Weather spotters play huge part in collecting data | News

A summary of Friday’s extreme weather was issued by the National Weather Service after the stormy weather subsided late that evening. Many counties in Washington were declared a state of emergency following the storm. Some counties skipped out, but still had their share of damage.

Trained weather spotters had a part in reporting what happening weather-wise in the area. Near Asotin, a spotter says heavy rain caused water to run down the roadway and pea-sized hail was coming down in the area southwest of Asotin.

Another spotter says dime-sized hail was coming down at the Anatone Post Office. Heavy rain was included in that report as well. 

Public reports near Lewiston say several trees caused damage to an outbuilding roof while penny-sized hail and heavy rain fell.

In Nez Perze, a trained spotter at the Valley Gas in Lapwai reported hail slightly larger than a ping bong ball. Nez Perce Tribal Police was able to confirm that size description with a report of their own.

You too can be a weather spotter, but it does involve some training. You can sign up for the opportunity on the National Weather Service’s website and request the training in your area.