Tornado Quest Top Science Links For March 27 – April 3, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #severeweather #tornado #weatherready #weathersafety #droughtmonitor #drought #climate #climatechange #environment #socialmedia #health

Greetings to everyone! This week, we’ll continue our focus on severe weather preparedness. With the most active severe weather and tornado months for the USA now beginning, this is the time to prepare. This week’s post contains severe weather infographics with a focus on staying informed with potentially life saving watches and warnings. There are also several new, interesting stories to review, so let’s get started.

An unfortunate trend of sound scientific data & facts refuted by nefarious, misleading ‘theories.’ “The Antiscience Movement Is Escalating, Going Global & Killing Thousands.”
This is a very novel and innovative idea that has been a long time coming. Hempcrete, made from cannabis, is a worthy alternative in many scenarios to the traditional concrete.
A timely read considering the ongoing fire weather across several USA states. “Probing wet fire smoke in clouds: Can water intensify the earth’s warming?”
Hay fever is something that millions deal with many times a year. Climate change may make their symptoms worse.
“How will the biggest tropical trees respond to climate change?” The biggest trees store 1/2 of the carbon in tropical forests, but they could be at risk of death due to climate change. As a result, they would be releasing massive amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere.
Sea level rise goes hand-in-hand with climate change. That also means that many major cities around the world are, with time, in danger of disappearing.
Recent years have seen unprecedented tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic. This certainly begs the question; Should the Atlantic hurricane season be lengthened?
In case you missed it, NOAA has released their outlook for the rest of spring 2021 across the USA. Among the details, drought conditions are expected to persist across much of the western contiguous USA.
The latest US Drought Monitor shows dry and drought conditions worsening across much of the western contiguous USA.

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: STAYING INFORMED!

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 NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

PREPARING AN 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.

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week when we’ll review 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 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 Ten Science Links For November 20 – 27, 2020

#science #weather #meteorology #weathersafety #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #renewables #covid19 #pandemic #wearamask

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.”
2020 is a rough year for most of us no matter what your perspective is. To put it in a historical perspective makes a great deal of difference. Here’s a timely and thought provoking essay that does just that.
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
For some time astronomers have known that water once flowed on Mars. Here’s a look at evidence of a ‘megaflood’ that occurred on the planet.
The Earth’s atmosphere hasn’t always been like the sky and weather that we see every day. In fact, at one point it may have more closely resembled the toxic and hot atmosphere on Venus.
There’s a substantial amount of rebuilding to do after a devastating USA wildfire year. However… “Rebuilding After A Wildfire? Most States Don’t Require Fire-Resistant Materials.”
Not even Earth’s highest mountain is free of this pestilence. “Microplastic pollution discovered near the top of Mount Everest.”
Rising sea levels present a substantial danger along low lying coastal areas. According to new research, some areas as far as 50 miles inland are under great danger as well.
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.

WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will officially end on 30 November 2020. This year will go down in the record books for having many elements of an extraordinary year. Now, across much of the northern hemisphere, attention turns to winter weather hazards. The same preparedness plans and supplies that are helpful for tropical cyclones 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. NOAA also has an excellent publication that covers one of the most underrated weather hazards. (12 page PDF file)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is red-cross-emergency-preparedness-checklist.jpg — 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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_1223-1.jpg — 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!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For August 28 – September 4, 2020 #science #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #hurricanesafety #disasterprep #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #astronomy #covid19 #pandemic #prostatecancer

The past week has been a busy and historic one for the USA. Record breaking wildfires have ravaged many areas of the western USA with millions of acres torched. Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a high-end Category 4 storm. From its humble beginnings as a cluster of thunderstorms moving off the coast of western Africa, what would become Laura traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic, entered the Caribbean region, crossed Puerto Rico and Cuba, then emerged into the Gulf of Mexico where it underwent explosive intensification in less than twenty-four hours. Recovery from these wildfires and Hurricane Laura will take years. We’ve still several weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so I have included information on hurricane and disaster preparedness. There are several other good stories to cover this week, so lets get started.

Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020

The road to being a good scientist, regardless of the field of specialty, is a long one. While one should never consider their education complete, there are certain characteristics that make one stand out. Here’s an excellent essay on four lessons that every good scientist must learn.
Black holes are one of most enigmatic topics in astronomy. This recent news just raised the bar on changing the way we view our universe. “‘It’s mindboggling!’: astronomers detect most powerful black-hole collision yet.”
Summer heat and air quality can have deleterious effects on ones health. Add to that more extreme variations due to climate change and we have a serious public health problem on our hands.
There’s no doubt that California wildfires are getting worse. As our climate warms and droughts and heat in the western states become more commonplace, the daunting challenges posed by intense wildfires increases exponentially.
“Sea level rise from ice sheets track worst-case climate change scenario.” Melting rates in Greenland & Antarctica are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s worst-case climate warming scenarios.
While on the topic of sea ice melt, here’s another scenario with links to the warming of our climate. “Winter ice in the Bering Sea is doomed to disappear within decades.“
Ice melt is also occurring elsewhere. The stability of the lakes that are filling up with the water from the melting ice is in question.
Lightning presents a significant threat to people and structures year round. In tropical regions, it’s responsible for the deaths of millions of trees annually.
Here’s a sobering listen on the beginning of the recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Laura. The daunting task ahead for people in the wake of this powerful storm is made worse by a pandemic that is raging out of control.
“‘Hurricane amnesia’: Why we might forget the lessons from Hurricane Laura.” During the quiet stretches between tropical cyclones, the fear of a hurricane will often dissipate.

HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones this year. In the central and eastern Pacific, several named storms have taken place. The Atlantic has been unusually active with, as of August 28th, thirteen named storms having taken place so far in 2020 with several more weeks in the hurricane season left to go. 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.

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.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

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! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. 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. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Make sure you educate yourself as much as possible about this disease. You may save your life or the life of a loved one. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For July 24 – 31, 2020 #science #perseverance #mars #climate #climatechange #weather #meteorology #hurricane #hurricaneprep #disasterprep

Greetings to everyone! I hope everyone out there is staying healthy and faring well in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we’ve plenty of interesting topics to cover this week. In atmospheric science, our changing climate is proving to be a continuing daunting challenge and finding a long-term path of human adaptation is far easier said than done. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has also gotten off to a historic start with, as of this post, eight named storms for the 2020 season. We’ll also take a look at heat safety and a checklist for assembling an emergency kit…so let’s get started.

Looking into the eye of the best. A common feature of a powerful hurricane is a well developed eye. Photo courtesy NOAA/NWS.

Let’s start off with some very good news…and get excited over anticipating the future discoveries of Perseverance. “NASA has launched the most ambitious Mars rover ever built: here’s what happens next.“
Lightning is a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon that takes place year round all over the planet. This study takes a look at how lightning has an effect on ecosystems in tropical regions.
As strange as it may seem, facts & data may not be enough. “The surprising reasons why people ignore the facts about climate change.”
While on the topic of climate change and social psychology, it may appear that media coverage of climate change is skewed towards deniers while pro-climate information is scarce. If it looks that way to you, you’d be correct.
A new study on climate change takes a look at best and worst case scenarios with a conclusion that a middle ground is a very likely outcome.
Arctic wildfires have been raging through parts of Siberia as of late…and what is called an area of “blocking high pressure aloft” is largely to blame.
A new study says sea level rise, storm surges, and high tides will put trillions of dollars of assets at risk around the world by the end of the century. “Extra 23 million people could face coastal flooding within 30 years even with emission cuts.”
Here’s a very interesting read on getting weather satellites into a lower orbit. “Earth Observation Satellites Could Be Flown Much Lower Than Current Altitudes And Do Better Science.“
If the Earth’s atmosphere could make a sound, it would vibrate like a giant bell with, “various large-scale resonant waves traveling in both directions around the globe.”
Here’s a very important climate read from NOAA. “National Climate Assessment: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will save thousands of lives in the U.S.” This further proves the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The Atlantic and central Pacific have become quite active with several tropical cyclones in July. In the central Pacific, Douglas took a swipe at Hawaii. The Atlantic has been unusually active. Hanna made landfall in southern Texas. As of this post, Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Southeastern USA coast as it intensifies. Time is running out on preparations that are further made more difficult by the pandemic conditions in Florida and several surrounding states. 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 those in regions prone to hurricanes, now is the time to assemble your kit for home and/or your place of work.

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! Once again I’d like to thank so many of you for all the thoughtful comments I’ve received as of late regarding my prostate cancer treatment. I’m doing well and am further bolstered by your words of encouragement and support. 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. As for COVID-19, please stay home if possible, practice good personal hygiene, mind your social distancing, sport a spiffy mask, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Cheers…Stay Healthy…and Good Luck!

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For October 26 – November 2, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #cafire #lightning #movember

Greetings once again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last three weeks. After a few months on hiatus for health reasons, I’ve decided to resume this weekly blog which contains my personal choices of the top ten science reads from the past week. This post will be published every Saturday between 12:00pm and 3:00pm Central USA Time (1700 UTC to 2000 UTC). The subject matter will be subjective, but catered towards what my followers in social media are interested in and cover topics that I feel are of scientific importance. 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 things to be ironed out, so the usual bugs and/or changes are likely to happen. 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 personal note, I appreciate the many best wishes for a speedy recovery. I am in the middle of a long rehabilitation regime from prostate cancer surgery and to say it is a daunting challenge is an understatement. I have many long months ahead 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.

