NWS La Crosse Skywarn Schedule

2021 Spotter Training

Storm spotter training for 2021 will be conducted virtually. We have a variety of dates and times to help people attend.

In addition, there are several on-line storm spotter training modules and reference materials available:

Role of the Skywarn Spotter - COMET Module
Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics - COMET Module
Spotter Course - COMET Module
Weather Spotter's Field Guide (Updated June 2011) (PDF)

Do you have questions about SKYWARN or becoming a spotter? Click here for our SKYWARN FAQ page. All virtual training is free and usually lasts around 90 minutes.

Main NWS La Crosse contact for spotter training is Todd Shea, Warning Coordination Meteorologist.

Last Updated: 4/15/21

Date	Time	County	City	Registration / Attendance
March 11	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
March 16	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
March 22	10:00 a.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
April 1	1:00 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
April 7	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
April 15	10:00 a.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (completed)
April 20	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via Webinar (Registration Link)

Surrounding NWS Forecast Office Spotter Schedules:

Outline of the 2021 Presentation

First Half

Introduction to Storm Spotting
Information about NWS La Crosse
The Spotting Process
Sources of weather information
NWS Information / Outlooks
Spotter deployment
Spotting locations
Stages of the thunderstorm (updraft/downdrafts)
Thunderstorm Hazards (Flooding, Lightning, Hail)
Downbursts
Thunderstorm Wind

Second Half

Squall Lines / Shelf Clouds (updated!)
Supercells
Elements of the Supercell
Wall Clouds
Tornado definitions and examples
Funnel clouds
Challenges to spotters
Communication
Spotter reporting procedures/guidelines
Spotter safety
Case examples / review