My Blog (DUH!!!): Severe Storm Spotter Class Notes

OK, it was too late for me to post all of this when we got home last night so here it is now:

In 2004 there was 69 tornados statewide in Missouri, and 122 in Kansas (a new record)
On May 24, 2004, there was a tornado outbreak in Northern Missouri, a 6" dia. hail stone near Meadville, MO.
On May 29, 2004, there was a tornado outbreak along I-35.

Spotters are critical to a successful warning
Green clouds normally mean hail.
When looking at what you think is a tornado, look before you report. It might just be a smoke stack from the power plant down the road, or it might just be a low hanging cloud. Also look for rotation - no rotation means no tornado.
Tornado - What's important to report:

Rotation
Wall Cloud
RFD - Rear Flank Downdraft
Tornado

A Wall Cloud is a cloud that slopes down and away from rain.
A Shelf Cloud is a cloud that slopes up and away from rain.
Flash Flooding is DANGEROUS, 2' of water can carry a car away, 6" can carry you away, and can carry a car off the road TADD = Turn Around, Don't Drown.
If you have a rain gauge, 4" an hour can mean flash flooding.
On a Doppler Radar, Hot colors means wind blowing away from the radar site, cool colors means winds blowing towards the radar site.

Always know where you are with respect to the storm
If you are spotting in your car, bring a map and know escape routes to get out of the path of a storm.
When a storm is coming through, and you are in a building remember this duck:
Down to the basement or lowest floor
Under something sturdy
Cover your head and neck
Keep in shelter until the storm has passed

DON'T HIDE IN AN OVERPASS!!!

Call-in Phone Number: 1.800.438.0596

Now for the handouts: