LAWRENCEVILLE - In an effort to train people interested in becoming weather spotters, the Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management is planning a free program in February.
It's the first time in about two years that Gwinnett County has offered the class.
Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management Director Greg Swanson said spotters can give the weather service information that technology just can't provide.
"To understand exactly what is going on on the ground gives them (weather service) some real ground truth, reliable, real time information about what that particular storm system is doing and the impacts it is causing," Swanson said.
Despite perhaps sounding dangerous, Swanson said spotters are trained to stay safe and take shelter first.
"Once the storm has passed their home, that's when they would report in that they saw some tree limbs down or they have a certain size hail that fell maybe on their back deck," Swanson said.
The class will be taught by David Nadler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Swanson said people who aren't interested in being a spotter can and are even encouraged to attend.
The program is scheduled February 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
Pre-registration is requested, to reserve a space, call (770)513-5600 or email [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/1/366538/weather-service-to-offer-free-severe-weather-program-in-gwinnett