Radar is a wonderful tool, but it is not a panacea. The radar goes in a straight line, so it gets higher and higher as you get farther away from the radar site due to the curvature of the Earth. Also, the beam becomes more diffuse as it gets far away. Often the lowest elevation of the volume scan is anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 feet off the ground, so any rotation we show on TV is aloft. Quite frankly, the truth is that radar does not show tornadoes because the beam is not ground based, where tornadoes form. Sure, knowing we have tight circulation in the updraft a few thousand feet is a great clue we might have a tornado down, but we really don’t know until someone looks at it.
That is why storm spotters are so critical, and we really need more in our state. Especially in rural areas. For this reason, ABC 33/40 started our Storm Alert Xtreme weather seminar four years ago. Storm Alert Xtreme is for people who want to be a volunteer storm spotter, and for those who have been a spotter for years. We suggest that everyone involved in severe weather spotting be trained at least once a year, so for rookies and veterans we want you there. Even if you don’t want to be a spotter, but just want to learn more about weather (especially thunderstorms and tornadoes), you need to attend. Storm Alert Xtreme is perfect for amateur radio operators, first responders, employees of large utility companies, etc. If you have an older child that has a weather phobia (or for adults with the same issue), this is perfect for them. Information is powerful, and they will take away knowledge of how storms work, and how the severe weather warning process works.
I will also have an update on the ABC 33/40 Skywatcher program, and there will be other speakers as well. See the complete agenda here.
Storm Alert Xtreme is this Saturday (November 10) at the BJCC… there is no admission charge, and you don’t need to register. Just show up with an inquiring mind! We begin at 8:30… look for the signs across the street from the Sheraton. And, if you come to Storm Alert Xtreme, you get free admission to the Alabama International Auto Show, which is going on today through Sunday at the BJCC.
