TORM SPOTTERS TAKE LESSONS

JACKSON -- After lessons about funnel clouds, flash floods, lightening and thunder storms, two dozen new severe weather spotters are on the job in Southeast Missouri.

While storm spotters are in place throughout Southeast Missouri, more eyes on the sky mean a better, more reliable early warning system, said Paul Witsaman, National Weather Service meteorologist who taught the basic training class Saturday.

"Even with the most sophisticated, multi-million dollar radar, the best system we have is trained spotters," Witsaman said. "The equipment can never replace human eyes on the scene."

The goal, he said, is to reduce the number of deaths that come from severe weather events like tornadoes and thunder storms.

"There are never enough storm spotters," said Rick Harrington, who helped organize Saturday's training. The course was sponsored by the Southeast Missouri Amateur Radio Club and Zimmer Broadcasting.

About half the people attending Saturday's class are also ham radio operators, Harrington said. They attended from throughout Southeast Missouri.

During the class, volunteers learned about severe weather and how to tell potential dangers from look-alike storms.

In addition, they learned some safety tips to protect them while they spot storms.

"We also are learning what to say when we report in," Harrington said. "We want to give the message in the fewest words possible."

Martha Vandivort, with Cape Girardeau County's Emergency Operations Center, said the county already has trained volunteer firefighters as storm spotters.

In addition, law enforcement personnel serve as weather spotters when a storm front approaches.

"Today we have people who are interested in weather and radios and helping other people," Vandivort said.

Using videos, photographs and discussion, meteorologist Witsaman explained the life cycle of severe storms and what signs will become visible.

When signs of severe weather are spotted, the volunteers are instructed to contact their local emergency operations center or the National Weather Service.

"We've already talked about an advanced course," Harrington said.

And the spotters are planning practice sessions to test out their new skills before severe weather strikes.

"We want to have designated posts and a system for reporting in," Harrington said. "It's all about preparedness and knowing what you are doing before you have to do it."