Greensburg: The Perfect Storm (Warning)!

By -
The Hutchinson News has a great article about warning of the Greensburg Tornado. That terrible storm was ten years ago this evening.

As I describe in Warnings, weather science saved more than 230 lives that night. As perspective, that is more lives than were saved in the "Miracle on the Hudson." The warnings were so good, the police and fire departments had time to proactively move emergency vehicles outside of Greensburg before the tornado struck so they would be available assist with rescues after the storm struck. As the mayor of Greensburg, Bob Dixon, told me, not only did weather science save lives, we saved the town. The Wichita Eagle has a great video if you would like to see what the town looks like now. Its recovery has been amazing.
Dave Freeman warning of the Greensburg Tornado
So, congratulations to Greensburg on its recovery. And, most of all, thanks to all of the following,
  • NWS Storm Prediction Center meteorologists for the accurate and timely tornado watch
  • Dodge City NWS meteorologists for the superb tornado warnings
  • Storm spotters and storm chasers for risking their lives for others that night (the true definition of being "heroes," by the way). Sheriff's deputy Tim Buckman gave his life tracking the storm. 
  • TV meteorologists Dave Freeman, Jay Prater and Merril Teller for an amazing job 
  • AccuWeather for its unique tornado tracking equipment used by KWCH TV and its meteorologists and chasers that evening
  • AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions (then, WeatherData, Inc.) meteorologists for keeping two Union Pacific trains out of the path of the tornado
The Dodge City NWS link connects you meteorologist Mike Umscheid's blog written a few hours after the tornado. Mike was the NWS radar meteorologist tasked that evening with warning Greensburg and the rest of southwest Kansas. While it includes a bit of meteorological jargon, it is a great review of what he did that night to get the word out. 

Weather science is dealing with some issues at the moment. I'm hopeful the National Weather Service will get its storm warning program back on track and I'm confident that AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions will continue to provide outstanding storm warning services to all of its corporate clientele. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more