GREENVILLE — The Preble County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Darke County Emergency Management Agency this year to host the annual Weather Spotter Training.

This event will be held on Monday, March 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Birchwood Training and Senior Center, 5844 Jaysville-St. John Rd. in Greenville.

To register for this class online, fill out the registration form at https://www.darkecountyema.org/training or contact Josh Haney at 937-548-1444.

The training is conducted through the National Weather Service out of Wilmington and covers thunderstorm formation, severe weather production, and features associated with severe storms. Also, part of the class is tornado formation and behavior, non-threatening clues which may be mistaken for significant features, and safety when thunderstorms threaten. Details include storm ingredients, characteristics of severe storms, anatomy of a storm, super-cell storms, and rotation.

By providing citizens with this education, it allows the Weather Service to receive first hand reports of weather conditions from wherever the spotter is located. While “storm chasing” is not advised, reporting from ones home, work, or car (etc.) provides valuable information directly to meteorologists making decisions on watches and warnings.

With Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week coming up March 19-25, it’s a great time to think about preparing ourselves and families for the threat of severe spring/summer storms, according to officials. Anyone who does not currently own a NOAA Weather Radio, should consider purchasing one. These radios are programmable with voice and/alarm modes that will notify listeners of impending severe weather any time of day.

Anyone having any questions or who would like additional information about preparing for severe weather should contact the Preble County Emergency Management Agency at 937-456-1243 or email [email protected].