Tag Archives: Weather Education

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

National Weather Service announces storm spotter training dates for 2015

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On June 3, 1981 a tornado struck Thornton in what is the worst twister to have struck the Denver metro area. Are you ready should disaster strike again? Image courtesy the City of Thornton archives.

Severe weather is a fact of life in Colorado – from blizzards to tornadoes we can and do see it all.  Each year the weather is responsible for claiming lives in our state and across the nation and the threat is very real.  Storm spotter training allows you to learn how to protect yourself and your family while providing a public service.

Education is key to knowing how to protect you and your family.  Whether you want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather, storm spotter training can provide you an incredible opportunity to learn.

The National Weather Service Denver / Boulder office has announced a series of Skywarn storm spotter training dates for Colorado for the 2015 season.

The storm spotter program is a nationwide program with more than 280,000 trained spotters.  These volunteers report weather hazards to their local National Weather Service office providing vital information when severe strikes.  Data from spotters include severe wind, rain, snow measurements, thunderstorms and hail and of course tornadoes.

Storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time–seconds and minutes that can help save lives.

By completing one of these training classes you can become an official storm spotter.  When severe weather strikes, you can report it by calling a special toll free number or submit your report via the National Weather Service’s website.

These are great sessions for anyone wanting to learn more about the severe weather we experience in Colorado, whether you want to be an official spotter or not.  All training is free.  Topics include:

  • Basics of thunderstorm development
  • Fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • Information to report
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety

To learn more about the program, see here: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/awebphp/spotter.php

Below are the dates, times and locations announced thus far with the first occurring on Sunday, February 16.  We will try to keep this updated but you can click here for any new dates on the National Weather Service website.

Schedule updated 3/8/15:

