Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. The tropical Atlantic is certainly much busier than last week and the potential for a landfalling tropical cyclone is certainly a possibility. Consequently, I’ll continue to share helpful infographics on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. 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.
Happy meteorological autumn to my friend and followers in the Northern Hemisphere! For folks south of the equator, welcome to meteorological spring!
Hand in hand with drought is the scourge of heat waves. Heat is by far the deadliest weather hazard for the USA & many other countries. Often underrated, heat’s not called the ‘silent killer’ for nothing. Unfortunately, this weather and climate threat doesn’t garner the superfluous attention and hyperbole seen elsewhere in social media.
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!
Tornado Quest micro-podcast for August 27 – September 3, 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.
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. Much of Europe and the UK are also experiencing a heat wave of their own. 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.
It’s no secret that Twitter is full of drama and dysfunction from the most recent news to this spot on read from April 2018 that is still relevant today. Even in the best of circumstances where the user is exceptionally careful in spotting misinformation, it can be easily re-shared. It’s a social media outlet that’s grown increasing hostile, bitter, and sophomorically divisive. It’s sensationalism over science, notoriety over knowledge, aggrandizement over objective analysis. From politicians to back alley pundits to shilling storm chasers, it’s a platform that once had great potential for sharing important and pertinent information but is now run by hyperbole on steroids. My opinion is subjective, but also backed by daily personal observations of trends since I joined Twitter in March 2009. Many will disagree or take issue with my stance, but I feel my viewpoints are valid and solid.
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.
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!
Tornado Quest micro-podcast for July 16 – 23, 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.
Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with an infographic on preparing an emergency kit. The beginning of June brings the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season…and now is the time to prepare for the hurricane or tropical storm you hope never happens. There are many other fascinating topics to review, so let’s get started.
There has been a great deal of discussion on this topic as of late. “As private weather forecasting takes off, who is left behind?” If you’ve got digs in a high status location, you’re going to charge premium prices for the most basic of weather information. But what if you can’t afford it? Will paying for the privilege of receiving a life saving tornado warning be limited to the 1%?
In the Atlantic, the 2022 hurricane season officially began on June 1. Here’s a very useful emergency kit that will help you prepare for the storm you hope never happens. Regardless of where you live or work, an emergency kit is essential to staying safe and prepared in any kind of emergency or disaster scenario.
Infographic courtesy Ready.gov/FEMA/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, 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!
Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS
Lastly, I wanted to pass along a reminder that was shared with me regarding misinformation, disinformation, rumors, gossip, et al. These six words, along with critical thinking, are exceptionally useful.
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?
Why?
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!
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.
Greetings to one and all. I hope everyone is having a great week. Can it be December already? Well, it is and that means the beginning of the meteorological winter across the Northern Hemisphere. The Atlantic hurricane season officially came to an end on November 30. It’s very likely that the Atlantic will not have any more tropical cyclones for the rest of 2021. As always, there are many good reads to review, so let’s get started.
This week, we’ll continue posts on winter weather safety with a look at how to dress for the cold temperatures. December may be getting off to a ‘warm’ start for North America, but that won’t last. While there are good buys out there, now’s the time to buy some good items to stay warm and prevent frostbite and possibly hypothermia when those temperatures really begin to drop.
Infographic courtesy NOAA
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 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!
That’s a wrap for this post! 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.
Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy and the weather is to your liking. Across North America, the severe weather season continues. This weekend, the western USA, Washington and Oregon in particular, are in the grips of an unprecedented heat wave. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st. An active season is forecast. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.
Reminder: The Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released by NOAA. A busier than normal tropical cyclone season is anticipated. Time will tell whether the outlook verifies. As of this post, we have had three named tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin. It may be quite for now, but it’s best to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. You’ll find details on Hurricane Safety And Preparedness below.
Infographic courtesy NOAA
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!
The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency preparedness, flood safety, and tornado sheltering information which is also applicable to structures that are subject to tropical cyclone winds. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. Residents in those areas should be ready to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Other infographics deal with misinformation that you may encounter in social media. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.
Infographic courtesy American Red Cross
Graphic courtesy NOAA
Infographic courtesy NOAA
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
Infographic courtesy NOAA
Infographic courtesy NOAA
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! If you’d like a detailed review of tornado and severe weather safety, please review April and May posts. Next week we’ll continue information on 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 marketing, promotions, sales schemes, prizes, or papers/research that have not been under & approved by scientific peer review WILL NOT be accepted.
With the changing of the seasons in the northern hemisphere, attention will shift to winter weather safety. We’ll touch on that topic with plenty of information for the next several weeks. There are many other good stories to cover, so lets get started.
Communicating scientific data to the general public is a daunting task…even for the most seasoned scientist who is used to dealing with public relations. How that information and data is conveyed is just as important as the content. “Five rules for evidence communication.”
Ignorance, whether with the pandemic or a tornado warning, isn’t bliss…or clever. “This Pandemic Must Be Seen.” If we could watch what’s really going on in hospitals, there would be no more complacency
Here’s a very sound concept with long term benefits if it comes to fruition. “We Need a National Institute of Climate Change & Health.” 2020 reinforced a very powerful lesson. If we don’t prepare for health disasters & manage them skillfully, informed by the best evidence, then people suffer & die needlessly.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is one that won’t be forgotten soon. So many records were broken that it’s hard to fathom just how active a year it was. Here’s a fantastic NOAA infographic looking at a remarkable year by the numbers.
