Tag: polar vortex

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 8 – 15, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #polarvortex #weathersafety #wintersafety #windchill #flooding #climate #climatechange #astronomy #criticalthinking

The winter weather over the contiguous USA has been rather tranquil as of late save for a second round of snow for central Texas. Not unheard of, but still rather unusual. Speaking of winter weather, we’ll explore more on winter weather safety with plenty of information for the next several weeks. I’d also like to take a moment and share my hopes for the year of 2021 to be a better one for all of us and let you know how much I appreciate all of the support so many of you have given me over the past year. All of you are deeply appreciated. Having said that, lets get started.

Graphic courtesy NOAA

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.

NOAA also has an excellent printable publication that covers winter weather safety which is one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

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.

Graphic courtesy American Red Cross

Misinformation and disinformation is running rampant across social media platforms of all kinds as of late. I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Here’s an excellent and concise video on spotting misinformation you might see online. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.

Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS

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.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome and Happy New Year 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! Here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Copyright © 1998 – 2021 Tornado Quest, LLC

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For March 30 – April 6, 2019

Greetings to one and all! Here in North America, the severe weather season is well underway and there have been several very active days so far…and we’ve many, many weeks of potentially volatile activity. There are plenty of other topics to cover as well as severe weather preparedness links…so let’s get started.

  1. One of the most crucial environmental challenges that we face is the recycling dilemma. With China now refusing to take much of the world’s recyclable materials, it’s up to other countries to step up and take the lead.
  2. Copenhagen has just raised the bar when it comes to embracing sustainability.
  3. The much touted “Green New Deal” may be well intended may have good intentions, but it’s based on politics rather than science. As is always the case when ideology takes center stage, there are hidden agendas.
  4. While this air pollution research is based on data in Asia, it is applicable to cities worldwide…and your children.
  5. Toxic pollution knows no borders. This is clearly demonstrated in how Canadian coal mines send pollution into the United States.
  6. Understanding the link between history and climate is crucial to having a comprehensive knowledge of how societies…past and present…have been affected in economic and social behaviors.
  7. Whether or not this concept will come to fruition is a matter of great speculation. “This Self-Sustaining Hurricane-Proof City Could Be Just What The World Needs.”
  8. Here’s a very, very early look at speculative forecasts for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. It’s important to remember than there are many variables involved and this essay, while interesting, is exceptionally preliminary.
  9. The Polar Vortex played plenty of tricks up its sleeve in the winter just past. Some USA cities saw temperature swings during January and February of up to 70 degrees.
  10. This is an excellent essay by Dr. Marshall Shepherd that addresses a topic that needs to be fully attended to. “How Meteorologists Compare To Other Professions That Predict The Future.”

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Many thunderstorms that are a part of the severe weather season may seem “severe” but there is actually a strict criteria that a thunderstorm must meet before being classified as “severe.” For the most part, severe criteria is a matter of hail, high winds, and tornadoes. Frequent lightning or heavy downpours does not make for a severe thunderstorm.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS

Here are some links 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 climates on our planet.

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.

Infographic courtesty American Red Cross

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 warm “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, here’s a sincere “Thank You!” I appreciate all of the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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

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Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Copyright © 1998 – 2019 Tornado Quest, LLC

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For February 2 – 9, 2019

Greetings to one and all! Whether it’s winter or summer, I hope the weather is to your liking. We’ve had quite a contrast across the globe with quite a winter blast across much of North America contrasting with record heat in Australia. There are plenty of other topics to review, so let’s get started.

