By Brenda L. Holmes
DANVILLE — The blue skies and warm temperatures did not lull people into staying away from a free storm spotting seminar held over the weekend.
David Leimenstoll of the Hendricks County Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) helped coordinate and host a seminar Saturday at the Hendricks County Government Center in Danville.
“I’m thrilled with the turnout, especially all the young people,” Leimenstoll said. “Their young minds just soak up this information.”
He said it was nice to see members of the community so interested in weather spotting.
“The more people out there who have this kind of training the better,” he said. “A lot of our first responders don’t know this and they are out there when an event is taking place.”
Dave Tucek of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Indianapolis conducted the seminar.
“Storm spotters are such an important part of the process,” Tucek said. “And we do have a lot of severe weather here in Central Indiana. This can help save lives.”
He said storm spotters are used to help confirm predictions being made by meteorologists at the NWS.
Tucek brought several slides and videos of storms to show participants what to look for.
“Last year, we had 11 tornados in Indiana,” he said. “The average is 20. Anything below 10 is kind of slow and 30 plus is an active year.”
He said tornados are not the only thing to be aware of during severe weather.
“Strong wings are the primary cause of damage in Central Indiana,” Tucek said. “What you need to watch for first is a shelf cloud.”
He said a shelf cloud is a line of clouds that is bright, followed by a dark area.
“Each storm is unique,” he said. “Normally when the shelf cloud moves over, it feels much colder and there are often gusty winds.”
Tucek focused on interpreting radar and recognizing cloud formations associated with severe weather and tornadoes.
He said spotters can report by cell phone, conventional phone, Internet, or amateur radio. Several amateur radio operators attended the training.
Tucek said he presents the storm spotter training about 50 times a year for the NWS. The seminars are hosted throughout Central Indiana.
To find another class, visit the website at www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/ and click on “Upcoming Spotter Training Sessions.”
brenda.holmes@flyergroup.com
