Tornado Quest Top Science Links For October 2 – 9, 2021

Greetings everyone and thank you for visiting. It’s certainly been another busy week for science news. For the time being, the tropical Atlantic is quiet. This week’s post will continue with a plethora of links to help you with hurricane preparations. There are still several more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so now is the time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. There are many other good science reads to review, so let’s get started.

A very timely and appropriate read for our contemporary society. “Be Rational” by Steven Pinker.
While on the topic of rationality, this is a very thought provoking read. Truth be know, faults actually comes from both sides. “How the Smug Politics of COVID-19 Empowers the Far Right.”
Here is some very cool astronomy news. “NASA’s Persevere Rover Finds Signs Of Epic Ancient Floods On Mars.”
“Forecasting space weather is hard, but a new Australian satellite could make it easier.” Changes in space weather can wreak havoc with electronics in space & down to the ground.
A good read on adjusting to a new normal in a warming world. “Deploy heat officers, policies & metrics.”
This is a good listen on a major league environmental disaster. “An oil spill has hit sensitive marshland along the coast of Southern California.”
“Ozone Pollution: An Insidious & Growing Threat to Biodiversity.” Ground-level ozone has long been known to pose a threat to human health.
Not surprising that this trend is growing. “It’s not just you: Everyone is Googling ‘climate anxiety.’”
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization focuses on the increasing number of water related hazards (floods, droughts, etc.).

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!

Tornado Quest Top Science Links Podcast Overview

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 September 18 – 25, 2021

Visible satellite view of Category 4 Hurricane Sam over the Atlantic on 26 September 2021

Greetings to all and thank you for visiting. It’s certainly been a busy week for science news across many areas of study. For North America, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is still with us. 2021 is proving to be another very busy year for Atlantic tropical cyclones. As of this post, Hurricane Sam is moving through the central Atlantic. This week’s post has a plethora of links to help you with hurricane preparations. There are many more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so now is the time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. Much of western North America is still dealing with wildfires and a severe drought. As for the COVID-19 pandemic, the USA hit a very grim statistic of note this week. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

Misinformation, disinformation, conspiracies theories, and outright lies have been more than irritants to those of us in scientific fields, they also lead to unnecessary misery and death. There are paths to alleviate the lies, but it takes a robust, concerted effort.
This is a grim, morose milestone that, with vaccinations and other common sense safety measures, could have been prevented. “Covid overtakes 1918 Spanish flu as deadliest disease in U.S. history.”
Here’s a fascinating read about the weather on Mars. Not only has the Perseverance Rover detected hundreds of dust devils, it’s been hit (literally) by at least 100 of them.
A very good read on the irrevocable link between air quality and your health. “WHO Calls For Lower Limits On Air Pollution To Save Millions Of Lives.”
This is a very thought provoking read. “Hurricane Ida shows the one-two punch of poverty and climate change.”
“How climate change gave rise to a monster mosquito season.” Record-breaking storms & above-average rainfall in many states have exacerbated their numbers.
A very novel idea that will have long term benefits. “Scientists Flood Forests to Mimic Rising Seas.”
The loss of ice flows and glaciers is often focused on polar regions. These startling images from Italy give a new face to climate change and our warming planet.
However difficult it may be to ‘pinpoint’ the connection between climate change and extreme weather events, it’s still a worthy challenge to face. Unfortunately, there are scientific and financial matters to take into consideration.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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

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 spiffy mask, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay positive, and test negative!

See you next Saturday!

Podcast overview of this week’s post.

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 8 – 15, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #tornado #climate #climatechange #health #covid19 #environment #astronomy

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 as these have 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. This week, there are many good science reads to review, so let’s get started.

How we think about and consider the ramifications and lethal dangers of COVID-19 is as important as the necessary safety precautions and getting vaccinated.
I’m all for less time behind a mower and would gladly spend time going more important things in life. “Why ‘Lazy’ Lawn Mowers Are Heroes for Bees.“
This is truly a remarkable event in the exploration of Mars. “Ingenuity Makes a one-way Trip for the First Time, Flying to a new Landing Site.”
NASA has many important roles in the quest for scientific knowledge. As of late, it’s important role in climate change is being given a badly needed rebirth.
Climate change already presents a number of negative effects on life in the USA. For the future, things are going to be very challenging for future generations.
Could the USA face another severe drought and Dust Bowl conditions that existed in the 1930’s?
Based on a vast compilation of new data from NOAA, the USA is becoming more red…and this has new ‘normal’ implications for weather and climate.

A TORNADO SAFETY REMINDER

Quite often, where you take shelter from a tornado can be as important as the decision to take shelter.