  1. Check out this amazing map of our galaxy with 1.7 billion stars.
  2. Our planet is in a constant state of change. “Check Your Compass: The Magnetic North Pole Is On The Move.”
  3. Microplastics are one of the worst elements in environmental pollution. Recently, they’ve been found in our groundwater.
  4. Here’s a fascinating read on the new meteorological techniques used to study some of the deadliest floods in USA history.
  5. Believe it or not, there are such things as “wind chill deniers.” Basically, they’re cynical television viewers who have made up a delusional conspiracy theory on why broadcast meteorologists talk about wind chill and the importance of dressing properly for hazardous winter weather.
  6. The Arctic ocean is changing along with our climate…and that’s not good.
  7. The battle over the “green new deal” is heating up…and it won’t be the last we hear of this story for some time.
  8. An element of our weather and climate that is overlooked by much of the general public are the immense rivers of air tens of thousands of feet above the ground. Here’s an interesting and very logical idea on increasing public awareness of this everyday atmospheric phenomenon.
  9. The recent cold snap across North America associated with the Polar Vortex brought about a great deal of discussion. Here’s an excellent overview of that event and its connection to climate change.
  10. 2018 was another record year for both global temperatures and the number of billion dollar disasters in the USA.

Winter Weather SafetyW

Winter is going to be around for some time across the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some helpful winter weather links that will help you stay safe. It’s never too late to review winter weather safety information.

National Weather Service Homepage

Winter Weather Safety and Awareness

Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers

National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart

National Weather Service Printable PDF Wind Chill Chart

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

That’s a wrap for this post! Here’s a warm “Welcome” for my new followers in social media and sincere “Thank You” for my long-time followers! Thanks a million for all the support and kind words. Your friendship and loyalty is appreciated a great deal! And remember…there’s no such thing as “boring” weather…just different types of good weather!

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Copyright © 1998 – 2019 Tornado Quest, LLC

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links Picks For January 28 – February 2, 2019

Greetings everyone! Whether you’re shivering in winter cold or broiling in summer heat, I hope you’re fairing well. The past few days have been a good example of temperature extremes in both hemispheres.

The new Tornado Quest website is up and running but, as is always the case with new transitions, there are bugs to work out and things that need polishing. I appreciate the positive feedback I’ve received so far. This blog will also be included for reference on the new site in the near future.

There are plenty of topics to cover, so let’s get started.

  1. One of the most frustrating aspects of being a scientist is the challenge of good science communication to the general public. When politicians, lawmakers, et al. get into the fray for political means, scientists have to take on damage control…and that’s not an easy job.
  2. A thought provoking read on science and it’s connection to politics…which has existed forever.
  3. This is a fascinating look at the building blocks of our universe and how they keep changing.
  4. The Curiosity Rover is doing some pretty amazing things on Mars. Here’s a fascinating read on how the rover is getting important data on the geology of the red planet.
  5. Winter can have some pretty amazing weather phenomenon. Thunder-snow is a perfect example. Here’s a great read on some of the quirky things that happen when the temperatures are at their coldest.
  6. The Polar Vortex has been in the news a great deal as of late due to the brutal cold across much of North America. The Polar Vortex is a very important element of our atmosphere and the weather and climate that is a part of your every day life. “The Polar Vortex Is Collapsing – Here’s What That Means For Your Winter Weather.”
  7. Here’s another very good concise explanation of the Polar Vortex. “What Is This Polar Vortex That Is Freezing The USA?“
  8. While much of North America was in frigid temperatures, Australians were sweating it out in brutal heat. “For the first time since records began, the country’s mean temperature in January exceeded 30C (86F), according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), which said daily extremes – in some places just short of 50C – were unprecedented.”
  9. The latest US Drought Monitor is out…with the exception of the Four Corners region and Oregon, most of the USA is in decent shape.
  10. The recent cold snap across much of North America made big news, but it is only for a small part of our planet. 2019 is getting off to a warm start globally…and that’s not good.

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

With some of the coldest air for many years over North America and many weeks of winter left, here are some helpful links on staying safe. It’s never too late to review winter weather safety information. These links will help you get started.

National Weather Service Homepage

Winter Weather Safety and Awareness

Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers

National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart

National Weather Service Printable PDF Wind Chill Chart

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to send a big “Welcome” to my new followers in social media and sincere “Thank You” for my long-time followers! Thanks a million for all the support and kind words. Your friendship and loyalty is appreciated a great deal! Remember…there’s no such thing as “boring” weather…just different types of good weather!

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

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Copyright © 1998 – 2019 Tornado Quest, LLC