WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.800 Welcome back to Meteorology Matters, everybody. 00:00:02.299 --> 00:00:04.580 We've got some serious weather brewing this week, 00:00:04.639 --> 00:00:07.080 and we're talking a massive multi -day severe 00:00:07.080 --> 00:00:09.560 weather event with a huge chunk of the U .S. 00:00:09.580 --> 00:00:13.160 in its sights. Over 150 million people. And this 00:00:13.160 --> 00:00:14.800 isn't your average spring storm, folks. We're 00:00:14.800 --> 00:00:18.120 talking about possible long -tracked, intense 00:00:18.120 --> 00:00:20.839 tornadoes, winds topping 100 miles per hour, 00:00:21.140 --> 00:00:23.280 hails the size of baseballs. Really the whole 00:00:23.280 --> 00:00:25.940 shebang. And if you want to stay up to date on 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:27.980 all things weather, don't forget to follow meteorologist 00:00:27.980 --> 00:00:31.179 Rob Jones. You can find him on Instagram at Meteorologist, 00:00:31.640 --> 00:00:33.979 catch his quick takes on TikTok at TVMeteorologist, 00:00:34.679 --> 00:00:36.579 or delves deeper into hurricane happenings on 00:00:36.579 --> 00:00:38.939 YouTube at Rob Jones the Hurricane. That's also 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:40.500 where you'll find the Meteorology Matters playlist, 00:00:40.579 --> 00:00:42.600 so you never miss an episode. And I'm here to 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:45.039 help us navigate this meteorological mayhem. 00:00:45.539 --> 00:00:47.200 You know, what makes this storm so concerning 00:00:47.200 --> 00:00:49.979 is that the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration 00:00:49.979 --> 00:00:52.939 Storm Prediction Center has issued some of its 00:00:52.939 --> 00:00:55.759 highest level severe weather risk warnings. We're 00:00:55.759 --> 00:00:58.179 even looking at a rare high risk level five out 00:00:58.179 --> 00:01:00.520 of five, only the second time in their history 00:01:00.520 --> 00:01:02.939 they've issued one for tomorrow. OK, so this 00:01:02.939 --> 00:01:05.280 is the real deal, not just a run of the mill 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:08.340 storm. Yeah. Let's break it down. Where is the 00:01:08.340 --> 00:01:10.719 system headed and what kind of impact are we 00:01:10.719 --> 00:01:12.659 looking at? over the next few days. Well, this 00:01:12.659 --> 00:01:14.939 system is set to impact a large swath of the 00:01:14.939 --> 00:01:16.879 country. But let's start with Friday evening. 00:01:17.579 --> 00:01:20.540 The heartland places like Missouri and Iowa will 00:01:20.540 --> 00:01:23.780 be the first to see action. Imagine a powerful 00:01:23.780 --> 00:01:26.599 line of storms packing hail, damaging winds and 00:01:26.599 --> 00:01:28.719 even a few tornadoes. So it kicks off in the 00:01:28.719 --> 00:01:30.299 heartland. Then what does this line just keep 00:01:30.299 --> 00:01:32.659 moving eastward? Yeah, you got it. It'll charge 00:01:32.659 --> 00:01:35.170 through the Mississippi Valley overnight. setting 00:01:35.170 --> 00:01:37.750 the stage for what could be a very intense Saturday. 00:01:37.969 --> 00:01:39.709 Saturday sounds like the day to really watch 00:01:39.709 --> 00:01:42.069 out for that. It is. As the system moves east 00:01:42.069 --> 00:01:45.310 on Saturday, it's expected to intensify significantly. 00:01:45.629 --> 00:01:47.629 We're looking at a potential tornado outbreak 00:01:47.629 --> 00:01:49.769 across the central Gulf Coast states and the 00:01:49.769 --> 00:01:51.849 deep south extending into the Tennessee Valley. 00:01:52.150 --> 00:01:54.629 And we're not talking about just any tornadoes. 00:01:54.689 --> 00:01:57.269 We could see significant long track tornadoes 00:01:57.269 --> 00:01:59.730 with the potential to cause major damage. OK, 00:01:59.870 --> 00:02:01.989 long track tornadoes. So these aren't just quick 00:02:01.989 --> 00:02:04.319 spin ups. They can stay on the ground for while 00:02:04.319 --> 00:02:07.200 increasing the potential for destruction. Are 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:09.419 there any specific areas that are particularly 00:02:09.419 --> 00:02:12.539 at risk on Saturday? Yes. Unfortunately, some 00:02:12.539 --> 00:02:14.659 major cities are right in the path of this high 00:02:14.659 --> 00:02:17.379 risk zone. Think Birmingham Jackson, Tuscaloosa 00:02:17.379 --> 00:02:20.120 Hoover in Alabama, Hattiesburg in Mississippi. 00:02:20.539 --> 00:02:23.099 They need to be on high alert. So Saturday is 00:02:23.099 --> 00:02:25.560 definitely a day to be extra vigilant for those 00:02:25.560 --> 00:02:29.319 folks. Then what? Does the system finally start 00:02:29.319 --> 00:02:31.479 to wind down on Sunday? Well, it does move on, 00:02:31.539 --> 00:02:33.560 but not without impacting the East Coast Sunday. 00:02:33.759 --> 00:02:36.139 That storm system continues east, hitting the 00:02:36.139 --> 00:02:39.000 entire I -95 corridor from Florida all the way 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:40.840 up to the northeast. So the whole East Coast 00:02:40.840 --> 00:02:43.020 is in play on Sunday. What should folks be prepared 00:02:43.020 --> 00:02:45.240 for in that region? While tornadoes are still 00:02:45.240 --> 00:02:47.400 possible, especially along the Virginia coast 00:02:47.400 --> 00:02:49.759 and into the Carolinas, the focus shifts a bit 00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:52.659 on Sunday. The main threats become those damaging 00:02:52.659 --> 00:02:54.900 winds and hail we talked about earlier. Okay, 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:57.759 so this storm is really packing a one -two punch. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:00.900 or maybe a one, two, three punch with the hail. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:03.300 We've heard you mentioned a hundred mile per 00:03:03.300 --> 00:03:05.860 hour winds, which sounds terrifying enough on 00:03:05.860 --> 00:03:08.599 its own. But let's unpack the specific dangers 00:03:08.599 --> 00:03:11.259 of each of these threats. What kind of damage 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:13.099 can those winds really do? We're not talking 00:03:13.099 --> 00:03:15.620 just a few downed branches here, are we? Not 00:03:15.620 --> 00:03:18.419 at all. These winds have the force to snap power 00:03:18.419 --> 00:03:21.659 lines, uproot trees, send debris flying. Think 00:03:21.659 --> 00:03:24.060 about weak roofs, poorly constructed buildings. 