tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post5180349461183615138..comments2024-03-28T14:54:34.646-05:00Comments on MSE CREATIVE CONSULTING BLOG: NWS Report on the Joplin TornadoMike Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435605216805307424noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-40466925623373663562011-09-22T23:16:11.349-05:002011-09-22T23:16:11.349-05:00Am just watching our Sedgwick County emergency man...Am just watching our Sedgwick County emergency manager on City7 tv going over severe weather preparedness. He stated the sirens are not run for testing if there are clouds; tests are only performed if sky is clear. Honestly, I haven't paid enough attention to notice for sure, but just thought I'd post what I just heard. Maybe a policy, but not a practice? Glad to see the questions being answered though and some proactive education, but don't know how many people actually watch City7. As always, thanks for all the info, Mike.Jan R.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-92003650338132214362011-09-22T22:25:58.358-05:002011-09-22T22:25:58.358-05:00Mike,
Thanks for posting this. I have a few imme...Mike,<br /><br />Thanks for posting this. I have a few immediate thoughts.<br /><br />I like how the authors used the word "perceived" in front of the obvious over- activation of the sirens and the desensitization of the public in Joplin.<br /><br />Also, the jabs at the NWSTSA for having their 88d running in volume scanning strategy that didn't help NWSSGF? Did the authors not realize that Tulsa was dealing with tornadic storms in their own CWA?<br /><br />This storm would undoubtedly killed many, many people, but let's face it, the number of false alarm tornado warnings for non-supercell tornadoes from NWSSGF most likely contributed to the apathy.James Aydelotthttp://www.fox23.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-13827692123812461332011-09-22T08:01:07.480-05:002011-09-22T08:01:07.480-05:00@7:17am. Have they recently changed their policy? ...@7:17am. Have they recently changed their policy? <br /><br />The sirens sounded in downtown St. Louis 4 times in a single day, May 26, 2011. Adding monthly tests (assuming no other activations) would bring the total to at least 16. <br /><br />I was interviewed for this report the following day: http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Could-a-mass-sounding-of-tornado-sirens-do-more-harm-than-good-122759099.html<br />Note the St. Louis Co. representative defended their siren over warning.Mike Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17435605216805307424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-46285796032683136262011-09-22T07:17:10.794-05:002011-09-22T07:17:10.794-05:00Again, St Louis does not have a multicounty activa...Again, St Louis does not have a multicounty activation system. The majority of counties in the St Louis region do not even have a siren system.<br />St Louis County activated their sirens less than 15 times in the last 12 months -including- monthly tests. They activate when a tornado warning is issued or when Skywarn informs them of a direct path tornado threat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-75695038130971545732011-09-21T14:03:01.646-05:002011-09-21T14:03:01.646-05:00Hi Jan,
Wichita's sirens are tested every Mon...Hi Jan,<br /><br />Wichita's sirens are tested every Monday at noon. The tests do occur if it is cloudy, I do not know whether they are called off if there is a threat of severe weather. <br /><br />I give Wichita credit: We only sound the sirens for tornado warnings. And, starting in 2012 if all goes well, they will only sound the sirens in the path of the tornado, using the NWS polygon warnings. <br /><br />So, big improvements coming to our outdoor warning system.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />MikeMike Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17435605216805307424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-4305703813534458202011-09-21T13:37:24.473-05:002011-09-21T13:37:24.473-05:00It seems Wichita has learned that lesson regarding...It seems Wichita has learned that lesson regarding siren-sounding, would you agree Mike? I read that some Joplin residents said sirens are tested all the time randomly & they weren't clear when that was happening vs. a real threat. I don't remember our testing ever happening other than Mondays at noon, & anyone who's lived in Wichita for a while knows that. Also, if I'm not mistaken the siren testing will not happen if there is unstable weather during that time, just to eliminate further confusion. Also, don't recall sirens sounding for anything less than tornado warnings.<br />I know people here still have a less than vigilant response to warnings at times, but I'm thinking the increased specificity in warning areas (not the whole county) will increase compliance.Jan R.noreply@blogger.com