Ottawa/Kent County SKYWARN Training 2026

This course covers the basics of being a SKYWARN Spotter. The goal of the course is to provide baseline training for all spotters through multiple modules covering the procedures for spotting (including communication and spotter report criteria) and safety considerations for all hazards.

NOAA's National Weather Service meteorologists across the country could use a hand — or more precisely extra eyes — to help them produce the most accurate weather information possible. If you are fascinated by weather, you have the opportunity to become a trained volunteer SKYWARN® storm spotter for your local weather forecast office.

Storm spotters provide valuable information on all types of weather hazards to meteorologists in their local National Weather Service forecast offices. Meteorologists use this information, especially when it comes to severe storms, to create a complete picture of area weather conditions.

The SKYWARN program helps improve the timeliness and accuracy of weather warnings. When coupled with Doppler radar imagery, satellite, and other data, reports from storm spotters help forecasters know exactly what is happening on the ground with rapidly developing storms.

“The more lead time we can provide with our warnings, the more time people have to take cover from life-threatening storms,” says Christopher Maier, who oversees the national SKYWARN program.

The Ottawa and Kent County SKYWARN groups are proud to once again offer this training to the residents of the counties surrounding the NWS office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The SKYWARN training will be held at the Alive in Jenison Church, located at 263 Church Street, Jenison, MI 49428 on February 19, 2026, beginning at 6:30 pm. Lobby Doors will open at 6:00 PM. Please feel free to arrive early to take a look around and reserve your seats.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRINT AND BRING YOUR TICKETS WITH YOU FOR ADMISSION.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

There are no age limits or requirements for attendees, however, this event is best suited for those ages 16 and up.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Sorry, your registration is not transferable to another attendee.

Can I update my registration information?

You may update your registration information as many times as you wish, up to the actual event.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Your printed ticket will help facilitate a quick and easy entrance for everyone, however, if you forget your ticket - your registration can be looked up online at the entrance to the facility.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

Your ticket holds information that we collect for use with the National Weather Service and SKYWARN activities. Please update your ticket information to include your correct name and contact information.

Please note, we are no longer issuing spotter ID numbers or certificates

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Ottawa County and Kent County Emergency Management