Free Virtual Hurricane Training Offered by National Weather Service in Florida

What’s Happening?

In Tallahassee, Florida, hurricane season is about to hit its busiest time. To help people stay safe, meteorologists (weather scientists) from the National Weather Service (NWS) all over Florida are working together. They want to help residents understand tropical weather forecasts (like storm predictions) and get ready for big storms.

What Is the Training About?

The NWS is offering free virtual training sessions (online classes). These classes teach you:

• What tropical weather forecast products are (the maps, alerts, and info the weather service puts out)
• How to correctly understand them

The big goal? Make the forecast info “meaningful and actionable.” That just means: easy to understand and useful, so you can make the best safety choices when a storm is coming.

Who Can Join?

• The training is open to anyone.
• It is made especially for Florida residents.
• It uses help and resources from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (the state team that handles emergencies).
• Organizers say most of the material is also useful for anyone who lives where tropical cyclones (big spinning storms like hurricanes) might go.

Important Point: Even if you don’t live in Florida, you can still learn a lot from these sessions if you live in a storm-prone area!

When Are the Sessions?

The training lasts four days, from July 27 through July 30. Each day has a different topic:

• Day 1 – July 27: Getting Ready
• Day 2 – July 28: Hunker Down
• Day 3 – July 29: Post Storm Safety
• Day 4 – July 30: Lessons Learned & Panel Discussion with NHC and FDEM

Each day has three one-hour sessions at:

• 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT)
• 1 p.m. EDT (noon CDT)
• 7 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. CDT)

How to Sign Up and Join

Here are the simple steps to take part:

1. Register in advance using the links above for the day you want.
2. Know that up to 1,000 people can sign up for each session.
3. After you register, you’ll get an email summary with a Google Meet link to join.
4. Hosts will send reminder emails as the training week gets closer.

What Happens During the Class?

Because so many people join, here is how it works:

• Everyone is muted while presenters talk (so it stays calm!).
• You can ask questions two ways:
  • Use the Q&A section under “tools” during the session.
  • Or post questions on this Google Form.
• Organizers will answer as soon as they can—either during the week or later by email.

Important Point: You must register before the session to get the link. Walk-ins are not mentioned, so sign up early!

Summary

The National Weather Service in Florida is giving free online training from July 27–30 to help people understand hurricane forecasts and prepare for storms. It’s open to all, made for Florida but useful elsewhere, with daily topics and three time options per day. Register ahead, get your email link, and ask questions via Q&A or a form. The aim is to make storm info clear and help you stay safe.

FAQ

1. Is the training really free?
Yes! The virtual sessions are completely free to join.

2. Do I have to live in Florida to attend?
No. Anyone can register, though it is built with Florida residents in mind. Much of it helps anyone in tropical storm areas.

3. What if I miss the live session?
You will get an email summary after registering, but the live parts need you to join at the listed times. Questions sent by form may be answered later by email.

4. How many people can join one session?
Up to 1,000 people per session.

5. Will I be able to talk during the training?
No, attendees are muted during talks, but you can send questions through Q&A or the Google Form.