00:03:24.060 --> 00:03:26.419 They could be in real danger. It's unsettling 00:03:26.419 --> 00:03:28.560 to think those kinds of winds can be as destructive 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:31.780 as a tornado. And speaking of destruction, what 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:33.740 about that baseball -sized hail you mentioned? 00:03:34.080 --> 00:03:35.360 I can't imagine that's something you want to 00:03:35.360 --> 00:03:37.539 get caught in. You definitely don't. Hail that 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:39.860 big can, dent cars, shatter windows, and even 00:03:39.860 --> 00:03:41.939 damage roofs. Imagine those hailstones pelting 00:03:41.939 --> 00:03:44.360 down at high speeds. It's a recipe for disaster, 00:03:44.620 --> 00:03:47.419 particularly for agriculture and crops. OK, wind 00:03:47.419 --> 00:03:50.340 hail. But let's be honest. When most people think 00:03:50.340 --> 00:03:51.960 about severe weather, what's the first thing 00:03:51.960 --> 00:03:53.759 that pops into their minds? Tornadoes, without 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:56.689 a doubt. Exactly. And you mentioned the possibility 00:03:56.689 --> 00:03:59.110 of these long -track tornadoes. Can you remind 00:03:59.110 --> 00:04:00.889 our listeners about the difference between a 00:04:00.889 --> 00:04:03.909 tornado watch and a tornado warning? It's important 00:04:03.909 --> 00:04:05.849 to know what to do when you hear those terms. 00:04:06.310 --> 00:04:08.669 Absolutely. A tornado watch means conditions 00:04:08.669 --> 00:04:11.389 are favorable for tornadoes to form. So be prepared. 00:04:11.830 --> 00:04:14.490 Know where your safe place is. But a tornado 00:04:14.490 --> 00:04:16.550 warning means a tornado has actually been sighted 00:04:16.550 --> 00:04:19.050 or indicated on radar. That's when you need to 00:04:19.050 --> 00:04:21.430 take immediate action and seek shelter. Right. 00:04:21.509 --> 00:04:23.680 A watch is like a heads up. But a warning means 00:04:23.680 --> 00:04:25.819 it's time to take cover immediately. Exactly. 00:04:26.459 --> 00:04:29.319 And if a tornado is heading your way, an interior 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:31.399 room on the lowest level of your home is your 00:04:31.399 --> 00:04:33.939 best bet. Stay away from windows and exterior 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:37.180 walls. You know, you mentioned flooding earlier. 00:04:37.470 --> 00:04:39.449 And while it might not be the main story with 00:04:39.449 --> 00:04:41.709 the storm system, it's still a serious threat 00:04:41.709 --> 00:04:43.670 that we shouldn't overlook. You're right. Heavy 00:04:43.670 --> 00:04:46.209 rain is expected with the system, and that always 00:04:46.209 --> 00:04:48.290 raises the risk of flooding, especially in areas 00:04:48.290 --> 00:04:50.829 with poor drainage or near rivers and streams. 00:04:51.189 --> 00:04:53.230 So even though we're focusing on wind hail and 00:04:53.230 --> 00:04:55.389 tornadoes, folks don't let your guard down when 00:04:55.389 --> 00:04:57.509 it comes to flooding. All right. We've talked 00:04:57.509 --> 00:04:59.370 about the timeline and the potential impacts, 00:04:59.430 --> 00:05:01.889 but can we get even more specific about the areas 00:05:01.889 --> 00:05:03.509 to watch? I know you mentioned a few cities, 00:05:03.550 --> 00:05:05.990 but what states are really in the crosshairs 00:05:05.990 --> 00:05:09.019 each day? Well, on Friday, as we said, the focus 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:12.360 is on the Heartland, Missouri, Iowa, those areas. 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:15.920 Then as the system moves east, Saturday becomes 00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:19.000 the day of highest concern. That's when the central 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:21.279 Gulf Coast states and the deep south are most 00:05:21.279 --> 00:05:24.319 at risk. We're talking Alabama, Mississippi, 00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:26.779 parts of Tennessee, even dipping into Louisiana 00:05:26.779 --> 00:05:28.920 and Georgia. And you mentioned those major cities 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:31.540 earlier like Birmingham and Jackson. Yes, unfortunately, 00:05:31.620 --> 00:05:33.399 they're right in the thick of that high risk 00:05:33.399 --> 00:05:36.170 area. And then Sunday. By Sunday, the threat 00:05:36.170 --> 00:05:38.430 shifts to the East Coast, impacting the entire 00:05:38.430 --> 00:05:41.589 I -95 corridor. So Florida to Georgia, the Carolinas 00:05:41.589 --> 00:05:43.189 all the way up to the Northeast will need to 00:05:43.189 --> 00:05:45.990 be prepared. Wow. So this system is really making 00:05:45.990 --> 00:05:48.850 a cross -country trek. Are there any specific 00:05:48.850 --> 00:05:51.509 geographical features in the path of this storm 00:05:51.509 --> 00:05:53.850 that could make this situation even more volatile? 00:05:54.569 --> 00:05:56.730 I'm thinking about how mountains or valleys can 00:05:56.730 --> 00:05:58.889 influence weather patterns. That's an excellent 00:05:58.889 --> 00:06:01.029 question. Take the Mississippi River Valley, 00:06:01.050 --> 00:06:03.730 for example. It acts as a natural funnel for 00:06:03.730 --> 00:06:06.589 moisture. And that moisture fuels these storm 00:06:06.589 --> 00:06:09.670 systems, potentially making them even more powerful 00:06:09.670 --> 00:06:12.269 and destructive. So it's not just about the flat 00:06:12.269 --> 00:06:14.290 terrain, but the geography the river system plays 00:06:14.290 --> 00:06:17.709 a role, too. Fascinating. Exactly. Geography 00:06:17.709 --> 00:06:20.029 can significantly influence how these storms 00:06:20.029 --> 00:06:22.949 develop and where they track. OK, so we've covered 00:06:22.949 --> 00:06:25.149 the what, the where and the when. Now let's talk 00:06:25.149 --> 00:06:27.329 about the most important part, staying safe. 00:06:27.480 --> 00:06:29.699 We can't stress this enough. Heed those warnings, 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:32.920 folks. This is serious stuff. Absolutely. And 00:06:32.920 --> 00:06:35.240 preparedness is key. Before the storm hits, make 00:06:35.240 --> 00:06:37.439 sure you have an emergency kit ready to go. Water 00:06:37.439 --> 00:06:39.699 and non -perishable food flashlights batteries. 