MAHASKA COUNTY SPOTTER TRAINING

Lightning streaks across the sky during a recent thunderstorm in Mahaska County. (photo by Ginger Allsup/Oskaloosa News)

Oskaloosa, Iowa- Mahaska County Emergency Management Agency, in conjunction with the National Weather Service in Des Moines, will be conducting weather spotter training on February 23, 2016.

According to Jamey Robinson, Mahaska County Emergency Management Agency Director, 911 Administrator citizens are a vital link in the timely and accurate flow of weather information into and out of weather forecast offices. Trained storm spotters and long-term observers support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) mission of climate monitoring and protecting life and property through accurate weather forecasts and warnings..

The weather spotting class is being held at the Mahaska County ISU Extension office from 6-8 pm. This class, which takes approximately 2 hours, will instruct spotters on what to look for in the event of severe weather.

Every citizen of Mahaska County is encouraged to plan and prepare for the coming weather. “As we all know, in Iowa the weather can change at any second,” Robinson stressed. “Every home should have a NOAA weather radio, emergency kit and other supplies.”

Robinson said citizens of Mahaska County are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications from the MahaskaA!ert system. The system gives real time notifications via text message, email and voice via phone.

For further information, planning ideas or to sign up for emergency alerts, go to

www.mahaskaready.com and follow the links on the Mahaska Ready page. If you have questions or need further assistance, please call Mahaska County Emergency Management Agency at 672-