Weatherfest and Severe Weather Symposium at UNL April 5

            The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 14th annual Family Weatherfest and Severe Weather Symposium is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at Hardin Hall, 33rd and Holdrege streets.

            The free event will explore the wonders of weather and teach techniques for surviving -- and even thriving -- through severe weather events. Free parking is available.

            "Each year, we bring in experts for the symposium to discuss severe and timely weather events," said Ken Dewey, professor of climatology and School of Natural Resources outreach coordinator.

            This year's speaker roster includes: Robert Henson, National Center for Atmospheric Research; Jeremy Bower, JRBStorm Photography; Ariel Cohen, National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center; and Barb Mayes, National Weather Service.

            Henson will discuss last September's record-breaking floods in Colorado. Bower will present on the myths of weather safety and how to be properly prepared for severe weather events. Cohen will analyze the process of forecasting severe thunderstorms with a focus on the tornadoes that hit Moore and El Reno, Okla., in May 2013. Mayes will review the extreme weather that struck Nebraska in 2013 and look at what the state can expect in 2014.

            Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet local television weathercasters from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and try out their weathercasting skills in the Weatherfest Weather Studio. An array of activities and hands-on experiments will be available for kids and adults of all ages.

            Although Weatherfest ends at 2 p.m., the Lancaster County Storm Spotter training workshop begins at 2 p.m. in Hardin Hall Auditorium. Visitors are welcome to stick around for the workshop to learn about this important community volunteer activity.

            More information is available at http://snr.unl.edu/cpsws and http://www.facebook.com/cpsws.

Writer: Mekita Rivas