The community-popular event was held in the Beach Lecture Hall on the Lee University campus.
Longtime meteorologist Terry Goetz, who works out of the NWS Morristown Office, pointed to the growing importance of weather-spotting and providing weather information because of its expanding role in public safety and early warnings of approaching violent storms.
This includes weather conditions ranging from severe thunderstorms to devastating tornadoes, among other dangers.
Much of Goetz’s presentation targeted details on weather development and cloud formations whose approach can be used in predicting the severity of thunderstorms or tornadoes.
Advanced warning of these conditions can save lives, as has been evidenced in past years as public awareness of weather’s potential impact has grown, he explained.
A diverse audience of men and women, young and old attended Goetz’s presentation which detailed the functions of the NWS and the processes it follows, as well as requirements and expectations in becoming a weather spotter.
“We are very pleased with the participation,” said Matthew Cason, administrations officer at BCEMA.
He added, “Terry did a great job of explaining the patterns and conditions which create our weather and what happens during a storm.”
Amateur radio operators were also on hand to take part in the classroom instruction.
“The Amateur Communications System operators (Hams) play an important part in weather spotting and can provide much-needed and helpful information to NWS and our community during weather events,” Cason stressed. “A number of the attendees continue to come to our classes again and again to gain more advanced knowledge on how to do their part in weather spotting and reporting — all a very important part of public safety and keeping our residents safe.”
