I was doing some exploration on the SPC website, and I came across this Annual Reports Summary. Of course, this week's severe weather outbreak really skewed the graphical results, but it is amazing to me to see the impact depicted in that way.
I was just looking at some pictures of the tornado damage again, specifically I was on the CNN picture site for the tornado outbreak, and I was struck by some of the Oxford, MS, pictures. 
Looking at those pictures and knowing that no deaths were reported is amazing. The amount of death, damage and destruction caused by these tornadoes is horrific. I am so glad that there are warning systems in place to help protect lives and property. The SPC, local NWS offices and a network of trained storm spotters and knowledgable storm chasers undoubtedly saved countless lives. 
If you have any interest at all in becoming a part of that warning system, I encourage you to contact you local National Weather Service Office about becoming a trained Skywarn Spotter. Click on the map here, and on the NWS site map, click on your location within the United States, and it will take you to that local office's site. Somewhere on that site (look in the left sidebar), there should be information about how to get trained in your area (some areas offer online spotter training), but you can click on the Skywarn logo here for a link to more information. Your training can help save lives! YOU can make a difference!
That said, I would like to share with you my sunset yesterday. I was trapped at work finishing up, but I took a minute to capture this spectacular sight. Here are a few shots. Enjoy, and happy Friday!
Ciao,
~Dewdrop
Friday, February 08, 2008
Consider becoming a Skywarn Spotter, help save lives when disaster strikes
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That IS a bloggerific idea...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike! I thought so, too. Might as well, put this blog to use. :O)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. That first one is my favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteWe never have sunsets like that here--there is too much junk in the way! Let me test your weather history knowledge...did we have big storm cells with THAT many tornados long ago or could it be attributed to the global temperature rise? Just curious...I don't know squat about weather!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth Ellen. It's funny. I took those through a tiny little window in my office building, as the sun was setting.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, You sometimes have to chase the sun. Believe me, it's worth it. A test... love it!
I don't really go for the whole Global Warming hoopla, except that our country is recovering from an Ice Age, so generally things are warming up. I believe that weather/climate is very much cyclical.
As for Severe Weather Outbreaks in history, the biggest on record was the Super Outbreak of 1974, where 148 tornadoes resulted in 319 deaths across 13 states. More information about the Super Outbreak of 1974 can be found at this link. However... records of tornado outbreaks date back to the 1600's, and the deadliest on record occurred in 1925, the second deadliest in 1840... so, to answer your question, Annie, no. Not more since the whole "Global Warming" hoopla. Oh, here is a link to a listing of US tornado outbreaks. Enjoy.
Did I pass?
Great sunset shots Dew...Mike, I cant believe you used the term "Bloggerific"..(slowly shaking head)
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with something being bloggerific?! Thanks for the compliments. Look forward to seeing what you got on your excursion (no pressure though :D). Glad you made it home safely.
ReplyDeleteOMG... your sunsets are stunning... it seems that whenever you're trapped at work, you come up with the most amazing photos... LOL. I hardly see a sunset here because of the mountains so I really enjoy the photos.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
Michele, Wow! Thanks, Michele! It's so funny... I have a mirror hung from the ceiling in my office that allows me to see out the west facing office window in my neighbor's office. When I saw the sunset, I had to shoot it, so I went into my neighbor's office, stood on her chair and snapped some quick shots through her very strange window. I appreciate the compliment, and I am glad you like my South Georgia sunset. :O) Hope your weekend is fabulous!
ReplyDelete