The Clermont County Emergency Management Agency invites if offering a free weather spotter training on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

The training, conducted by the National Weather Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Miami Township Civic Center, located at 6101 Meijer Drive.

“The training will help you identify severe weather conditions,” said Clermont EMA Director Pam Broughton. “Trained weather spotters assist the National Weather Service in issuing timely and accurate warnings to the community for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.”

The NWS estimates that in an average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, and more than 1,000 tornadoes occur across the United States.

Those storms have killed thousands of people and injured thousands more. “Because of weather spotter reports, advancements in radar technology and improved warning capabilities, many lives are being saved today,” added Broughton.

The Weather Spotter Training is open to all interested community members. Citizens, Scout troops, first responders, and members of civic organizations are encouraged to attend.

To reserve a seat in the free training session, call the Clermont EMA at (513) 732-7661.