What is a Weather Spotter?

A weather spotter is a person who observes significant weather and relays the information to the National Weather Service (NWS).

When spotters note a significant weather event, they identify it and report the information in a brief message. Significant events can be heavy surf, waterspouts, strong winds, intense rain, snow, hail, thunderstorms, flooding, thick fog, extreme heat or cold, even tornadoes. Some locations within our forecast area have little or no sources of weather information, so spotter reports help fill those gaps that radar and satellites can't cover. Spotters can provide confirmation directly to weather forecasters.

Spotter reports, which include location, elevation, and a description of the severity of the conditions, can help the NWS develop and pinpoint advisories or warnings. When appropriate, the NWS gives the information to flood control agencies, the California Emergency Management Agency, county and city emergency management offices, police and fire departments, and other agencies that deal with weather related emergencies.

This free training will give you everything you need to be a weather spotter and report valuable information directly to the National Weather Service. Training will cover the following topics:

• Heavy rain and flooding impacts
• High winds, Fire weather and Santa Ana winds
• Winter storms and weather patterns
• Marine weather, rip currents and surf
• Basics of monsoon thunderstorms and lightning
• How to sign up and report weather

To register, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Kirchner at 949-248-3579 or jkirchner@danapoint.org.