Class description:

SVR101 Basic Severe Weather Forecasting: This is an intensive four-hour session that covers the groundwork for severe weather forecasting. It is suitable for beginners and there is no math. We start with the basics of meteorology relating to severe weather development and progress to the latest forecasting techniques. Interestingly it's been our experience that many students at the end of class find that everything "clicks" and at least for a moment, they are genuinely forecast experts. The problem, of course, is that the memory doesn't often cooperate! Whatever the case, you will learn the building blocks of a severe weather forecast. No class is the same; the agenda will be specifically tailored to the skill levels of those attending. Also on storm days, the material will be heavily based on the current day's situation and real-time products rather than Powerpoint slides.

SVR050 Introduction to Storm Chasing: This course is 3 hours and is especially designed as a primer for storm chasers who have never been out in the field. We'll cover very basic forecasting principles, the use of various web charts to target your area, visual interpretation, and short-range tactics once you're closing in on the storm. And of course, we'll cover how to stay safe on the road and under the storm. We will NOT cover technology (radios, streaming video, etc) as that is not for an introductory class, but a few useful iPad and Web apps will be demonstrated. Our own Storm Chasing certification will be offered for this course; this of course is not a certification to chase but is my endorsement that your test result shows you've met our highest levels of standards for this subject material. NOTE: The last two registrants will be assigned to seating in the back of the room with tray tables; we normally don't do this for our other sessions, but for a 3-hour class it will be comfortable for most individuals.

SVR151 Extended Severe Weather Forecasting: This is the same as SVR101, except the class lasts for 6 hours instead of 4 hours. Starting from dynamics and thermodynamics we will get more into depth on radar and satellite, covering some of the material in the SVR201 class, and we'll look at actual severe weather cases. To maximize the amount of information presented, there will not be a lunch break, but you may prefer to bring a box lunch and eat during class, or head to Sonic (about 5 minutes away) during one of the classwork sessions.

SVR201 Mesoanalysis Workshop: This is an intensive four-hour session that focuses on mesoanalysis tools: namely radar and satellite data. We will make extensive use of satellite imagery, surface analysis, GRLevel2 and a number of case studies and will discuss storm structure, severe weather hazards, and more. This is an ideal class for emergency managers, spotter network coordinators, and chasers who have at least one or two seasons under their belt. At least one hour will be spent helping students master the art of hand analysis. There are no math prequisites or other requirements. This is an intermediate level class and we WILL be skipping basic level material in general, but beginners are welcome and will be helped along.

RAD211 Radar Workshop: This focuses on radar interpretation of severe weather. We will mostly be using GRLevel2 on our overhead display. You are welcome to bring a laptop loaded with GRLevel2 or GR2Analyst (or GRLevel3 if you have it). For the first hour we will cover radar fundamentals, VCPs, pulse-pair processing, aliasing, and range folding, and explain the deficiencies and limitations of radar. Then we'll dig into actual datasets for various severe weather situations. For those of you with laptops and GRLevel2 or GRLevel3, we'll give you a CD with the data files we'll be covering so you can work the software as we go. We'll cover interrogation and analysis of the radar data using reflectivity, velocity, spectrum width, and derived products. You'll come away with a better understanding of how to quickly use radar data to assess tornado, wind, and hail potential. We'll also go over tips and tricks for maximizing use of GRLevelX, such as using shapefiles and placefiles. This class is especially recommended for spotters and net controllers. This class is suitable for beginners as well as experts. Tim is not only a GRLevelX user but also operated the KDYX and RKSG WSR-88D radars at the PUP and UCP control positions and has certificates of training from Unisys.

SVR301 Severe Weather Laboratory: Join us in Norman and watch a severe weather outbreak unfold! We will follow the day as it progresses using giant surface plot sheets, upper air maps, SKEW-Ts, McIDAS, GRLevel2, profilers, and all other available tools using our display projectors and whiteboards for extended discussions as weather breaks. This is a deep introduction into mesoscale analysis. The Laboratory is an exceptionally valuable immersion for beginners (who we will gladly assist one-on-one) as well as emergency managers, spotters, and chasers. The class generally shifts from intensive satellite and surface analysis into radar analysis. We will use some polarimetric radar data if available. The class is somewhat unstructured, with a lot of one-on-one training and quiet interludes. Students may take lunch breaks whenever they want or may keep items on hand in our refrigerator.

Special note:

Unless otherwise specified, registrations close at midnight the night before the class. The directions and information kit will be e-mailed to you at that time, so please check your e-mail overnight or in the early morning. If you prefer not to use a credit card, you may send a check or money order to: Weather Graphics, PO Box 450211, Garland TX 75045 and be sure to inform us once you mail it so that it gets forwarded promptly.

Class information:

Location: All classes are at Weather Graphics' office in Norman, Oklahoma. Directions will be provided when your registration is confirmed.

Class size: There are normally 4 seats available. We may add 1 or 2 extra seats at our discretion or by special request.

Confirmation: Your class date is not confirmed until we reply in writing (usually within 24 hours, sometimes a little longer).

Refunds: You may cancel your reservation and receive a refund if there is more than 72 hours remaining before the class start time; at this point your payment is forfeited unless we can fill your seat with a last-minute attendee. If this happens, your refund will be granted.

Refreshments: We will provide snacks, bottled water, soda, and coffee. Feel free to bring your own food. You may store a small item in our mini-fridge if necessary.

Other info: Dress is completely casual; wear whatever you're comfortable in. There is no problem arriving late or leaving early. Class participation and work exercises are not mandatory but are recommended.

Prerequisites: None are required; in fact students generally are a mix of some novices, some intermediates, and a few experts. All courses are adapted to meet the skill levels and interests of the class. If you wish to prepare for the class, we'll be glad to suggest some reading material.

Course certification: Weather Graphics will provide one of two certifications by prior arrangement. These are provided on parchment with our company seal and are frameable. The Course Completion Certificate is awarded to those who were present for 75% of the class time and made a reasonable efort to learn the material presented. Technical Certification (sample) is awarded based upon passing a 10-minute closed book test that is given after the course. These are not graded until the following day. The document will be mailed. We are extremely serious about teaching with integrity, so our certification standards are very stringent and there is no assurance of passing. A student who fails will be given a Course Completion Certificate in lieu of certification.

Lodging: If you need lodging, the closest hotel we recommend is Best Western on Classen Blvd in Norman OK (405-701-4011).