NWS La Crosse Skywarn Schedule

2020 Spotter Training

Storm spotter training has been completed for the 2020 season. We appreciate those that attended in-person or via remote this year.

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. Most sessions are open to the general public with no need to pre-register. All training is free and usually lasts around 2 hours.

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

Last Updated: 4/22/20

Date	Time	County	City	Location / Attendance
March 3	6:30 p.m.	Houston	Caledonia, MN	17 people
March 4	6:30 p.m.	Trempealeau	Whitehall, WI	33 people
March 9	6:30 p.m.	Olmsted	Rochester, MN	262 people
March 12	7:00 p.m.	Clayton	Monona, IA	80 people
March 19	10:00 a.m.	ALL	ALL	Via webinar: 56 attended
March 23	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via webinar: 144 attended
April 2	6:30 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via webinar: 31 attended
April 9	1:00 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via webinar: 65 attended
April 21	7:00 p.m.	ALL	ALL	Via webinar: 179 attended

Surrounding NWS Forecast Office Spotter Schedules:

Outline of the 2020 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