Over 150 Attend Salina Weather Event

Over 150 people gathered in Salina Wednesday evening to learn a little about severe weather. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chance Hayes presented the “Storm Fury On The Plains” spring severe weather safety and spotter class.

Using a multi-media presentation, Hayes taught the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure, the features to look for, and where to find them. What, when and how to report information as well as basic severe weather safety were also covered. 

One of the focuses was the May 28th Bennington tornado.

Hayes used video shot by KSAL storm chaser Henry Diehl, and audio from KSAL’s coverage that night. He also used video shot by Diehl’s chase partners Jeremy Diehl and Cody Tremblay, showing different angles of the large tornado, to demonstrate where to be, and where not to be, when storm spotting. 

The Bennington tornado remained nearly stationary on the ground for over an hour. It was 3/4 mile wide, and stayed over mainly open country. There was some structure damage, but no fatalities. The tornado did kill over 100 head of cattle.

“Storm Fury on the Plains” will be presented again at several communities around the area.

Complete list of area times and locations:

Wichita National Weather Service presentations: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ict/?n=spottertalks

Topeka National Weather Service presentations: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/top/?n=talks