Why Little League Games Need to Be Called Off BEFORE the Sirens Sound

By -
Sigh. Here we go again.

Over the years, I have found that little league umpires (baseball, soccer, football, doesn't matter) are extremely reluctant to call a game for weather no matter how dangerous conditions are. I remember getting into a shouting match with an umpire during son Brandon's little league game as extremely dangerous and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning was approaching and had gotten within three miles.

Now, we have a video of a little league game continuing as tornado sirens sounded last week. That is no surprise to me.
When the threat is major ("high" risk of tornadoes) or there is another substantial severe weather threat, and it is known eleven hours in advance, the games never should have been played. League officials should have called them off in plenty of time to notify players and parents.

My experience is there is a macho thing going on. Umpires and referees don't want to look like wimps by calling the games due to weather. Yet, lightning has been known to cause multiple fatalities in a single game.
Lightning is deadly serious.

Here is some lightning safety information from AccuWeather. NOAA has specific lightning safety information for Little League. Please take it to heart as we get into the heart of junior outdoor athletics.

Comments

  1. amulbunny's random thoughtsMay 23, 2017 at 8:33 PM

    I remember one game my daughter played in that was miserable. Not stormy, but drizzle. They were the little ones, playing minors, and the parents asked for the game to be called after the 4th, but the coaches and umpires said no. We all caught chills that day. Baseball is fun, but it's not fun when you can't get warm, your kid is playing shortstop and sliding on wet ground to get grounders.
    Since we didn't have the wild weather the midwest gets (on the coast in CA) we do get good old Coastal Eddy and his cousin Fog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just_a_CitizenMay 23, 2017 at 9:47 PM

    ... and then, there is Six Flags Over Texas operating their new "Joker" thrill ride with thunderstorm in immediate vicinity. Their "safety" systems stopped the ride ... with passengers trapped 12 stories up for hours. Maybe Accuweather should contact management there.

    ReplyDelete

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 is 0.1 to .25 inc
Read more