Tornado Quest Top Science Links For October 1 – 8, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this post finds all of you safe and well. The tropical Atlantic is still active even after Hurricane Ian which left a tremendous amount of damage and over 100 fatalities in it’s wake. This week, I’ll continue sharing helpful information on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario as well as an infographic cautioning you to the hazards and dangers of using unofficial sources for weather information. As usual, there are many other essential and important reads to review on climate, weather, and other science related topics, so let’s get started.

This week, we’ll start on a visually spectacular note with these amazing looks at Jupiter’s moon Europa that were captured by the Juno spacecraft.
This is a harrowing listen about environmental and public health irresponsibility that dates back to the early 1980’s. “Contempt: How Reagan’s EPA Head Became The First Cabinet-level Official Cited For Contempt Of Congress.“
Changes in past climates on our planet can quite often give us valuable insight as to what we can expect in the future with climate change.
Global weather patterns are strongly affected by this. “La Niña winters could keep on coming.” This will be the third winter in a row that the Pacific Ocean has been in a La Niña cycle.
Over a billion people depend on this water. “As Himalayan Glaciers Melt, a Water Crisis Looms in South Asia.“
A new and potentially catastrophic new normal for parts of the USA. “Megadrought could become the new normal in the south-western USA.“
Before we take a look at the latest US Drought Monitor, let’s take a look at how the ongoing drought is affecting California, only one of many states being ravaged by the current dry conditions.
Here’s a look at this weeks US Drought Monitor. With few exceptions, drought conditions continue to worsen across much of the contiguous USA. Hopefully the autumnal patterns will bring some badly needed relief but at the current time, there’s little substantial rainfall in recent outlooks.

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking for hurricane preparedness information, here’s your one stop website for everything you need to know for before, and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics below will help you prepare an emergency kit and use discretion when you come across questionable weather information/forecasts/hyperbole when online or using social media.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Infographic courtesy FEMA/Ready.gov/Red Cross

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook, a follow is appreciated! And remember, prepare ahead now for the storm you hope never happens!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for October 1 – 8, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 2 – 9, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For this week, our safety infographics cover summer heat safety. As usual, there are many topics to review, so let’s get started.

In the late 1980’s, the late great Carl Sagan gave a lecture that is worth revisiting due to the fact that it was decades ahead of its time.
This is definitely something to look forward to. NASA is giving us a subtle preview of what the new Webb telescope’s first images will look like.
Now that the USA’s EPA has had it’s power removed to stave off the effects of climate change, time will tell what will happen now that it’s up to the individual American states to either courageously take action, or forego any responsibility and duty.
Interesting read on progress that’s at risk. “Europe must not backslide on climate action despite war in Ukraine.”
A very timely and accurate read on the state of our current lack of actions regarding climate change. “Beyond Magical Thinking: Time to Get Real on Climate Change.
Here’s a very concise and essential read on how and why heat waves occur.
The latest US Drought Monitor has been released. In spite of recent rainfall, dry and/or drought conditions are spreading back into much of the great plains.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Summer heat is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths and illnesses. Due to its slow yet potentially deadly ways in which is affects the human body, even the most physically fit individual who is well hydrated can succumb to heat exhaustion or heat stroke very quickly.

The Heat Index is a very important part of summer safety. Here’s an excellent page from the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas that explains how to calculate heat index and why it’s important.

That’s a wrap for this post! Thanks to everyone for stopping by. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, or Facebook, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, stay safe, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 25 – July 2, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For this week, our safety infographic is a heat index chart which is important for summer heat safety in a myriad of ways. As usual, there are many topics to review, many with very unsettling news. Let’s get started.

