The 2008 severe weather year will go down as one of the more violent years in recent history. Long-lived tornadic storms moved through the area in April, May and again in December.

Flooding, while not as widespread as in 2007, resulted in deadly impacts. Large hail and damaging winds pounded north Texas as well.

With 2009 approaching, the National Weather Service in Fort Worth is ramping up its preparedness efforts for the spring severe weather season. From Jan. 12 through April 2, staff from the NWS Forecast Office will conduct coordination visits with media and emergency management staffs, storm spotter training classes and weather safety and awareness presentations.

The staff currently has over 50 stops scheduled for the 2009 tour.

"The 2008 severe weather year was a vicious one. We did not have the widespread flooding as in 2007, but we saw more in the way of tornadoes and damaging thunderstorm winds," said Gary Woodall, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS Forecast Office in Fort Worth.

"We must prepare for whatever 2009 has in store. During our awareness tour, we aim to enhance the already-strong spotter network, emergency communications and warning system, and level of hazardous weather awareness which is in place."

The SKYWARN storm spotter training programs will be a featured part of the awareness tour. The spotter programs discuss the formation and behavior of storms, the production of severe weather, environmental clues which can suggest the possibility of a tornado or other severe weather, spotter reporting procedures, and safety tips.

The SKYWARN programs are free, and nearly all are open to the public.

"Storm spotters are a valuable component of the warning system," Woodall said. "Radar is a great electronic tool, but it does not tell us the whole story of what's going on around a thunderstorm. Storm spotters complement the electronic data with their visual observations and reports. This in turn helps us provide the best possible service to North Texans."

Coordination visits will also be a major part of the awareness tour. NWS staff members will meet with emergency officials and media outlets throughout their 46-county area of responsibility.

The meetings will ensure that contact information and severe weather procedures are as up-todate as possible.

NWS staff will distribute awareness material for local officials to use in their areas.

"Issuing warnings and statements for severe weather is one of our most important jobs," Woodall said. "However, if warnings aren't relayed quickly, or if people don't know how to respond properly, then the warnings will not be effective. The coordination visits help ensure that the warning system is as efficient as possible."

To view the complete SKYWARN program schedule, visit www.weather.gov/fortworth/ sptrsch.html.