severe weather presentation
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Keeping Your Family SafeBy Meteorologist Beau Dodson
Severe WeatherSafety
FIRST…
Thank you for inviting meto discuss severe weather
and spotting with you!
I am not here to sugarcoatwhat is happening with
our weather.
I am here to help you understand the warnings process
and how you can be weather-aware
It would be impossible for meto cover everything you need
to know.
When this is finished, though, I hope you have a better understanding
of the process
We live in an active region of the country…
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.
People in our region are “weather-aware”…
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
So, yes – I do chase – snowstorms!
But when it comes to severe storms and tornadoes – I am committed to emergency management, media, and others…
I run the Weather Observatorywww.weatherobservatory.com
This is where I forecast from
Facebook and Twitter
Find me on Facebook under Beau Dodson Weather
Weeeeeee Weeeee Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…
EXTREME weather – are you used to it yet?
We should be used to it by now!
Extreme Weather Events!
2003Jena Hillebrand Photograph
Ohio Valley Pre-Christmas Blizzard!
Extreme Weather Events!
2004
Ice Storm
Extreme Weather Events! 2008
Chris Ellis Photograph
Remnants of Hurricane Ike
Extreme Weather Events!
2008
Catastrophic Ice Storm
Extreme Weather Events!
2009
Severe drought hits our region…
Extreme Weather Events!
2010
2010
The Great Flood…
Extreme Weather Events!
2011
2011 Tornado Strikes Bardwell, Kentucky!
Extreme Weather Events!
Larrah Workman Photograph
Extreme Weather Events!
Larrah Workman Photograph
2011 Tornado Strikes Bardwell, Kentucky!
The Bardwell Tornado
Radar from April 23, 2011
Radar images from the NWS
Bardwell
The Bardwell Tornado
Radar from April 23, 2011
Bardwell
Bardwell
Leap Year Outbreak48 Tornadoes
2012
Paducah, KY NWSForecast Area11 Confirmed
Tornadoes&
13 Killed in the regional
outbreak…
Ogden Landing Road
National Weather Service Photograph
Bandana, KY
National Weather Service Photograph
Harrisburg, Illinois
The Southern Illinoisan
The Southern Illinoisan
Harrisburg, Illinois
Harrisburg, Illinois
Ridgway, Illinois
Then a few days laterRare event
March 2, 2012
March 2nd Event
160 TORNADOES
March 2nd Event
37 Lives lost
21 Lives lost in Kentucky
Historic?
Top 3 largestoutbreaks so
early in the year
Most EF3tornadoes in themonth of March
in Kentucky
Henryville, Indiana TornadoJenn Brindley Photograph
Social Media Photograph
Unheard of MarchTemperatures
Extremely Rare
2163 Records Last Week
117 Years Of Record Keeping
Fourth Warmest Winter For the United States
But wait! It isn’t warm everywhere
Blue and green areas are below normal
Is the weather broken?
Global warming or normal cycles?
What’s causing this?
Global warming or normal cycles?
It is a complex issue
An important issue
What’s causing this?
Global warming or normal cycles?
Expect the unexpected!
Our region experiences some of the nations most extreme weather!
Not uncommon to have snow and tornadoes in the same week!
What has all of the above meant for you?
Fear of weatherCostly for your families $$$
Hollywood version of disasters…
Tornadoes are not sexy…
You and I know this…
This is Hollywood…
This is reality…
AP Photo/Mike Gullett
This is reality…
AP Photo/Mike Gullett
This is reality…
Chris Landsberger Photograph
This is reality…
Chris Landsberger Photograph
AP Photo/Mike Gullett
Scary…Tragic…Painful…
2011 The Year Of The Tornado…
Chris Landsberger Photograph
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – AP Photo
Fighting back…
Chris Landsberger Photograph
The National Weather Service needs your help!
First respondersVolunteersWorking togetherEducating
ourselvesPreparing our
families
They need your reports!
The National Weather Serviceneeds your help!
The NWS depends on spotters for ground truth reports!
Work together!
TEAM WORK!
We need you to beon our team!
SpottersRelaying
information
And ears!
Paducah, KY NWS
Needs YourEyes!!!
Ground Truth Reports!
Paducah, KY NWS
What is going on
in your area
What is happening on the ground…
The Paducah NWS Office covers these counties
Paducah, KY NWS
KPAH
The Paducah, KY NWS Depends on YOU and YOUR reports!
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.
Wide range of individuals…
Who are storm spotters?.
Young and old alike can help with spotting…
Who are storm spotters?.
Normal people like you and me!
Who are storm spotters?.
First storm chaser – 1939
Of course the first storm chasers didn’t have the technology we have today!
Storm Spotting in 2012
Things have changed quite a bit over the century!
Who Can Be A Storm Spotter? Anyone can be a severe weather spotter.
Policemen, firemen, ham radio operators, weather enthusiasts and general public!
We need more spotters!
Why Are Spotters Needed?
