Frequently Asked Questions

What will be presented?

Through multi-media presentations of "Powerpoint" and video, the participant is taken though the basics of weather safety and severe weather observation. Safety skills are reinforced and pictures of tornadoes and storm development are shown. Pictures of storms in this area are featured. Attendance prizes are provided for Level 1 classes.

Is there a charge for the classes?

No, not if a public class is sponsored (The sponsors usually provide any required fees). The goal is to provide training to the public free of charge. For presentations to schools, businesses, civic organizations, or similar entities, a fee may be charged - contact us for guidance. Donations are accepted.

Is prior registration required?

Generally, no, and for most classes registration is done on-site. Registration details remain confidential and are not provided to others or sold.

Is there a minimum age?

This would depend on the level of interest in weather and in weather observation. Generally, those of age 13 should have no difficulty in grasping the content of the program. Younger individuals are encouraged if interest in weather is high.

Can anyone become a weather observer?

Yes. No special training is required as a pre-requisite - it is all provided in the class. All that is needed is a desire to help the community. Weather observers come from all ages and all walks of life.

What is the difference in Level 1 and Level 2 training?

Level 1 is basic severe weather observation/safety training, offered by various providers, sometimes known as "SKYWARN" training. While training provided by The Traveling Weather Show is more detailed with considerably more support materials than in other areas, Level 1 training should be somewhat similar from wherever it is taken. Traveling Weather Show classes are much better than generic programs. Level 1 instruction is the minimum required for severe weather observation. Level 2 is an optional advanced class providing additional and enhanced information, which has been provided by Michael Redman for many years.

Is Level 2 training required to be a weather observer?

No, however many observers have asked for additional training, so Level 2 (Advanced) instruction was instituted by retired St. Louis meteorologist Guy E. Tucker. The Traveling Weather Show is the only resource for quality Level 2 training and while an option, observers are encouraged to take the class, even if they have received Level 1 training elsewhere. Based on student requests, consideration is being given to the development of a Level 3 class.

What are obligations of being a severe weather observer?

Very few. Hours of duty, locations from where to watch, etc. are not assigned. We do not expect you to report severe weather if you do not observe it. Please observe severe weather from wherever you may be, if you can do so safely. There are no time sheets to complete and no one will monitor your availability or number of reports made. If you have an interest in weather and in serving your community, this program is for you!

I have been to classes before, but have seen nothing to report, should I continue to attend training classes?

Absolutely! It is understood that many observers may faithfully observe for many years without observing any weather events meeting severe criteria. However your presence and expertise is greatly appreciated, and we know you are there and available and ready to report. Every observer is important to the program and to the community.

What are the benefits of receiving Traveling Weather Show severe weather observation training?

Training is received in weather observation, how and where to report, and safety information that could save your life. There are also plentiful handout materials. All weather observation training is essentially the same, but ours is unique, more comprehensive, St. Louis area based, and provides information available nowhere else. The training is provided by Michael Redman who has taught these programs since 1970.

Do I need to be an amateur radio operator to participate?

No. Some observers are amateur-radio licensees but it is not required and telephone reporting numbers are provided to all observers. The "E-Spotter" internet reporting method is also available to all observers. With sufficient participants, an 8-week one-evening-a-week amateur radio class can be offered. Some amateur radio clubs suggest that one has to be a licensed amateur radio operator to be a severe weather observer, but this is not correct. Licensing as an amateur radio operator does not automatically make one a trained weather observer.

Why are classes not offered all year long?

Public classes are most popular in the spring and fall, and the spring is the primary time for severe weather. Attendance is greater during the spring and fall and so this is when most classes are offered. It takes considerable preparation and planning to present the classes, and as such they are offered when and where the highest attendance is anticipated. Classes may be scheduled for private enterprises, schools, businesses, CERT trams, and civic organizations at most any time of the year, and are not limited to the spring and fall.

Where are classes offered?

