NEWBURGH, Ind. — On a bustling evening in Newburgh, more than 100 local residents gathered at the Ohio Township Trustee’s office for an important educational opportunity: Skywarn Weather Spotter Training. Hosted by the Warrick County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the event aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately report storm activity, ultimately enhancing public safety and assisting the National Weather Service.
Matthew Goebel, the Director of Warrick County EMA, spoke about the significance of the training. “Understanding storms and how quickly they can change is crucial, especially here in the Midwest and southern Indiana,” he said. “This training helps residents better recognize storm patterns and how to report them effectively, ensuring not only their safety but also contributing vital information to meteorologists.”
The session covered key topics, including how to identify severe weather indicators, how to accurately report storm conditions, and the role of weather spotters in assisting emergency management efforts. The hands-on training aimed to build the skills necessary to make informed decisions during severe weather events.
The turnout for the training was impressive, with more than 100 community members in attendance, making it one of the largest Skywarn classes held in southwest Indiana. Goebel expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the event would improve storm preparedness and response in the region.
“Storms are constantly changing, and having a group of trained individuals who can report on what they’re seeing in real time is invaluable,” Goebel said. “We hope attendees leave with a better understanding of how to stay safe and help others stay informed during severe weather.”
For local residents, the training was an opportunity to contribute to a broader community effort to enhance weather safety. As climate patterns continue to evolve, having well-informed weather spotters in place is an essential part of staying ahead of potential weather threats.
The Warrick County EMA plans to host more educational events like this in the future to continue fostering a safer, more prepared community.
