14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Weather Review: 2006 Thus Far

Weather Review: 2006 Thus Far

Meteorologist: Chad Sewich
New Media Producer: Rachel Chambliss

While severe weather has stayed to our south so far, that certainly hasn't been the case for much of the spring and winter.

Storm Team Meteorologist Chad Sewich takes a look at just how stormy our skies have been and the weather pattern that's caused it.

Well before severe weather strikes, the staff at Central Child Care in Evansville prepares by listening to NOAA weather radio and monitoring local radar.

"When we see that it looks like severe weather is coming, then we get ready for it," says Central Child Care Director Kathy MacGregor. "We have a playground downstairs which is where we go during a storm."

When a warning is issued, all 50 staff members move 170 children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, to the basement - not an easy task!

Kathy says, "We also have two floors of children that we have to move downstairs, and when it could be 10 or 20 minutes downstairs, we have to bring books and toys with us to keep them entertained."

This year, the staff has had to put their emergency plan into action several times. Within the Paducah National Weather Service coverage area, there have been 402 severe weather events so far this year. This is nearly the total number of storm reports in all of 2003, a year which had seen the most severe weather in the last ten years.

The clash of cold air from the north with warm, moist and unstable air from the south is a typical severe weather set-up. Add a strong jet stream wind above the surface and the recipe for storms is nearly complete.

One of the reasons this year has been so active is that the jet stream has taken several dips over the eastern half of the country, leading to the development of strong low pressure systems. While this is not unusual during spring, this pattern has been with us on and off for months.

The staff at Central Child Care wouldn't mind a break from the storms, but they'll be ready when skies turn dark.

"We received a very nice note from a parent after one of the big storms saying that she was so glad her kids were safe with us," Kathy says.

Another example of a business that has a plan when there's a threat for severe weather, something everyone should have for home, work and school.

The Storm Team offers a variety of free severe weather alerts, warning you ahead of the storm. Don't wait any longer, sign up now!