The Incredible Progress in Weather Forecasting

By -
In March, 1973, there was a storm very similar to the one forecast for tomorrow. It set the all-time record low barometric pressure for the State of Kansas, which we expect to be broken tomorrow. That barometric pressure reading will be similar to the pressure in a Category 2 hurricane which is one of the reasons we are forecasting high winds over such a large geographic area.
There is one major difference: The 1973 storm was a surprise. I remember hearing news coverage as I drove home from college for spring break.

With the storm forecasted for tomorrow, detailed warnings began yesterday; two full days in advance, allowing people to,
  • Prepare for power failures.
  • Airlines can re-route flights.
  • People can travel plans.
  • Businesses can adjust logistics operations. 
  • Make sure homes are adequately stocked in case people are stuck in their homes for days due to the blizzard.
  • Departments of Transportation can gear up to close and clear roads like I-25-, I-70, I-76, and I-80. 
If people heed the warnings, there will be far fewer deaths and disruptions, when compared to the 1973 storm, in spite of a higher total population.
Proactively Cancelling Game Saving Considerable Inconvenience
And Unnecessary Travel
This progress isn't accidental. It is the result of hard, and even heroic, work by dedicated meteorologists. Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed the Weather is the never-
New Ratings at Goodreads.com from this month
before-told story of how thousands of lives have been saved from tornadoes, hurricanes and from storms unique to commercial aviation. The brand new ratings (above) from Goodreads attest to the exciting nature of the (all true) story, which is told in the style of a novel.

So, if you are looking for a great book for spring break or just for some great reading, please take a look at the green link (above). 

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