Learn how to spot severe weather

CINCINNATI - With the chance of severe storms in the forecast on Wednesday, Tri-State residents are reminded that severe weather can strike the region at all times of the year.

March 2, 2012 was the largest tornado outbreak in our area since the super outbreak of 1974, and considered by most tornado season standards to have been early in the year.

The National Weather Service is holding free classes for anyone who wants to learn about spotting severe weather, safely, and reporting it. 

“By coming to a severe weather spotter training you’re really providing a great service both to your community and to the weather service by giving us vital information we need to get those warnings out and help save lives,” Mary Jo Parker, warning coordination meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Wilmington, said.

It’s important to note the NWS isn’t looking for storm chasers. It’s just too dangerous in our area because of the terrain and the types of storms we have. 

What they are looking for are trained observers who can identify and report severe weather situations. 

“After last year’s tornado outbreak, we did see an increase in attendance which was great and we’d like to see that continue this year. The more people we have out there, the more information we’ll get and better quality information,” Parker said.

The next class is Thursday evening in Warren County. For a complete list of classes, go to
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/iln/training.php .

And don’t forget to download our Storm Shield weather radio app .  It provides watches and warnings, radar and live streaming during severe weather. It’s a great way to protect you and your family if the power goes out.