NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - The National Weather Service (NWS) Nashville office has released its updated 2026 fall SKYWARN Spotter Training Class schedule for Middle Tennessee residents.
The free, 1.5 to 2-hour classes require no prior experience and are open to individuals of all ages. The training equips local residents with the skills needed to identify and report severe weather directly to forecasters, providing crucial field data that helps protect families and emergency services across Rutherford County and the broader region.
NWS Nashville Meteorologist Scott Unger noted that the schedule is designed for both new volunteers and existing spotters needing a refresher course.
Online sessions are hosted using Go-To Meeting and can be accessed on Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. Participants need computer speakers to listen and a VOIP microphone if they wish to ask live questions. Organizers note that while basic spotter principles remain consistent nationwide, reporting protocols are tailored specifically for Middle Tennessee residents.
The full fall schedule includes:
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Monday (September 14th): Basic Class at 10:00 AM CT (Online)
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Wednesday (September 16th): Basic Class at 10:00 AM CT (Online)
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Tuesday (September 22nd): Basic Class at 6:30 PM CT (Online)
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Wednesday (September 23rd): Basic Class at 10:00 AM CT (Online)
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Thursday (September 24th): Basic Class at 6:30 PM CT (Online)
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Monday (September 28th): Basic Class at 6:30 PM CT via Facebook LIVE (Link available in feed)
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Wednesday (September 30th): Basic Class at 6:30 PM CT (Online)
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Thursday (October 1st): Advanced Class at 6:30 PM CT (Online)
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Tuesday (October 20th): Basic Class at 6:00 PM CT at Lomax Church of Christ, 320 Darbytown Rd, Hohenwald, TN (Google Map)
To sign up for any session, view details, or join a class, residents can register here.
NWS Nashville strongly encourages local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), community groups, and classrooms to host public viewings by streaming any of the scheduled online webinars. Attendees at host sites can ask questions live during the broadcast.
All scheduled classes remain subject to short-notice cancellation in the event of severe weather. For more information, residents can contact NWS Nashville at sr-ohx.webmaster@noaa.gov.
