St. Mary’s County Government is hosting a SKYWARN class on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room located in the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, to train citizens to become SKYWARN storm spotters.

The effects of severe weather are felt every year by many Americans. To obtain critical weather information, NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), established SKYWARN with partner organizations. SKYWARN, a volunteer program, trains citizens to become severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

SKYWARN spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, including severe thunderstorms, flash floods, tornados and severe winter storms.  In the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes occur across the United States. These events threaten lives and property.  Since the program started in the 1970s, the information provided by SKYWARN spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data has enabled NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and winter storms.

SKYWARN storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation's first line of defense against severe weather. Their efforts give communities the precious gift of time--seconds and minutes that can help save lives.

NWS and the St Mary’s County Department of Public Safety encourage anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such as HAM radio, to join the SKYWARN program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter.
 
This free class will last approximately two hours and includes the following curriculum:
• Basics of thunderstorm development
• Fundamentals of storm structure
• Identifying potential severe weather features
• Information to report
• How to report information
• Basic severe weather safety

To attend this SKYWARN Basic I class or for more information, please call the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division at (301) 475-4200 ext. 2124 or 2125.