Monday, March 13, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 9
Tornado season approaches again
Weather service plans drills, tests to stress safety
By Kondwa Kankondo
writer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
The National Weather Service in Topeka wants Kansans to be on the lookout for killer weather this week as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Last year in Kansas, tornadoes killed six people and caused $152 million in property damage. Mike Akulow, warning coordinator meteorologist for the weather service, said this season also would be active in Kansas.
He said that last year 64 tornadoes touched down in the state — 16 more than normal. At least 155 people were reported injured, he
said.
To promote awareness, the week's events include statewide tornado safety drills and warning siren tests tomorrow, one in the afternoon and evening.
A press release said drill times would vary throughout the state.
would vary the height of the state. Although the bulk of last year's tornadoes occurred in May and June, the weather service said it was warning people earlier in the year to keep fatalities and injuries to a minimum.
Additionally, local tornado warning sirens, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio alarms and the emergency alert system will be activated to signal the start of the drill.
The weather service also is emphasizing the dangers of flash flooding, large hail, lightning and damaging winds.
On May 3,1999,the first Kansas tornado deaths in six years
occurred when a tornado hit central Kansas and damaged more than 8,000 buildings. Most of last year's tornadoes occurred during April, May and June in south-central Kansas, leaving the Lawrence area relatively unscathed.
Akulow said research suggested that global warming and La Niña — the cooling of water in the Pacific Ocean — might have affected weather patterns in recent years.
"This year we have had a record warmest winter nationally." Akulow said. "And Topeka had its fifth warmest winter."
According to the National Weather Service, the nation was experiencing its warmest winter on record.
Akulow said he didn't know whether the warm winter and early arrival of spring would push up tornado season, however.
'99 KANSAS TORNADOES
Tornadoes: 64
Deaths: 6
Injuries: 155
Property damage: $152 million
Longest track: 24 miles
Strongest: an F4 on the Fujita-Pearson Tornado Intensity Scale, which has winds between 207 and 260 mph and causes "devastating" damage
Most in a county: 6 in Segwick
Days of occurrence: 22
Most in one day: 12 on May 4
- First touch down of the year: April 3 in Chenery County
Last touchdown of the year:
September 26 in Reno County
Most in a month: 32 in May
Source: National Weather Service and weather.com
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