Wind barbs are a useful indicator for locating low pressure centers on surface weather maps.

Since winds flow in a counterclockwise direction around low pressure centers, look for a group of stations where the wind barbs reflect this type of wind pattern. For example, a counterclockwise wind pattern was observed in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota (highlighted by the red arrow).

The low pressure center is located near the center (similar to the center of a whirlpool) with winds flowing counterclockwise around it.

So when trying to find a low pressure center on a surface weather map, use the wind barbs to find a counterclockwise wind pattern and the low pressure center will be found near the center of circulation.