Tornado Quest Top Science Links For August 20 – 27, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. This week also marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm on the Florida coast. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

Category 5 Hurricane Andrew crossing the Florida peninsula on 24 August 1992. Image courtesy NOAA.

This past week marked the 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew making landfall as a rare Category 5 storm. NOAA has an excellent look back at this watershed event and explains how the meteorological technology has changed over the past 3 decades.
It’s no surprise that misinformation and disinformation have spread like wildfire across every form of communication imaginable. Is it possible to inoculate the general public from this rubbish?
Spruce trees are spreading into areas of Alaska and the Arctic tundra. That may sound good, but the truth is otherwise.
The lower water levels on the Danube river aren’t good, but they’ve also revealed a hidden side to 20th century history that has been under water for decades.
On the wildfire front, fires have not only been on the increase, but they’re now burning almost twice as much forest cover as they did 20 years ago.
As we enter into the USA’s fourth month of “Danger Season,” here’s a sobering look at the year so far.
Contrary to what the climate change deniers insist is truth, the real reality is that concern in the American public over climate change, present and future, is wide spread and growing.

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, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, stay safe, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 20 – 27, 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 August 13 – 20, 2022

Category 4 Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020. Satellite image: NOAA

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet, but that could change over the next few weeks. In the meantime, I will share some infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. There are many other essential and important reads to review, so let’s get started.

The academic environment in our colleges and universities isn’t what it used to be. The love of teaching, conveying knowledge, and mentoring older teens and young adults so they will become productive citizens with a keen concept of critical thinking is quickly becoming extinct.
Our planet Earth spins on its axis at around 1,000 miles per hour. That may sound simple enough, but there’s more to that simple fact.
This is a very thought provoking read. “We exist. What can that fact teach us about the Universe?“
Huge volcanic eruptions present an underrated hazard to humans in many areas around the globe. It’s time to buckle down on forecasting these eruptions and taking steps before they happen to reduce damage and the toll they take on human lives.
This has been a record breaking year for wildfires in Europe with an area of approximately the same size as one-fifth of Belgium having already been burned.
Megafloods and megafires in California share one link…climate change.
The more sea ice loss is studied, the more dour the research findings become. Those very important findings also come with an ominous warning.
As our oceans warm, the patterns in our tropical cyclones/hurricanes have changed. In fact, NOAA is considering changing the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 to May 15.
With the Atlantic hurricane season upon us, here are some excellent NOAA and National Weather Service hurricane safety resources all on one website.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 13 – 20, 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 30 – August 6, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. Across much of North America, a brutal heat wave that has turned lethal continues to have many states in its grip. Because of this ongoing and very serious danger, we’ll continue this week with safety infographics on heat safety. There are many other essential reads to review, so let’s get started.

This is an excellent analysis of hundreds of scientific studies. “Revealed: how climate breakdown is supercharging toll of extreme weather.”
This is a concise overview of the deadliest kind of flooding you’re most likely to encounter…flash flooding.
While on the topic of floods, it’s imperative that you know your risk of being in a flood regardless of where you live.
Many USA cities are not prepared for this kind of heat. “Hotter than Dubai: US cities at risk of Middle Eastern temperatures by 2100.“
August is well underway and so is the continuation of dry and above average temperatures expected for much of the contiguous USA.

SUMMER WEATHER SAFETY

Summer heat is the leading causes of weather related death and illness. 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. As of mid July, over ten deaths have occurred in the USA due to individuals being left in vehicles. All of those fatalities were preventable. Summer heat is often called the ‘silent killer‘ and for good reason. Much of the contiguous USA is in the midst of a brutal heat wave with little to no relief in long range forecasts. Take the heat safety information below very seriously. It could save a life.

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.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 30 – August 6, 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 23 – 30, 2022

Surviving any natural disaster is traumatic enough. For many, their unstable financial, housing, food, and family dynamics often make the recovery even more challenging in a myriad of ways.
Deadly flooding has taken place in several USA states with Kentucky being the hardest hit as of this post. Here’s some excellent post-flood safety advice on how to stay safe even after the waters have receded.
Heat waves are often depicted in the media as ‘fun in the sun time.’ Nothing could be further from the truth.
Speaking of heat, here’s an excellent listen from Science Friday on how the human body reacts to high temperatures and how to stay safe.
Disinformation deliberately spread by those with nefarious agendas. “Climate disinformation leaves lasting mark as world heats.“
This is an exceptionally unusual and unsettling event. “Freezing point climbs to record high above Swiss Alpine summits.“
Here’s a technical but very interesting read on the dangers of heat, it’s relation to hospital emergency room visits, and mortality. “In the United States (US), despite continued increases in the availability of air conditioning, the burden of disease from days of extreme heat remains stubbornly high, with thousands of excess deaths attributable to heat each year.”