Confirmation!Better warnings Those downstream from your
county
Spotters are important to the warning process…
The NWS depends on your reports to bridge the gap between what radar is showing and what is actually happening on the ground.
Tornado Deaths From 2008-2011
What the NWS doesn’t see can hurt you!
Why should you care?
125 21
45 551
2008
20112010
2009
125 21
45 551
2008
20112010
2009
2012
55
Tornado Deaths From 2008-2011
This is why we care
To help reduce deathsand injuries from severe weather
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
We need more spotters!
This is why we need more spotters…
You can help by joining the team!Become a STORM spotterHelp keep your community safer
We need more spotters!
What do you report?
I am going to make this easy!
Spotter reports!
Please do not assume the NWS knows what is happening on the ground.
They depend on your reports
1-270-744-6440Twitter - #nwspah #tristatewx
NWS stands for National Weather Service
Chris Noles photograph
Leonard Costanzo Photo
When reporting hail size…
Compare hail size to coins!
Try to avoid saying “marble size hail” – the reason for thisIs because marbles come in many sizes.
When reporting a tornado…
Remember that it must be rotating in order for itto be a tornado!
A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that is nottouching the ground.
Once it touches the ground – THEN it is a tornado
What we need most from you…
Wind damage reports…
Trees down – size of trees – trees blocking roadwaysLarge branches – size of branches if possible
Power lines downed by high winds Power poles snapped by high winds
Hail – nickel size or greaterHail covering the ground
Hail causing damage to structures or windows/windshields
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 overVehicles blown off the road
Barns blown downOutbuildings damaged
What we need most from you…
Flash flooding
Is the water swift?
Are roads being closed because the water is risingand covering them?
Vehicles swept off the road? Are there any injuries or missing people?
We need more spotters!
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
I encourage you to spot from home or work…
We don’t need more people on the road!
I encourage you to spot from home or work!
Spotters scattered over a county are valuable…
50-100 people scattered over a county is great coverage for gathering reports…
Spotters scattered over a county are valuable…
50-100 people scattered over a county is great coverage for gathering reports…
Protecting your family!
Most important to you…
Chris Landsberger Photograph
First – who issues thewatches and warnings
Second – the safety plan
Chris Landsberger Photograph
UNDERSTANDING
Education – this is key!
AwareNOT
Scared
Education – this is key!
We fearthe unknown
Education – this is key!
I want youto be aware!
Aware!
I am going to teach youhow to be INFORMED!
Knowledge
When you leave here you should have a better understanding of…
How the process works
Knowledge
Organized way to view informationto help keep your family safer!
Weather may seem chaotic
BUT – forecasters do a greatjob of giving you at least a
headsup as to when severe storms
may occur…
Knowledge
Not perfect…
Forecasters are not perfect and
there will be times when warnings
are missed…
Knowledge
HOWEVER…
We usually do havea decent handle on when
a weather setup may producesevere storms…
Knowledge
First I want to remind you the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING
Knowledge
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WATCHES…
Watches mean stay alertand monitor for updates…
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WARNINGS…
Seek shelter when warnings are issued…
Warnings mean TAKE ACTION…
Watch = monitorWarning = TAKE ACTION
Seek shelter when warnings are issued…
Each day there is a processto learning whether or not
we have a threat for severe storms.
Your handout has those steps
to help you make decisions!
Step 1
Check the National Weather Service web-site
YOUR NWS Office is locatedIn Paducah, Kentucky!
National Weather Service - Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah, KY NWS
Step 1
NWS
These are the people that issue
the WARNINGS
They offer you dozens of weather
products to help keep you better informed!
This is not some distantgovernment agency
These are local forecasters!They CARE about you and
your community.
Local – caring - forecasters
The forecasts and warningsthat you hear on your
weather radio are madeby humans – these are
your neighbors
www.weather.gov
Local – caring - forecasters
www.weather.gov
Then click on your state/location…
www.weather.gov
National Weather Service Web-Site
Step 1
Click your location on theregional map…
Step 1
There is your forecast…
Also notice the HAZARDOUS WEATHER
OUTLOOK…
CLICK ON IT!
Step 1
You are finished with step 1…
These products areupdated several times a
dayMade by a local forecaster
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?
Step 2
Check the Storm Prediction
Center’s web-site
These are the people that issuesevere thunderstorm and tornado
watches
They are located in Norman Oklahoma
Storm Prediction Center
Check it daily – more than once!
Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
www.spc.noaa.gov
1. Severe Weather Outlooks
2. Severe Weather Watches
Check it daily – more than once!
Check it daily – more than once!
CONVECTIVE OUTLOOKS
Check it daily – more than once!
CONVECTIVE OUTLOOK Is a fancy name for
Thunderstorm Outlook!
Check it daily – more than once!
Convective Outlooks
FOUR RISK LEVELS!GENERAL thunderstorms
SLIGHT risk for severe stormsMODERATE risk for severe storms
HIGH risk for severe storms
Check it daily – more than once!