00:06:40.019 --> 00:06:42.180 A first aid kit, medications, important documents. 00:06:42.339 --> 00:06:44.399 Yes. Have a plan in place for your family and 00:06:44.399 --> 00:06:46.620 pets. Know where your safe place is in your home 00:06:46.620 --> 00:06:48.860 and practice getting there quickly. These are 00:06:48.860 --> 00:06:51.139 simple things, but they can truly be life -saving 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:53.759 in a severe weather event. Absolutely. And stay 00:06:53.759 --> 00:06:56.339 informed. Monitor weather reports have a NOAA 00:06:56.339 --> 00:06:57.980 weather radio handy and make sure your phone 00:06:57.980 --> 00:06:59.819 is charged and you're signed up for wireless 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:01.839 emergency alerts. You know, as we're talking 00:07:01.839 --> 00:07:04.379 about all this, I keep thinking about those stories 00:07:04.379 --> 00:07:07.259 we've read about the destructive power of these 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:11.339 types of storms. The images are haunting. I agree. 00:07:11.740 --> 00:07:14.019 They really highlight the force of nature we're 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:16.199 dealing with. I was particularly struck by the 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:18.079 account of that shopping center collapsing in 00:07:18.079 --> 00:07:20.860 Trenton, Missouri because of the wind. Can you 00:07:20.860 --> 00:07:22.639 imagine going about your day and suddenly the 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:25.560 roof is ripped off? It's a stark reminder of 00:07:25.560 --> 00:07:28.560 how quickly things can turn dangerous. And those 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:31.639 images of overturned semis on the highways, it's 00:07:31.639 --> 00:07:34.019 mind -goggling how wind can toss a massive truck 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:36.579 like it's a toy. It really puts the power of 00:07:36.579 --> 00:07:39.220 these storms into perspective. And those power 00:07:39.220 --> 00:07:41.379 outages, reading about entire communities plunged 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:44.120 into darkness, sometimes for days, really drives 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:46.740 home the disruption these storms can cause. You 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:48.500 can feel like life just comes to a standstill. 00:07:48.639 --> 00:07:51.699 It's true. These storms can have a cascading 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:53.939 impact, affecting everything from transportation 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:57.120 to communication to basic necessities. It's clear 00:07:57.120 --> 00:07:59.439 this is an event we all need to take seriously. 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:02.399 So let's talk about why this particular storm 00:08:02.399 --> 00:08:05.420 system is so powerful. What's going on in the 00:08:05.420 --> 00:08:07.939 atmosphere to create such a wide range of threats? 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:10.259 Is this just a random occurrence or is there 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:12.180 something bigger at play here? It's definitely 00:08:12.180 --> 00:08:15.310 not random. This storm is fueled by a perfect 00:08:15.310 --> 00:08:18.170 mix of atmospheric ingredients. We have a strong 00:08:18.170 --> 00:08:20.709 low pressure system moving across the country 00:08:20.709 --> 00:08:23.529 drawing in warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico 00:08:23.529 --> 00:08:26.509 and clashing it with cold dry air from the north. 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:29.279 So it's like a battleground of air masses. Exactly. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:31.540 And when these air masses collide, it creates 00:08:31.540 --> 00:08:33.899 instability in the atmosphere, leading to the 00:08:33.899 --> 00:08:35.799 formation of those powerful thunderstorms we've 00:08:35.799 --> 00:08:37.779 been talking about. And within those thunderstorms, 00:08:37.799 --> 00:08:39.379 you have the potential for all those different 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:42.899 hazards, the tornadoes, the hail, the wind. Precisely. 00:08:42.940 --> 00:08:45.299 Wind shear, which is the change in wind speed 00:08:45.299 --> 00:08:47.580 and direction with height, plays a crucial role 00:08:47.580 --> 00:08:51.600 in this process. OK. Wind shear. I've heard that 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.899 term before, but I'm not sure I fully understand 00:08:53.899 --> 00:08:56.659 what it means or how it contributes to severe 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:59.100 weather. Can you break it down for us? Imagine 00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:02.080 a layer cake of wind with each layer moving at 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:04.240 a different speed and direction. That's essentially 00:09:04.240 --> 00:09:06.879 what wind shear is. Interesting. So how does 00:09:06.879 --> 00:09:09.820 this wind cake, as you put it, contribute to 00:09:09.820 --> 00:09:12.320 severe weather? Well, as those different layers 00:09:12.320 --> 00:09:15.340 of wind interact, they can cause the air within 00:09:15.340 --> 00:09:17.679 a thunderstorm to start rotating horizontally. 00:09:18.019 --> 00:09:20.289 So it's like those winds are whipping up The 00:09:20.289 --> 00:09:23.250 thunderstorm creating a spin. Exactly. And as 00:09:23.250 --> 00:09:25.929 that horizontal rotation gets tilted upward by 00:09:25.929 --> 00:09:28.710 updrafts within the storm. Updrafts. Think of 00:09:28.710 --> 00:09:31.529 updrafts like powerful elevators within the storm 00:09:31.529 --> 00:09:34.470 pulling warm moist air up into the cloud. As 00:09:34.470 --> 00:09:36.990 those updrafts lift the rotating air, it can 00:09:36.990 --> 00:09:39.980 become the starting point for a tornado. So the 00:09:39.980 --> 00:09:42.220 wind shear provides the initial spin, and the 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:44.179 updrafts lift it up like a figure skater pulling 00:09:44.179 --> 00:09:46.480 their arms in for a faster spin. That's a great 00:09:46.480 --> 00:09:48.639 analogy. And the stronger the wind shear, the 00:09:48.639 --> 00:09:50.340 faster those winds are changing with height, 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:53.200 the more potential there is for violent tornadoes. 