The Joplin, MO tornado killed 159 and injured more than 1,000 May 22. This came on the heels of the historic April 27 outbreak across the Deep South. So how did this many people die?
An early glance by the weather community in the following days showed there were good forecasts, outlooks, warnings and coverage. This comprehensive assessment backs that up, though it details what needs to improve.
Click here - for the short highlights
Click here - for the 40-page detailed assessment (.pdf)
Here are four key points:
- 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; and
- Continue to increase community preparedness.
For you the most important steps we can stress is now, when the weather is quiet, be sure your family knows how to stay updated with good weather information -- the forecasts, watches then warnings. Then what steps would you and your family members do in different scenarios.
A severe thunderstorm with 60mph wind won't be a major concern in a sturdy home. But it's much different if you're at your kids' practice or a Texas Tech game. Do your children know what to do if a tornado warning is issued when they get home from school, before you're there? Do you know how to get watches and warnings if you're going to drive to Lamesa or Amarillo during the afternoon? This isn't meant to be a promotion focusing on us but
here are various resources we offer.
We're not trying to scare, these types of tornadoes are rare. But it's a good idea to have these various steps planned. It's actually been a good while since we've had significant severe weather. The drought prevented this year's severe weather season, El Nino last year made a rainy but less-severe season. Of course our severe season peaks in May into June so there is a long time to go but this new report is a good reminder that we all need to be prepared.
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