Tag: science

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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! 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 and summer heat 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, 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.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For July 17 – 24, 2021

Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you health and happy. Across much of the North American continent, a persistent drought and devastating wildfires continue with much of the smoke traveling thousands of miles. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, all is quiet for now. For 2021, an active Atlantic hurricane season is forecast. So far in 2021, we’ve had five named storms in the Atlantic basin including two hurricanes. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. We’ll also continue our review of summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

From California to British Columbia, vast amounts of wildfire smoke are blown east across Canada and the USA on 22 July 2021.

The Delta virus variant that is now the dominant variation worldwide is a completely different viral monster than what we saw a year ago. “How the Delta variant achieves its ultrafast spread.”
Here’s some good news for a change. NASA has fixed problems with the Hubble telescope that’s kept the instrument silent for many weeks.
Monitoring greenhouse gas emissions worldwide is a daunting task. “Huge gaps in detection networks plague emissions monitoring.”
Yet more studies on the irrevocable link between air quality and health. “Doctors issue official guidance on effects of air pollution and bushfire smoke on pregnancy.”
Considering the extent of the ongoing USA wildfires, air quality and public health is now an issue. “The Western Wildfires Are Affecting People 3,000 Miles Away.”
North America isn’t the only region being affected by wildfires. The extent of the fires also has spread to Siberia.
For specific USA drought condition data, visit the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) website.
As for recent European flooding, the effects of climate change are stark. “On the heels of Europe’s devastating floods, scientists warn more is yet to come.” A new study finds that slow-moving, low-pressure storms could become 14 times more frequent in Europe over the next century.
Beginning on 2 August 2021, the USA’s National Weather Service will start issuing a Destructive Severe Thunderstorm Warning when conditions warrant. This is a badly needed addition to the arsenal of warnings to give the general public a ‘heads up’ that a particularly dangerous and destructive severe thunderstorm is headed their way.

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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 July 10 – 17, 2021

Greetings to one and all! I hope this week’s post finds you happy, healthy, and your weather is pleasant. Across much of the North American continent, a persistent drought and heat wave continues. The floods in several European countries have a death toll that is now well over 100. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, all is quiet for now. For 2021, an active Atlantic hurricane season is forecast. So far in 2021, we’ve had five named storms in the Atlantic basin including two hurricanes. There’s a complete section of information on hurricane safety in this week’s post. We’ll also continue our review of summer heat safety. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

Due to it’s very hostile conditions, Venus is a very difficult planet to study. However, a recent discovery is worth noting. “Strange gas in Venus’s clouds may be a sign of volcanoes, not life.”
Speaking of Venus, here’s a look at the surface of this planet. “Venus’ Surface Tectonics is More Like Pack ice on Earth.”
Now, let’s take a look at Mars…which never fails to surprise and fascinate us. “Mars Rover Found Bedrock That Looks Like Flagstones.”
This is ambitious, worthy goal that will likely face months of negotiations. “EU unveils sweeping climate change plan.”
The recent flooding in Europe has taken on proportions in damage and fatalities that is equal to a major hurricane landfall or a tornado outbreak with several violent tornadoes. As of this post, over 120 fatalities have occurred…and the toll is rising.
The ramifications of the western USA drought and heat wave continue. “Soaring Temperatures, Wildfire Threaten California’s Power Grid.”
Startling images. “These NASA satellite images show total devastation of water sources in California’s drought.”
Yet more western USA drought challenges. “Severe drought threatens Hoover dam reservoir & water for US west.” The wellspring of Lake Mead created by the dam’s blocking of the Colorado River has plummeted to an historic low as states in the west face cuts in water supplies.
Last but not least, NOAA data shows that June 2021 was the hottest June on record for the USA. Furthermore, there have been eight billion dollar natural disasters in the USA from January to June…and the year’s only half over.

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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 July 3 – 10, 2021

Hurricane Katrina at Category 5 intensity over the Gulf of Mexico. Image courtesy NOAA.

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, drought and heat wave conditions continue with substantial ramifications. Also, an active Atlantic season is forecast. So far in 2021, we’ve had five named storms in the Atlantic basin including two hurricanes. 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.

