Springtime brings April showers and May flowers but can also bring severe weather and the Weld County Office of Emergency Management wants to help residents figure out what to expect.
“Given the size of Weld County, weather situations often differ from what is being experienced on the rest of the Front Range and can change quickly,” Rudisill said. “This course can help everyone better understand weather patterns, as well as what elements cause severe weather, which can help everyone be more prepared to act if necessary.”
The course educates communities interested in learning about weather patterns for the first time or experienced weather trackers. It will help residents understand the forecast and the severe weather terminology with weather patterns such as clouds and high and low-pressure systems that cause the storms to develop.
Rudisill, Weld County Office of Emergency Management Director, said this knowledge makes the course an invaluable tool for boosting situational awareness for both longstanding residents and newcomers to the county.
The course is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. March 28, in the Weld County Administration Building, located at 1150 O St. in Greeley.
Registration is required and can be completed online, by emailing gmarquez@weld.gov or by calling (970) 304-6540. Seating is limited to 70 people, so those interested in attending are encouraged to register soon.
Rudisill said the course is taught by a National Weather Service meteorologist. Attendees can get answers to questions about the weather, which makes the weather spotter training course interesting.
“Every course offers something new, whether that’s learning about the differences between a wall cloud and funnel cloud or the questions posed by those in attendance, this training offers people an up-close, educational look at weather in Weld County that’s well worth the time spent taking the training,” Rudisill said.
Once the class is finished, the National Weather Service provides residents with an 800 number, which gives them weather spotter information during storms, such as the expected size of hail and the shape of clouds.