We have written, over and over, about the National Weather Service's increasing inability to issue timely and accurate tornado warnings for the United States. This morning's hapless effort illustrates why we need a National Disaster Review Board and why we need a change of emphasis and maybe leadership at NWS/NOAA.  The news media says this is a confirmed tornado in central Arizona. There are other reports of a tornado(es) touching down but they are unconfirmed.  Here is a rundown of this mess, all times local Arizona time (MST): 7:03a, I tweeted a forecast of tornadoes in central Arizona and a link to the blog post below .  7:23a, I sent a note to the NWS offices in Flagstaff and Phoenix requesting, given the tornado threat, they put their radars into a tornado mode with more frequent updates. They did not. Four minute intervals is too infrequent when tornadoes threaten. I continued to send warning info to my Twitter/X followers. The rotation became became very impress...

In addition to tornadoes, 70 mph thunderstorm-generated wind gusts and tennis ball-sized hail are forecast to occur.  --- original forecast still valid --- The area in brown has a significant risk of tornadoes and also very large hail. When you hear thunderstorm or the sky appears threatening, head inside and stay away from windows. 

Here's an idea: Two Olympic sports, softball and the river events, are being held in Oklahoma City. While I'm sure it will not "cheap," it is almost certain to be significantly less expensive than Los Angeles.

I learned a lot of FEMA's flood maps and what they are not  intended to do from this article . In the wake of Camp Mystic, Hurricane Helene and other recent disasters, it is especially timely. The points made in the article continue to point for the need to reform FEMA but I doubt that will ever happen. 

There's been a lot of criticism of Elon's "flying car." Offer these immortal words (via Twitter/X) for your consideration.  HeiLender™ @Heilenderer · 7h Translated from German "The horse will always be there, but the automobile is just a fashion trend – a toy for the rich." Michigan Savings Bank, 1903 "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, 1943 "No chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share." Steve Ballmer, 2007 "The Internet has hardly more important effects on the economy than the fax machine." Paul Krugman, 1998 "Flying machines heavier than air are physically impossible." Lord Kelvin, 1895 "The spam problem with emails will be solved in at most two years." Bill Gates, 2004 "The television won't hold up in the market. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every evening." Darryl F. Zanuck, 1946 "There is ...