Classes are offered at various locations. We are always looking for additional sponsors and locations. There are Level 1 classes offered in other areas but we do not monitor them nor are we aware of their scheduling. Few programs are as comprehensive as the Traveling Weather Show seminars.

Once I receive training, how long should I wait before attending again?

Retraining is recommended every other year, not only by us, but by most other organizations that offer this training. If you are unaware of your last Traveling Weather Show training date, contact us. Since this is information that is not used consistently, it is necessary for periodic review and retraining. Once trained, you are NOT "trained for life".

Will I receive a "spotter reporting number"?

Yes. Each class participant will receive a certificate attesting to the completion of training. If you have an existing three or four digit spotter number , a new number will be issued based upon the old number if possible, and it will appear on the certificate. If you do not have one of these numbers, one will be assigned. The number may be offered, if requested, when reporting severe weather. These agencies to which you would report are aware of the many years of instruction and the expertise of Michael Redman as the instructor, well respected for his knowledge and training abilities in these areas.

Do you accept Severe Weather Reports?

No, These reports should be directed to the National Weather Service severe weather reporting numbers, or if unable to reach them, then to your local city or county public safety dispatch center or state highway patrol. National weather service reporting numbers are provided in class handout materials. The weather service also staffs amateur radio equipment with volunteer operators to accept reports from licensed, trained observers.

Are you associated with the amateur radio ARES (the Amateur Radio Relay League's Amateur Radio Emergency Service club) or local public safety agency RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) programs?

No, the Traveling Weather Show is not affiliated with any amateur radio service organization. Amateur radio licensing is encouraged (we can offer the classes). Development of, and participation in properly managed RACES programs is also encouraged and we can help you develop a RACES program in your area.

Is RACES only a wartime program operating only in a federally declared disaster?

No, and this is a common misconception. RACES programs would function in a declaration of war or other national emergency. State and local emergency situations of all types could also qualify for RACES operation, even if not officially, locally, or nationally declared. RACES amateur radio emergency programs are managed by local public safety agencies.

What is (NIMS) training?

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) "NIMS" training is necessary for those assisting with emergency operations (National Incident Management System). One should take and pass the ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 classes (Incident Command System), available to paid staff members and volunteers working with local agencies. These are offered online at no cost at the FEMA internet site. This is the best emergency service preparation training of its kind available, much better than costly offerings of national radio clubs

What is a Monthly Radio Net?

"Monthly Radio Nets" are radio meetings on the air where participants gather to monitor events and activities in various amateur radio clubs and organizations. One need not be an amateur radio operator to "listen-in". Consideration is being given to the development and operation of a monthly Traveling Weather Show amateur radio net.

Are Weather Observers storm chasers?

Generally, no. Some observers may choose to pursue this activity however we do not recommend nor advocate tornado chasing. It is dangerous and we are concerned for your safety. Also, do not go out after the storm has passed to look for damage to report - stay home, stay safe, and leave recovery operations to professionals. Do not respond to emergency scenes unless volunteers are requested.

How will I know if severe weather is anticipated or forecasted?

A tone-alert weather radio is highly recommended. It will alert you to any severe weather event (watch or warning). These are readily available at electronic outlets. They alert for these situations any time of the day or night, any day of the week. They work like a pager, then reset after the broadcast. Tone-alert weather radios are the fastest, most efficient method of weather watch and warning information. Information is available at Traveling Weather Show classes on other resources for monitoring anticipatory severe weather events.

What is the difference in the weather watch and warning?

A "watch" is a forecast that severe weather may develop over a period of about six hours. A "warning" means that severe weather has been indicated by radar or a trained observer, and action should be taken immediately if you are in the path of the storm. Severe weather can occur without a prior "watch". The tone-alert weather radio will activate for these events and provide information on the threat, area, and duration.

How can I stay current on classes and activities of The Traveling Weather Show?

Watch our internet site. If you attend a Traveling Weather Show class, we will send via the internet notices of upcoming training in the spring and fall. Information collected at training registrations is not shared with anyone - the mailing and internet lists are not sold. Feel free to send electronic mail as well.Postal mailings about upcoming events are not provided due to rising postal costs - If the internet is not available, watch for notices in local papers, or call us by phone and leave a message.

