In recognition of Ohio’s Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 20-26), the university’s Office of Resiliency is providing important information and suggestions on how to prepare for inclement weather in Ohio.
During the spring, there is an increased possibility of flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, along with high winds, hail and lightning. And though tornadoes can occur at any time, they are more common in late spring and early summer. To help better prepare for these events, community members can become National Weather Service SKYWARN Storm Spotters.
SKYWARN is a volunteer program of trained severe weather spotters. Storm spotters protect their communities by providing weather reports to the National Weather Service (NWS). The information provided by weather spotters assists the NWS with issuing timely warnings for severe weather.
Anyone is eligible to join the program and become a SKYWARN spotter. The training covers the following topics:
- Thunderstorm development
- Storm structure
- Severe weather features
- Information to report
- How to report
- Severe weather safety
Check out the Spotter Class Schedule and enroll online.
Learn more about NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program.
As always, it’s important to make sure your contact information is up to date in Case Western Reserve University’s Rave emergency communications system so we can contact you in the event of an emergency—whether severe weather or otherwise. Check your contact information today.