Storm spotter training program set for March 2

WAXAHACHIE – The 2023 spring severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service and local public safety officials want you to be ready.

The NWS Office out of Fort Worth will be conducting a free severe weather training class for Ellis County on Thursday, March 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

Officially called the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class, the program will be held in partnership with Ellis County and the city of Waxahachie. There is no cost to attend this class, and no registration is required.

This class is for anyone with an interest in severe weather, established storm spotters, and/or anyone who wants to learn more about the severe weather threats in North and Central Texas and how to be prepared. 

This class is part of the NWS Fort Worth Office’s annual severe weather preparedness campaign.

Other classes in the region can be found on the full schedule: www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnmap.

This year’s program will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms.

The program will also review thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms.

Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety and how you can report severe weather information to the NWS Fort Worth Office and local public safety officials.

“By participating in this training session, you will gain a better understanding of Texas’ severe weather threats,” says Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Fort Worth Office.

“Waiting until storms are on your doorstep is not the time to start thinking about severe weather preparedness. We hope you attend these free classes to learn more about the severe storms that impact the region every year.”

The Ellis County SKYWARN Storm Spotter class is one of several severe weather training sessions the NWS Fort Worth Office conducts around the region between now and March.

The National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas.

For more information, visit the website at www.weather.gov/fortworth, on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth and on Twitter: @NWSFortWorth.