Severe Weather Presentation
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The document provides information on severe weather safety and encourages becoming a storm spotter to help the National Weather Service (NWS) provide accurate warnings. It notes that spotters are needed to report ground truth observations to bridge the gap between radar and actual conditions. Spotters can help reduce injuries and deaths from severe weather by assisting the NWS warning process.
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Severe Weather Presentation
- 1. Severe Weather Safety Keeping Your Family Safe By Meteorologist Beau Dodson
- 6. Many people in our region are fascinated by weather. There is rarely a dull moment in our regions weather – it is active – it can be extreme. We live in an active region of the country…
- 7. Weather can be beautiful People ask me if I storm chase… I chase snowstorms – to photograph them I cover severe weather for emergency management, media, and for you – behind a computer and radar screen People in our region are “weather-aware”…
- 20. So, yes – I do chase – snowstorms! But when it comes to severe storms and tornadoes – I am committed to emergency management, media, and others…
- 24. Find me on Facebook under Beau Dodson Weather Facebook and Twitter
- 25. EXTREME weather – are you used to it yet? Weeeeeee Weeeee Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…
- 26. Extreme Weather Events! Jena Hillebrand Photograph We should be used to it by now!
- 27. Extreme Weather Events! Ohio Valley Pre-Christmas Blizzard!
- 28. Extreme Weather Events! Chris Ellis Photograph Ice Storm
- 29. Extreme Weather Events! Remnants of Hurricane Ike
- 30. Extreme Weather Events! Catastrophic Ice Storm
- 31. Extreme Weather Events! Severe drought hits our region…
- 32. Extreme Weather Events! The Great Flood…
- 34. Extreme Weather Events! Larrah Workman Photograph 2011 Tornado Strikes Bardwell, Kentucky!
- 35. Extreme Weather Events! Larrah Workman Photograph 2011 Tornado Strikes Bardwell, Kentucky!
- 36. The Bardwell Tornado Radar images from the NWS Radar from April 23, 2011
- 37. Bardwell
- 38. The Bardwell Tornado Bardwell Radar from April 23, 2011
- 41. Bardwell
- 42. Leap Year Outbreak 48 Tornadoes 2012
- 43. Paducah, KY NWS Forecast Area 11 Confirmed Tornadoes & 13 Killed in the regional outbreak…
- 44. Ogden Landing Road National Weather Service Photograph
- 45. Bandana, KY National Weather Service Photograph
- 46. Harrisburg, Illinois The Southern Illinoisan
- 47. Harrisburg, Illinois The Southern Illinoisan
- 50. Then a few days later Rare event March 2, 2012
- 51. March 2nd Event 160 TORNADOES
- 52. March 2nd Event 37 Lives lost 21 Lives lost in Kentucky
- 53. Historic? Top 3 largest outbreaks so early in the year Most EF3 tornadoes in the month of March in Kentucky
- 54. Henryville, Indiana Tornado Jenn Brindley Photograph
- 56. Unheard of March Temperatures Extremely Rare
- 57. 2163 Records Last Week
- 60. Fourth Warmest Winter For the United States 117 Years Of Record Keeping
- 61. But wait! It isn’t warm everywhere
- 62. Blue and green areas are below normal
- 63. Is the weather broken? Global warming or normal cycles?
- 64. What’s causing this? Global warming or normal cycles?
- 65. It is a complex issue An important issue
- 66. What’s causing this? Global warming or normal cycles?
- 67. Our region experiences some of the nations most extreme weather! Not uncommon to have snow and tornadoes in the same week! Expect the unexpected!