March, 2015 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
10 Denver, CO(Denver County) 7:00pm MDT Denver Police District #3
1625 South University Blvd
Denver, CO
Contact Information: DenverCERT@Denvergov.org
16 Holyoke, CO(Phillips County) 1:00pm MDT Phillips County Events Center
22505 US Highway 385, Holyoke, CO 80734
Contact Information: Bob.Heldenbrand@phillipscounty.co
16 Holyoke , CO(Phillips County) 6:30pm MDT Phillips County Events Center
22505 US Highway 385, Holyoke, CO 80734
Contact Information: Bob.Heldenbrand@phillipscounty.co
17 Haxtun, CO(Phillips County) 6:30pm MDT Haxtun Volunteer Fire Dept
101 North Colorado Haxtun, CO 80731
Contact Information: Bob.Heldenbrand@phillipscounty.co
19 Highlands Ranch, CO(Douglas County) 7:00pm MDT annual Douglas County ARES spotter training Douglas County Sheriff Substation
9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Contact Information: W0RDR@live.com
26 Frederick, CO(Weld County) 6:00pm MDT 8426 Kosmerl Place, Frederick, CO 80504
Contact Information: sstair@fffd.us
26 Parker, CO 6:30pm MDT Rattlesnake Fire Department 46220 Coal Creek Drive, Parker, CO 80138
Contact Information: brandon.lenderink@elbertcounty-co.gov
28 Fort Collins, CO(Larimer County) 8:00am MDT note: annual ARES spotter training…Fort Collins Police Community Room 2221 South Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Contact Information: w0mbh@hotmail.com
30 Akron, CO(Washington County) 6:30pm MDT Washington County Event Center, 551 West 2nd, Akron, CO 80720.
Contact Information: mmccaleb@co.washington.co.us
31 Greeley, CO(Weld County) 6:30pm MDT (Weld County Administration building 1150 “O” Street Greeley, CO 80632
Contact Information: gmarquez@co.weld.co.us
April, 2015 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
02 Hugo, CO(Lincoln County) 2:00pm MDT 103 3rd Avenue
Hugo, CO 80821
United States
Contact Information: lclanduse@lincolncountyco.us
02 Hugo, CO(Lincoln County) 6:30pm MDT Lincoln County Courthouse
103 3rd Avenue
Hugo, CO 80821
Contact Information: lclanduse@lincolncountyco.us
06 loveland, CO(Larimer County) 9:00am MDT Police Institute Room – 810 E. 10th street Loveland, CO
Contact Information: Pat.Mialy@cityofloveland.org
06 Fort Collins, CO(Larimer County) 7:00pm MDT Fort Collins Police Community Room 2221 South Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Contact Information: migavin@poudre-fire.org
07 Fort Morgan, CO(Morgan County) 6:30pm MDT ***NOTE*** date change
American Legion Building, 16913 Morgan County Road
17.10 (Nelson Road)
Fort Morgan Co.
Contact Information: senfante@co.morgan.co.us
09 Aurora, CO(Arapahoe County) 6:30pm MDT Cherry Creek Schools Education Support Facility, 5416 South Rivera Way, Centennial, CO
Contact Information: training@arapahoeares.org
11 Longmont, CO(Boulder County) 10:00am MDT LifeBridge Christian Church
10345 Ute Highway, Longmont, CO
Contact Information: http://www.longmontcolorado.gov/departments/depar
13 Sterling, CO(Logan County) 6:30pm MDT Sterling Public Library community room, 420 North 5th St. in Sterling.
Contact Information: donaldson@logancountyco.gov
20 Aurora, CO(Aurora County) 6:00pm MDT Aurora Central Library
14949 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012.
Contact Information: acox@auroragov.org
21 Kiowa, CO(Elbert County) 6:30pm MDT Kiowa County Building
215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, CO 80117.
Contact Information: brandon.lenderink@elbertcounty-co.gov
23 Westminister, CO(Adams County) 3:30pm MDT 3645 West 112th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80031 room TBA
Contact Information: rachel.humphrey@frontrange.edu
23 Westminister, CO(Adams County) 7:00pm MDT 3645 West 112th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80031 room TBA
Contact Information: rachel.humphrey@frontrange.edu
25 Commerce City, CO(Adams County) 10:00am MDT 4201 east 72nd, Commerce City.
Contact Information: r1@rampartsar.com
28 Parker , CO(Parker County) 6:30pm MDT Parker Police Station
18600 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy
Parker, CO 80134
Contact Information: gjones@parkeronline.org

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Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather

National Weather Service announces storm spotter training dates for 2014

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On June 3, 1981 a tornado struck Thornton in what is the worst twister to have struck the Denver metro area. Are you ready should disaster strike again? Image courtesy the City of Thornton archives.

Severe weather is a fact of life in Colorado – from blizzards to tornadoes we can and do see it all.  Each year the weather is responsible for claiming lives in our state and across the nation and the threat is very real.  Storm spotter training allows you to learn how to protect yourself and your family while providing a public service.

Education is key to knowing how to protect you and your family.  Whether you want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather, storm spotter training can provide you an incredible opportunity to learn.

The National Weather Service Denver / Boulder office has announced a series of Skywarn storm spotter training dates for Colorado for the 2013 season.

The storm spotter program is a nationwide program with more than 280,000 trained spotters.  These volunteers report weather hazards to their local National Weather Service office providing vital information when severe strikes.  Data from spotters include severe wind, rain, snow measurements, thunderstorms and hail and of course tornadoes.

Storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time–seconds and minutes that can help save lives.

By completing one of these training classes you can become an official storm spotter.  When severe weather strikes, you can report it by calling a special toll free number or submit your report via the National Weather Service’s website.

These are great sessions for anyone wanting to learn more about the severe weather we experience in Colorado, whether you want to be an official spotter or not.  All training is free.  Topics include:

  • Basics of thunderstorm development
  • Fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • Information to report
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety

To learn more about the program, see here: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/awebphp/spotter.php

Below are the dates, times and locations announced thus far with the first occurring on Sunday, February 16.  We will try to keep this updated but you can click here for any new dates on the National Weather Service website.

