The Austin Community College District is partnering with the National Weather Service to provide severe weather training for the college and the community. Skywarn training will be held Tuesday, February 21 at ACC’s South Austin Campus (1820 W. Stassney Ln.). Students, faculty, and staff are invited to take part from 2-4 p.m., with the session for the community set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Advance reservation is not needed, and participation is free.

“ACC is committed to keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe, and this is a wonderful resource for the college as well as the public,” says Kristine Elderkin, the college’s emergency management coordinator.

Skywarn will be taught by Paul Yura, warning coordination meteorologist with the Austin-San Antonio National Weather Service. The training will cover severe weather preparedness and safety, and upon completion, participants will be considered official weather spotters for the National Weather Service.

“During severe weather, the National Weather Service needs eyes on the ground,” says Yura. “We have tracking tools but rely on people in the community to provide the complete picture of what’s happening. Those real-time reports help save lives and property.”

The South Austin Campus sessions will be held in the Multipurpose Room, on the first floor. ACC will host another Skywarn session April 7 at Cypress Creek Campus in Cedar Park. For additional information and the complete training schedule, visit the National Weather Service website.