This week (Sun., Feb. 28-Sat., March 6), the National Weather Service + the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management are offering free virtual classes for Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week. Each day will focus on a different topic with multiple, one-hour classes to choose from.
The schedule
* You can still access information for past topics
👀 Sun., Feb. 28 | Important role of SKYWARN spotters
🌧️ Mon., March 1 | Flooding and flash floods
⚡ Tues., March 2 | Lightning, the underrated killer
- Weather101: NWS storm damage surveys | 11 a.m. | Register
- Weather101: Quasi-linear convective systems | 8 p.m. | Register
🌪️ Wed., March 3 | Tornado safety and preparedness
- Hazardous weather awareness for large facilities | 1 p.m. | Register
- March 3, 2020 tornado recap | 8 p.m. | Register
⛈️ Thurs., March 4 | Severe thunderstorms
- Weather101: Severe thunderstorms | 2 p.m. | Register
- Weather101: Observations in 3-D | 8 p.m. | Register
🚨 Fri., March 5 | NOAA Weather Radio and the emergency alert system
- Weather101: snowfall forecasting | 11 a.m. | Register
- The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio | 8 p.m. | Register
- Statewide tornado drill + a NOAA Weather Radio test |10:30 a.m.
📱 Sat., March 6 | Importance of social media
- The role of social media in severe weather with @NashSevereWx | 6:30 p.m. | Register
- Advanced SKYWARN spotter class | 7:30 p.m. | Register
Note: Classes can be viewed on a Mac or PC + iPads, iPhones or Android devices by downloading the free GoToWebinar app.
Why should I care?
The Chattanooga area has been known to endure some pretty intense weather. Just last year, the city + surrounding area was struck by an EF3 tornado on Easter Sunday (April 12, 2020).
Our friends in Nashville + Middle Tennessee were hit by tornadoes last year, too.
Threats of severe weather can induce anxiety + stress, but taking steps to be prepared can help calm those fears. The more we know and are prepared, the more power we can add to that #ChattanoogaStrong state of mind. 💪
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