- 69. What has all of the above meant for you? Fear of weather Costly for your families $$$
- 70. Tornadoes are not sexy… Hollywood version of disasters…
- 71. You and I know this…
- 73. This is reality… AP Photo/Mike Gullett
- 74. This is reality… AP Photo/Mike Gullett
- 75. This is reality… Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 76. This is reality… Scary… Tragic… Painful… Chris Landsberger Photograph AP Photo/Mike Gullett
- 77. 2011 The Year Of The Tornado… Chris Landsberger Photograph Tuscaloosa, Alabama – AP Photo
- 78. Fighting back… First responders Volunteers Working together Educating ourselves Preparing our families Chris Landsberger Photograph The National Weather Service needs your help!
- 79. The National Weather Service needs your help! The NWS depends on spotters for ground truth reports! They need your reports!
- 80. TEAM WORK! We need you to be on our team! Spotters Relaying information Work together!
- 82. Paducah, KY NWS And ears!
- 83. Paducah, KY NWS Ground Truth Reports!
- 84. What is happening on the ground…
- 85. Paducah, KY NWS The Paducah NWS Office covers these counties
- 86. Who are storm spotters? A loosely organized group of volunteers who provide ground truth severe weather information to the NWS, often in real time. Every NWS depends on spotter groups for information – including hail reports, wind reports, tornadoes, and damage assessment. The Paducah, KY NWS Depends on YOU and YOUR reports!
- 87. Who are storm spotters? . Wide range of individuals…
- 88. Who are storm spotters? . Young and old alike can help with spotting…
- 89. Who are storm spotters? . Normal people like you and me!
- 90. Of course the first storm chasers didn’t have the technology we have today! First storm chaser – 1939
- 91. Things have changed quite a bit over the century! Storm Spotting in 2012
- 92. Who Can Be A Storm Spotter? Anyone can be a severe weather spotter. Policemen, firemen, ham radio operators, weather enthusiasts and general public!
- 93. Why Are Spotters Needed? Confirmation! Better warnings Those downstream from your county We need more spotters!
- 94. The NWS depends on your reports to bridge the gap between what radar is showing and what is actually happening on the ground. Spotters are important to the warning process…
- 95. What the NWS doesn’t see can hurt you! Why should you care? Tornado Deaths From 2008-2011
- 99. This is why we care To help reduce deaths and injuries from severe weather Tornado Deaths From 2008-2011
- 100. 2011 Was a tragic and devastating year – marked with frequent and deadly severe weather outbreaks… Disheartening for emergency management, first responders, forecasters, and the general public Joplin, Missouri –Channel 13
- 101. This is why we need more spotters… You can help by joining the team! Become a STORM spotter Help keep your community safer We need more spotters!
- 102. What do you report? I am going to make this easy! We need more spotters!
- 103. Spotter reports! Please do not assume the NWS knows what is happening on the ground. They depend on your reports 1-270-744-6440 Twitter - #nwspah #tristatewx NWS stands for National Weather Service
- 104. Chris Noles photograph Leonard Costanzo Photo
- 105. When reporting hail size… Compare hail size to coins! Try to avoid saying “marble size hail” – the reason for this Is because marbles come in many sizes.
- 106. When reporting a tornado… Remember that it must be rotating in order for it to be a tornado! A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that is not touching the ground. Once it touches the ground – THEN it is a tornado
- 107. What we need most from you… Wind damage reports… Trees down – size of trees – trees blocking roadways Large branches – size of branches if possible Power lines downed by high winds Power poles snapped by high winds Hail – nickel size or greater Hail covering the ground Hail causing damage to structures or windows/windshields
- 108. What we need most from you… Structural damage… Windows blown out of houses or businesses Damage to property – including roofs blown off buildings (be as specific as possible – if it just a few shingles off a business or house then say that) Semi-trucks blown over Vehicles blown off the road Barns blown down Outbuildings damaged
- 109. What we need most from you… Flash flooding Is the water swift? Are roads being closed because the water is rising and covering them? Vehicles swept off the road? Are there any injuries or missing people?
- 110. If you are experiencing quarter size or larger hail – report it If trees and large limbs are being blown down – report it If you see a tornado - it is rotating – then report it Significant flash flooding – report it We need more spotters!
- 111. I encourage you to spot from home or work…
- 112. I encourage you to spot from home or work! We don’t need more people on the road!
- 113. 50-100 people scattered over a county is great coverage for gathering reports… Spotters scattered over a county are valuable…
- 114. 50-100 people scattered over a county is great coverage for gathering reports… Spotters scattered over a county are valuable…
- 115. Protecting your family! Most important to you… Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 116. First – who issues the watches and warnings Second – the safety plan Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 117. UNDERSTANDING Education – this is key!
- 118. Aware NOT Scared Education – this is key!
- 119. We fear the unknown Education – this is key!
- 120. I want you to be aware! Aware!
- 121. I am going to teach you how to be INFORMED! Knowledge
- 122. When you leave here you should have a better understanding of… How the process works Organized way to view information to help keep your family safer! Knowledge
- 123. Weather may seem chaotic BUT – forecasters do a great job of giving you at least a heads up as to when severe storms may occur… Knowledge
- 124. Not perfect… Forecasters are not perfect and there will be times when warnings are missed… Knowledge
- 125. HOWEVER… We usually do have a decent handle on when a weather setup may produce severe storms… Knowledge
- 126. First I want to remind you the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING Knowledge
- 127. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WATCHES… Watches mean stay alert and monitor for updates…
- 128. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WARNINGS… Warnings mean TAKE ACTION… Seek shelter when warnings are issued…
- 129. Watch = monitor Warning = TAKE ACTION Seek shelter when warnings are issued…
- 130. Each day there is a process to learning whether or not we have a threat for severe storms. Your handout has those steps to help you make decisions!
- 131. Step 1 Check the National Weather Service web-site YOUR NWS Office is located In Paducah, Kentucky!
- 132. Paducah, KY NWS National Weather Service - Paducah, Kentucky
- 133. Step 1 NWS These are the people that issue the WARNINGS
- 134. They offer you dozens of weather products to help keep you better informed!
- 135. This is not some distant government agency These are local forecasters! They CARE about you and your community.
- 136. Local – caring - forecasters
- 137. The forecasts and warnings that you hear on your weather radio are made by humans – these are your neighbors www.weather.gov
- 138. Local – caring - forecasters www.weather.gov
- 139. www.weather.gov Then click on your state/location…
- 140. National Weather Service Web-Site
- 141. Step 1 Click your location on the regional map…
- 144. Step 1 There is your forecast… Also notice the HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK… CLICK ON IT!
- 148. Step 1 You are finished with step 1… These products are updated several times a day Made by a local forecaster
- 149. Step 1 At this point you either see that there is no threat for severe weather or that you need to move on to step number 2 Decision?
- 150. Step 2 Check the Storm Prediction Center’s web-site These ar e t he peopl e t hat i ssue sever e t hunder st or mand t or nado w ches at
- 151. Storm Prediction Center They are located in Norman Oklahoma
- 152. Storm Prediction Center (SPC) www.spc.noaa.gov 1. Severe Weather Outlooks 2. Severe Weather Watches Check it daily – more than once!
- 153. Check it daily – more than once!
- 154. CONVECTIVE OUTLOOKS Check it daily – more than once!
- 155. CONVECTIVE OUTLOOK Is a fancy name for Thunderstorm Outlook! Check it daily – more than once!
- 156. Convective Outlooks FOUR RISK LEVELS! GENERAL thunderstorms SLIGHT risk for severe storms MODERATE risk for severe storms HIGH risk for severe storms Check it daily – more than once!
- 157. CONVECTIVE OUTLOOKS Click on it Check it daily – more than once!
- 158. Check it daily – more than once!
- 159. Check it daily – more than once!
- 160. Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
- 161. Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
- 162. Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
- 163. Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
- 164. Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
- 165. Storm Prediction Center (SPC) FOUR RISK LEVELS! GENERAL thunderstorms SLIGHT risk for severe storms MODERATE risk for severe storms HIGH risk for severe storms Check it daily – more than once!
