Date: Jan. 30 , 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

Weather Spotter Classes to Meet at PNC

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central will be the site of free basic weather spotter training classes on March 14. Two sessions will be offered, meeting at 3 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02.

The LaPorte County Emergency Management Office, Michigan City Emergency Management, LaPorte County Skywarn, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, will host the training sessions. A meteorologist will lead the class that will teach participants how to accurately observe weather phenomena such as funnel clouds, tornadoes, squall lines, and others. The two-hour class is open to the public, law enforcement, fire department, EMS and amateur radio operators. There is no fee and advance registration is not required.

“This class will be ideal for the person who wants to become a weather spotter,” said Robert Gaekle, chief of the PNC Police Department. “Participants will also learn what to watch for when severe weather strikes. A wealth of valuable information will be presented.”

It is important to note that the National Weather Service requires weather spotters to attend a weather spotter class every two years to remain active.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the LaPorte County Emergency Management Office in LaPorte at 219-326-6808, ext. 469, Michigan City Emergency Management at 219-873-1499, or by visiting LaPorte County Skywarn’s webpage at http://skywarn.w9ly.org.

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