Weather Spotter Training

Getting the most accurate information during severe weather is extremely important, and part of that accuracy could depend on you. That’s part of the reason the National Weather Service in Green Bay wants to train community members to be weather spotters. They held a training at the Kress Family Branch at the Brown County Library in De Pere. "I learned there are some guidelines you should keep in mind when reporting,” said Jason Albertz of Green Bay. “Some of the things I thought to report wasn't accurate or the best things to report, so I've got a better idea now of what I should be looking for." Even 7-year-old Seth Albertz joined in the fun. “I'm going to try and remember what i learned here today and just go,” he said. It's classes like this, that the NWS hopes will help them in the long run, by teaching community members the do's and dont's of calling in. “Also giving people advice on how to stay safe so when theyre experiencing weather, or when its about to hit them, they know what to do, when to do it and how to do it,” said Phil Kurimski, a senior meteorologist with the Green Bay NWS. While calling is the most popular way to report severe damage, Kurimski says to check them out on social media: @NWSGreenBay. Kurimski says while pictures and posts are helpful, the biggest mistake people make is being too vague. So the next time you take a picture during a storm, or notice damage at your home, don't forget these 4 things: “Tell us who you are, what you saw, the extent of what you saw as far as damage and the time,” Kurimski added. If you missed Wednesday’s class, you're going to have to wait until next spring to get another opportunity. But with snow coverage on the horizon, watch the video to get a tip on how to best report on snow this winter!