Free Severe Weather Spotter Training Offered In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox and area residents can be in the know ahead of severe weather, with a revamped course on how to spot it.

Severe Weather Spotter Training is designed for students, parents, scouting groups, amateur radio operators, emergency services, public works, police, fire, schools, and anyone else wishing to learn about severe weather, organizers said. A National Weather Service meteorologist will teach the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings, the characteristics of tornadoes and thunderstorms, and best practices for preparing for severe weather.

The Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition will host the training in conjunction with a Health & Safety Expo and Touch-a-Truck on Tuesday, April 21 at Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Rd. All parts of the event are free for all to attend.

The Health and Safety Expo will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the area just outside the auditorium. Approximately 50 organizations from the health, safety, fitness, preparedness and emergency response sectors will be on hand. Information, literature and giveaways will be available to guests.

The “Touch-a-Truck” portion of the event will also be held from 5 to 7 p.m. near the main entrance to the auditorium and in the parking lot just south of the auditorium. Many types of vehicles will be on display for families to enjoy. There will be demonstrations and representatives on hand to answer questions about the vehicles and apparatus.

The NWS Presentation, entitled “Beyond the Warning: A Look at Weather Forecasting and Preparedness”, will be held in the auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This brand new presentation will teach attendees how forecasters create, interpret, and communicate severe weather warnings, focusing on transforming data into actionable safety measures for thunderstorms, heat waves, and more.

You will also learn:

• How thunderstorms form and what makes weather turn severe

• How to prepare for severe weather and protect yourself and your family

• How to read and understand weather radar like a pro

• A real-world, step-by-step forecast scenario

• Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how NWS meteorologists build forecasts

Seats are limited, register on Eventbrite HERE.