As of this post, all eyes are on Hurricane Delta, the second hurricane of the Atlantic 2020 to make landfall on the central USA Gulf Coast. Delta is a perfect example of a hurricane that has achieved major status during it’s life cycle after starting out with very humble origins. This kind of rapid intensification is something we’ll be seeing more often. This week’s post includes information and links on hurricane preparation. In addition, western USA wildfires continue to rage out of control and a gigafire…the first million acre wildfire on record, has taken place. As a result, air quality for many regions far from the fires has become a significant public health issue. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.
- This is a very thought provoking read on the current state of the societal attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic. “As troubling as our pandemic response has been, the largest gap may not be between our performance and that of other countries but between our pre-pandemic understanding of America and what we now see revealed.”
- While on the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s a spot-on essay that has been a long time coming and pulls no punches where they are deserved. “Dying In A Leadership Vacuum.“
- The time to reevaluate the USA’s position as a leader in scientific endeavors has come. “Is America Finally Ready To Become A Scientific Nation?“
- “Life on Venus? Scientists hunt for the truth.” The surprise discovery of gas that could be a sign of life on Venus has reignited scientific interest in Earth’s closest neighbor.
- Speaking of our solar system, here’s a solid read on the origins of our universe.
- As wildfires continue to ravage many western USA states, air quality has become a major public health issue. Fortunately, there are new apps and sensors to help people assess their personal risks.
- Over four million acres have burned in California during 2020. While that number is useful, it may not be the most important number for us to focus on.
- Gigafire is the new term for wildfires this bad. “Scientists didn’t expect wildfires this terrible for another 30 years.“
- Now that a million acre wildfire known as a gigafire has taken place, what are the long-term implications for such an unprecedented event?
- Last but not least, some good news in 2020. The USA may see the fewest lightning deaths in a single year in recorded history.
HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Hurricane Delta is, as of this post, forecast to make landfall on the USA’s Gulf Coast. 2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of September 18th, twenty-two named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.
This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For folks living in regions prone to hurricanes, it’s not too late to assemble your kits for home and your place of work. A kit like this can also be helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes.
I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch
Copyright © 1998 – 2020 Tornado Quest, LLC
TORNADO QUEST 