When the weather gets wild and crazy, most of us run for shelter.  However, members of the media and storm spotters put their safety on the backburner to keep the rest of us safe.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in North Platte, in coordination with county emergency managers, offer storm spotter classes at several locations to prepare for severe weather season.

If you would like to assist your local community by becoming a volunteer storm spotter and reporting severe weather to the National Weather Service, or if you simply want to learn more about severe weather, consider attending a SkyWarn storm spotter class.

Classes are normally held in the evening and last approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Attendees are taught the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure, the features to look for, and where to find them. What, when and how to report information as well as basic severe weather safety are also covered.

If you have any questions about a class date or location, please call the contact the National Weather Service office in North Platte, or visit with your local county emergency manager for scheduling the training.

The training is free and may require pre-registration.