The County Seat

Barron and Polk counties will co-sponsor a pair of storm spotter training classes Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Turtle Lake High School, according to an announcement from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department.

The free “Skywarn” classes are cosponsored by the National Weather Service, and are intended for residents and emergency responders.

Identical classes will be offered from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 17, the announcement said. Both classes will be in the school auditorium, 205 Oak Street North. Enter the auditorium through Door 8, off Willow Street.

Skywarn is a National Weather Service program to help obtain critical information during severe weather events. Volunteers train in storm identification and evolution. When severe weather threatens, the volunteers become “storm spotters” who report to the local National Weather Service office.

“Storm spotters are the nation’s first line of defense against severe weather,” the Sheriff’s Department said.

“They know their efforts may ultimately help to save lives. Their information, when combined with sophisticated technology such as Doppler radar, satellite and lightning displays, helps meteorologists in their primary mission (to issue) warnings and advisories for the protection of life and property.

The Sheriff’s Department encourages private citizens to attend the class, along with police, firefighters, dispatchers, HAM radio operators and emergency medical services and public utility workers.

Also encouraged to attend are people who work with hospitals, schools, churches and nursing homes, or who have a responsibility to protect others.

To register, visit www.SkywarnBarron.EventBrite.com