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. As of mid July, over ten deaths have occurred in the USA due to individuals being left in vehicles. All of those fatalities were preventable. Summer heat is often called the ‘silent killer‘ and for good reason. Much of the contiguous USA is in the midst of a brutal heat wave with little to no relief in long range forecasts. Take the heat safety information below very seriously. It could save a life.

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 23 – 30 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 June 18 – 25, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. This week we’ll start taking a look at summer safety with an infographic on preventing heat related deaths in automobiles. There are several other interesting topics to review, so let’s get started.

The Voyager spacecraft have been going strong since 1977. At this point in their life cycle, NASA is beginning to power them down.
This is a sobering listen on being put in a situation where you can only watch a wildfire rage out of control.
Is the recent flooding in the USA’s Yellowstone National Park a sign of things to come? Yes. And it also applies to the over 420 other American national parks as well.
This is an interesting new tool that helps you discover the influence of climate change on local weather in real time.
While the focus for greenhouse gasses has been on the most popular sources, here’s a source that has been quietly doubling for the past 20 years.
This past week marked the summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere. Do you know the difference between the meteorological and astronomical seasons?
A third La Niña year for our planet is forecast. Meteorologists say this is very unusual and we should prepare for the coming extreme weather events as the Earth continues to warm.

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 18 – 25, 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 April 30 – May 7, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on the dangers of flooding. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start off with a spectacular view. “A ‘galaxy’ is unmasked as a pulsar — the brightest outside the Milky Way.”
Here’s another interesting astronomy read with a trip to Mars and a look at how the Martian south pole was sculpted by carbon dioxide.
Unfortunately, this may become commonplace. With an ongoing drought and no relief in sight, some California residents are required to ration water.
A sobering read on the connection between climate change and viral outbreaks and the ramifications for public health.
Drought is one issue. Another important facet to consider is the amount of moisture transferred from land surfaces into our atmosphere.
Andover, Kansas was struck by a tornado on 29 April 2022. This spectacular surveillance camera view shows the tornado’s change in inflow winds & vortex structural changes including an amazing helical structure.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Flooding or flash flooding is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths in the USA with more annual deaths than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Even the largest trucks with plenty of ground clearance can be swept away by modest flash floods.

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 winter 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 April 30 – May 7, 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 February 26 – March 5, 2022

Interesting shelf cloud formations often precede strong to severe thunderstorms.

Greetings to everyone! Happy meteorological spring to folks in the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and your week is going well. With the arrival of spring across North America, the change in seasons means an increase in severe weather activity. We’ll start off this week with a series of severe weather safety infographics to help you prepare for the coming storms. There are many other topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

The Mars Curiosity rover rolled up to a rock on the ‘red planet’ that has a bizarre shape reminiscent of a plant.
Unfortunately, this was inevitable. “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Strains International Space Station Partnership.”
The stress on the human body isn’t limited to physical health. “Psychologists Urge Peers to Take Climate Action.”
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report coveys a very sobering message.
The IPCC report, which contains data from hundreds of other research reports, also has a message that both rich and poor countries will suffer from climate change.
Our next step in dealing with climate change is to focus on solutions that will stave off immediate threats to economies, standard of living, et al. even if they aren’t what some would consider glamorous or important.
Parts of Australia have been getting pounded by relentless heavy rainfall. “Record flooding in Australia driven by La Niña & climate change.”
On the other end of the precipitation spectrum is the western USA which is in the grips of a long term drought. Cloud seeding, though not an old technique, is being considered as a way of bringing badly needed rains to parched regions.
Here’s some very important information on how to receive potentially life saving severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service on your cell phone. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) may save your life.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK is responsible for severe weather forecasts and issuing severe weather watches for the USA. This infographic explains the risk categories and the expected hazards.

Storm Prediction Center Severe Weather Risk Categories And Associated Hazards. Infographic courtesy NWS.

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 winter 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!

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, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a good fitting quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro podcast for February 26 – March 5, 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 February 19 – 26, 2022 #science #weather #climate #wintersafety #windchill #airquality #russia #ukraine #chernobyl

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy and your week is going well. There are many topics to cover this week including reads on air pollution and public health, flood risk in the USA, and a review of winter weather safety with a wind chill chart. Let’s get started.

