Weather spotter describes 'incredible storm'
Weather spotter describes 'incredible storm'
MOSES LAKE - David Dorman says a 2005 wind and dust storm that roared through Grant County was the most memorable weather event he witnessed as a weather spotter.
Dorman, of Moses Lake, helped chronicle the event by snapping a photo, which is posted today on the National Weather Service's Web site with other spotters' pictures.
Dorman's storm photo shows a wall of dust gathering around Pelican Point near Moses Lake.
The storm started in northeastern Washington and Idaho, moved into Spokane, resulting in 50-mph winds, dime-size hail and more than 25 fire starts, according the weather service's Web site.
The wind and dust eventually subsided and stopped before traveling over the Cascades.
"It was an incredible storm," Dorman said.
Dorman is among about 11,000 volunteers nationwide who help the weather service issue more accurate warnings for hazardous weather.
He said he decided to volunteer because he wanted to be part of the national volunteer system. There was also a need for spotters when he lived south of Moses Lake, he said.
Free weather spotter training is being offered in Moses Lake and Ephrata on March 25 for people wanting to volunteer.
No experience is necessary and spotters aren't required to have equipment.
Training is offered in Moses Lake from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 3953 Airway Dr. N.E., Building No. 1. In Ephrata, training is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 124 Enterprise St. South East.
Seating is limited. People interested are asked to call 509-762-1462 to reserve space.
Dorman said he found the spotter training he received useful because he used it while hiking, boating and fishing.
The weather service calls to ask him about the weather, inquiring about such items as snowfall and freezing fog. Other times, he'll call or e-mail the weather service if conditions seem out of the norm, he said.
The weather service receives immediate information from spotters.
"Accurate weather is important," he said. "There's times you really need to have a local observation."