Tornado Quest Top Science Links For October 29 – November 5, 2022

Greetings everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you well. In the USA, autumn is no stranger to tornado activity as was proved by a localized outbreak on 4 November 2022 in parts of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas. For the eastern Pacific and Atlantic, there are a few weeks left in the hurricane season. Therefore, I’ll continue sharing helpful information on preparing an emergency kit that will be helpful in any tropical storm or hurricane scenario. There are many essential science reads this week including important information on the upcoming COP27 summit, so let’s get started.

Who do you trust when it comes to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc? The simple and most sane answer is to stay with official resources. This is the best and safety way to avoid the misinformation and disinformation that is so pervasive in social media.
Here’s a preliminary news report from Associated Press on the 4 November 2022 tornado events in parts of Oklahoma and Texas.
This fits well in the “no good deed goes unpunished” category. “Oregon tried to inform residents about wildfire risk. The backlash was explosive.”
This is some encouraging news. “This simple material could scrub carbon dioxide from power plant smokestacks.”
Hopeful renewable statistics from Spain who now is capable of producing over 38% of the countries energy needs from mostly wind, hydroelectric, and solar power.
As our planet warms, those who suffer with hay fever may have a harder time dealing with this health issue.
Here’s a very informative and concise guide to the important COP27 climate summit and what atmospheric scientists are watching.
As the COP27 climate summit approaches, many feel helpless and wonder where are the solutions to our global climate crisis.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Drought conditions still plague much of the contiguous USA. Parts of the plains states and central California have been the hardest hit. Recent outlooks offer little to no relief in sight.

Last but certainly not least, if you’re looking for hurricane preparedness information, here’s your one stop website for everything you need to know for before, and after the storm. This all inclusive website from NOAA will help you prepare for the storm and tell you how to stay safe afterwards. The infographics below will help you prepare an emergency kit and use discretion when you come across questionable weather information/forecasts/hyperbole when online or using social media.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Infographic courtesy FEMA/Ready.gov/Red Cross

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, a follow is appreciated! And remember, prepare ahead for the storm you hope never happens!

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 April 9 – 16, 2022

Greetings to everyone! I hope this week’s post finds all of you happy, healthy, and doing well. We’ll continue sharing severe weather preparedness information this week with a infographic on the best choice of a safe place during a tornado warning. There are many other interesting topics to cover this week, so let’s get started.

Let’s start with some good news, specifically on the exciting potential of wind power as a renewable energy source and its future benefits for our planet.
Here’s another story with good news on an old tool. A knife made of wood (which would easily biodegrade) as opposed to steel. I’ll be the first in line to give this a try!
This is a fascinating read on past climates & our ancestors. “Record-breaking simulation hints at how climate shaped human migration.”
Strict adherence to long term goals is key. “Climate change: COP26 promises will hold warming under 2C.”
If you live in the USA or it’s territories, do you know where your National Weather Service office is located? Knowing where is important regardless of your climate. Enter your location at the NWS page here to find yours.
Here’s a look at the latest US Drought Monitor. Unfortunately, there’s been little change in the drought conditions that have plagued the western half of the contiguous USA for the past several months.
Ambivalence, and forgetfulness, sets in fast. “Officials Warn of ‘Complacency’ ahead of Hurricane Season.”
This is an excellent read on tornado occurrence within National Weather Service county warning areas.
In weather history, 10 April marked the 43rd anniversary of the Red River tornado outbreak in Oklahoma and Texas. There were many long track violent tornadoes that occurred in this outbreak, the most notable one was the Wichita Falls event.

Map of the 10 April 1979 Red River Valley tornado outbreak. Image courtesy NWS Norman, OK

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Norman, OK

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!

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!

See you next Saturday!

Tornado Quest micro-podcast for April 9 – 16 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.

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For September 4 – 11, 2021

Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast on 26 August 2020.

The past week has seen many big science stories come across our news feeds. From Hurricane Ida and the devastation in its wake to the COVID-19 pandemic to the rapid increase in climate change, there has been no shortage of stories. For North America, the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is upon us. This week’s post has a plethora of links to help you with hurricane preparations. There are many more weeks left in the Atlantic hurricane season, so now is the time to prepare for the storm you hope never happens. Much of western North America is still dealing with wildfires and a severe drought. There are many other good science reads to review for this week, so let’s get started.

This week marks the twentieth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. This gallery contains images that, for many of us, will forever be indelibly etched into our memory of that horrible day.
Here’s a very timely read that has validation for not only the ongoing pandemic, but many areas of science. “Prebunking Health Misinformation Tropes Can Stop Their Spread.”
Misinformation & disinformation are a plague that feeds on fear & superstition. “Free Speech In A Pandemic Congress Wrestles With Drawing A Line.”
This is a very thought provoking read on how the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have some very solid links and a reminder of how every person is globally connected.
It’s one thing to be in denial of climate change or the substantial threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s quite another matter to accept these threats to human existence…and feel the need to do nothing about it.
In all honesty, many of these populated areas shouldn’t populated with humans. Many vulnerable cities exist in areas where they shouldn’t…and that is why we have this…”Hurricane Ida May Spark Mass Migration.”
Extremes in winter weather may not sound like it’s associated with climate change and global warming, but there are clear climatological connections.
Speaking of extremes…Texas, do you remember that bitter cold snap of February 2021? “Scientists See Link Between Arctic Warming & Texas Cold Snap.”
Wildfires present significant threats on their own. New studies and data show that the smoke created by these massive fires has a lethal component that claims tens of thousands of lives every year.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global health crisis that is nothing like we’ve seen in a century. However, in the long run, a recent medical journal editorial published in more than 200 medical and health journals worldwide places climate change as the biggest threat to global public health.
While on the topic of public health, it’s time to reexamine the importance of air quality and staying healthy.
The Atlantic hurricane season has been a busy one for 2021. Hurricane Ida will certainly go down in the history books. As of this post, Hurricane Larry is still going strong in the Atlantic. In August 2021, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center updated the official Atlantic hurricane season outlook. “Atlantic Hurricane Season Shows No Signs Of Slowing.”

HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, 2021. As is the case with most years, the late summer and autumn months comes the peak of activity. This is a list of tropical cyclone safety and preparedness links that I hope you’ll find helpful and spearhead your preparedness plan. None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

WEATHER DATA

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency kits, staying informed, and avoiding misinformation and disinformation that are applicable to tropical cyclone scenarios. Tornadoes are also common in land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes. If in doubt, always stay with OFFICIAL sources of important information, forecasts, and warnings.

Even though this infographic is focused on winter weather, it certainly applies to weather information year round. Diligence from January through December is important to cull through misinformation, disinformation, and unfounded rumors.

Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Fort Worth, TX

Please keep in mind that ONLY NOAA weather radio, your local National Weather Service office, or reliable broadcast media are the BEST sources of important, timely, and potentially life-saving information on hurricane/tropical storm watches, warnings, and other related warnings! None of the links on this page should be used for life-&-death decisions or the protection of property!

That’s a wrap for this post! Next week we’ll continue information on hurricane preparedness and safety. A big ‘Thank You’ to my followers in social media. If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, get vaccinated, sport a spiffy 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.

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

National Hurricane Center

Tropical Atlantic

Central Pacific Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Homepage

N ational Weather Service Weather Prediction Center

NOAA Climate Prediction Center

Storm Prediction Center

National Data Buoy Center

NCAR Tropical Cyclone Guidance Project

HURRICANE SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

NOAA Hurricane Preparedness

CDC Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross

American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety Information

American Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist (PDF file)

Extensive FEMA Emergency Preparedness Document (34 Page PDF File)

Ready.gov Basic Disaster Supply Kit Info

Preparing Your Pets For Disasters And Emergencies

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Flash Flooding: Turn Around, Don’t Drown

NOAA Weather Radio

Interactive NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

The following infographics cover many important topics including emergency 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 February 19 – 26, 2021 #science #weather #meteorology #winter #winterstorm2021 #wintersafety #climate #climatechange #environment #pollution #drought #droughtmonitor #nasa #perseverance

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

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

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

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

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

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

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

The handy checklist below from the American Red Cross will help you put together an emergency kit for a variety of weather scenarios. A kit like this is very helpful in a variety of other difficult scenarios from wildfires to blizzards to tornadoes and hurricanes.

Social media is a very useful tool that can be misused for misinformation, disinformation, and hype. While this infographic is geared towards, winter weather, it certainly applies to all kinds of weather year round.

Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas

That’s a wrap for this post! Be sure to check in next week. I will be adding a plethora of information regarding severe weather and tornado safety. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to my followers in social media. I’m glad you’re along for the fun! If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram, let’s connect! As for the COVID-19 pandemic, sport a spiffy mask as often as you can, practice good hand-washing hygiene, mind your social distancing, stay safe, and stay healthy!

Media inquiries: tornadoquest@protonmail.ch

Tornado Quest Top Ten Science Reads For October 19 – 26, 2019 #science #climate #weather #climatechange #environment #wildfire #airquality #public health

Greetings again to one and all! Here’s a review of my intro from the last two 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 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 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 ‘good vibes’ and 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 take a look at this week’s reads.

Infographic courtesy World Health Organization

There are many weather and climate hazards that are life threatening and make for big headlines. One that is all to often overlooked and affects virtually every human on this planet is air quality. Here’s an excellent site from the World Health Organization on air quality, pollution, and how it affects your health.
It is not a matter of ‘if’ citizen science can contribute to science…the answer is a resounding ‘YES!’
As our climate changes, the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire in California increases dramatically year after year.
The discussion in California of wildfires and electrical power grids continues. “Electric Utilities Can’t Blame Wildfires Solely on Climate, Experts Say.“
While on the topic of wildfires, lets take a look from a global perspective at the unusual and disturbing increase in fires worldwide.
On 20 October 2019, a strong tornado moved across parts of the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. The autumn months typically bring an uptick in severe weather activity across much of the USA’s Great Plains. This story from the Guardian is a good overview of the situation. Unfortunately the headline, which implies that one tornado moved from Dallas into Arkansas, is all too common.
Are you stressed out by the daunting challenges of climate change? You’re not alone. Here are a list of eight actions you can take, some are better than others, other like ‘fight shaming’ are ridiculous, most important is the realization that every small action you can take adds up to big changes…and a better quality of life.
According to new data from NOAA and NASA, the Earth’s ozone hole is the smallest it has ever been since its discovery.
A recently released study says, “Antarctic ice sheets have been melting rapidly for hundreds of years, much longer than scientists previously thought.“
The Atlantic hurricane season will be coming to an official end very soon, but 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. This emergency kit can also be applicable in many different climates and for all seasons.

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 your PSA tested. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is only one of many reputable sites with further information.

Cheers!

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY

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HURRICANE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

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WINTER WEATHER SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

UNDERSTANDING WIND CHILL AND DRESSING FOR WINTER WEATHER

PREPARING AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR HOME, VEHICLE, AND WORK

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