Web posted
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Eyes needed to find storms
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
Technology - such as the Internet and radar - makes weather tracking and predicting a much more exact science. But even so, people are still needed on the ground to see what is actually happening, said Brad Ketchum, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita.
Ketchum was the featured speaker at a meeting of weather spotters at Arkansas City Middle School Tuesday night.
The local group, Cowley County Emergency Auxiliary, puts on the program every year rotating between Arkansas City and Winfield. They have about 12 active spotters and are always looking for more people to get involved.
Ketchum is one of the people who can issue a storm or tornado warning. He wants to be careful to not raise fears when unnecessary, but still wants to warn people when there is a real danger.
There are three main indicators of nasty weather, which include favorable conditions, radar images and people reporting what is happening on the ground. If two of three of these indicators are present, he will issue a warning, he said.
A warning means a storm is in the area and cover should be taken immediately. A watch means conditions are favorable.
Ketchum recommends that everyone have a NOAA Weather Radio; one that is activated when severe weather bulletins are issued.
It is the fastest way to get accurate weather information, he said.
This weather seminar is held each year before storm season in Kansas. Traditionally tornados strike in the state mostly between April and June, though the season has started as early as March in the past.
Last year 11 people were killed when a storm flattened the town of Greensburg on May 4. There were 23 tornadoes reported around the state in a three-day period between May 4 and 6.
The storm that hit Greensburg was a mile wide and was the first storm of a category 5 since 1999.
"The storm descended from a wall cloud and developed a wedge tornado," he said.
The storm also hit at night, which is a bit unusual. He talked about how to do storm spotting at night when it is very hard to see. Storm spotters have to be alert and watch for what they can see when the sky is lit up to try to get accurate information.
There are various types of clouds, for instance, that can tell spotters what is going on.
The shape of the clouds can indicate where the storm is going and what is likely to happen. And it is important to know the types of clouds when spotting, to know the difference between signs of a tornado and just "scary looking clouds."
Brian Stone, Cowley County Emergency Management director, said the spotters provide a great service in helping identify where storms are. They also work in other emergency situations such as floods or fires.
He said police officers and firemen from other small towns in the county also help with storm spotting.
He said the Dexter Fire Dept., and the Udall Police Dept., have been very active in helping with storm spotting.
Surviving a tornado
* Duck Down - Get down to the lowest land you can find, or in an ditch.
* Under - Get under a sturdy structure, but do not get under an overpass.
* Cover - Cover your head.
* Keep inside a shelter until the storm has passed.
Severe weather awareness
* Be alert to changing weather
* Listen to weather reports often (A "watch" means conditions are favorable, a "warning" means a storm has been observed.)
* Use a NOAA weather radio
Tornado tips
* Move to basement, cellar or underground shelter
* If underground is not available, move to the interior of lowest level of building. More walls between you and the storm is better. Avoid windows.
* If in a mobile home, move to a designated shelter area.
* If in a car pull off the road and seek shelter in a low, narrow area. Lie flat on your stomach and cover your head.
* Be familiar with designated shelter areas in public buildings.
Helpful Web sites:
www.weather.gov
www.Fema.gov
www.redcross.org
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