Sunspots are not unusual, but it’s an exceptional event to have one double in size within 24 hours.
A bizarre case of subversion. “Subverting Climate Science in the Classroom.“
Speaking of subversion, a blow was dealt with no consideration of the future of humanity to the Environmental Protection Agency that severely curtails its ability to monitor CO2 emissions.
The Paris Agreement goals are achievable. However, it’s shameful that it took a horrific global health crisis to prove it. “Decrease in CO2 emissions during pandemic shutdown shows it is possible to reach Paris Agreement goals.”
“Climate change role clear in many extreme events but social factors also key, study finds.” Extreme weather events and frequency are sometimes overestimated but climate costs to people are often underestimated.
This interesting study says the number of tropical cyclones (aka hurricanes) has been decreasing since the beginning of the 20th century…but the devil is in the details.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving, information on severe storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this website should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for June 25 – July 2, 2022

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review will not be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For May 22 -29, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #tornado #hurricane #climate #climatechange #environment #publichealth

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking wherever you are. Across much of the western contiguous USA, drought conditions conditions to worsen. The climatological peak of the severe weather and tornado season has arrived across the North American great plains. If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review posts from March and April. You’ll find a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. It’s also important to remember that the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. Next week, we’ll start a series of hurricane safety infographics. There are many good science reads to review, so let’s get started.

Pollution from plastics is a problem that won’t go away easily. “World to waste one trillion more plastic bottles and bags by 2025 as production ramps up.”
The chances are quite good that these wind up in your vegetable garden. “‘Forever chemicals’ found in home fertilizer made from sewage sludge.”
These protected reserves should have never been disturbed in the first place. “Palaeontologists hope Biden will restore protections on fossil-rich US lands.”
Taking into consideration the severity of the ongoing drought, this will be challenging months to come. “Melting Snow Usually Means Water For The West. But This Year, It Might Not Be Enough.”
The climate crisis has far reaching effects on the Earth’s human population, and that includes mental health.
Here’s new climate data from the World Meteorological Organization. “New climate predictions increase likelihood of temporarily reaching 1.5 °C in next 5 years.”
In case you missed it, the annual Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is predicted.

A TORNADO & SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.

Where you get your weather forecasts, warnings, and other important information is as important as being informed. Discretion is of the upmost importance when you’re trying to stay weather aware. As of late, it’s been brought to my attention that there have been amateur ‘forecasters’ using graphics with the intention of appearing as professional and official sources of information on Twitter, Facebook, et al. They should NOT be taken as official sources of potentially life-saving warnings and weather forecasts and updates.

Social media is a very useful tool that can be misused for misinformation, disinformation, and hype. While this infographic is geared towards, winter weather, it certainly applies to ALL types of weather year round.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! As I mentioned in the introduction, if you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. Starting 5 June 2021, we’ll take a look at hurricane preparedness. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Please note: queries regarding promotions, marketing schemes, prizes, or papers that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 13 – 20, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #floodsafety #lightningsafety #climate #climatechange #environment #astronomy #covid19

Greetings to everyone and Happy Spring Equinox for folks in the Northern Hemisphere! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. This week’s post contains more severe weather safety links with a focus on taking shelter during flash flooding and lightning. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

The sciences are unique in the fact that they are ever changing in terms of the pursuit of knowledge and advancements in technology. But, there are some changes that are not for the common good. “Science Goes Rogue” by Lawrence M. Krauss goes into further detail.
Here are some amazing images of a very inhospitable planet. No probe sent to Venus has lasted very long due to the intense heat, toxic atmosphere, and crushing atmospheric pressures.
Speaking of rovers on other planets, check out the sounds of a rover on Mars as it’s on the move!
A very good read on the connection of pollinators and climate. “Pollinators are our secret weapon in the fight against global warming.” Pollinators have a critical, but largely unappreciated, role to play when it comes to climate change.
Science has finally returned to the US government. “Facts Are Back, And So Is The EPA’s Climate Change Website.” “The website currently links to resources on climate research, clean energy programs, information for kids, and it says it will be adding more soon.”
A very challenging but worthwhile goal for the USA. “The race to zero: can America reach net-zero emissions by 2050?”
This is an excellent and important read from NOAA. “Government Interventions Rather Than Climate Conditions Primarily Curb COVID-19’s Spread, NOAA and International Team Say.“
We’ve all seen photographs of snowflakes, but these take a specialize kind of photography to a new level. “Snowflakes as You’ve Never Seen Them Before.”
The World Meteorological Organization recently made some changes in how it will use tropical cyclone/hurricane names and the Greek alphabet.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Let’s start with an excellent two-page printable PDF file from NOAA that covers the basics of severe weather safety.