On that note, let’s get started and take a look at this week’s reads.

The California fire season has gotten a devastating start…and it’s likely to only get worse. “Grab your apocalypse bag — it’s fire season in California.”
Speaking of California, a myriad of hazards to residents is making life in the USA’s most populous state challenging and potentially dangerous to millions.
The ramifications of the wildfires in California have given biologists a chance to study a very important topic…the health risks to humans from all that potentially lethal smoke.
Nothing good can come from this. “Formal U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement Looms.”
This scenario was inevitable. “Cape Canaveral launch sites threatened by rising seas.”
As many as 630 million people are currently living on land masses that are under threat from flooding due to rising sea levels. As of 2019, the greatest increase in risk has been found in Asian megacities.
While on the topic of flooding and climate change, it’s no surprise that even the dead cannot escape the effects of sea level rise in certain regions that are prone to flooding or near/below sea level.
Lightning is one of the most elusive, difficult to study, fascinating, and yet deadly elements of even the most modest of thunderstorms. A type of lightning known as a ‘megaflash’ is a new area of study. One 2017 megaflash traveled from Texas, crossed Oklahoma, and ended in Kansas…more than 500 kilometers!

The latest US Drought Monitor is out. Several areas in the southern half of the contiguous USA have become quite dry in recent weeks.

Last but certainly not least, it’s Movember…one month out of the year when men around the globe grow some facial hair in support of conscious raising efforts to bring awareness of specific men’s health issues. For more information, please check out the Movember website!

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, pay me a visit and let us connect. 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 recovering well from surgery. 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 about getting your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers…and Good Luck!

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For October 6 – 12, 2019 #science #climate #weather

Greetings to one and all! 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 thought provoking and very timely read on how the ‘echo chamber’ that exists in mass media and social media can work against us. You’ve heard it before, so it must be true.
Here’s an important read on just one of many diseases that’s spread by the most dangerous creature that we share our planet with…the mosquito. “West Nile Virus: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention.“
Have you ever wondered how a compass at the South Pole can point to the North Pole?
Most of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The question is, how did it get here in the first place?
While on the topic of oceans…”Return of warm water ‘blob’ in the Pacific threatens marine life.“
The phrase “climate change” has never been more volatile. The history behind this loaded term is explained in this essay. “What Should We Call ‘Climate Change’? It’s Political.”
Speaking of climate change, coastal flooding resulting from sea level rise is a topic that will become very important in the years to come. In California, it has become a particularly volatile topic.
Here’s a detailed look at how the Greenland ice sheet fared in 2019. As you can see on the map below, the red tinted areas are regions that have gone under a loss of ice.

While the focus of this article in on hurricanes, it can easily apply to many other disasters; tornadoes, flash floods, blizzards, earthquakes, etc. “Cell Phone Service Must Be Restored Quicker after Hurricanes.“
Last but not least, there are several more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season. While the tropics are quiet for now, it’s never too late to have a preparedness plan in place. My Hurricane Preparedness Page can be a helpful starting point to prepare for the storm you hope never happens.

That’s a wrap for this post! If you’re on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr, let’s connect. The links for my accounts are below. And thanks so much 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.

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

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For June 29 – July 6, 2019

Greetings everyone! It’s been an interesting week. Summer has been brutal over the European continent and elsewhere. Meanwhile in California, seismic activity has been reminding residents of the perilous dangers of living along a major fault. There’s much more to cover. Enjoy.

The European heat wave is not only making people adapt to a changing climate, but face the fact that they need more air conditioning.
The European heat wave has waned a bit, but it’s still unusually warm. Unfortunately, this will probably be a taste of a ‘new normal.’
Recent photos of a hail storm’s aftermath have been making the rounds in social media. This excellent essay by Dr. Marshall Shepherd not only explains the hows and whys of hail, but nails it when it comes to explaining the ‘modus operandi’ of hype in today’s social media.
A very novel idea in forecasting thunderstorms. “Computer scientists predict lightning and thunder with the help of artificial intelligence.“
Speaking of forecasting, the USA’s National Weather Service is making some changes to its products that notify you if hazardous weather is headed your way.
Since 2014, the amount of sea ice around Antarctica has declined significantly…and more could disappear more rapidly than previously thought.
While on the topic of ice and climate change, Greenland has a significant amount that, if it were to disappear, would have enough influence worldwide to raise sea levels up to twenty feet.
In spite of perpetual myths, sharks are low on the danger risk for humans. Millions of sharks are needlessly slaughtered every year by humans…if for no other reason than their fins can be sliced off to make expensive soup for rich people. Truth be known, sharks should be terrified of humans…and our plastic pollution in oceans is now just one way we kill them.
In the past few days, seismic activity in California has seen a dramatic increase. Years of little activity has induced ambivalence and complacency. As of this post (6 July 2019) substantial earthquakes are still occurring and seismologists say the fault system is still growing.
For some reason, this item stirred up a great deal of vitriol from nefarious trolls on Twitter. Looks like what doesn’t agree with the left is as anger inspiring as anything that annoys the right. I thought it was an intriguing idea.

