Storm spotters class April 1

In the past two years, Allen County’s count of storm spotters has gone form zero to 35. That’s thanks to Pam Beasley, said Allen County Sheriff Tom Williams.
Beasley is the county’s emergency management coordinator, and severe weather tracking falls under her umbrella. Before Beasley joined the scene, Allen County relied on firefighters and deputies to track severe weather, a task Williams would rather not have themdo. Emergency personnel must be available if a tornado hits the area, Williams said. “We need to be ready to respond.”
Allen County’s storm spotters are all volunteers, and must undergo training before being allowed on the job, Williams said. The first stage of that training happens soon.
An annual informational meeting, presented by National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 1 in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Meetings previously have been held in the county’s assembly room, but at standing room only capacity the last couple sessions, the venue has been changed. The sheriff would like to see the new venue filled, too.
“We really encourage people to come,” Williams said.
WIlliams has seen the presentation for years now, and said “It is always interesting and entertaining. If you like the movie ‘Tornado,’ come to this.”
Because not everyone is available during every weather event, a large pool of storm spotters is needed to ensure the community is protected, Beasley said. “We really want additional weather spotters,” Williams said, “and the only way we will sign people up is if they have taken this class.”
The two-hour program includes a multimedia presentation, lecture and question and answer period. It is free to the public.
The program provides severe weather training, with information about weather patterns, storm formation and safety instruction.
Storm spotters are posted throughout the county at stationary locations, and report in to the Sheriff’s department through radio or phones.
Most storms do not grow into tornadoes, Beasley said, but need to be watched anyway. She said a potentially hazardous storm a week ago Monday had a serious hook cloud, which can often predict a tornado. While Beasley and the storm spotters spent the night watching, the storm dissipated. Iolans didn’t know what passed them by.
“It’s never ending,” Beasley said of the potential for severe weather. “I don’t want it hitting us, but I love watching it.”
Beasley said those interested in learning more about becoming a storm spotter can contact her at the Sheriff’s office, 365-1400, or getting her attention the evening of the class. Pre-registration is not required for the class, and everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are interested in becoming a storm spotter, or just curious about the weather, Williams said.