SARASOTA — Community members are invited to become the first line of defense against severe weather by attending a free SKYWARN® storm spotter training hosted by Sarasota County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
The training takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, and is open to the public both virtually and in person at the Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center, 6050 Porter Way. Seating is limited for the in-person session, so early registration is encouraged.
SKYWARN®, a program launched in the 1970s by the National Weather Service, empowers trained volunteers to report critical real-time weather conditions during severe local thunderstorms, including high winds, hail, flash floods and tornadoes. These reports enhance the effectiveness of NWS radar and satellite tools, leading to more accurate and timely warnings that save lives.
Following the training, Sarasota County Emergency Management staff will provide an update on the ongoing 2025 hurricane season and offer practical disaster preparedness information. Attendees participating on-site will also have the opportunity to tour the Emergency Operations Center.
More details about the SKYWARN® program can be found at weather.gov/skywarn.
