Daily Archives: March 19, 2009

Keep an eye on Monday, Kansas

It’s still a few days off, but meteorologists and storm chasers have been telling me that there could be a significant outbreak of severe weather Monday – perhaps near Wichita.

The topic surfaced a couple of days ago when I mentioned to them my instincts were telling me that early next week could be lively for severe weather. Waves of warm and cool air are whipping through the region like different acts of the same play, and moisture is beginning to arrive from the Gulf of Mexico. Bring all those ingredients together at the right time, and we could see the first significant tornado outbreak of the season.

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has already pegged Monday as a potentially stormy day for much of the heartland – including most of Kansas.

Now is a good time to make sure you have a fresh battery in your weather radio, and your basement, safe room or other designated shelter site is ready for use in the event you need to take refuge.

Why a tree isn’t good shelter against lightning

Weather officials have said for decades that trees are horrible sources of protection against lightning. A tree in Sedgwick County Park offered vivid testimony why, after being nailed by a lightning bolt on the night of March 7. Bark was blown 70 feet from the tree by the lightning bolt.
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