I live outside St. Louis County may I still attend?

Absolutely! All are welcome and encouraged to attend regardless of where they may reside. There are also no restrictions on where Traveling Weather Show classes may be scheduled, anywhere in the region.

Is there special equipment required to be a severe weather observer?

No. The best assets of weather observers are their eyes and ears. No special weather monitoring equipment is required, but a tone-alert weather radio is strongly recommended. Your expertise as a weather observer is your best asset.

How long have these programs been in existence?

The National Weather Service has encouraged organized weather observation programs since 1974. Early training was provided by Joe Pedigo of the National Weather Service. It was preceded by the Air Force Ground Observer Corps, formed in the 1950s. Michael Redman has been providing weather observation to community and volunteer groups since the early 1970s and then for St. Louis County from 1981 to 2010. The Traveling Weather Show continues his fine tradition of high quality severe weather observation training.

I see training information available on the internet from other sources - is it still necessary to attend a Traveling Weather Show class?

Yes, because each region / area has unique reporting requirements, methods, phone numbers, and frequencies. While severe weather identification is basically the same, the facets of what, where, when, and how reports are made are different. It is also helpful to be able to interact with other students and the instructor and take advantage of handout materials. We should not become so technologically-driven that we miss face-to-face contact.

Will you send class handout information by mail or computer?

No, we prefer that you attend a class, in person, to participate in the training. Handout materials supplement the training.

What is the Weather Reference Compact Disk?

This is a compact disk (CD) with over 50 reference publications, brochures, charts, and manuals that are too expensive to copy and in some cases are out of print. This CD is provided along with your training certificate to all who complete the training, one per household.

Was your program featured on The Weather Channel's It Could Happen Tomorrow series?

Yes, in a program that first aired in 2007 and continues to run from time to time. Michael Redman is pleased to have built the St. Louis County SKYWARN Program into the significant weather spotter network that it had become, receiving nationwide recognition. Without his dynamic leadership and training, and with no one to lead it, that program it is sadly diminishing and fading away. But as the county's program ebbs, you can continue to attend Mike Redman's weather training programs.

I was receiving the SKYWARN Newsletter in the spring and fall; I no longer receive this... why?

The county has determined that it would no longer support this timely and popular publication, probably because it no longer supports the program.

Is more information on The Traveling Weather Show available?

If your questions have not been answered here feel free to contact us for more information. Please be exact in the information you are requesting. Thank you for your interest. We are anxious to serve you.

I have heard that weather observer training classes will soon be offered on the internet instead of in person; is this true?

The weather service is proposing that all of their classes become internet-based, and will be recommending severe weather reports by "text messaging" cell phones. Not everyone has the internet and not everyone has a "text messaging" cell phone. This type of training is very impersonal. Rest assured that the Traveling Weather Show will continue to provide "in-person" training with a live instructor. It is not necessary to have internet access or a "text messaging" cell phone to be a severe weather observer.

Are these programs similar to "SKYWARN" weather observation classes?

Yes, although we think they are better. "SKYWARN" is, or soon will be a "trademark" of the federal government and all who use it will require permission to do so. This may effect hats, shirts, decals, etc. with this name and logo. So, this term is not used by the Traveling Weather Show.

Are these classes really the same as weather service instructed classes?

We think they are better. Mike Redman has been instructing severe weather observation classes since 1970, with the assistance, support, and encouragement of many meteorologists and "meteorologists in charge". His training programs started before the "SKYWARN" term was adopted. He is a private enterprise provider, just as a television meteorologist, school instructor, or other private resource who offers such instruction. He taught these classes for St. Louis County for many years, often without a weather service instructor present, and then as now, you are receiving quality instruction from a dedicated teacher. You are just as qualified and instructed attending our classes as you would be in a weather service class, a class sponsored by a local television station, or a class provided through an educational institution. You can have confidence in a Traveling Weather Show class!