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:56.500 Wow. So it's like wind shear is a key ingredient 00:09:56.500 --> 00:09:59.899 in this severe weather recipe. It takes a regular 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:02.779 thunderstorm and turns it into a potential tornado 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:07.230 factory. You're saying we have particularly strong 00:10:07.230 --> 00:10:10.309 wind shear with this storm system. We do. It's 00:10:10.309 --> 00:10:12.330 the kind of wind shear that makes meteorologists 00:10:12.330 --> 00:10:14.570 pay close attention and the kind that should 00:10:14.570 --> 00:10:17.090 make everyone in the path of the storm be extra 00:10:17.090 --> 00:10:20.149 vigilant. Okay, so we've got this powerful storm 00:10:20.149 --> 00:10:22.970 system fueled by wind shear moisture and clashing 00:10:22.970 --> 00:10:26.299 air masses. But then there's this looming question 00:10:26.299 --> 00:10:28.840 of climate change, which always seems to come 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:30.700 up when we talk about extreme weather events. 00:10:31.279 --> 00:10:33.059 It's hard to ignore when we're seeing more and 00:10:33.059 --> 00:10:35.279 more of these intense storms happening. It's 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:36.940 a crucial piece of the conversation. While we 00:10:36.940 --> 00:10:39.559 can't definitively say that climate change caused 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:42.240 this specific storm, we know that a warming climate 00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.259 is increasing the likelihood of more extreme 00:10:44.259 --> 00:10:46.259 weather events in general. So it's less about 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:48.480 a direct cause and effect and more about climate 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:50.559 change loading the dice, so to speak, making 00:10:50.559 --> 00:10:52.659 these kinds of events more likely. That's a good 00:10:52.659 --> 00:10:55.620 way to put it. Think of it like this. Imagine 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:58.419 a baseball player on steroids. The steroids don't 00:10:58.419 --> 00:11:00.500 guarantee that the player will hit a home run 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:02.659 every time they're at bat. But they do increase 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:05.139 the odds of hitting it further. Exactly. And 00:11:05.139 --> 00:11:07.019 that's kind of what climate change is doing with 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:09.639 extreme weather. It's tilting the odds in favor 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:12.240 of more intense storms, heavier rainfall, and 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.019 more severe droughts. So in a sense, climate 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:17.139 change is acting like those steroids for our 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:20.259 weather patterns, amplifying the extremes. That's 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:23.039 a good way to think about it. And with severe 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:25.740 weather events, even a small increase in intensity 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:28.179 or frequency can have significant consequences. 00:11:28.279 --> 00:11:30.039 It's like turning up the volume on a speaker. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.679 Even a small increase can make a big difference 00:11:32.679 --> 00:11:35.830 in how it sounds. Exactly. A small increase in 00:11:35.830 --> 00:11:38.049 temperature can lead to a much greater increase 00:11:38.049 --> 00:11:40.750 in atmospheric moisture, which can fuel more 00:11:40.750 --> 00:11:43.350 powerful storms. And with sea levels rising, 00:11:43.730 --> 00:11:45.789 coastal areas are even more vulnerable to the 00:11:45.789 --> 00:11:47.909 impacts of those storms, like storm surge and 00:11:47.909 --> 00:11:49.509 flooding. So we're not just talking about more 00:11:49.509 --> 00:11:51.629 storms, but potentially stronger, more destructive 00:11:51.629 --> 00:11:54.370 storms as well. Right. And that's why understanding 00:11:54.370 --> 00:11:56.850 the connection between climate change and extreme 00:11:56.850 --> 00:11:59.929 weather is so important. It's not just an abstract 00:11:59.929 --> 00:12:02.730 concept. It's impacting our lives here and now. 00:12:02.769 --> 00:12:04.830 And it's going to continue to do so in the future. 00:12:05.110 --> 00:12:08.289 So what can we do about it? It can feel pretty 00:12:08.289 --> 00:12:10.029 overwhelming to think about tackling something 00:12:10.029 --> 00:12:12.690 as big as climate change. I understand that feeling. 00:12:12.769 --> 00:12:15.049 It's a global issue that requires a collective 00:12:15.049 --> 00:12:17.669 effort. But that doesn't mean individual actions 00:12:17.669 --> 00:12:20.629 are meaningless. Every bit counts. So what are 00:12:20.629 --> 00:12:22.629 some things we can do both individually and as 00:12:22.629 --> 00:12:25.429 a society to try to mitigate the impacts of climate 00:12:25.429 --> 00:12:27.730 change and build resilience against these extreme 00:12:27.730 --> 00:12:29.750 weather events? Well, on an individual level, 00:12:29.830 --> 00:12:32.950 reducing our carbon footprint is key. That means 00:12:32.950 --> 00:12:35.769 things like driving less, using energy efficient 00:12:35.769 --> 00:12:38.529 appliances, and supporting renewable energy sources. 00:12:38.669 --> 00:12:40.769 And making sustainable choices in our daily lives, 00:12:40.970 --> 00:12:42.870 right? Like reducing our consumption, recycling, 00:12:42.970 --> 00:12:45.389 and being mindful of the products we buy. Exactly. 