Schedule updated 4/6/14:

April, 2014 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
07 Loveland, CO
(Larimer County)		 9:00am MDT The Rialto Theater 228 E. Fourth Street Loveland, Colorado 80537
Contact Information: mialyp@ci.loveland.co.us
07 Fort Collins, CO
(Larimer County)		 6:30pm MDT Fort Collins Police Services Building, Community Service Room 2221 S. Timberline Drive Fort Collins Colorado
Contact Information: migavin@poudre-fire.org
10 New Raymer , CO
(Weld County)		 6:30pm MDT New Raymer Community Building 25 Shirley Ave. New Raymer, CO
Contact Information: dustin@dustinpricephotography.com
12 Kiowa, CO
(Elbert County)		 9:00am MDT Old County Courthouse Second floor, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, CO 80117
Contact Information: brandon.lenderink@elbertcounty-co.gov
14 Akron, CO
(Washington County)		 6:30pm MDT Washington County Fairgrounds Event Center 551 E. Second Street, Akron, CO
Contact Information: mmccaleb@co.washington.co.us
15 Greeley, CO
(Weld County)		 6:30pm MDT Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, CO
Contact Information: gmarquez@co.weld.co.us
19 Commerce City, CO
(Adams County)		 10:00am MDT Sheriff’s Substation Conference Room, 4201 E. 72nd Ave., Commerce City, CO 80022
Contact Information: r1@rampartsar.com
21 Centennial, CO
(Arapahoe County)		 6:30pm MDT Arapahoe County Sheriff, 13101 East Broncoes Parkway, Centennial, CO
Contact Information: awallin@arapahoegov.com
24 Aurora, CO
(Arapahoe County)		 6:00pm MDT Aurora Central Library 14949 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012.
Contact Information: acox@auroragov.org
26 Strasburg, CO
(Adams County)		 10:00am MDT Strasburg Fire Department Conference Room, 56281 E. Colfax Ave., Strasburg, CO 80136
Contact Information: tmccall@svfd8.org
28 Parker, CO
(Douglas County)		 6:30pm MDT Parker Police 18600 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy Parker, CO 80134
Contact Information: khenry@parkeronline.org
29 Littleton, CO
(Jefferson County)		 10:00am MDT Foothills Park and Recreation District 6612 S. Ward Street, Littleton, CO 80127.
Contact Information: lisan@fhprd.org
29 Denver, CO
(Denver County)		 7:00pm MDT Red Cross facility 444 Sherman St., Denver Co
Contact Information: kc0mht@msn.com
May, 2014 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
01 Hugo, CO
(Lincoln County)		 2:00pm MDT Lincoln County Courthouse 103 3rd Street, Hugo, CO 80821
Contact Information: lclanduse@lincolncountyco.us
01 Hugo, CO
(Lincoln County)		 6:30pm MDT Lincoln County Courthouse 103 3rd Street, Hugo, CO 80821
Contact Information: lclanduse@lincolncountyco.us
06 Boulder, CO
(Boulder County)		 6:30pm MDT SHHQ TrainingRoom 5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder
Contact Information: fgonzales@bouldercounty.org
08 Thornton, CO
(Adams County)		 6:00pm MDT Thornton City Hall 1st Floor Training Room, 9500 Civic Center Drive, Thornton, CO 80229
Contact Information: gene.putman@cityofthornton.net
Climate Change

New government brochure promotes ‘climate literacy’

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A new brochure aims to provide clarity and literacy on the issue of climate change.
A new brochure aims to provide clarity and literacy on the issue of climate change.

With the constant din of conflicting information on manmade climate change, some coming from within these very pages, it may be difficult for the layman to understand climate change and what it potentially means for the Earth.  A collaborative project from a number of United States government agencies seeks to offer some clarity to the subject in a new brochure titled “Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences“.

  • To download the brochure, see our links at the bottom of this article.

