The streets of Casey were packed Wednesday night.

Several residents of both Adair and Guthrie Counties made their way to the town for the annual storm spotter training hosted by the Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Agency, and taught by the National Weather Service. Nearly 90 individuals attended the event, where they learned about different things to note and report from severe weather systems. National Weather Service in Des Moines Meteorologist Donna Dubberke tells Raccoon Valley Radio why they teach these classes.

“So storm spotters are really important because they give us information about what’s really happening where people are and that information can be shared with all the people downstream so they know what’s coming their way. It’s a really important part of the warning process.”

Attendants learned what signs to use to tell the difference between tornadoes, funnel clouds, scud clouds and “gustnados,” which are strong winds that can have a swirling effect found on the leading edge of a thunderstorm. They also learned what things the National Weather Service would like to know about when storms are happening, and how to report them. Dubberke says that the most important thing though, is for spotters to remain safe.