Why Storm Spotters/Chasers Should Be CERT Trained

On March 12, 2006 it became very obvious to my chase/spot partner (Jeff Kerr) and I that we should train for post disaster assistance. I even noted it in our log from that day. I did go on to receive that training, and feel better prepared for having it.

This video from two chasers out of Oklahoma really drives that point home. There are many reasons to become CERT trained. But two the biggest are:

1. Without the proper training, you may become part of the problem. Getting yourself hurt or killed will only complicate the recovery efforts, and reduce the attention the victims need. Emergency personnel don't need a bigger problem.

2. If you do come across a victim, you are going to want to help them. You can hurt them worse if you are not trained.

I highly recommend CERT training for everyone, even if you don't find yourself entering disaster areas. There are many skills learned that will help protect you and your family. And some day, hopefully never, you may really wish that you had this training to help during the aftermath of something like the May 22, 2011 Joplin, MO EF-5 tornado.

If you live in the Christian County area, there is a CERT training happening on Friday

If you live in the Christian County, MO area, there is a CERT training coming up on Friday/Saturday April 13th and 14th. This is a two day training. Friday night is 6:30pm to 9:30pm and Saturday is 8am to 4pm. It will be held at James River Assembly. If you are interested in receiving this FREE training, please call 417.581.2126. Tell them Jeff @ OzarkStorms.com sent you.

Severe Weather - March 2, 2012

While the Eastern Ozarks are still under the slight risk category for severe weather, the news today is further east. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a HIGH risk for severe weather for much of Kentucky and parts of Tennessee and Indiana. They are calling for a significant tornado episode, including large long tracked tornadoes.

I can't stop the weather, but I can sure do my best to convince people to take personal accountability and be prepared. When it comes down to it, we are all responsible for our own safety. Skip one meal out and buy a weather radio if you don't have one.

Please keep the folks in the danger zone in your thoughts and prayers today...

Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

Severe Weather Possible Late Tonight/Early Friday

UPDATED

The National Weather Service in Springfield has noted in their Hazardous Weather Outlook that severe weather is possible in the Ozarks late tonight into early Friday. This includes some risk for tornadoes, especially in far southern MO. The risks include:

• Limited Tornado Risk
• Limited Non-Thunderstorm Wind Risk
• Elevated Hail Risk
• Limited Thunderstorm Wind Risk
• Limited Lighting Risk

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has SW Mo in a 2% tornado probability risk. It's low, but worth noting.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

SW Missouri Leap Year Tornado Outbreak 2/28/12-2/29/12

The National Weather Service is putting together an event summary of the Leap Year 2012 tornado outbreak in Southwest Missouri. The information is still coming in, so keep checking back.

The video below is from 76 Highway right through the heart of Branson's entertainment district.



Please visit the OzarkStorms Facebook page for more information about this severe weather event.

Tornadoes Damage Multiple Areas Tues Night And Wed Morning

Multiple reports are coming in today of tornado damage in Lamar, Stockton, Buffalo, Lebanon, Branson (including the Branson Landing). Unfortunately at least one life was lost and multiple injuries are reported. Search and rescue operations are under way. I will post more when I have more information. Please keep our area in your prayers.

Update: I will post some informational updates updates on OzarkStorms.com website. I will post many more pictures and updates on the OzarkStorms Facebook Page.

Strong to Severe Storms This Evening - 2/28/12

The National Weather Service in Springfield, MO is forecasting strong to severe storms capable of producing golf ball sized hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. These storms are expected this evening into the overnight hours.

While some storms will be possible late this afternoon, the storms of concern will follow with the main threats of:

• Limited Tornado Risk
• Elevated Hail Risk
• Elevated Thunderstorm Wind Damage Risk
• Significant Lightning Risk
• Limited Non-Thunderstorm Wind Risk

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK lists the tornado risk for the Ozarks at 5%.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

Severe Weather Possible On Tuesday 2/28/12

The Storm Prediction Center has the Ozarks in a slight risk box for severe weather tomorrow. More information will be available later today. This risk includes the possibility of tornadoes. The image to the right from KSPR shows the affected areas.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)