Nearly 200 Attend Salina Storm Fury

Nearly 200 people gathered in Salina Monday evening to learn a little about severe weather. National Weather Service Meteorologist Robb Lawson presented the “Storm Fury On The Plains” spring severe weather safety and spotter class.

Using a multi-media presentation, Lawson 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.

In 2015 Kansas saw 126 tornadoes. There were 33 days with one or more tornadoes. The most tornadoes on one day were 22 on May 6th. May was also the month with the most tornadoes, with 63.  The first tornado of the year was on April 2nd in Labette County. The last tornado of the year was on November 16th in Comanche County.

What will the the 2016 storm season bring? Lawson tells KSAL News that it’s tough to tell. He says that we are currently in a dry pattern, and he anticipates that to continue. But he cautions that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t be an active severe weather season. Lawson says “the last time we had a decent severe weather outbreak was April 14th, 2012, and that was an extremely dry year.”

“Storm Fury on the Plains” will be presented again at several communities around the area, and Lawson will be back in Salina in about a month for a special advanced presentation.

This year, several advanced sessions that go more in-depth will also be offered. One of those will be in Salina, on April 6th. Lawson says that the advanced session will concentrate on the science behind severe weather, and the science behind weather forecasting.

Complete list of area times and locations:

Wichita Office Presentations

Topeka Office Presentations

 

KSAL Storm Chaser Henry Diehl registers people to win a weather radio.

KSAL Storm Chaser Henry Diehl registers people to win a weather radio.