Weather
Maine Winter Storm Training: Free NWS Classes Oct. 22-Dec. 3
Caribou, ME – Maine residents interested in helping track dangerous winter weather can sign up for free National Weather Service training sessions beginning Thursday, Oct. 22, as forecasters prepare f
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-13T11:16:23.051Z
Caribou, ME – Maine residents interested in helping track dangerous winter weather can sign up for free National Weather Service training sessions beginning Thursday, Oct. 22, as forecasters prepare for the upcoming snow and ice season.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, the agency is offering four Winter Spotter Training sessions between Oct. 22 and Dec. 3, including three virtual classes and one in person event in Milo.
Free Winter Storm Training Opens to Public
The training program introduces participants to winter weather observation and reporting, helping residents become official winter weather spotters who can provide useful information during storms.
Three virtual sessions are scheduled:
Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The virtual courses are free and open to the public. Participants need only a computer or tablet with internet access.
Registration information is available through the National Weather Service Caribou website.
In Person Training Coming to Milo
An in person training session is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. at the County Emergency Operations Center, located at 52 Sargent Hill Drive in Milo, Piscataquis County.
Residents interested in attending must register by emailing Priscilla.Buster@noaa.gov .
The Weather Service also announced that giveaways will be available during the Milo session.
Preparing for Maine's Winter Weather
Winter weather spotters can provide observations that help meteorologists better understand local storm conditions, including snowfall, ice accumulation and other winter hazards.
These reports can be particularly useful across northern and eastern Maine, where conditions may vary significantly between communities.
Residents interested in participating can learn more and register for virtual training at:
https://www.weather.gov/car/Outreach Spotters
With winter approaching, the free program provides an opportunity for residents to improve weather awareness while supporting local forecasting efforts.