Note to Television Meteorologists and Journalists

By -
IF it is snowing heavily and IF winds are gusting above 50 mph and IF visibility is measured as a few hundred feet,
Conditions are not "blizzard like." It is a blizzard. 

I have seen the blizzard in the High Plains mischaracterized in this way literally a dozen times today both on air and online.

Thank you.

Comments

  1. BrianNovember 18, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    The technical definition of a blizzard is for these conditions (> 35mph winds, snow/blowing snow, and < 1/4 mi vis) for 3 hours. You can clearly have blizzard-like conditions for a half-hour in a snow squall - but it not technically be a blizzard. Otherwise we'll overuse Blizzard warnings. This happens quite a bit in the higher (exposed) passes of Colorado.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Today's Tornado and Giant Hail Risks

By -
Image
Another Day With a Tornado and Giant Hail Risk The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. The risk may be a bit higher in Texas than in Oklahoma or Arkansas.  The hail outlook has hatching where hailstones more than 2" in diameter or larger are forecast to fall.  The red area has an enhanced risk and the yellow area has a significant risk of 1" or larger hail. 
Read more