A very good physics question. “Does the expansion of the universe apply to atoms and objects like me?”
You’ve gotta hide those evil renewable energy demons. They might persuade people to think for themselves! “Freedom? Tyler, Texas, City Ordinance Bans Residents From Getting Solar If Panels Are Visible To The Public.”
Here’s a look at the July 2021 ENSO update with a La Niña Watch…which will have a significant influence on your weather and climate.
This is an interesting look at attitudes and perceptions of extreme weather events, climate change, and opinions of Americans on how it affects their lives.
The reality of living in a desert, and all the inconveniences and adaptations that are associated with that, is hitting hard the folks who live in and around Las Vegas, NV.
In recent weeks, hundreds of people have died in this vastly under-reported heat wave event. “North America Endured Hottest June On Record.”
Here’s a very concise and thorough explanation on how climate change is affecting heat waves.
Last but not least, having clean water is vital to getting through the trauma of a natural disaster or emergency. Here’s an excellent resource from the USA’s Centers For Disease Control and Prevention on making water save in an emergency.

QUICK REVIEW OF SUMMER HEAT SAFETY

In light of the ongoing North American heat wave, here are some very helpful infographics on heat safety that could save someone’s life.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 26 – July 3, 2021

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, drought and heat wave conditions continue. In the Atlantic basic, Tropical Storm Else is front and center as the first hurricane of the 2021 season. An active Atlantic 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.

Due to the conditions at it’s surface, Venus is a very difficult planet to place a probe on. Fortunately, the European Space Agency is sending an orbiter to study why this blistering hot planet is so different from Earth.
Heat is a lethal & underrated weather hazard. Sadly, this summer’s heatwave in western North America is taking a tragic toll. “More than 230 deaths reported in British Columbia amid historic heat wave.”
In consideration of the lethal heatwave in the western USA & Canada, here’s an excellent heat safety site from NOAA & the National Weather Service that covered many topics including preventing pediatric heatstroke vehicular deaths.
This is a very informative climate read. “COVID’s lesson for climate research: go local.”
Due to significant advances in climate science, businesses could be facing legal action for their part in adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
Water shortages go hand in hand with climate change. “Running out of water: how climate change fuels a crisis in the US west.”
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.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 19 – 26, 2021

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.

The Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now widespread. Here’s some basics on what you need to know.
We’re used to yellow and orange while viewing sunsets. If we were on Mars, they’d be blue. Why it that?
Here’s an interesting read concerning the irrevocable link between public health, climate change, and science communication. “The search for the Dr. Fauci of climate change.”
As our climate warms, the Earth’s plant life has to adapt…but not necessarily for the better. “Scientists see the beginnings of a more sudden, disruptive rearrangement of the world’s flora, a trend that will intensify if greenhouse gas emissions are not reined in.”
As of this post, much of the western USA is in the grips of a heat wave. The atmospheric ingredients for hot weather occur annually, but this scenario is quite different with patterns and data that indicate this is not normal summer heat.
Summer heat in Siberia? Indeed there is. “Siberian Heat Wave Nearly Impossible Without Human Influence.”
Perhaps the biggest climate news story this past week has been the leaked draft of a UN/IPCC climate report that has some very important crisis issues that need to be addressed immediately.
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.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

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.

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.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For June 12 – 19, 2021

Six tropical cyclones in progress simultaneously from the east Pacific to central Atlantic on 14 September 2020.
Image courtesy NOAA.

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. Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st. An active season is forecast. As of this post, Claudette, the third tropical cyclone of the Atlantic season, has made landfall on the central USA gulf coast. There’s a complete page 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.

“What is awe?” In this day & age when dystopian conflict is the norm, feeling awe in the presence of nature/science is a badly needed solvent.
In astronomy, it’s very important to study weather on other planets. “Astronomers Have Found the Perfect Exoplanet to Study Another World’s Atmosphere.”
Three new missions are planned for Venus…two of which are from NASA!
Some of you may remember the snow days that were an annual occurrence just a few decades ago. These days, things are much different. “Remember snow days? Today’s kids get heat days.”
Texans were greatly inconvenienced in February 2021 when a cold snap led to the cratering of much of the state’s infrastructure. Only four months later, a heat wave threatens to pull a repeat performance.
These startling images show just how bad the drought in the western USA has become…and how this could be an omen for the months to come.
According to a new study, when climate change is taken into consideration, “high-elevation forests in Colorado and southern Wyoming are experiencing bigger wildfires than at any point in the last 2,000 years.”
When residents are threatened with a hazard (earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, et al.), language can be a life threatening barrier. Here’s an excellent read on the importance of translating warnings.
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. Regardless, it’s best to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. You’ll find details on Hurricane Safety And Preparedness below.

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

WEATHER DATA

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)