Gwinnett County EMA Offering Free Storm Spotter Class

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Registration is open now for a free program designed to help residents identify dangerous weather.

Weather forecasts are great, but when severe weather moves into our area, the National Weather Service relies on trained weather spotters to help keep them abreast of developing trends and situations. Weather radar is an excellent tool, but it only tells part of the storm’s story. Combining radar data with observations from trained observers gives the best possible picture of severe storms.

The National Weather Service, in partnership with the Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management, will present a Severe Weather Program on May 1 at 6 p.m. in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend.

Gwinnett Emergency Management Director Greg Swanson said, “The class will be taught by the National Weather Service and will help residents be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the NWS for severe weather in the area. This informative class will focus on how to spot dangerous weather, particularly tornadoes and severe thunderstorm conditions. Participants will learn what a severe storm is, the structure of a severe storm, how it develops and how to inform the NWS of severe weather.” Even if you don’t want to become an active storm spotter, you will learn about how storms work and the visual clues to identify severe storms in your area.

Pre-registration is requested, to reserve a space, call 770-513-5600 or email ema@gwinnettcounty.com.