Parkersburg after tornado hit it in May of 2008 (AP) |
Last year's deadly tornadoes appear to have spurred thousands of Iowans to sign up for storm-spotter training. The National Weather Service office in Johnston has trained about 2,600 spotters and hundreds more have been trained in the Quad Cities as well as northwest and northeast Iowa.
Meteorologist Jeff Johnson says the interest seemed to follow last spring's tornado in Parkersburg that killed six people and injured dozens. Two others died in nearby New Hartford.
Despite sophisticated radar, the weather service says spotters are essential to understanding what's happening on the ground.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Meteorologist Jeff Johnson says the interest seemed to follow last spring's tornado in Parkersburg that killed six people and injured dozens. Two others died in nearby New Hartford.
Despite sophisticated radar, the weather service says spotters are essential to understanding what's happening on the ground.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
