GOSHEN COUNTY – Many residents are eager to greet the spring season after months of bitter-cold temperatures, snow and ice.
The downside is, the same transition from cooler to warmer weather that causes spring bulbs to sprout also triggers a dangerous instability in the air above.
Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wyoming is scheduled for April 10-14. Throughout the next several days, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, in conjunction with local emergency management services, have events scheduled to prepare residents for the next big storm.
Goshen County will test tornado sirens Thursday, beginning at approximately 9:45 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the following locations: Fort Laramie, Lingle, Wyrulec (Road 41 and U.S. Highway 26/85), the Extension Service office (4516 U.S. Highway 26/85), Landscape Plus (6821 Road 53), Yoder, Hawk Springs and LaGrange. Each siren will sound for approximately three minutes, said Shelly Kirchhefer, emergency management coordinator.

“We let them run their course, which is a tone and a verbal message three times, and make sure they are running correctly for the upcoming severe weather season,” she said.
Tuesday, April 11, NWS will hold a free weather-spotting class for first responders and community members.
“For all first responders, it’s a great refresher. For community members, it’s important to be trained on what to look for. The more eyes, the better,” Kirchhefer said. “Every year the course gets better and better,”
The class will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. at the Torrington Fire Hall, 2001 West C St.
“Attendees are taught the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure, the features to look for and where to find them,” according to the NWS website. “What, when and how to report severe weather information, as well as basic severe weather safety are also covered. The session is a multi-media presentation, which includes video.”
Classes will also be held in Cheyenne and Douglas if interested individuals are unable to attend the local event.
Additionally, on April 12, residents should prepare for a NWS-issued a statewide tornado test bulletin over the radio and through teletype to local dispatch centers.
For more information on weather-spotting classes or other questions regarding Severe Weather Awareness Week, visit weather.gov/cys or call Chad Hahn, NWS warning coordination meteorologist, at (307) 772-2468, extension 726.