NWS holding Skywarn class

SANDPOINT — Locals with dreams of storm-chasing and a drive for public service have a rare opportunity in the National Weather Service’s Dec. 7 weather-spotting classes.

Designed to induct new members into the Skywarn weather-spotting program, the Bonner County Department of Emergency Management is teaming up with the NWS to offer a free class at Bonner General Hospital. Priest Lake residents also have a chance to join the program Dec. 10 at the Bonner County Sheriff’s substation.

“We’re not looking for volunteers just because of weather conditions right now,” BCDEM associate Anna Reed said. “We need them all the time.”

The two-hour class, scheduled from 6-8 p.m., will teach amateurs the essential concepts of identifying and reporting severe weather. These concepts include storm formation, safety tips, weather feature identification and reporting procedures. In addition, the class will present information on the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, a grassroots program for collecting local precipitation data.

The reports generated by the Skywarn volunteers, along with radar, satellite and other data-generating technology, help the NWS deliver accurate weather warnings in a timely manner. Skywarn members relay information like hail size, snowflake features and other details that help foster accurate reports.

“We’re especially looking for people from the outlying areas,” Reed said. “They really help gather information for locations where it’s more difficult to get accurate data.”

The NWS especially encourages ham radio enthusiasts to consider joining the Skywarn program. Severe weather can easily knock out phone lines, power grids and cellular networks, and in some cases, radio becomes the only means of communication, making ham operators particularly valuable. More than anything, however, the NWS is looking for individuals who can take pleasure in the knowledge that their efforts could potentially save lives.

“We also really like the camera bugs out there,” Reed said. “Some of the shots they take, especially during lightening and other big storms, are really spectacular.”

Skywarn started up during the ‘70s as a means for the NWS to expand  its localized services. Since then, the volunteer program has generated a robust community, especially with the arrival of the Internet. Members gather on web forums to share their experiences, video and photos taken in the line of duty.

“This is just really fun stuff to learn,” Reed said. “We’re really hoping to see a good turnout next Monday.”