Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   Storm Button Date:   3/27/2011 9:01:11 AM

To the man who pushes the severe storm button in StillWaters:

It would be helpful if you learned something about weather.  If you own a boat, check your Chapman’s Piloting & Seamanship, Chapter 24, Weather.  If you don’t have any references, I’d suggest going to Amazon.com and purchasing a copy of A Golden Guide – Weather, by Lehr, Burnette, Zim and McNaught.  It’s only $6.95.  McNaught’s illustrations will be especially helpful.

To get to the basics:  We live in the Northern Hemisphere between 30 and 60 degrees, latitude.  Storm systems move generally from west to east.   Storm systems which will strike us generally come through an arc from Montgomery to Tuscaloosa. 

I assume you have a computer with internet and can find weatherunderground.com. 

http://classic.wunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?ID=MXX®ion=d4&lat=32.82646561&lon=-85.76155090&label=Dadeville%2c%20AL

In the case of those of us living on Lake Martin, that means that ANY storm east of a line drawn north-south through Dadeville, WILL NOT cross Lake Martin.  If you see ANY storm (including a tornado) on the other side of US-280, keep your finger off of the button.

Twice, in the middle of the night last night you pushed the button for two extended siren howls.  Did you notice this morning that it hadn’t even rained last night?  You scare the bejeebers out of small children.  I have to explain to them, “There is a man who thinks he is powerful because he can push a siren button. And, when he hears thunder or sees lightning he rushes to push the button.”  Then, I take them to the computer and show them the radar (animation function).  We talk about what is happening and where the storms are going.

One of the best things you can do for your employer is to learn your job.  And, if any storm on the other side of US-280 ever circles back to get us… I’ll buy you a case of scotch!