Storm spotters can refresh and increase their knowledge at events in this month and next. One is the official spotter training that the National Weather Service plans to conduct in Fort Wayne October 22. The other is the annual Indiana Storm Chaser’s Convention Nov. 16.

NWS spotter class

As Allen County HamNews reported last month, the Northern Indiana office (IWX) of the National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct a storm spotter class, beginning at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing. That’s behind the Walmart and Menards stores, off Lafayette Street, south of Tillman Road.

IWX needs spotter reports year-round. Autumn classes like the one in Fort Wayne October 22 will cover late-season severe weather as well as winter weather types and reporting methods.

Even if you attended a spotter class last spring, I recommend attending this October class. It will give you a chance to see what changes IWX has made to its curriculum, refresh your knowledge for the autumn severe weather season, and prepare you to be more helpful during the winter weather season. I plan to attend and hope to see you there. Register online at www.weather.gov/iwx/Spotter_Event_List.

Indiana Storm Chaser’s Convention

Every year, serious storm chasers from around the Midwest gather in the Indianapolis area for a day of learning about severe meteorology and other topics related to their hobby. Unlike chasers, storm spotters might not be interested in driving all over the Plains in the hope of seeing a tornado. The information imparted at the Indiana Storm Chaser’s Convention, however, can help any storm spotters be more effective at protecting their communities.

The Convention unfortunately conflicts with the first day of the Fort Wayne Hamfest. But for storm spotters who are eager to increase their knowledge of severe meteorology, it can be worth attending, even if it means missing the first day of the Hamfest. Learn more about the Indiana Storm Chaser’s Convention at www.indchasercon.com.