00:12:45.909 --> 00:12:48.070 But individual actions can only take us so far. 00:12:48.190 --> 00:12:50.950 We need systemic change, which means advocating 00:12:50.950 --> 00:12:53.269 for policies that promote clean energy, reduce 00:12:53.269 --> 00:12:55.769 greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in climate 00:12:55.769 --> 00:12:58.230 adaptation and resilience. So things like carbon 00:12:58.230 --> 00:13:00.149 pricing, investing in public transportation, 00:13:00.429 --> 00:13:02.230 and making our infrastructure more resilient 00:13:02.230 --> 00:13:04.850 to extreme weather events. Right. It's about 00:13:04.850 --> 00:13:07.070 creating a world where sustainability is not 00:13:07.070 --> 00:13:10.029 just an option. It's the norm. You know, it's 00:13:10.029 --> 00:13:12.309 interesting to think about how this storm system 00:13:12.309 --> 00:13:14.769 we're discussing is almost like a microcosm of 00:13:14.769 --> 00:13:17.769 the larger climate change issue. the complex 00:13:17.769 --> 00:13:20.629 event with multiple factors contributing to its 00:13:20.629 --> 00:13:23.210 intensity and it's impacting millions of people 00:13:23.210 --> 00:13:26.450 across a vast area. I see the connection. And 00:13:26.450 --> 00:13:29.269 just like with this storm, we need to be prepared, 00:13:29.629 --> 00:13:31.909 informed, and ready to act to mitigate the impacts 00:13:31.909 --> 00:13:34.769 of climate change. We'll be right back with more 00:13:34.769 --> 00:13:37.710 Meteorology Matters. Welcome back to Meteorology 00:13:37.710 --> 00:13:39.549 Matters. We're picking up right where we left 00:13:39.549 --> 00:13:42.629 off, folks, with this monster storm system barreling 00:13:42.629 --> 00:13:45.009 across the country. The more we delve into the 00:13:45.009 --> 00:13:46.669 science behind this thing, the more it becomes 00:13:46.669 --> 00:13:49.190 clear that we're dealing with a meteorological 00:13:49.190 --> 00:13:52.440 masterpiece, albeit... dangerous one. Yeah, it 00:13:52.440 --> 00:13:54.500 is fascinating, isn't it, to see how all these 00:13:54.500 --> 00:13:56.980 atmospheric forces come together to create such 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:59.320 a powerful and complex event. It's like a delicate 00:13:59.320 --> 00:14:02.460 dance, except instead of graceful moves, you 00:14:02.460 --> 00:14:05.460 have clashing air masses, swirling winds, and 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:07.200 unfortunately, the potential for destruction. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:10.019 Before the break, we talked about how this storm 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:12.980 is fueled by a perfect mix of ingredients, a 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:16.120 strong low pressure system, warm, moist air from 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:19.220 the Gulf or cold, dry air from the north. and 00:14:19.220 --> 00:14:22.059 that all -important wind shear. Let's go back 00:14:22.059 --> 00:14:24.259 for a second and unpack that wind shear concept 00:14:24.259 --> 00:14:26.759 a bit more. I'm still a little fuzzy in exactly 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:29.159 how it contributes to the formation of severe 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:31.580 thunderstorms and tornadoes. Sure, wind shear 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:34.059 is a bit of a tricky concept to grasp, but it's 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:36.159 really the key to understanding why some storms 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:39.600 become so severe. To visualize it, imagine a 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:42.299 layer cake of wind with each layer moving at 00:14:42.299 --> 00:14:44.740 a different speed and direction. Okay, I'm picturing 00:14:44.740 --> 00:14:47.100 it. So how does this wind cake, if you will, 00:14:47.200 --> 00:14:48.960 contribute to severe weather? What's the connection? 00:14:49.620 --> 00:14:51.700 Well, as those different layers of wind interact, 00:14:51.940 --> 00:14:54.039 they can cause the air within a thunderstorm 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:56.360 to start rotating horizontally. Think of it like 00:14:56.360 --> 00:14:58.340 a spinning top. So it's like those winds are 00:14:58.340 --> 00:15:00.159 whipping up the thunderstorm, creating that initial 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:03.340 spin. Precisely. And then those powerful updrafts 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:05.840 we talked about, those elevators of warm moist 00:15:05.840 --> 00:15:07.820 air within the storm lift, that rotating air 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:10.299 upward. And just like a figure skater pulling 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:13.240 their arms in for a faster spin, that upward 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:16.759 lift intensifies the rotation. So the wind shear 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:19.899 provides the initial spin and the updrafts take 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:22.379 it to the next level, potentially turning that 00:15:22.379 --> 00:15:25.519 rotation into a full blown tornado. So it's really 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:28.200 the combination of wind shear and updrafts that 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:30.629 makes a storm ripe for tornado development. You 00:15:30.629 --> 00:15:33.330 got it. And with this particular storm system, 00:15:33.769 --> 00:15:36.190 we have a very favorable environment for strong 00:15:36.190 --> 00:15:38.009 wind shear, which is why the tornado threat is 00:15:38.009 --> 00:15:40.830 so high. This isn't just any old wind shear then. 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:42.820 We're talking about the premium extra strength 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:44.879 kind, right? The kind that gets meteorologists 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:47.440 like you really concerned. Yeah, it is. It's 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:49.080 the kind of wind shear that makes us sit up and 00:15:49.080 --> 00:15:51.379 take notice. And the kind that should make everyone 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:53.779 in the path of this storm take extra precautions. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:56.159 It's incredible to think that all this is happening 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:59.279 miles above us, invisible to the naked eye. It's 00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:01.039 a whole other world up there in the atmosphere 00:16:01.039 --> 00:16:03.480 full of these powerful forces at play. It really 00:16:03.480 --> 00:16:05.539 is. And that's what makes studying weather so 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:08.139 captivating. It's like piecing together a giant 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:11.159 puzzle using all the data we have. from radar 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.559 satellites, weather balloons, and surface observations 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:16.299 to try to understand and predict what these forces 00:16:16.299 --> 00:16:19.179 will do next. And one of the pieces of that puzzle 00:16:19.179 --> 00:16:20.980 that keeps coming up, especially when we're talking 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:23.519 about events like this one, is climate change. 00:16:23.879 --> 00:16:25.840 We talked earlier about how it's difficult to 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:28.799 directly link any single weather event to climate 00:16:28.799 --> 00:16:31.799 change, but it's hard to ignore the trend of 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:35.080 increasingly intense storms. It feels like these 00:16:35.080 --> 00:16:37.139 extreme events are becoming more frequent and 00:16:37.139 --> 00:16:39.600 more severe. Is that just our perception or is 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:41.679 there real evidence to back that up? It's not 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:43.919 just perception. Scientists are observing a definite 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:46.519 trend toward more extreme weather events, including 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:48.779 more intense storms, heavier rainfall and more 00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:51.340 severe droughts. And while we can't say with 00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:53.240 absolute certainty that climate change caused 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:55.840 this particular storm, we do know that a warming 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:58.000 climate increases the likelihood of these types 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:00.600 of events in general. So it's less about a direct 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:03.019 cause and effect and more about climate change 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:05.519 influencing the overall background conditions, 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:08.579 making these extreme events more likely. Like 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:10.460 you said earlier, it's like loading the dice. 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:13.500 Exactly. Think about it this way. If you roll 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:15.680 a pair of dice, there's always a chance you'll 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:18.339 roll double sixes. But if you load the dice, 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:21.519 the odds of rolling double sixes go way up. So 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:23.079 climate change is loading the dice, making it 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:25.160 more likely that we'll experience those double 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:27.720 sixes of extreme weather. Precisely. And even 00:17:27.720 --> 00:17:29.720 a small increase in the odds of extreme weather 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:32.160 can have huge consequences, especially when you 00:17:32.160 --> 00:17:34.000 consider that we're talking about powerful forces 00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:36.960 of nature. Right. Even a seemingly small shift 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:39.519 in those odds can translate to a lot more damage 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:41.980 disruption and, unfortunately, even loss of life. 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:44.380 Yeah, it's a sobering thought and one that underscores 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:46.660 the importance of understanding climate change 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:49.619 and its impact on our world. Absolutely. It feels 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:51.920 like sometimes these big global issues can feel 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:54.859 so overwhelming. But like you said earlier, we 00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:56.960 can all do our part to mitigate the effects. 00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:59.000 Can you remind us what some of those individual 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:02.059 actions are? It's easy to feel helpless in the 00:18:02.059 --> 00:18:03.819 face of something as large as climate change. 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:05.700 But I think it's important to remember that we're 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:09.440 not powerless. I completely agree. Individual 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:12.079 actions may seem small, but they absolutely add 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:14.980 up. And collectively, they send a powerful message. 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:18.200 Simple things like reducing our reliance on cars, 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:20.859 opting for energy efficient appliances, and supporting 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:23.000 renewable energy can make a real difference. 