(RILEY COUNTY, KS – March 21, 2024) The public is invited to attend a free Storm Spotter Show from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Thursday, March 28. The class will be held at Pottorf Hall, located at 1710 Avery Avenue in Manhattan. No registration is needed.
At the event, a National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist will teach thunderstorm development and structure, thunderstorm safety, and what, when, and how to report information.
“Weather plays such a huge role in daily life for Kansans, and the more you know, the better. This event is perfect for people who want to learn about severe weather, or those who might want to volunteer as storm spotters and report weather observations directly to the National Weather Service. The NWS will provide additional training for storm spotters, as needed,” explains Laurie Harrison, Assistant Director for Riley County Emergency Management.
Riley County also has a local storm spotter program administered through Emergency Management. To join the local program, volunteers also need to be amateur radio operators. Any radio operators interested in volunteering for the local program should call Riley County Emergency Management at (785) 537-6333 during regular business hours. Those interested in joining the NWS Storm Spotter program can find more information should contact the Topeka office at 785-234-2592.
The National Weather Service office in Topeka works together with county emergency managers to offer storm spotter classes in numerous locations across northeast Kansas to prepare for severe weather season. Spotters provide critical information during severe weather events that aid in warning operations at the National Weather Service.
Riley County Emergency Management is the designated disaster agency for the county. RCEM is responsible for coordinating the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters for all cities and rural areas in Riley County, Kansas. Find more information about RCEM at www.rileycountyks.gov/em or by calling 785-537-6333 during regular business hours.
