security, volunteers and citizens) are encouraged to attend.

Skywarn training sessions are held to train individuals on how to accurately observe weather phenomena such as floods, hail, wind and its associated damage, cloud features that lead to tornadoes, and those cloud features that do not lead to tornadoes. The class covers what information to report and how to report it. Basic severe weather safety will also be taught. Classes are FREE and last 1.5 hours.

While new technological and scientific tools have advanced the National Weather Service (NWS) capability to predict severe weather, the trained spotter remains essential to the NWS warning process. The more trained “eyes” we have in the field during a severe weather event, the better our service to you and the public will be.

SPOTTER TRAINING CLASSES

Saturday, March 21
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Oakland County Homeland Security Division
Executive Office Bldg. 41W, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford, 48328

Saturday, March 21
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Oakland County Homeland Security Division
Executive Office Bldg. 41W, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford, 48328

Monday, March 23
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Groveland Township Fire Department, Station #1
14645 Dixie Highway, Holly, 48442

Wednesday, April 1
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Southfield Civic Center Library
26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, 48037

Tuesday, April 21
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Farmington Hills City Hall, Council Chambers
31555 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, 48336

Thursday, April 30
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Charter Township of Commerce
2009 Township Dr, Commerce, 48390

More concern, more spotters, more eyes are needed. Lend us yours – learn SKYWARN!

Go to: oakgov.com/homelandsecurity and click on the Skywarn logo to register or call (248) 858-5300.