Ontario County residents can learn how to identify and report significant winter weather as part of a free SKYWARN spotter training program offered through the National Weather Service.
The fall training session will focus on winter storms, lake-effect snow, ice storms, measuring snowfall and winter weather safety. Participants will also learn what conditions the National Weather Service wants spotters to report and how to submit those reports directly to forecasters.
SKYWARN is a national network of trained volunteer weather spotters who provide the National Weather Service with reports of severe and hazardous weather in their communities.
Anyone can become a SKYWARN spotter by completing a training session, and there is no charge to participate, according to Ontario County.
Those completing the training will receive information for contacting the National Weather Service around the clock to report qualifying weather conditions.
Ontario County is encouraging residents interested in weather and public safety to participate in the program and help provide forecasters with on-the-ground observations during winter storms.
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