A storm spotter training class is being held as the first day of spring nears and the chance for severe weather increases.

Wednesday, March 16 a Weather Spotter Training Class will be held at the Missouri Theatre in Downtown St. Joseph starting at 7 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public, registration is not required.

Buchanan County Emergency Management Dir., Bill Brinton is urging everyone to attend.

“We encourage people to come because if a tornado is coming in your neighborhood it’s going to effect everyone,” Brinton said. “It’s about informing people not to be the victim of a bad storm.”

He said the National Weather Service is going to teach the class.

“They make it on a level where you can understand what you’re looking at and how to keep your family safe,” Brinton said.

He said the yearly training brings in on average between 150 to 200 people.