VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Area storm spotters gathered at Berean Baptist Church in Vigo County Monday night t to learn how to safely and correctly identify storms.

The National Weather Service says storm spotters are critical when it comes to issuing warnings.

"This class is going to be teaching people what to look for when you are looking for severe weather and how to be safe while doing it" NWS Meteorologist Andrew White says.

Berean Baptist Church was filled with area residents and emergency management Monday night learning how to spot storms. National Weather service officials say tools like radar have limits when it comes to warning the public about storms and that's where storm spotters come in.

"Absolutely. It's great to get a good turnout of people because we can't do what we do with out spotters on the ground. We can see what we see on the radar but it's the people on the ground that tell us what's really going on" White says.

There are many storm spotter classes held in many locations across Indiana and officials say something can be learned from each community's experience with severe weather.

"It's always good to come out because you meet different people you meet the emergency management that helps the county run and every county the weather works a little bit differently so it's always good to see different people and meet them" White says.

Storm spotters that couldn't make it to Vigo County's spotter training Monday night will have another chance using social media. Make sure to follow NWS Indianapolis on Facebook and Twitter.

"Follow us on social media. We'll try to do a storm spot class online via Facebook live at some point later this spring so try to tune in if you can't make it out here" White says.