Image by Flickr user nebraskasc Image by 20090821-weather.jpg It's bad weather in them clouds, but do you know what type?

In September, Charleston County is hosting two classes to teach local citizens about weather so they can act as tipsters for volatile conditions.

From a City of Charleston press release:

County Offers Free SKYWARN Weather Spotter Classes

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Charleston County Government's Emergency Preparedness Division is offering free classes in September for citizens who want to help warn officials about local weather changes.

SKYWARN is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS needs real-time reports of hail size, wind damage, flash flooding, heavy rain and tornadoes in order to effectively warn the public. SKYWARN volunteers serve as storm spotters for the NWS and local emergency management programs. Volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the whole community.

Anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN weather spotter can attend one of the NWS basic and/or advanced weather spotter training classes, which are hosted by Charleston County Government. Classes are free and last approximately two hours.

The Basic Weather Spotter Class is required to become a certified NWS SKYWARN weather spotter and to take the Advanced Weather Spotter Class. The advanced class provides additional information and training to those interested in learning more than is provided in the basic class.

Basic Weather Spotter Class (required in order to take the advanced class):

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Charleston County Public Service Building
Third Floor Room 339 (Emergency Operations Center)
4045 Bridgeview Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405

Advanced Weather Spotter Class:

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 29
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Charleston County Public Service Building
Third Floor Room 339 (Emergency Operations Center)
4045 Bridgeview Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405

To register for the basic and/or advanced classes, contact James Tarter, Training Coordinator for the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, by phone at (843) 202-7405 or by e-mail at jtarter@charlestoncounty.org.