Tornadoes, Lightning, and Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (20 Page PDF File).

This NOAA safety page has a plethora of good information on staying safe during weather and climate issues from air quality to lightning to tornadoes to wildfires.

This long-standing site has the basics of tornado safety rules.

Highway overpasses are often mistaken as a safe haven from severe weather and especially tornadoes. NOTHING ABOUT THIS MYTH IS REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE TRUTH.

The Online Tornado FAQ…another excellent long-standing site with very important information.

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: FLASH FLOOD AND LIGHTNING SAFETY!

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Tallahassee, FL

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll take a look at more severe weather safety. I’d like to extend a big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy! See you next Saturday!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For November 9 – 15, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #pollution #wildfire #windchill #astronomy #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a more concise overview of my intro from the last few weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog of my choice of top ten science reads from the past week. This will be published every Friday between 2:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (2000 UTC to 2100 UTC). Coverage will be what my followers in social media are interested in and other topics that are of scientific importance; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery during my rehabilitation from prostate cancer surgery. To say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead and a medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life. On that note, let’s get started on this week’s reads.

Winter has already made its presence known across much of North America. Wind chill is a significant and underrated hazard for those who have to be out in the cold on windy days. These helpful infographics from NOAA will help you understand wind chill and how to dress to protect yourself. The American Red Cross also has an excellent read on winter weather preparation and safety.

Wildfire activity hasn’t been isolated to California. Here’s a concise overview of why this has also been a devastating wildfire year in Australia.
There are many obvious dangers with wildfires. The smoke close to the fires is an obvious threat. Now that smoke hazard includes many people who live some distance from the fires.
Satellites are crucial to many parts of our day-to-day life. But where does one draw the line on too many satellites?
Here’s a fascinating read on the planet in our solar system that is most like our own. “Molecular Oxygen on Mars is Behaving Unusually Through the Seasons. A Sign of Life?”
New restrictions on the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are not only censoring what studies the agency can cite in making regulations, but also endanger the public’s safety and health.
A career as an atmospheric scientist isn’t always spent in a comfortable office setting. Quite often, it takes one to some of the most remote regions of our planet to collect valuable data.
Get used to this new norm. “Climate Whiplash: Wild Swings in Extreme Weather Are on the Rise.”
In this contentious day and age, we can take solace in this. “Americans maintain high levels of trust in science.”
Last but certainly not least, #Movember continues! This is one month out of the year when men around the globe grow facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, so is Tornado Quest. I’d like to thank so many of you again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. As of this post, I’m still recovering well from surgery. Cancer does not have to be an automatic death sentence and I have no intention of giving up this fight and will accept nothing but absolute and total victory. If you’re a male over the age of 40, you should discuss getting your PSA tested with your doctor. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For June 15 – 22, 2019

Greetings and Happy Summer Solstice to my followers and friends in the Northern Hemisphere! Happy winter for those south of the equator! An active severe weather period has been in place across much of North America for the past few days. By the end of 2019, there will be many records set. Speaking of records, we have several links concerning climate records that are being broken globally. Plenty of other topics to cover, so let’s get started.

