National Weather Service to present two training opportunities in West Plains

The National Weather Service will present two trainings on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the West Plains Civic Center Magnolia Room.

The first training will be a Tactical Storm Spotter Class and is intended for Howell County Storm Spotter-first responders, i.e.: fire, police, sheriff, EMS and amateur radio operators as well as EOC personnel. This class will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is P.O.S.T Certified for those who are Peace Officer accredited. There is no registration required and no cost to attend.

The second class will be a Community Severe Weather Awareness class starting at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This class will include many of the basic spotter training elements along with expanded sections on severe weather and flooding safety. As the title suggests, this is an awareness level course intended for the general public. It is purposely designed to increase understanding of severe storms, including the ability to report severe phenomena, without the implication that attendees be considered mobile storm spotters. Again, there is no registration required and no cost to attend.

Howell County Emergency Management has applied to the National Weather Service to become a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador and has been recognized, as well as A Storm Ready Community for our county.

A recognition award ceremony by the National Weather Service will be held prior to the Community Severe Weather Class. All Howell County residents, as well as any of our elected officials, school officials, and faith based folks who have been exceptionally valuable in weather related incidents the county has encountered in the past are encouraged to attend.

The guest speaker at the Community Severe Weather Class will be Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean. All presentations are by the National Weather Service.