(CLAIR) – Ventura County, California is a beautiful place to live, but it’s also home to a variety of weather conditions that can be dangerous and destructive. From heavy rains and flash floods, to heatwaves and wildfires, the weather in Ventura County can be unpredictable and severe. But did you know that you could play a role in keeping your community safe by becoming a Ventura County weather spotter?
A weather spotter is a person who observes significant weather and relays the information to the National Weather Service (NWS). They play an important role in the NWS’s efforts to gather information about weather conditions in order to provide accurate forecasts and warnings to the public.
When spotters note a significant weather event, such as heavy surf, waterspouts, strong winds, intense rain, snow, hail, thunderstorms, flooding, thick fog, extreme heat or cold, or even tornadoes, they contact the NWS by calling an 800 number and providing their spotter number, as well as a brief and to-the-point description of the weather event. In some areas, there may be little or no sources of weather information, so spotters’ reports help fill in gaps that radar and satellites can’t cover.
The data that spotters provide, such as location, elevation and a description of the severity of the conditions, can help the NWS formulate and pinpoint advisories or warnings. This information is also shared with other agencies, such as flood control agencies, the state Office of Emergency Services, the county Office of Disaster Preparedness, police and fire departments, and the California Highway Patrol, that deal with weather-related emergencies.
The NWS also has a program called Skywarn, which is a more sophisticated and proactive spotter network that is activated during severe weather outbreaks. Spotters in target areas are notified and asked to relay observations from locations near potential trouble spots. Volunteer ham radio operators also staff a station at the weather service office and receive weather information from ham radio operators throughout the region.
To become a weather spotter, you must be a resident of the area that the NWS covers, complete the required training, and provide your email and phone number. The training can be done online or in person and includes information about being a weather spotter and local hazards in Southern California. Once the sign-up information is received by the NWS, you will be assigned an official weather spotter identification number and be able to submit reports online or by calling the 800 number. The benefits of being a weather spotter include the satisfaction of helping to save lives and property, receiving a free newsletter, and tours of the NWS office.