For research meteorologists, studying tornadoes in the field is a dauntless and dangerous pursuit. Here’s a very unique way of studying that information. “This beastly tornado left behind captivating images and an incredible set of data.”
With each passing year, heat records continue to be broken on a global scale. At the current rate of warming, over half of the globe will have set records by the end of the 21st century.
Consensus on any topic when a panel of experts is involved is challenging. In this case, there was a variety of opinions, but the same general agreement.
There’s a lot in a name. Sometimes changing that name or term can be little more than confusing process over content. In this case and whilst going by scientific data, a name change wouldn’t be out of the question. “Is it time to retire ‘climate change’ for ‘climate crisis’?”
The USA’s EPA just changed their game when it comes to climate change…and it doesn’t look good by any measure.
An interesting read on the many facets of the economy that are affected by climate change.
Teaching our children about climate change can be very challenging. Here’s one schools solution to the problem.
This is truly an astounding image and an impressive astronomical achievement. “OSIRIS-REx spacecraft captures closest ever image of asteroid Bennu.”
For folks in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice has arrived. We are aware of how these long hours of daylight affect us, but how does it affect wildlife?
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season has arrived…and it’s time to prepare for the storm you hope never gives you a visit.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

Testing your NOAA weather radio year round is one of the best ways to stay informed on weather conditions for your area regardless of the season. Many National Weather Service offices conduct weekly tests. It’s also a good idea to replace the batteries in your NOAA weather radio when you change batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

Infographic courtesy NWS Amarillo, Texas

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years. One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Flash flooding is the number one killer related to severe thunderstorms. Here are some very important flash flood safety tips to remember.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

National Weather Service Homepage

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving weather information, watches, and warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post! Next week, I’ll include some summer safety infographics along with hurricane preparedness information. To my new followers out there, I’d like to extend a very sincere “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, your loyalty is deeply appreciated. Thanks so much for the support and kind words!

Cheers!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Tornado Quest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tornadoquest

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For May 25 – June 1, 2019

Greetings to everyone and Happy Meteorological Summer to my followers and friends in the Northern Hemisphere! It’s also the official first day of the Atlantic hurricane season. May was a wild weather month for much of the Great Plains in the USA with substantial numbers of tornadoes and record breaking floods across much of the Arkansas River basin. Many more topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

The planet Mars is a very dusty location with our amazing rovers getting a thorough covering of Martian dust in short order. Fortunately, there’s a solution.
An amazing discover that gives us a look back in time. “This Seawater Is 20,000 Years Old, and Has Remained Untouched Since the Last Ice Age.”
Wildfires can devastate areas that are full of homes, businesses, and other populated areas. When looked at from a nature perspective, they truly are a very normal part of how our planet operates.
I’d like to this this was in jest, but it’s not. Apparently, changing a name makes all the difference in the world. Not.
This gives new meaning to the phrase, “cooking the books.” “E.P.A. Plans to Get Thousands of Pollution Deaths Off the Books by Changing Its Math.”
In recent years, climate discussions have rarely centered around the Earth’s ozone layer. New studies have begun to focus on this very important part of our planet’s atmosphere.
“As a climate researcher, should I change my air-travel habits?” Personally speaking, I wouldn’t and feel this is a subject that many are taking far too seriously.
These ideas should be implemented in other USA states as well. “Louisiana has a new plan to prevent flood disasters.”
Recent global weather patterns have led to the above average number of tornadoes across much of the USA’s Great Plains. Here’s a concise read on why this happened.
Here’s a more detailed look at the May 2019 tornado activity across the USA. This month is certainly going to be one for the record books.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

Testing your NOAA weather radio year round is one of the best ways to stay informed on weather conditions for your area regardless of the season. Many National Weather Service offices conduct weekly tests. It’s also a good idea to replace the batteries in your NOAA weather radio when you change batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years. One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

National Weather Service Homepage

Storm Prediction Center

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Sky Watcher Cloud Chart: An excellent 2 page PDF file from NOAA and NASA on cloud types and and information on how clouds form.

Tornadoes, Lightning, & Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (PDF file)

Tornado Safety Rules from the Storm Prediction Center

Highway Overpasses As Tornado Shelters (Slide Presentation)

The Online Tornado FAQ

Facts About Derechos

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving weather information, watches, and warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post! To my new followers, I’d like to extend a very sincere “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, your loyalty is deeply appreciated. Thanks so much for the support and kind words!

Cheers!

