Written by Tiffany Jones
Harding University will host a Storm Spotters course, a certification program for weather watchers put on by the National Weather Service, Tuesday, Feb. 9.
The Storm Spotters course is an educational tool used to teach students how to determine severe weather and where to report it. The National Weather Service can identify what should be happening based on radar, atmospheric conditions, and history. However, they cannot see what is happening on the ground.
“In times of severe weather, counties will spread out police officers, but they can’t be everywhere, especially in White County which is one of the largest counties in Arkansas,” Deputy Director of Training and Support Wayne Westerholm said.
“This course provides a great opportunity for people who aren’t familiar with the severe weather in this area to come and learn about it and know when to worry and when not to worry,” Westerholm said.
The course is taught by John Robinson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Arkansas. Robinson has been recognized locally for his work with the station and the education he provides.
Storm Spotters is a free, two-hour course open to the public. It teaches what to look for in severe weather and how to report it correctly. Storm Spotter reporting helps the National Weather Service give more accurate warnings.
After completing the course, participants receive a five-year certification from the National Weather Service as a Storm Spotter.
The course is offered in February to provide proper training before Arkansas’ severe weather season which normally takes place in March and April. The White County area is prone to tornados, although a tornado has not directly hit Searcy in decades.
Storm Spotters will take place in the Reynold’s Center Recital hall at 7 p.m., Feb. 9.
