Comments on: A Call To Fix An Ailing Warning Systemâ€¦.

By: MatthewP

MatthewP — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:32:19 +0000

Well the problem is, if we teach restraint..will some people then not pull the trigger when there IS a need for a warning? It’s a very delicate situation.

Perhaps the only way to get better with this, is to have more and more trained spotters. Ground truth here is the only way to improve.

And i’m in agreement with you about the sirens, James. We all need a weather radio. I think some people think, “what would i do with one of those?”. You don’t have to listen to the weather radio religiously…all you have to do is turn it on and press a little button or two…and leave it. If severe weather comes your way, you’ll recieve the warning. Simple as that…

By: Randy Hartley

Randy Hartley — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 21:11:39 +0000

Until technology is able to keep up, saturation may be the best bet.

Last summer we had a fairly significant event that had all the locals broadcasting non stop.

Problem was, the event was 50 miles to the south of me. When technology is able to direct the information at the intended recipeints I am afraid blanket coverage is the best bet for now.

Weather entities can only do so much. People are responsible ultimately for their own safety and should exercise eternal vigilance when threatening weather is looming.

By: Spann lover

Spann lover — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 23:43:25 +0000

James: I love it when you are on non-stop during severe weather. Having lived elsewhere for a short time during the spring, I was absolutely lost without you when tornados threatened!!!! When there are possibilities of tornado activity, you are who I turn to – - nonstop….God Bless YOU!!!!

By: jason

jason — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:01:02 +0000

The problem is very complex because tornadoes are not predictable to far in advance. Yes we have the technology to predict severe weather conditions-cape-helicity-shear-but it seems to me even those are sometimes hard to predict. I think we are becoming to dependent on computer models. Yes they are wonderful tools for average weather. The problem is when some meterologists have been watching computer models for too long, anticipation builds, and when the system comes through they go into computer model memory mode and lose track of the actual CURRENT conditions. I think that the powers that be should listen to James and Brian and let them issue the tornado warnings and let all of the other global warming wakos take their 1 year old college degrees and buy a wind powered scooter.

By: ABC 33/40 Weather Blog » WeatherBrains Episode 101

ABC 33/40 Weather Blog » WeatherBrains Episode 101 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:53:40 +0000

[...] Not To Warn: James Spann starts the year with a rant. Is the weather warning system broken? James wrote a blopost on alabamawx.com calling for the media, the National Weather Service, and the EMA community to take a look at the [...]

By: An English teacher

An English teacher — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:29:24 +0000

I agree that overhyping by the media is indeed one of the problems. I know that you, James, and the other TV broadcasters feel obligated to go wall to wall whenever there is a tornado warning, and please know how much I appreciate your work. You have saved lives. BUT when you are on non-stop for hours, many people leave their TVs or go to a cable channel which is not covering the weather. Then when and if there is an emergency, they will receive no warning. There are only so many times and so many ways you can tell us that there is a suspicious hook shaped echo over Eutaw or Alberta City. I know more people would stay tuned if you interrupted periodically and let regular scheduled programming continue. Of course, in the event of a real, large spread threat such as the Oak Grove tornado, I can understand non-stop coverage. Again please know you are very much appreciated.

By: Mike Wilhelm

Mike Wilhelm — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:37:54 +0000

I agree with you James, but Chuck also raises very good points. One of the main problems is that doppler data is sometimes used by itself to issue warnings. Since NEXRAD doesn’t tell us about what’s going on near the ground, it has some significant limitations. How can the NWS not issue a tornado warning when they see strong indications of rotation, knowing that they will eventually miss some tornadoes?

Maybe the answer ultimately will lie in better interpretation of data, increased technology, and better coverage by storm spotters, and better communication by broadcasters.

When it comes to severe thunderstorm warnings, perhaps the criteria should be higher. I think the public might have higher tolerance for false tornado warnings than for severe thunderstorm warnings.

I do think that all of your suggestions will help. Better communication by the media is a key. It seems to me that overhyping these “events” is a part of the problem. I appreciate the fact that you are concerned about this James, but how many other broadcasters are? I think there needs to be more accountability among broadcasters.

I am not a broadcast meteorology major, but emphasizing restraint and even media ethics more in colleges might even help. I do believe that the market usually works and most people turn to those that show restraint and a level head in these situations. I look for that credibility and I think most viewers do as well.

James, you do a good job of giving your honest assesment about these storms. On numerous occasions you have told people to take cover “just in case” but that the rotation was not that impressive.

Having said all of that, I would rather be overwarned than underwarned.

By: John T

John T — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:49:03 +0000

I totally agree James , but , I ditto Chuck as well .

I really hope that we have a much more active wx season for 2008 and, we as Skywatchers can help in reducing the FAR .

By: Mikey

Mikey — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:52:41 +0000

It’s too bad that Mr. Proenza couldn’t freely express his opinions without being replaced. This is realistic thinking from James and I’m sure Mr. Proenza was thinking the same way when he made statements about the aging satellites.

By: PaulaW

PaulaW — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:41:50 +0000

I agree with Chuck.