"SKYWARN" is a program the National Weather Service (NWS) uses to improve severe storm warnings. Trained volunteers serve as storm spotters, passing on vital "ground truth" information to forecasters during times of severe weather. They are the eyes and ears not only for forecasters, but for their whole community.

SKYWARN volunteers come from all walks of life, but they all have generally two things in common -- an interest in the weather, and an interest in serving their community. Organizations frequently involved in the effort include emergency management and volunteers; law enforcement; fire departments or rescue squads; and amateur radio operators.

Any person or organization can become a SKYWARN spotter, but must first receive training from the National Weather Service. The classes last about two hours, and provide information about storm safety, storm structure and recognition, and what information to report to the NWS.

Spotter training classes are offered periodically and by checking the NWS website http://www.srh.noaa. gov/ffc where scheduled classes will be posted.

Washington Fire Chief Alan Poss, who is also the director of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), has scheduled a Storm Spotter Class for March 5, 7 p.m., at the Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School cafeteria.

Anyone interested may attend this training. To volunteer call 706-678- 7113.