Want to be a Phoenix storm spotter? Take this class

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep an eye on the sky, particularly during the monsoon, the National Weather Service may be able to use your help.

The Weather Service’s Phoenix office is offering severe weather observer classes starting March 10. The free classes help prepare people to participate in the Skywarn Spotters program.

Spotters are not storm chasers (people who seek out and follow severe weather). They simply report what they see in the area near their homes.

Skywarn Spotters let the Weather Service about severe or significant weather. They fill an important role by serving as the agency's eyes and ears during big weather situations.

Meteorologists get lots of detailed information from radar and satellite images, but they still rely on trained observers to report details such as the size of hail or the visibility within a dust storm.

One class (approximately 90 minutes) is all it takes to get started. The sessions are free and cover such topics as the development of severe thunderstorms, downbursts, flash flooding and tornadoes.

Details: Classes are held throughout the Phoenix area. For dates and times visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/psr/general/skywarn.