CRAWFORD COUNTY – It took just over an hour for more than 35 people to learn about weather patterns, identifying clouds and knowing the signs of weather dangers. And they are now certified weather spotters following Sunday’ Crawford County Emergency Management’ Weather Spotter class.
‘It was very well attended,’ said Crawford County Emergency Manager Doug Pratt. ‘The National Weather Service said it was a really good turnout.’
In addition to learning how to spot weather, the class also saw live footage of the Aug. 2 storm that annihilated parts of the county, tearing down homes, knocking down powerlines and eradicating trees.
‘It was quite an ordeal,’ Pratt said. ‘It hit a big portion of Crawford County.’
The 35 new weather spotters join the ranks of the spotters certified before them in: Knowing the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure, identifying potential severe weather, and basic severe weather safety.
Pratt said the spotters also learn when and who to call when they spot such weather. He said the spotters call the National Weather Service and because they took the class, they get alerts posted faster. Thus, helping their community be alerted to danger sooner.
‘They know the different things to look for and what they will see before a tornado or a severe storm,’ Pratt said, noting it is a great service for the community.
He said often times severe weather may hit a remote area, while it will be fine weather where he is. By having a community of spotters, someone can notify the weather service and better prepare those in that area.
He said the class, which is held annually, gives the spotters the ability to be more educated and more cautious when it comes to weather.
‘It’ a great class,’ Pratt said. ‘And definitely an asset to the community.’