Tornado Quest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

Tornado Quest on Tumblr: http://tornadoquest.tumblr.com

Tornado Quest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tornadoquest

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For March 23 – 30, 2019

Greetings everyone! Spring is in full swing across much of North American. March is a very histrionic month, especially for the USA. Seasonal changes can bring about wild swings in temperature, wind, precipitation types, and amounts. As usual, there are plenty of topics to cover this week…from dinosaurs to tornado climatology…so let’s get started.

For my fellow dinosaur fans, here’s a fascinating look at what is most likely the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex remains ever discovered. The most startling revelation is the idea that these exceptionally large carnivores were actually larger than previously thought.
The world’s climate zones are shifting…and that has serious ramifications for public health, food and water security, and local economies.
Cyclone Idai has devastated several southern African countries. There is growing evidence that climate change is playing a part in making such storms more intense.
The former UN high commissioner for human rights and special envoy for climate change speaks out on those who deny climate science. “Climate change denial is evil, says Mary Robinson.”
This is a good example of irresponsible regression at its best. “EPA Science Panel Considering Guidelines That Upend Basic Air Pollution Science.”
A billion people will be newly exposed to diseases like dengue fever as world temperatures rise due to climate change. According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world and carry diseases that cause millions of deaths every year.
Studying the climate of Antarctica isn’t easy, but it’s very important. This new study shows the importance of a few intense storms in Antarctica and how they control snow fall amounts across the continent.
The March 2019 floods across the plains states of the USA were devastating in so many ways. It’s estimated that approximately one million acres of USA cropland was covered by the floodwaters…and that has long-term deleterious ramifications for farmers and the vast amount of crops they produce annually.
Tornadoes are well documented and studied widely across the USA. In Canada, where they have their fair share of tornadoes, efforts to study the frequency of tornadoes is ramping up. “When something happens that forecasters didn’t understand, like a tornado occurs with a storm they didn’t expect, having that data allows them to look at the relationships between the meteorology…and the tornadoes.”
Speaking of tornadoes, here’s a very informative look at tornado occurrence and climatology across the USA and the rest of the planet.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

One crucial element to being “severe weather savvy” is understanding the process of severe weather outlooks and local forecasts and warnings. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) will issue daily thunderstorm outlooks. The risk categories can run from ‘general’ thunderstorms to the very rare High Risk scenarios. Understanding what each risk category means is very important. Equally important is to remember than Marginal or Slight does not mean that storms will be ‘marginally’ or ‘slightly’ severe. Tornadoes have occurred on Marginal Risk days. The SPC has further information on risk categories at this page.

When a tornado warning is issued, those in it’s path are not always at their homes. Here’s an excellent infographic with safety information on what to do if you’re not in a sturdy, well-built frame house structure.

National Weather Service Homepage

Storm Prediction Center

National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Sky Watcher Cloud Chart: An excellent 2 page PDF file from NOAA and NASA on cloud types and and information on how clouds form.

Tornadoes, Lightning, & Thunderstorms: Nature’s Most Violent Storms (PDF file)

Tornado Safety Rules from the Storm Prediction Center

Highway Overpasses As Tornado Shelters (Slide Presentation)

The Online Tornado FAQ

Facts About Derechos

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

Please keep in mind that ONLY your local National Weather Service office, NOAA Weather Radio, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving weather information, watches, and warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post I’d like to extend a very warm “Welcome” to my new followers in social media and a sincere “Thank You” for my long-time followers! Thanks to all of you for all the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

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A TORNADO & SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY REMINDER

PREPARING A SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHICS: FLASH FLOOD AND LIGHTNING SAFETY!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Flash flooding is the number one killer related to severe thunderstorms. Here are some very important flash flood safety tips to remember.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

Share this:

Like this:

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics that will provide a starting point for gathering online severe weather information. I hope you find plentiful information here that will help you become better prepared as we navigate one of the most volatile climactic seasons on our planet.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

This excellent Emergency Kit checklist from the American Red Cross is very helpful in assisting you while you compile items for your kit. A kit like this should be available year round…there are many winter weather scenarios where the same items will come in handy.

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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