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. 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

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 May 1 – 8, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #oceans #environment #astronomy

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds you happy and healthy. Across much of the western contiguous USA, drought conditions persist. Meanwhile, 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 as these have a plethora of severe weather, tornado, and flooding safety information. There are several other good science reads to review this week, so let’s get started.

Here’s some good news for a change. “NASA’s Mars Helicopter Flies Again and Gets a New Mission.”
Misinformation, disinformation, and blatant lies run amok. “How to spot the difference between a real climate policy and greenwashing guff.”
There’s a very large methane reservoir beneath the Laptev Sea that is, for the time being, held in check by the permafrost seabed. If released, it would send very large amounts of a potent greenhouse gas free.
Ocean heatwaves are as devastating as those on land. “Fevers are plaguing the oceans & climate change is making them worse.”
In case you missed it, here’s an excellent climate change primer for kids! “Bad Future, Better Future.“
Knowing when the last snow took place at your location in the USA isn’t only helpful in a myriad of ways, but when presented in an interactive map like this, it can be fascinating.
Here is the latest US Drought Monitor. As expected, the drought conditions over the western contiguous USA have worsened.

According to a new NOAA report, hotter is the new normal in the USA. This report comes out every 10 years & charts 30-year averages of weather for places around the USA.

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

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 April 17 – 24, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #drought #droughtmonitor #environment #astronomy #nasa #marshelicopter #covid19

Greetings to everyone! The past few days across North America have been unseasonably cool and quiet in terms of severe weather save for a few events, but we still have many weeks to go before we reach the climatological peak of the tornado/severe weather season across the USA. There are several other good science reads to review this week, so let’s get started.

Misinformation, disinformation, anti-science and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories are running amok as of late and, considering the alarming rate at which COVID-19 cases are increasing worldwide, it couldn’t be a worse time for those that are easily intimidated and/or influenced by nefarious sources of fantasy and fear.
While on the topic of the ongoing pandemic, we’re going to be donning masks for quiet some time. In fact, during the cold and flu season, they make perfectly good sense. Here’s an excellent overview of masks and how to choose one from the USA’s Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC).
In terms of space exploration, this week was truly a watershed event. “Flying a helicopter on Mars: NASA’s Ingenuity.”
“More fissures are opening up at the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland.” The view from above is spectacular.
This could have substantial long-term ramifications on Atlantic hurricane occurrence, frequency, and intensity. “NASA Study Predicts Less Saharan Dust in Future Winds.”
The latest US Drought Monitor has been issued. Just over 39% of the USA is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions. This currently affects over 165 million people. An interactive map can be found at the North American Drought Monitor site.
This is a very challenging goal, but necessary considering the continuing rise in emissions. “U.S. To Pledge To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Half.”
The USA’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half is a lofty and worth goal. In fact, it is far more ambitious than the goals currently existing in other countries.
This is an excellent climate change primer for kids! “Bad Future, Better Future.”

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

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review the previous posts for further details. 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

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 April 3 – 10, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #dinosaur #astronomy #mars

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on tornado safety and preparedness. Of course, there are also several new, interesting stories to review…so let’s get started.

For my fellow dinosaur fans, here’s some interesting news. Paleontologists have discovered a dinosaur that, compared to other dinosaurs, may have had exceptional hearing.
The helicopter that caught a ride on Perseverance to Mars finally took a short trip…and sent back it’s first photo!
Speaking of photos taken on Mars, this image brought speculation that rainbows occur on Mars. Actually, it was something totally different.
This image of Mars from NASA gives us a spectacular view of blue dunes on the red planet.
In spite of the ongoing pandemic and shutdowns taking place world wide, CO2 emissions continue to rise.
Have a few minutes? Here’s a good listen. “Why There Is A Change Coming To Your Local Weather Forecast.”
This is a timely and fascinating read from US Tornadoes on tornado occurrence patterns. The traditional ‘tornado season’ doesn’t always follow the rules.

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 SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS…

TORNADO SAFETY!

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

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 final review of 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

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 Science Links For February 27 – March 6, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #airquality #health #astronomy

Greetings to all and happy meteorological spring to my friends and followers in the Northern Hemisphere! This week, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather preparedness. As seasonal climate patterns change, so does the threat for severe weather across much of North America. This week’s post contains a plethora of good severe weather safety links. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

After a spectacular landing, NASA’s Perseverance rover is on the move across Mars.
“Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium, say scientists.” This could lead to more extreme weather in Europe & higher sea levels on USA east coast.
A very interesting read with psychological perspectives. “Why aren’t we more afraid of global warming? The psychology of procrastinating on climate change.”
“Study Finds Wildfire Smoke More Harmful To Humans Than Pollution From Cars.” This new research conveys a significant public health challenge as climate change increases the fire risk worldwide.
In order to study one of the rarest varieties of clouds, scientists created one of their own in a laboratory.
“Hurricane Hunters faced a grueling pace in 2020. With climate change, it may not let up.” Last year saw a record number of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. With climate change in play, this is a potentially dangerous scenario that will likely be occurring more often.
The first day of meteorological spring has arrived for the Northern Hemisphere. What does that exactly mean?

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 INFOGRAPHIC: WATCHES AND WARNINGS!

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 tornado 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 Science Links For February 19 – 26, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #drought #droughtmonitor #nasa #perseverance

Much of the contiguous USA is recovering this week from an unusually robust cold wave that brought record breaking snowfall amounts, low temperatures, and wind chills across almost every state except Florida. Though much of the lower 48 is warming up, winter isn’t over yet. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle cold weather and retain body heat. We’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information in this week’s post. Next week, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

In the process of debating a topic, using critical thinking is very helpful in a variety of situations. Resorting to ad hominem vitriol isn’t. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the default ‘MO’ in this day and age.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has begun to take a look around it’s new home on Mars. Take a look at some of the amazing images that the rover has sent in the past week.
Here’s something that my fellow map lovers and fans of cartography will enjoy. “Astrophysicists create the most accurate ‘flat map’ of Earth ever.“
“Air pollution kills. Making that official can help us tackle it.” Thought provoking read on the irrevocable link between air quality & health.
The cold wave and winter storm of February 2021 took a heavy toll on Texas. “Texas freeze led to release of tons of air pollutants as refineries shut.” These shutdowns led to refineries burning and/or releasing gases. That darkened the skies in east TX with smoke visible for miles.
The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Approximately 38% of the USA is currently experiencing some degree of drought. As the map below shows, the worst conditions are being felt in the western half of the contiguous USA.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

With cooler temperature, snow, ice storms, et al. having settled in across much of the northern hemisphere, folks attention appropriately turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones, tornadoes, flooding, etc. are beneficial to have for winter weather.

NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need.

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

The handy checklist below 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.

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 kinds of weather year round.

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week. I will be adding a plethora of information regarding severe weather and tornado safety. I’d like to extend a warm welcome 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 as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For February 12 – 19, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #thunderstorms #lightning #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #pollution #airquality #health #nasa #perseverance

Much of North America is in the grip of or recovering from a very potent cold wave with many locations seeing record snowfall amounts, low temperatures, wind chills, electric power grid failures and water that is either in short supply or nonexistent. This is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable the USA’s infrastructure is when dealt a blow from weather and climate. The very cold temperatures across much of the contiguous USA were responsible for much of the ongoing challenges. Below are several important infographics addressing wild chill and how to dress properly to best handle cold weather and retain body heat. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next two weeks. Afterwards, we’ll turn our attention to severe weather (thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, et al.) preparedness. There are several interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

Visible Satellite image on 19 February 2021 of widespread snow cover in Oklahoma and adjacent parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas.

NASA successfully landed the Mars Perseverance Rover on the ‘red planet’ this week. Here’s a great website from NASA with a plethora of information on this watershed mission.
While on the topic of Mars, here’s a stunning display of some of the most incredible photographs taken on this planet…including the first photo from July 1976.
“Life found beneath Antarctic ice sheet ‘shouldn’t be there.” This find is significant because it suggests that life in Antarctica’s harshest environments is more adaptable & more diverse than thought.
Ocean pollution has ramifications that run far and wide…and human health is no exception.
While on the topic of pollution, here’s more evidence of the irrevocable link between local air quality and public health. “Wood burning at home now biggest cause of UK particle pollution.”
“Weather forecasts can protect animals too.” Weather forecasts have the potential to be an important conservation tool, say meteorologists.
The more we learn about thunderstorms, the more questions and mysteries arise. “Thunderstorms spew out gamma rays — these scientists want to know why.“
Weather and climate is often confused. The USA’s winter storm of February 2021 will be discussed for some time. Chances are very good that climate change played a major factor in the severity of this event. Regardless, it will be an interesting topic of science-based discussion for some time. “Climate change may be why frigid weather has slid so far south, experts say.“

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

NOAA has a very nice Winter Weather Safety website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and information you may need.

This NOAA winter weather page has a myriad of links beneficial to organizations such as public services, schools, organizations, etc.

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome 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 as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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A TORNADO SAFETY REMINDER

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

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

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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 SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS…

TORNADO SAFETY!

PREPARING AN 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 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER INFOGRAPHIC: WATCHES AND WARNINGS!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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