Learning from the 2011 Tornado in Joplin

The National Weather Service released findings from the May 22, 2011 tornado in Joplin, MO. (As a side note, I urge anyone reading this to purchase a weather alert radio or to inquire with their local officials about a free weather alert radio. Being alert to severe weather can save your life.)

Key findings:

Improve warning communications to convey a sense of urgency for extreme events. This will compel people to take immediate life-saving action.

Collaborate with partners who communicate weather warnings to develop GPS-based warning communications, including the use of text messaging, smart phone apps, mobile communications technologies, in addition to upgrades to the Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio.

Collaborate more throughout the weather enterprise to ensure that weather warning messages sent via television, radio, NOAA Weather Radio, local warning systems such as sirens – are consistent to reduce confusion and stress the seriousness of the threat.

Continue to increase community preparedness.

Full report can be found here: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110920_joplin.html

Bluebird Day

A beautiful bluebird day here in Western Massachusetts today. What is a bluebird day? Well, it pretty much is what it sounds like, a most beautiful day with cloudless, gorgeous blue skies. Probably will be the best day of the work week, as the forecast for the next 4 days calls for cloudy skies with chances of showers everyday.

A new beginning

With all the devastating weather events that have happened in my home region of Western Massachusetts, thought it would be a good time to dust off this blog and start again. Hard to believe that just 3 short weeks ago we were dealing with torrential rain and catastrophic flooding all around as Hurricane Irene was passing through, and just over 3 months ago, the EF-3 tornado that went through the heart of Springfield and then communities eastward.

Looking forward to the next season of Storm Chasers on the Discovery Channel, and watching the exploits of Reed Timmer, Tim Samaras and Sean Casey and their crews. With the terrible tornado season this year, should have lots of compelling video and stories. Check them out here: http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/storm-chasers/