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.
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
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Hurricane Delta intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico on 6 October 2020.
A very busy episode in the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is taking a respite, which is very good news. Hurricane Delta made landfall as a Category 2 tropical cyclone only a few miles from where Hurricane Laura moved inland only six weeks earlier. Drought conditions and western USA wildfires are also making headlines with no relief in sight for that parched region. There are many other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.
Like it or not, the connection between science and politics is irrevocable. “We are in the midst of a pandemic and a climate crisis, both solvable by centering scientific expertise. When our government ignores scientists, the consequences can be fatal. More than 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Yet, as our nation grapples with the pandemic, our current administration believes that “science shouldn’t stand in the way” of business as usual.
Graphic credit: United Nations Office For Disaster Risk Reduction
Here’s an interesting read on some new research on thunderstorms and lightning. Meteorology, like all other sciences, is in a constant state of flow and ebb, changing with each new bit of solid research.
2020 is on track to be a record years for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Delta, the latest tropical cyclone to affect the USA, made landfall just a few miles from the landfall point of Hurricane Laura which devastated a significant part of southern Louisiana just seven weeks ago. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have also taken place. With several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go, it’s important to not let your guard down. NOAA has a great website to help you get ready with plenty of helpful tips and infographics to help you get the supplies you may need.
This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For folks living in regions prone to hurricanes, it’s not too late to assemble your kits for home and your place of work. A kit like this can also be helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes.
Graphic courtesy American Red Cross
I would be remiss to not remind folks to stick with trusted and reliable sources for your weather information. A NOAA weather radio is essential and should be as common in homes and workplaces as smoke detectors…regardless of where you live in the USA and its territories. Of course, broadcast meteorologists of your choice are often equipped with sources of important information that is specific to your locale. Bottom line: use discretion very carefully and avoid hypesters, shills, and attention-seekers at all cost…and think before you click.
Graphic courtesy NOAA/NWS
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!
The past two weeks have been very active across much of North America and in tropical regions around the globe. The ongoing wildfires across much of the western and mountain states of the USA have sent large plumes of smoke across much of the North American continent. Ramifications from the western USA wildfires, Hurricanes Laura and Sally, and the Midwestern derecho of early August will be felt for some time. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. Of course, there are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.
Hurricane Sally approaching the central USA Gulf Coast on 14 September 2020
This handy checklist from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. For folks living in regions prone to hurricanes, it’s not too late to assemble your kits for home and your place of work. A kit like this can also be helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes.
Infographic courtesy American Red Cross
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 always an excellent source with potentially life-saving information that is specific to your local situation. 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
SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
Prostate cancer has touch my life and, as a result, changed my outlook on life forever. It’s not an ‘old man’s’ disease. Many men in their forties are diagnosed with prostate cancer. For men, it’s the second leading cause of death by cancer. My diagnosis came about as a result of a routine PSA test from my general practitioner. Regardless of your family history, race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, etc., don’t think it can’t happen to you. 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 an excellent website with further information. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one.
That’s a wrap for this post! I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my new followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!
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. 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.
Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS
First, let’s start with a bit of winter weather safety. It may be a given that dressing warm in cold weather is sensible, but there’s actually a bit of ‘science’ behind dressing properly. As the above infographic shows, dressing in layers is far better than one thick layer.
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.
Greetings to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from last week. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume the weekly blog with a subjective view of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 2:00pm Central USA Time (1800 UTC – 200 UTC). As I mentioned, the selection will be subjective, but lean heavily towards what my followers in social media are interested in. There will be seasonal emphasis on the severe weather season across North America and the Atlantic hurricane season. During the next few weeks, there will be a few kinks to be ironed out, so expect a few bugs and/or changes to come along. The topics will be from a wide variety of science interests; astronomy, weather and meteorology, climate and climate change, environmental science topics, the occasional quixotic read, and much, much more. On a more personal note, I appreciate the ‘good vibes’ and wishes for a speedy recovery as I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery. I have a daunting challenge ahead of me and your kind and caring words mean the world to me. A medical situation such as this certainly has made me take pause and reevaluate the priorities in my life.
Without further delay, let’s get started on this week’s links.
A very thought provoking op-ed. “The Executive Branch Must Stop Suppressing Science.” Almost everything we do in society depends in part on federal government research. That most certainly includes life-saving weather information including tornado warnings. Congress can and must protect scientific integrity with legislation.
Here’s a question that may never have occurred to you before. Who owns the Arctic?
The burden for dealing with the challenges of climate change has been placed on national governments. This lets cities, regions, businesses, and any number of special interest groups off the hook. It shouldn’t.
Speaking of hurricane preparedness, there are a few more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season. It’s never too late, early, our ‘out of season’ to have a preparedness plan and supplies in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.
This handy checklist from the American Red Cross can be very helpful in putting together a disaster preparedness kit.
Infographic courtesy American Red Cross
That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. A million ‘thank you’ again for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received over the past few weeks. Cancer does not have to be a 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 with your doctor getting tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.
Tornado Quest 