There will be a Skywarn spotter training session at the Polk County Public Library on Tuesday, March 16, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Skywarn is a concept developed in the late 1960s that was intended to promote a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and communities.

The emphasis of the effort is often focused on the storm spotter, an individual who takes a position near their community and reports wind gusts, hail size, rainfall, and cloud formations that could signal a developing tornado. Another part of Skywarn is the receipt and effective distribution of National Weather Service information.

If you wish to attend this training, send an email to bryan.mcavoy@noaa.gov. This way they can get an idea of how many people to expect. You do not have to be a resident of Polk County to attend.

For more information about Skywarn, visit www.erh.noaa.gov/gsp/skywarn/skywarn.htm.