It’s hard to believe so soon after single-digit temperatures that severe weather season is right around the corner.
It is time to begin thinking about severe spring weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes. To prepare for these events, the National Weather Service and the Lyon County Emergency Management Office are gearing up for the annual storm spotter training classes. There will be two classes this year: one in Emporia next Tuesday and one in Olpe on March 26.
Rick Frevert of Lyon County Emergency Management said this year’s focus is shifting from the term “storm spotters” to severe weather awareness training.
“We are offering information like cloud formations and information about conditions that could lend themselves to (severe weather),” Frevert said. “We’re just going to be really promoting weather awareness training and getting people to become familiar with what can happen.”
Frevert said the classes also will offer information about flash flooding.
“It is more to make them aware of the conditions and pre-plan for sheltering them and their families,” Frevert said. “So they’re part of the solution, not the problem once the storm strikes.”
Last year, about 100 people attended the class in Emporia and between 50 and 75 people attended in Olpe.
For more information, contact the Lyon County Emergency Management office at 341-3210.