There are a number of atmospheric oscillations that are important drivers of week-to-week weather patterns across North America. The Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) often get the most attention, but one of the most important pattern oscillations for North America is the Eastern Pacific Oscillation or EPO. As the name implies,
Category: Weather
The Tomb of the Unknowns is Guarded in Many Types of Weather
The Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded in many types of weather. Also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this national monument is dedicated to unidentified service members who fought for our country. Since 1937, U.S. Army solders have guarded the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Those guarding the tomb, known as Sentinels,
Hurricane Matthew: By The Numbers
It has been over 10 years since the east coast of the United States has seen a major (category 3 or higher) hurricane hit its shores. Not since Hurricane Wilma in 2005 has a hurricane with such intensity moved ashore in the United States
Dos and Don’ts During Flood Catastrophes
Dos and don’ts during flood catastrophes are secondary to simply remaining calm. Without a clear head, the many dangers introduced by rising waters can cause panic, which can make things worse. Careful observances of the threats before it’s too late may turn future victims into survivors. Dos Dos and don’ts during flood catastrophes are secondary
How Safe are Stadiums When Lightning Strikes
Do you think you are safe from lightning when in a stadium? If you are a college football fan, you probably noticed that the game between the University of Oklahoma and Ohio State University was delayed on Saturday, Sept 17. Media may have shown rain falling, but it was actually a lightning delay that caused the
Earthquakes, Birds and Weather Radar
On September 3, 2016, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred near Pawnee, Oklahoma at about 7:02 a.m. That morning, I was viewing Doppler weather radar data in my RadarScope® app and saw a rapid increase in the size of the radar echoes near the radar and also the intensity of those echoes, but when I looked
How are Hurricane Wind Speeds Determined?
With tropical storms and hurricanes churning in the oceans, you may be hearing them called Cat 2 or Cat 3 storms. What does that mean and how do they figure out that number? It’s actually pretty interesting, but not a job for the faint of heart. While satellites, radars and computer models can help meteorologists
Hurricane Disaster Dos and Don’ts
Hurricane disaster dos and don’ts can save lives, when properly applied. Preparing can prevent harm to houses, property and people. Before, during and after a big one hits, making the right choices can avert disaster. Dos Before the Storm Hits Having the right supplies can make all the difference if a storm becomes disastrous. Keep
40th Anniversary of the Big Thompson Flood
An afternoon thunderstorm situated in just the right place can spark a chain of events that can completely change a community and how it learns to respond to a flooding disaster. Such was the case the evening of July 31st above the Big Thompson Canyon in Colorado, 60 miles northwest of Denver.
Stunning Microburst in Phoenix
Phoenix, along with much of the rest of the country, has been battling with excessive heat for most of the summer. In the southwest this dry heat, combined with their summer monsoonal rainfalls, can create a virulent effect in the atmosphere that accompanies the rain, known as a microburst.