NWS Storm Spotter Training Schedule and Locations

Storm Spotter Training

in Edina on Jan. 27

By Echo Menges

The National Weather Service St. Louis office has released the 2026 list of on-site and online storm spotter training opportunities.

The training is a free offering to communities throughout the office’s coverage area, and everyone with an interest—especially those living in a severe-weather-prone region like ours— is encouraged to participate.

There is no prerequisite to take the two-hour training for the first time or to refresh your knowledge for those who have taken storm spotter training in the past.

This year, The Edina Sentinel/ NEMOnews Media Group is partnering with the NWS St. Louis office and the Knox County Community Center to screen the online storm spotter training offered this month, on Jan. 27.

The training is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will last until roughly 8:30 p.m.

The live storm spotter training will be cast on the large movie screen at the community center, where tables and chairs will be set up to allow attendees to take notes, see it on the big screen, and hear it through the sound system.

Coffee and bottled water will be offered, and everyone is welcome, including school-age children. There is no age requirement to become a storm spotter.

We are also encouraging friends, neighbors and families to host a storm spotter training “watch party” of their own. The more people who know the signs of severe weather, the more protected our communities are.

Trained storm spotters know what needs to be reported to the National Weather Service and how to report it. Storm spotters know the difference between a shelf cloud and a wall cloud, and what to look for to positively identify a funnel cloud. Storm spotters know how to estimate wind speed by assessing levels of damage—and more.

For those planning to attend the training in Edina, please arrive early enough to be in your seat and ready to begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp. There is no need to pre-register. We look forward to seeing you!

NEMO Schedule

January 27 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Knox County Community Center

207 Nort Fourth Street, Edina, MO

and ONLINE

March 4, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM

South Shelby Elementary School

4154 US-36, Shelbina, MO 63468

April 11, 2026 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM

ONLINE

April 14, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Culver-Stockton College

1 College Hill, Canton, MO 63435