DTX Spotter

Winter Spotter Training Information

Winter Spotter training classes have been scheduled for Southeast Michigan for the fall of 2024. NWS Detroit will conduct 1 virtual training class and 3 in-person training classes. Additional classes will be hosted by NWS Northern Indiana and will be open to the public as well. Virtual classes will be held via GoTo webinar with the links listed below. 

Topics for the winter training classes include:

• A review of the 2023-2024 winter weather season
• A look at winter weather climatology
• Examination of winter weather meteorology including low pressure systems, winter storms, and lake effect snow
• NWS winter forecast products and safety
• Review of guidelines & reporting procedure for measuring snow and ice

NWS Detroit Virtual Talk Information

• Date: Wed, Nov 6 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
• Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2180645360370770527

NWS Detroit In-Person Classes 

• Date: Wed, Nov 13 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST 
• Location: Eastside Community Network (Detroit, MI)

• Date: Sat, Nov 16 | 10:30 AM - Noon EST 
• Location: Community Center at AB Ford Park (Detroit, MI)

• Date: Sat, Nov 16 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST 
• Location: Detroit Public Library - Main Branch, in the Galleria (Detroit, MI)

SKYWARN Spotter Training Information

Skywarn Spotter training classes have been scheduled for Southeast Michigan for the spring of 2024. NWS Detroit will conduct 16 in-person training classes and 4 virtual training classes. Details of the in-person training classes can be found in the calendar below. The virtual classes are being held via GoTo webinar with the links listed below under "Virtual Skywarn Training Information".

Topics for the spotter training classes include:

• A review of the 2023 severe weather season
• A look at severe weather climatology
• Examination of severe weather meteorology including thunderstorm and tornado formation
• General structure and movement of severe thunderstorms and identification of important storm features
• NWS severe forecast products and safety
• Review of guidelines & reporting procedure for severe weather spotters

Additional details:

• All classes last about 75 to 90 minutes.
• They are free and open to the public.
• Must be age 13 or older to report.
• However, classes are appropriate for all ages. Ages 10 and up will likely get the most out of the training.
• Pre-registration MAY BE required. Please check with hosting County Emergency Manager.
• Classes are scheduled in collaboration with local emergency management officials.

** Important: Please note that a class will NOT be held in every county every year. You may attend a class in any location, regardless of where you live. **

We look forward to talking with you at this year’s Skywarn spotter training class!

* Note: In the event of a widespread severe weather threat for Southeast Michigan on the day of a class, the class will be cancelled.

If you cannot make one of the Skywarn classes this year, there are a couple of alternatives for Skywarn Training. An online Skywarn training is available through the NOAA MetEd web site. Currently there are two courses, each taking about one hour to complete...The Role of the Skywarn Spotter and Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics.

As mentioned above, there are four scheduled dates for virtual Skywarn training in 2024. Below is a list of the dates and registration link. NWS Detroit will be using the GoTo webinar client to conduct the training. Each class will be limited to 200 connections to better facilitate the question and answer portion of the training. You may have, and are encouraged to have, multiple family members from the same household sit in on the training from one connection. All start times are at 7 pm unless otherwise noted.

• Dates: April 2, April 13 (10am), May 1, June 6,
• Registration Link: