Storm spotter training for 2021 will be conducted virtually. The National Weather Service in La Crosse has a variety of dates and times to help people attend.
In addition, there are several on-line storm spotter training modules and reference materials available:
- Role of the Skywarn Spotter - COMET Module
- Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics - COMET Module
- Spotter Course - COMET Module
- Weather Spotter's Field Guide (Updated June 2011) (PDF)
Do you have questions about SKYWARN or becoming a spotter? Click here for the SKYWARN FAQ page. All virtual training is free and usually lasts around 90 minutes.
Main NWS La Crosse contact for spotter training is Todd Shea, Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
Surrounding NWS Forecast Office Spotter Schedules:
Surrounding NWS Forecast Office Spotter Schedules:
Outline of the 2021 Presentation
First Half
- Introduction to Storm Spotting
- Information about NWS La Crosse
- The Spotting Process
- Sources of weather information
- NWS Information / Outlooks
- Spotter deployment
- Spotting locations
- Stages of the thunderstorm (updraft/downdrafts)
- Thunderstorm Hazards (Flooding, Lightning, Hail)
- Downbursts
- Thunderstorm Wind
Second Half
- Squall Lines / Shelf Clouds (updated!)
- Supercells
- Elements of the Supercell
- Wall Clouds
- Tornado definitions and examples
- Funnel clouds
- Challenges to spotters
- Communication
- Spotter reporting procedures/guidelines
- Spotter safety
- Case examples / review
| Date | Time | County | City | Registration |
| March 22 | 10:00 a.m. | ALL | ALL | Via Webinar (Registration Link) |
| April 1 | 1:00 p.m. | ALL | ALL | Via Webinar (Registration Link) |
| April 7 | 6:30 p.m. | ALL | ALL | Via Webinar (Registration Link) |
| April 15 | 10:00 a.m. | ALL | ALL | Via Webinar (Registration Link) |
| April 20 | 6:30 p.m. | ALL | ALL | Via Webinar (Registration Link) |