This is certainly a novel idea. Fertilizer made from animal waste is common on the ground, so why not use it in the oceans?
Here’s an excellent read on clearing the air in many of our population centers on our planet and the public health risks from taking no action at all.
Every war has it’s environmental impacts. The current Russia/Ukraine situation is no different.
Perish the thought. “What would happen if Russia bombed Chernobyl?“
In spite of lessons learned, we’ve a long way to go. “We’re No More Serious about the Climate Crisis Than We Were before the Pandemic.”
Climate change is a major factor in this trend. “US flood damage risk is underestimated.“
A concise USA region-by-region summary. “How will climate change impact different regions in America?”
The latest drought outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicts drought conditions to persist well into late spring across almost half of the contiguous USA.

Infographic courtesy NOAA Climate Prediction Center

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

Infographic courtesy NWS Mobile, Alabama

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 winter 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!

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 January 29 – February 5, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this weeks post finds all of you healthy an having a good week. The big weather story for much of North America this week has been back-to-back winter storms. Speaking of winter, for this week’s winter weather safety, a review of how wind chill affects your body. There are many other interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

Is it too much trouble to engage in fact checking & critical thinking? Social media platforms haven’t been holding up their promise to debunk misinformation, disinformation, fact check, and basically keep their platforms civil. “Social Media Platforms Failing To Tackle Abuse Of Scientists.“
This is an excellent and very timely read that will help alleviate much of the misconceptions of how science and the scientific method works. “What Is A Scientific Theory?“
A very thought provoking read on the 1918 influenza pandemic & its unmistakable connections to our current COVID-19 health crisis. It would behoove us greatly to learn from the past.
Here’s a fascinating astronomy read about that humble star that we on Earth refer to as the Sun.
Now, let’s go to the moon and talk about ‘moon trees.’
This is a novel idea that, with some luck, will spread to other cities around the world. “Hong Kong’s car pollution sensors help it clean its air in world first.”
This is yet another victim of our warming planet. The highest glacier on Mount Everest is rapidly melting.
Methane, a very powerful greenhouse gas and second to carbon dioxide in the level of harm is produces, has been detected by satellites leaking in large quantities from gas pipelines.
The flood risk across the USA has been an ongoing threat for generations. By some accounts, it’s about to get much worse and for an unexpected reason.

WINTER 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 winter storm watches, warnings, and other related weather advisories! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas, USA

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest Micro-podcast for January 29 – February 5, 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 October 23 – 30, 2021 #science #weather #climate #hurricane #hurricanesafety #hurricaneprep

Greetings to one and all. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet. We’ll go more into that in one of this week’s reads. This week’s post will continue with a plethora of links to help you with hurricane preparations. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts until November 30, 2021. Since there are still several more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, now is the time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. The upcoming COP26 climate summit is front and center in news and there’s much at stake for this year, so let’s get started.

This is a very thought provoking read on dangers of misinformation, disinformation, & the dearth of critical thinking. “Misinformation is the invasive species of 2021.“
“Why chemical pollution is turning into a third great planetary crisis.” Thousands of synthetic substances have leaked into ecosystems everywhere, & we’re just beginning to realize the devastating consequences.
“COP26 climate summit: A scientists’ guide to a momentous meeting.” This immersive explainer explores what’s on the line at COP26 & takes stock of scientists’ hopes & fears for the meeting.
At COP26, there is a great deal at stake. “Earth will warm by 2.7°C under pledges made ahead of COP26.”
Here’s an interesting look at how climate pledges from differing countries compare to one another.
In spite of recent heavy rains, drought conditions persist across the western USA. However, these flooding rains of late were exacerbated by climate change.
Even with pandemic lockdowns, data from the World Meteorological Organization indicates that record levels of greenhouse gases were reached in 2020.
ICYMI: After many, many weeks of tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic, we’ve entered a quiet spell. Will this last for the rest of the hurricane season? What will it take to awaken this region’s slumber?

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, 2021. As is the case with most years, the late summer and autumn months comes the peak of activity. This is a list of tropical cyclone safety and preparedness links that I hope you’ll find helpful and spearhead your preparedness plan. None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency kits, staying informed, and avoiding misinformation and disinformation that are applicable to tropical cyclone scenarios. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.

Even though this infographic is focused on winter weather, it certainly applies to weather information year round. Diligence from January through December is important to cull through misinformation, disinformation, and unfounded rumors.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

Please keep in mind that ONLY NOAA weather radio, your local National Weather Service office, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving information on hurricane/tropical storm watches, warnings, and other related 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 we’ll continue information on hurricane preparedness and safety. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a quality mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, 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.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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