View the full set of April announcements by clicking here. Please note the new Affinity Group opportunities and changes to volunteer service. With so much going on, only announcement highlights were presented at the chapter meeting. More opportunities and contacts, websites, and other details are available in the announcements.
Important COVID-19 return to service update: NTMN face to face activities for certain training and service in groups up to 10 are back in place. Details here.
Highlights from the April 2021 Chapter Meeting
The Camera Roll for the April meeting introduced the NTMN New Class of 2021. Wonderful to put more faces with names as the class continues in virtual format! Now that you more experienced NTMNers know who they are, please reach out and make our newest members welcome as we return to service.
Chasing with Chelsea – Surviving Severe Weather in North Texas
Thank you, Chelsea Burnett with Texas Storm Chasers, for leading us through such an interesting review of severe weather encountered in North Texas. A seasoned storm chaser, Chelsea has observed 28 tornadoes. Building on this year’s Survivor: Adapt, Evolve, and Thrive theme, her talk covered lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flooding.
Chelsea drew on engaging audience poll questions and an array of statistics to illustrate the real hazards of severe weather and how to stay safe. A special highlight of the evening was the series of storm chasing videos that took us up close and personal with truly violent weather.
That lightning can generate temperatures hot as the sun’s surface is attention-getting. As is the statistic that over 80% of lightning strike victims are 15- to 40-year-old males (why, indeed).
She dispelled three lightning myths with these facts: 1) just because it’s not raining there is still risk of lightning – it can strike over 10 miles from a storm; 2) rubber soles or tires really don’t protect from a lightning strike; 3) victims of lightning strike are not dangerous to touch (as once believed) and that they really need immediate help (including calling 911 and being ready to provide CPR).
Chelsea used weather date going back to 1880 to portray tornado frequency and severity in North Texas. The map of reported tornadoes showed a strong concentration in more urbanized areas, perhaps more a reflection of people present for sightings than an actual urban effect. That the vast majority of tornadoes fall in the EF0 to EF1 range didn’t sound like strong incentive to make one go out and chase every storm.
She showed how hail falls in our area some 50 days per year, with about 30 days involving hail under one-inch diameter. Chelsea advised against sheltering from hail under overpasses. Not only do these have higher wind speeds and often channel debris, parking there also puts fellow motorists at risk.
Flooding was the last severe weather type Chelsea discussed. She illustrated how very powerful floodwaters can be, with a flow of only 6 inches being enough to pull a person down and 24 inches enough to carry a vehicle away. With flash flooding the leading cause of weather-related deaths, her reminder was sobering: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Chelsea wrapped up with three tips. First, check out the Texas Storm Chaser app for interactive radar, live video, and fast updates. Next, consider taking the SKYWARN Spotter Training online with the National Weather Service. Finally, always have more than one way to receive severe weather alerts. She recommends a weather radio, in addition to apps, text services, social media, friends and family. A favorite app is Radarscope.
Further Information: National Weather Service Safety
Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
Recording: At the speaker’s request, this presentation was not recorded.
Thanks to our guests and members for participating in this month’s meeting. We hope all feel welcome at NTMN.
Take care,
Scott Hudson
President
North Texas Master Naturalist