y Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
With 2017 shaping up as another memorable year for tornadoes and isolated flooding across parts of Central and South Texas, the National Weather Service is looking for volunteers willing to watch the skies and report conditions in their areas.
Weather Service meteorologist Paul Yura will conduct Part 1 & 2 of the agency's popular "Skywarn" weather awareness and reporting courses at the University of the Incarnate Word;s Science Bldg. on Saturday, Apr 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Skywarn is offered free of charge.
The first part of Skywarn introduces students to basic weather and its terminology while the second, or advanced, class teaches severe weather theory, assessment and safe reporting techniques.
"It's a great way to learn about weather safety, and also the 'ins' and 'outs' of thunderstorms, as well," Yura said.
Trained observers play important roles in augmenting Weather Service forecasting and, when necessary, issuing emergency notifications, Yura said.
The NWS, Yura said, needs more Skywarn-qualified observers in the southern parts of San Antonio and Bexar County.