Platteville Gilcrest Fire to host weather spotter training
Published on March 24, 2025
Residents are encouraged to attend a free weather spotter training class on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. The class presentation is at the Platteville Gilcrest Fire Protection District (PGFPD) Headquarter Station 1, located at 202 Main St. in Platteville. It can also be attended virtually via a livestream. Those planning to attend in person or virtually must register by March 29.
The class will be led by Meteorologist Cory Reppenhagen, who has extensive experience covering various types of severe weather, from supercell thunderstorms to tornadoes and hurricanes.
His presentation will focus on various types of weather seen commonly in Weld County in the spring — heavy rain, thunder and lightning and tornadoes, etc. — with a focus on explaining how those storms form through elements like weather patterns and cloud formations.
After the National Weather Service cancelled its annual round of Skywarn weather spotter trainings, Weld County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and PGFPD are partnering up to ensure that county residents have access to this valuable training.
“We’re pleased that PGFPD is hosting and putting on this event and pleased to provide support,” said Roy Rudisill, Weld OEM Director. “The information presented can help people become more familiar with weather in general and how severe weather forms. Attending the class is a great way to increase situational awareness, helping people be more prepared when weather changes.”
“Our goal is to start building resiliency among our community members, and this class is a cornerstone in disaster preparedness. Plus, it not only helps us as Weld County residents better understand our weird weather but also provides the chance to interact with and ask questions to a meteorologist for deeper understanding. We are thankful to all who helped connect us with Meteorologist Cory Reppenhagen and to the National Weather Service for the continued support in weather spotting training.” said Matt Concialdi, from PGFPD.
Registration can be completed on PGFPD’s website or by calling the Weld County Office of Emergency Management at (970) 400-3997. In-person registrations are capped at 100 people. Those who choose to watch the class virtually will receive an email link a few days prior to the event.