Hurricane Preparedness

The beginning of June brings the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. For the next few weeks, I’ll share some informative links pertaining to this threat that, like many other weather hazards across North America, occurs annually. Some years are relatively quiet, some not so. The important fact to remember is that it only takes one tropical storm or hurricane to affect the lives of millions. Unlike tornadoes, tropical cyclones can be forecast days in advance which, for those in its path, is fortunate since it gives them plentiful time to prepare and evacuate. These are links pertaining to tropical cyclones (tropical storms & hurricanes) that I hope you’ll find helpful.

National Weather Service Homepage

National Hurricane Center

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness American

Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

NOAA Weather Radio Interactive

NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

USA Environmental Protection Agency: General Information For Disaster Preparedness And Response

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.

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! Thanks so much to all of you who follow me…your loyalty is sincerely appreciated.

Cheers!

Tornado Quest on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tornadoquest

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Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Links For May 18 – 25, 2019

Greetings everyone! I hope the weather’s to your liking no matter where you live. Here in the Great Plains of the USA, it’s been a wild May with a significant amount of severe weather activity complete with numerous tornadoes and record setting floods across many states. There’s plenty to review this week, so let’s get started.

Communicating scientific concepts and theories to the general public is one of the most daunting challenges scientists (and citizen scientists) will face. Often, misunderstanding how science and the scientific method fosters an atmosphere of anti-science hostility. Here’s an interesting and informative read on how to reverse the assault on science that has been going full steam in recent years.
By the year 2100, sea level rise could reach levels that are much more than currently feared.
If you’ve ever had a sneaking suspicion that China isn’t living up to it’s environmental obligations, you would be correct. They’re not only playing dice with their citizens, but life as we know it the world over.
For some regions of our planet, it’s “double trouble” with a health endangering fight between air pollution and increases in CO2.
Our planet’s biodiversity is bigger than most of us can comprehend. Here’s an interesting look at how the biodiversity is allocated…and how much it would weigh.
Are hurricanes getting stronger and is climate change playing a part? According to some new data, the answer is in the affirmative.
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK is like no other weather forcasting office in the world. Here’s an inside view of how this amazing part of NOAA works.
The latest State Of The Climate report is out. “The global land and ocean surface temperature departure from average for April 2019 was the second highest for the month of April in the 140-year NOAA global temperature dataset record, which dates back to 1880. The year-to-date temperature was the third warmest January–April on record.”
The latest USA Drought Monitor has some surprising news. Drought coverage for the USA has hit a 20 year low. Unfortunately, this has come at the expense of dangerous flooding across several great plains states.
Last but not least, the NOAA Atlantic hurricane season outlook has been released. There are many variables involved, but as of now, a relatively normal season is expected.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics 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 climactic seasons on our planet.

Testing your NOAA weather radio year round is one of the best ways to stay informed on weather conditions for your area regardless of the season. Many National Weather Service offices conduct weekly tests. It’s also a good idea to replace the batteries in your NOAA weather radio when you change batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

Infographic courtesy NWS Amarillo, Texas

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years.

One of the most onerous and dangerous behaviors during severe weather is the practice of “sheltering’ under an overpass. Under no circumstances should anyone engage in this life-threatening activity.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

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

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

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.

That’s a wrap for this post! To my new followers, I’d like to extend a sincere “Welcome” and thank you for being a part of the fun. For my long-time followers, your loyalty is deeply appreciated. Thanks so much for the support and kind words!

Cheers!

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

THIS WEEK’S SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY INFOGRAPHICS: STAYING INFORMED!

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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WINTER WEATHER AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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Hurricane Preparedness

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.

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

Here are some links and infographics 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 climactic seasons on our planet.

When severe weather is forecast, it is assigned a risk category. Hazards exist in all categories, hence it’s important to be aware of all of them. Note: tornadoes can and do occur even in Marginal Risk areas…and a Slight Risk does not mean that storms will be “slightly” severe.

After thunderstorms form, they are carefully observed with Doppler Radar. This infographic explains how this amazing technology works and how its progressed over the years.

When severe weather is anticipated, a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch will be issued. It’s very important to know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, it means you need to take cover immediately. Where you take cover can sometimes be a life-or-death situation.

If a TORNADO WARNING is issued and you are in the warned area, there are good options and bad options for taking shelter. The choice can sometimes be a life-and-death decision. Bad options have killed countless people in recent years.

Here are more links that will help you prepare and stay informed during the severe weather season.

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.

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