Michigan weather can change quickly, and sometimes dangerously.
For Tabby Eldredge, a scout leader and middle school science teacher, that reality became clear during a hike a few years ago.
“We had just popped out of a wooded area into a big open field when the tornado sirens went off,” said the Commerce Township resident.
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Relying on her training, she immediately took action and guided the group of youth.
“It’s like: ‘Hey, I have my severe weather training through Scouts. Everybody back in. I’ve got this.’”
That ability to react quickly is exactly what the National Weather Service aims to build through its SKYWARN storm spotter program. The classes teach people how to recognize and report dangerous weather.
“Obviously, in Michigan, if you don’t like the season, just wait a couple of hours and it’ll be different,” said Eldredge.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Sara Schultz said that kind of rapid change is something forecasters see firsthand.
“We just saw it. We had tornadoes. Then, it snowed the next day,” Schultz said.
During a SKYWARN training class in Farmington Hills on March 18, Schultz explained why volunteers are an important part of the warning process.
“You guys are our eyes out there,” she told attendees.
While radar technology continues to improve, it cannot always confirm what is happening at ground level. That is where trained spotters play a critical role.
“We may see some rotation, but is it forming a funnel? Do we have a tornado? Things like that, and that’s where our spotters help us,” Schultz said.
Reports from the ground can directly impact the warnings issued to the public.
“And in that way, we can actually upgrade our warnings from radar-indicated to spotter-observed tornado,” she said.
SKYWARN classes are free and open to the public. They are designed not only to train spotters, but also to help people feel more confident and informed when severe weather develops.
“If you’re someone who’s maybe scared of storms or doesn’t know a lot about storms, this class can help you learn about what to look for,” said Schultz.
For Eldredge, who said she was going to soon teach her students about the weather, the training has a broader purpose.
“I’m hoping to inspire my kids to do citizen science, because that’s how we get stuff happening in the world,” she said.
That includes helping students better understand the world around them, especially as the weather becomes more extreme.
“It’s important to understand the risks and pitfalls that come with this increase in severity of weather,” said Eldredge.
When storms move in, trained spotters help to keep communities informed and safe.
SKYWARN spotter training classes are offered across Southeast Michigan through mid-May.
The classes typically last about 75 to 90 minutes and are free to attend. While people of all ages can participate, individuals must be at least 13 years old to submit official storm reports.
Virtual training is also available for those who cannot attend in person.
Upcoming SKYWARN Training Classes
March 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Temperance at Bedford Branch Library
March 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Ferndale at Ferndale City Hall
April 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Saginaw at Thomas Township Fire Station No. 1
April 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Caro at the Tuscola County Emergency Management Building
April 14, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Flint at Mott Community College Regional Training Center
April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Troy at the Troy Police and Fire Training Center
April 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Detroit at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch
April 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Clinton Township at Macomb Intermediate School District
April 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Port Huron at St. Clair County Administrative Building
April 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. in West Bloomfield Township at Marshbank Park Lodge
May 7, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Adrian at Adrian College
May 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Van Buren Township at Van Buren Township Fire Station No. 2
More information, including registration details and virtual training options, can be found here.