CONVECTIVE OUTLOOKS
Click on it
Check it daily – more than once!
Check it daily – more than once!
Click on the map
Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
Categories
Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
ChooseTornado
Wind Or hail
Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
2% chanceof a tornado within 25 miles of your location
Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
15% chanceof a damaging winds within
25 miles of your location
Day 1 Severe Storm Outlook
15% chanceof a large hail within
25 miles of your location
Check it daily – more than once!
Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
FOUR RISK LEVELS!GENERAL thunderstorms
SLIGHT risk for severe stormsMODERATE risk for severe storms
HIGH risk for severe storms
Check it daily – more than once!
Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
Do not get hung up on the wordSLIGHT RISK!
It means severe thunderstorms are likely
to occur but should be scattered in nature
May 23, 2011 – SPC started with slight risk a few days in advance
Example
Issued May 23rd
Then SPC upgraded to a moderate risk
Upgraded to a moderate
Issued May 24th
Then finally a high risk was outlined
Then upgraded to a high risk
Issued May 25th
Major outbreak occurred…
!
Remember I told you notTo get hung up on the word
SLIGHT risk?
This is why…
April 23, 2011
Slight Risk!
The tornado riskWas 2%
The tornado riskWas 2%
!
February 29, 2012Another SLIGHT risk event
Large slight risk
The tornado risk was 5%
Major outbreak of killer tornadoes
!
Slight risk days canproduce big outbreaks!
End of step 2
Now you know what both
The NWS and the SPC are thinking!
End of step 2
You checked the hazardous
weather outlook from the NWS
You checked the severe weather outlook from SPC
End of step 2
These are two of your weather partners – get
to know them!
Step 3
Let’s assume there issevere weather
expected…
Now what?
Severe thunderstormand
Tornado watches
Chris Landsberger Photograph
Listen to your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio!
Chris Landsberger Photograph
Watches are broadcast live!
Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches…
Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
If you want to view the watches…
www.spc.noaa.gov
Storm Prediction Center, Norman Oklahoma
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches…
Watches mean STAY ALERT and MONITOR UPDATES…
What aboutWARNINGS…
Listen to your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio!
Chris Landsberger Photograph
Warnings are broadcast live!
Then click on your state/location…
If you want to view the WARNINGS…
www.weather.gov
National Weather Service Web-Site
Click your location
National Weather Service Web-Site
Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm WARNINGS…
National Weather Service - Paducah, Kentucky
Warnings mean TAKE ACTION…
Tornado Warning
Tornado Warning
Polygon Warnings
Tornado Warning
Also known as storm based warnings
What is the definition of a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM?
Severe Thunderstorms Have A Definition!
Severe Thunderstorm Definition 2 Parts – HAIL and WIND
Hail 1” or largerOR Winds of 58 MPH or greater Or a tornado
Storm Based Warnings
Protecting your family!
I am going to tell you several ways to help keep
you safer!
Chris Landsberger Photograph
NUMBER 1
HAVE A FAMILYPLAN
READY.GOV
MAKE SURE YOURKIDS KNOW THE
PLAN!
PRACTICE THAT PLAN!
EMERGENCY KIT
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 darkKeep shoes by the bed at night
Battery powered radioMedicines
First aid kit
YOUR SAFE SPOT
Keep a helmet
Keep blankets - pillow
Keep a flashlight – shoes – battery powered radio
YOUR SAFE SPOT
If your safe spot is not moistureproof then keep all of the
above in a duffle bag – plasticwrapped if necessary
NUMBER 2
This may save your life!
WEATHER RADIO
ALL HAZARDS WEATHER RADIO!!!!
EVERY family should have a NOAA
Midland 300 All Hazards Weather Radio
Midland 300 or 301
This is the model I use each and
every day!
NUMBER 3
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.
Will call you ONLY if you are in the warning box!
Have more than one avenue for information…
How do you receive your warnings?
NUMBER 4
Have more than one avenue for information…
Trust our local storm teams!
Local Radio Stations
Local TV Stations
We work together!
When I say TEAM – I mean it
PhoneOnline NWS ChatConference Calls
TextingRadio
communicationTwitter/Facebook
Social
And while I am on the subject of media…
Have more than one avenue for information…
Social Media Updates!
Have more than one avenue for information…
Our local storm teams also have
Facebook and Twitter
Local Radio Stations
NUMBER 5
HEADS UP EMAIL
SIGN UP!
Weatherobservatory.com – click EMAIL UPDATES
NUMBER 6
SMART-PHONES
RADAR - CELL PHONE
RadarScopewww.basevelocity.com
Imap Weather Radioimapweatherradio.c
om
Imap Weather Radioimapweatherradio.c
om
Home Page
We are constantly looking for newways to keep you informed
and aware!
Storm-ReadySupporter
EMAIL ME QUESTIONS
I WILL ALWAYS RESPOND
BEAUDODSON@USAWX.COM
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