According to the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, the guide “presents important information for individuals and communities to understand Earth’s climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches for adapting and mitigating change.”   The document is wonderfully laid out and colorfully illustrated with photos and begins by outlining the basic principles many have come to believe in terms of man’s impact on the climate. 

Human activities—burning fossil fuels and deforesting large areas of land, for instance—have had a profound influence on Earth’s climate.
– Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences

According to the document, the ‘essential principles of climate science’ are: 

  • The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate system.
  • Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system.
  • Life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate.
  • Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes.
  • Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling.
  • Human activities are impacting the climate system.
  • Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives.

Great detail is spent on each of those issues.  Tom Karl, director of the National Climatic Data Center said, “There is so much misinformation about climate.  We want to provide an easily readable document to help everyone make the most informed decisions. Having one product endorsed by the nation’s top federal science agencies, as well as leading science centers and associations, makes this document an essential resource.”

Scientific observations and climate model results indicate that human activities are now the primary cause of most of the ongoing increase in Earth’s globally averaged surface temperature.
– Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Sciences

As one might expect from the above quote, the document doesn’t lend any credence to or even mention any dissenting opinions about manmade climate change like we have documented previously.  The agencies represented obviously agree that the ‘science is settled’.  However, it is not overly preachy nor does it use over the top language like some climate change advocates are known to do.  The brochure can be a handy reference for everyone on all sides of the issue and help to lend a reasonable voice to the debate.

The new guide was spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with contributions from the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Interior, State, Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Agency for International Development and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

For more info: 

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Storm spotter training gets started this coming week

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Want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather? Here’s your chance!
Want to be an official storm spotter or maybe just want to learn more about severe weather? Here’s your chance!

We have written before about the great opportunity the National Weather Service provides by giving storm spotter training during the start of the severe weather season.  That time is now here and training sessions start in the coming week and new sessions have been added since we last reported on the topic.

The storm spotter program is a nationwide program with more than 280,000 trained spotters.  These volunteers report weather hazards to their local National Weather Service office providing vital information when severe strikes.  Data from spotters include severe wind, rain, snow measurements, thunderstorms and hail and of course tornadoes. 

Don’t think tornadoes can hit Thornton?  Click here for a look back at the June 3, 1981 twister that hit the city!

Storm spotters are part of the ranks of citizens who form the Nation’s first line of defense against severe weather. There can be no finer reward than to know that their efforts have given communities the precious gift of time–seconds and minutes that can help save lives.

By completing one of these training classes you can become an official storm spotter.  When severe weather strikes, you can report it by calling a special toll free number or submit your report via the National Weather Service’s website.

These are great sessions for anyone wanting to learn more about the severe weather we experience in Colorado, whether you want to be an official spotter or not.  All training is free.  Topics include:

  • Basics of thunderstorm development
  • Fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • Information to report
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety

To learn more about the program, see here:  http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bou/awebphp/spotter.php

Here are the dates, times and locations announced thus far (click here to go to the NWS site for the latest). 

 
March, 2009 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
05 Greeley, CO
(Weld County)		 6:30pm MST Weld County Training Facility 1104 H Street Greeley, CO
  Contact Information: rrudisill@co.weld.co.us
19 Westminster, CO
(Adams County)		 6:30pm MDT Front Range Community College 3645 West 112th Ave. room C0804 Westminster, CO 80031
  Contact Information: Ryan.Girard@frontrange.edu
23 Julesburg, CO
(Sedgwick County)		 6:30pm MDT Julesburg Fire Hall
  Contact Information: ptsports57@yahoo.com
24 Holyoke, CO
(Phillips County)		 9:00am MDT location to be determined.
  Contact Information: Philcoadmin@pctelcom.coop
24 Haxtun, CO
(Phillips County)		 6:30pm MDT location to be determined
  Contact Information: fix5@haxtuntel.net
30 Westminster, CO
(Adams County)		 2:30pm MDT Front Range Community College 3645 West 112th Ave. room C0804 Westminster, CO 80031
  Contact Information: Ryan.Girard@frontrange.edu
31 Sterling, CO
(Logan County)		 6:30pm MDT Sterling Fire Hall Community room, 420 S. Oak Street
  Contact Information: OWENS@sterlingcolo.com
 