00:18:23.230 --> 00:18:25.710 and making conscious choices in our daily lives, 00:18:26.289 --> 00:18:28.630 reducing consumption recycling, and really thinking 00:18:28.630 --> 00:18:30.630 about the products we buy. Yeah, you've got it. 00:18:30.690 --> 00:18:33.269 Every little bit helps. But to really tackle 00:18:33.269 --> 00:18:35.710 this issue, we need big systemic change as well. 00:18:36.029 --> 00:18:38.490 That means advocating for policies that promote 00:18:38.490 --> 00:18:40.930 clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 00:18:41.369 --> 00:18:43.509 and invest in making our communities more resilient 00:18:43.509 --> 00:18:45.690 to the impacts of climate change. So things like 00:18:45.690 --> 00:18:48.589 carbon pricing, investing in public transportation, 00:18:49.210 --> 00:18:51.309 updating building codes to make structures more 00:18:51.309 --> 00:18:53.829 resistant to extreme weather, and improving early 00:18:53.829 --> 00:18:56.369 warning systems to give people more time to repair. 00:18:56.650 --> 00:19:00.089 Exactly. It's about creating a future where sustainability 00:19:00.089 --> 00:19:02.890 isn't just a nice idea. It's built into the very 00:19:02.890 --> 00:19:05.500 fabric of our society. It's fascinating to think 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:07.279 about how this storm system we're discussing 00:19:07.279 --> 00:19:10.299 is almost like a microcosm of the larger climate 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:12.759 change issue. We've got a complex event with 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.960 multiple contributing factors impacting millions 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:18.119 of people across a vast area. And just like with 00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:20.500 this storm, we need to be prepared, informed, 00:19:20.640 --> 00:19:23.019 and ready to act. to address climate change and 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:25.420 its impacts. I couldn't agree more. We need to 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:27.559 approach climate change with the same level of 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:29.960 seriousness and urgency as we approach this storm. 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:32.539 We need to heed the warnings, understand the 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:34.500 risks, and take action to protect ourselves and 00:19:34.500 --> 00:19:37.180 our communities. Well said. We'll be back shortly 00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:39.579 with more on Meteorology Matters. Stay tuned. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:42.299 Welcome back to Meteorology Matters. And we're 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:44.339 back for the final part of our deep dive into 00:19:44.339 --> 00:19:47.349 this major severe weather event. We've talked 00:19:47.349 --> 00:19:49.349 about the science behind it, the role of climate 00:19:49.349 --> 00:19:52.569 change. But now let's shift gears and focus on 00:19:52.569 --> 00:19:56.470 what you can do to stay safe. Knowledge is power. 00:19:56.670 --> 00:19:58.769 So let's empower ourselves with some actionable 00:19:58.769 --> 00:20:01.569 advice. Absolutely. And it all starts with being 00:20:01.569 --> 00:20:04.150 weather aware. Stay informed about forecasts 00:20:04.150 --> 00:20:06.170 and warnings, and make sure you understand the 00:20:06.170 --> 00:20:08.130 difference between a watch and a warning. Right. 00:20:08.130 --> 00:20:09.990 We touched on that earlier, but it's definitely 00:20:09.990 --> 00:20:12.349 worth repeating. A watch means the conditions 00:20:12.349 --> 00:20:15.670 are ripe for severe weather. So be alert. and 00:20:15.670 --> 00:20:18.269 have a plan in place. But a warning means severe 00:20:18.269 --> 00:20:20.670 weather is happening now. It's time to take immediate 00:20:20.670 --> 00:20:23.589 action and seek shelter. Right. And don't rely 00:20:23.589 --> 00:20:26.170 on just one source of information. Tune in to 00:20:26.170 --> 00:20:28.829 your local news check weather apps, have a NOAA 00:20:28.829 --> 00:20:30.710 weather radio on hand, and make sure you're signed 00:20:30.710 --> 00:20:32.849 up for those wireless emergency alerts on your 00:20:32.849 --> 00:20:34.990 phone. It's all about having multiple layers 00:20:34.990 --> 00:20:37.130 of information, so you're not caught off guard. 00:20:37.549 --> 00:20:39.529 You can never be too prepared when it comes to 00:20:39.529 --> 00:20:43.539 severe weather. Speaking of preparedness... What 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:45.279 are some practical things people can do to get 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:48.400 ready for this storm or any severe weather event 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:51.440 for that matter? Having a plan is crucial. Know 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:54.440 where your safe place is in your home. Ideally, 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:57.059 that's an interior room on the lowest level away 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:59.640 from any windows. And it's a good idea to practice 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:01.779 getting to that safe place quickly, especially 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:04.200 if you have kids or pets. They get a family drill 00:21:04.200 --> 00:21:06.160 just like you would for a fire drill. Exactly. 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:08.440 And of course, have an emergency kit ready to 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:10.599 go. Water, non -perishable food, flashlights, 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:13.400 batteries, first aid kit, any medications you 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:15.660 need, important documents. Don't forget to charge 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:17.660 it for your phone. It's easy to overlook that, 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:20.539 but staying connected is so important during 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:22.700 an emergency. Absolutely. And if you live in 00:21:22.700 --> 00:21:24.680 a mobile home, it's especially crucial to know 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:26.440 where the nearest sturdy shelter is and have 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:28.420 a plan to get there quickly if a tornado warning 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:31.559 is issued. Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:34.930 to high winds. So we've covered the do's. What 00:21:34.930 --> 00:21:38.390 about the don'ts? What are some common misconceptions 00:21:38.390 --> 00:21:41.329 about severe weather safety that we should clear 00:21:41.329 --> 00:21:44.269 up? One big one is the idea that you should open 00:21:44.269 --> 00:21:46.990 windows during a tornado to equalize pressure. 00:21:47.849 --> 00:21:50.609 That's a myth. Opening windows won't help, and 00:21:50.609 --> 00:21:52.730 it could actually make things worse by allowing 00:21:52.730 --> 00:21:54.890 debris to fly into your home. And what about 00:21:54.890 --> 00:21:57.670 sheltering under an overpass? I've heard that's 00:21:57.670 --> 00:22:00.809 a bad idea, too. It's a terrible idea. Overpasses 00:22:00.809 --> 00:22:02.650 can actually create wind tunnels, making the 00:22:02.650 --> 00:22:05.109 wind speeds even more dangerous. So the bottom 00:22:05.109 --> 00:22:07.309 line is stay indoors in your designated safe 00:22:07.309 --> 00:22:10.569 place and ride out the storm. Don't try to outrun 00:22:10.569 --> 00:22:12.750 it or seek shelter in a place that could actually 00:22:12.750 --> 00:22:14.789 put you at greater risk. Right. And remember, 00:22:14.869 --> 00:22:17.470 even after the storm has passed, there's still 00:22:17.470 --> 00:22:20.690 hazards to be aware of. Downed power lines, flooded 00:22:20.690 --> 00:22:23.730 roads, debris. Stay alert and proceed with caution. 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:26.680 Okay, so we've talked about how individuals can 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:29.099 prepare and stay safe, but what about on a larger 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:31.759 scale? How can we build more resilient communities 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:33.500 that can better withstand these severe weather 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:36.140 events, especially as we face the growing threat 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:38.160 of climate change? That's a great question and 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:40.460 a crucial one. Building community resilience 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:43.670 involves a multifaceted approach. It starts with 00:22:43.670 --> 00:22:46.309 strengthening our infrastructure. We need building 00:22:46.309 --> 00:22:49.069 codes that can withstand stronger winds and heavier 00:22:49.069 --> 00:22:51.450 rainfall improved drainage systems to reduce 00:22:51.450 --> 00:22:54.210 flooding, and we need to consider burying power 00:22:54.210 --> 00:22:56.980 lines to prevent those widespread outages. Those 00:22:56.980 --> 00:22:59.819 are great ideas. But resilience also goes beyond 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:02.200 physical infrastructure, right? It's about having 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:05.759 robust early warning systems so people have ample 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:08.480 time to prepare and seek shelter. And it's about 00:23:08.480 --> 00:23:11.000 strong communication networks so that information 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:13.400 can flow quickly and efficiently during an emergency. 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:15.319 You're absolutely right. It's about creating 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:18.420 a culture of preparedness where individuals and 00:23:18.420 --> 00:23:20.720 communities are empowered to take action to protect 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:23.380 themselves and minimize the impact of these events. 00:23:23.710 --> 00:23:25.789 It's about understanding that severe weather 00:23:25.789 --> 00:23:28.549 is a part of life, but that we can take steps 00:23:28.549 --> 00:23:30.710 to lessen its impact and build a more resilient 00:23:30.710 --> 00:23:32.990 future. You know, when we think back to that 00:23:32.990 --> 00:23:35.130 question we posed earlier about building resilience, 00:23:35.529 --> 00:23:37.269 it really strikes me that it's not just about 00:23:37.269 --> 00:23:39.490 physical infrastructure and emergency preparedness. 00:23:40.029 --> 00:23:42.369 It's also about community. I couldn't agree more. 00:23:42.890 --> 00:23:45.029 It's about neighbors helping neighbors checking 00:23:45.029 --> 00:23:47.210 in on the elderly and vulnerable and working 00:23:47.210 --> 00:23:49.529 together to rebuild and recover after the storm 00:23:49.529 --> 00:23:52.299 has passed. It's about having that sense of shared 00:23:52.299 --> 00:23:55.220 responsibility and support that helps communities 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:57.740 get through tough times. Because ultimately, 00:23:57.980 --> 00:24:00.259 it's not just about surviving the storm, it's 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:02.599 about thriving in its aftermath. Beautifully 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:04.779 said. Well folks, we've covered a lot of ground 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:06.779 today in our discussion on this major severe 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:09.099 weather event. We hope you found it informative 00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:12.440 and empowering. Remember, knowledge is power 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:14.640 and being prepared is the best way to stay safe 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:17.220 during any severe weather event. And don't forget 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:19.880 to follow Meteorologist Rob Jones on social media 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:22.380 for more weather insights. You can find him on 00:24:22.380 --> 00:24:25.599 Instagram at Meteorologist, on TikTok at TVMeteorologist, 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:28.700 and on YouTube at Rob Jones Hurricane, where 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:30.920 you can also find the Meteorology Matters playlist. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:33.420 Stay safe, everyone. And until next time, remember 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.700 Meteorology Matters.