Severe Weather Spotter Classes

March 01, 2006
J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management 608/267-2542

Dane County Emergency Management is announcing “Severe Weather Spotter” classes open to the general public FREE OF CHARGE. These classes are designed to educate participants to severe weather “clues” and familiarize them with where and how to use such information. As recent, local history shows, tornados can strike anywhere and at any time. As local residents can attest, preparation for tornados, flooding, high winds and heavy rains saves lives and property. All classes are taught by Rusty Kapela from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Sullivan, WI. “Spotters” can provide the “ground truth” that cannot be seen by weather monitoring equipment. You do not have to be a “Spotter” to attend the class. Classes will be available across Southwest Wisconsin throughout the spring. More information regarding the classes and a schedule for SW Wisconsin can be found at www.weather.gov/milwaukee under the “Top News of the Day” heading. In Dane County, there are several “Spotters” classes scheduled for this spring: March 14, 2005 – Monona Community Center (seating for approx. 150) 1011 Nichols Rd., Monona, WI 53716 5 – 7 PM – Meet the Midwest Severe Storm Tracking/Response Center 6:30 – 9 PM – Spotters Class Contact: Dale Bernstein 608 / 712-9360 March 20, 2005 – Sun Prairie City Hall – Community Room (seating for approx. 100) 300 E. Main St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590 6:30 – 8 PM Registration Preferred Contact: Mark Wilcox 608 / 825-1705 Note: Seating goes to those who registered and classes fill quickly!! March 29, 2005 – Exhibition Hall (2nd floor – Waubesa & Kegonsa rooms) at the Alliant Energy Center (seating for approx. 200) 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 (Free Parking!!) 6:30 – 8:30 PM Contact: J. McLellan 608 / 267-2542 Seating is “first come, first serve.” All of these classes have filled to capacity in previous years so please plan to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the class starting time.