April, 2009 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
02 Loveland, CO
(Larimer County)		 9:00am MDT Rialto Theater 228 East 4th Street Loveland, CO 80537
  Contact Information: mialyp@ci.loveland.co.us
02 Fort Collins, CO
(Larimer County)		 7:00pm MDT City Council Chambers 300 Laporte Avenue Fort Collins, CO
  Contact Information: nilssoed@co.larimer.co.us
06 Brush, CO
(Morgan County)		 7:00pm MDT Morgan County Fairgrounds Ellsworth Street, Brush
  Contact Information: senfante@co.morgan.co.us
14 Commerce City, CO
(Adams County)		 1:00pm MDT Adams County Sheriff’s Dept. 4201 East 72nd Avenue Commerce City, CO 80022
  Contact Information: JSchwarz@co.adams.co.us
22 Akron, CO
(Washington County)		 6:30pm MDT Washington County Fairgrounds Event Center, Akron
  Contact Information: mmcaleb@co.washington.co.us
23 Parker, CO
(Douglas County)		 7:00pm MDT Parker Fire District HQ 10235 Parkglenn Way Parker, CO
  Contact Information: kc0mht@msn.com
 
May, 2009 – Upcoming
Day City, State Time Location
02 Denver, CO
(Denver County)		 9:00am MDT Denver Police Station 3 1625 South University, Denver
  Contact Information: Mike.Rappe@denvergov.org

Local News, Weather Education

Nature Unleashed – New exhibit to highlight weather and natural disasters

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"Nature Unleased - Inside Natural Disasters" comes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science this weekend.
"Nature Unleased - Inside Natural Disasters" comes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science this weekend.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science opened a new traveling exhibit titled “Nature Unleashed – Inside Natural Disasters” Friday.  This extraordinary exhibit runs through Wednesday, May 3rd. 

The new exhibit will cover the entire gamut of major natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanoes.  A special ‘Colorado Connections’ section will take a look at the Colorado’s volcanic history as well as the various types of severe weather that affect the state.  Drought, floods, wildfire, blizzards, climate change and tornadoes are all discussed in depth. 

According the museum:

From earthquakes and volcanoes to hurricanes and tornadoes, nature’s forces have shaped our dynamic planet. Throughout history, these catastrophic phenomena have affected people around the world. Now, uncover the causes of these natural disasters and find out how people cope and adapt in the aftermath. In this captivating, interactive new exhibition all of nature’s power is on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum has lined up a great slate of additional events including lectures on the following:

  • Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
  • Storm Chasing
  • Natural Disasters on Other Planets
  • Natural Disasters in Film

Also not to be missed are tours they have arranged for:

  • NCAR Mesa Lab in Boulder
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Boulder
  • National Earthquake Information Center in Golden

Be sure to visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science website for all the details on this great exhibit.

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Super Science Saturday at NCAR on October 25th

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The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder will host Super Science Saturday on October 25th.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder will host Super Science Saturday on October 25th.

I just read about this on channel 7’s website.  Super Science Saturday is an annual event held at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder that gives teachers, students and families a chance to get up close and personal with the weather experts.  From the NCAR website:

Every October NCAR hosts Super Science Saturday. This free public event for students, teachers, and families combines science education with Halloween fun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This year on October 25, visit Super Science Saturday and see NCAR scientists starring in live demonstrations, participate in hands-on activity tables, and take part in special science workshops.

This is a great opportunity and a lot of fun!  This year the event is on October 25th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at NCAR in Boulder.  More information including photos from previous years’ event can be found here:

NCAR’s Super Science Saturday

Information from Channel 7