Scott community receives storm spotter training Published March 17, 2010 By Dr. Greg Hoffeditz Scott Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs officer SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Nearly 90 people affiliated with the Greater Scott community attended a National Weather Service Storm Spotter training session at the base theater March 10. The training, sponsored by the Scott Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and Allison Wreath of the 15th Operational Weather Squadron, provided insight on the makings of severe storms and what to look for in the formation of tornados. According to Mark Britt, a lead forecaster with the St. Louis office of the NWS, tornados and severe storms can occur at any time of the year; however, the peak season for tornadoes is rapidly approaching. Data indicates that most tornadoes in this area take place between April and June, with most striking from 3-7 p.m. The newly trained spotters will supply the NWS with frontline information on what is happening in their specific areas to provide verification of what is being seen on the Dopler radar and to assist in the rapid dissemination of warnings to the public. Mr. Britt emphasized that these new spotters are just that, spotters to supply information. They should not consider themselves trained storm chasers, and they should take every precaution for their personal safety. For additional information on the National Weather Service in this area, go to www.weather.gov/stl. For more information on the Scott Composite Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, please contact Maj. John Brendel by calling 920-0418, or emailing il205safety@yahoo.com.