Skywarn Training

CONVECTIVEMIKE · Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:19 pm Post subject: Skywarn Training

Well since I lost my Skywarn spotter ID on the move to Florida I went this morning to retake Basic and Advanced Skywarn training in Hillsborough County. I am thinking of becoming a Cocorah sometime later this year. Anyt body else here a Skywarn spotter. The gentleman that did the training was from NWS TAMPA and he basically said that the Hurricane Forecast models and cones are really silly and shoud not be relied on at all. He said the best thing to do when a hurricane comes around is to have good insurance and just leave to protect life.

chris · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: Skywarn Training

Mike, right now I am not a spotter but would like to be in the near future. CoCoRah actually just opened up recently in Florida so you would be good to go with that. I believe you have to report daily conditions if I'm not mistaken.
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Cape Coral and Southwest Florida Online Weather

GlenJohnson · Advanced Member Joined: Aug 05, 2007 Posts: 29

Wife and I took spotter training earlier in the month. Luckily, being up here in the middle of North Central Florida, we don't have as much to spot as you folks do, but it's nice to know we have some training just in case. We'll probably see more tornadoes than hurricanes, but neither are anything to sneeze at. Still, you never know what's going to come up in Florida, do you? Keep the eyes open and the plywood handy. Rolling Eyes

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bob · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:20 am Post subject: Re: Skywarn Training

Actually your area can be more active than down here in SW Fl. Shocked

In 2004, Charley, Jean and Francis all crossed north of Orlando. That area had winds of 100+ from Jean & Francis. Also the threat for strong tornados is higher.
So keep an eye on the sky and let us know when the weather gets crazey by you!

bob
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CONVECTIVEMIKE · Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:31 am Post subject: Re: Skywarn Training

Yes the instructor did indicate that especially during March here in the Tampa-Big Bend area(greatest risk of severe weather in Florida during the early spring months). Will keep posted gang. Also saw that we live in an evacution area for a CAT 3 or higher storm if it hits here.

capeskywatcher · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:30 pm Post subject: Re: Skywarn Training

I recently became a spotter as well. Interesting fact, most tornadoes in FL occur in the summer during the rainy season, but the strongest tornadoes occur with the cold fronts influenced by the jet stream in March and April. And though the cases of those stronger tornadoes are more frequent north of Tampa, there have been instances here. Enjoyed the class-took beginner and advanced.