- 166. Storm Prediction Center (SPC) Do not get hung up on the word SLIGHT RISK! It means severe thunderstorms are likely to occur but should be scattered in nature Check it daily – more than once!
- 167. May 23, 2011 – SPC started with slight risk a few days in advance Issued May 23rd Example
- 168. Then SPC upgraded to a moderate risk Issued May 24th Upgraded to a moderate
- 169. Then finally a high risk was outlined Issued May 25th Then upgraded to a high risk
- 171. Remember I told you not To get hung up on the word SLIGHT risk? This is why… !
- 172. April 23, 2011
- 175. February 29, 2012 Another SLIGHT risk event !
- 179. Slight risk days can produce big outbreaks! !
- 180. End of step 2 Now you know what both The NWS and the SPC are thinking!
- 181. End of step 2 You checked the hazardous weather outlook from the NWS You checked the severe weather outlook from SPC
- 182. End of step 2 These are two of your weather partners – get to know them!
- 183. Step 3 Let’s assume there is severe weather expected… Now what?
- 184. Severe thunderstorm and Tornado watches Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 185. Listen to your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio! Watches are broadcast live! Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 186. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches… Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
- 187. If you want to view the watches… www.spc.noaa.gov Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
- 188. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches… Watches mean STAY ALERT and MONITOR UPDATES… Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
- 190. What about WARNINGS…
- 191. Listen to your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio! Warnings are broadcast live! Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 192. If you want to view the WARNINGS… www.weather.gov Then click on your state/location…
- 193. National Weather Service Web-Site Click your location
- 194. National Weather Service Web-Site
- 195. Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WARNINGS… Warnings mean TAKE ACTION… National Weather Service - Paducah, Kentucky
- 197. Polygon Warnings
- 198. Also known as storm based warnings
- 199. What is the definition of a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM?
- 200. Severe Thunderstorm Definition 2 Parts – HAIL and WIND Hail 1” or larger OR Winds of 58 MPH or greater Or a tornado Severe Thunderstorms Have A Definition!
- 201. Storm Based Warnings
- 202. Protecting your family! I am going to tell you several ways to help keep you safer! Chris Landsberger Photograph
- 208. You should have an emergency kit with at least 3 days worth of water and food (per person). Flashlight – after a tornado it can be extremely dark Keep shoes by the bed at night Battery powered radio Medicines First aid kit
- 209. Keep a helmet Keep blankets - pillow Keep a flashlight – shoes – battery powered radio
- 210. If your safe spot is not moisture proof then keep all of the above in a duffle bag – plastic wrapped if necessary
- 212. WEATHER RADIO This may save your life!
- 213. EVERY family should have a NOAA ALL HAZARDS WEATHER RADIO!!!!
- 214. Midland 300 or 301 This is the model I use each and every day! Midland 300 All Hazards Weather Radio
- 216. Around $1 a month - WeatherCall WeatherCall delivers NWS warnings to any type of phone, SMS text, or email address – 24 hours a day! ONLY calls you if YOUR home is in the warning.
- 217. Will call you ONLY if you are in the warning box!
- 218. How do you receive your warnings? Have more than one avenue for information…
- 220. Trust our local storm teams! Local TV Stations Local Radio Stations Have more than one avenue for information…
- 221. When I say TEAM – I mean it Phone Online NWS Chat Conference Calls Texting Radio communication Twitter/Facebook We work together!
- 222. And while I am on the subject of media… Social
- 223. Social Media Updates! Have more than one avenue for information…
- 224. Our local storm teams also have Facebook and Twitter Local Radio Stations Have more than one avenue for information…
- 227. Weatherobservatory.com – click EMAIL UPDATES
- 234. Home Page
- 237. We are constantly looking for new ways to keep you informed and aware!