LOCAL NEWS — Accurate weather forecasts don’t happen in a sterile office. National Weather Service (NWS) officials depend on a an army of volunteer storm spotters to report the ground truth in local communities, so it can be broadcast to the general public.

The Huntsville National Service Services office plans a SKYWARN Spotter Training class at the Metro Volunteer Fire Department at 1 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11.

Spotters generally come from all walks of life. Many community first responders volunteer their time but with the right training, amateur radio operators and even the general public can contribute. It’s a community’s first line of defense against dangerous storms. Without specific local information, model-based weather forecasts would be one dimensional.

The Metro Volunteer Fire Department is located at 301 Majors Boulevard. For more class information visit the NWS website by clicking here. •

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