The Beauty and the Beast in Weather Forecasting

"Weathermen are never wrong....it's the weather that's wrong!"

"The son of a weather forecaster told his teacher, "Two & two are four....probably."

"Science can predict an eclipse of the sun many years in advance but cannot accurately predict the weather over the weekend."

"Weather forecasting is still a few  hours behind arthritis."

Much has been on the news this past week about the coming ice storm last weekend that fortunately did not materialize as expected in our area. Rain, dropping temperatures, possibly sleet, ice with periods of additional rain, and likely ending with snow were all part of the forecast.  Winter in Kansas can have its unpredictable surprises under the best attempts at weather forecasting. But, what qualifies as an ice storm and what are it's impacts on our environment?

A nuisance ice accumulation is defined as a quarter inch or less. Your windshield will be coated with ice. You will see a light layer of ice on trees and the weight in them may increase up to 30%. Overpasses and bridges become slick. 
A disruptive ice accumulation is defined as a quarter to half an inch.  

 This results in most roads becoming icy and slick, tree limbs start to sag or break as the weight on them is approximately 500 additional pounds. With the increase in additional weight, falling limbs can hit power lines and  we experience power outages. A crippling ice accumulation is defined as a half inch or more.  This results in roads becoming dangerous and/or impassable and widespread power line and tree damage is unavoidable. Reno County residents recall the early December 2007 ice storm that damage so many of our locals trees. This last weekend, it was estimated the storm would affect at least 370,000 million people to one degree or another if the ice had materialized as predicted. 

 This coming spring, summer or fall, make a "To Do" list and put trimming branches, depending on your tree or shrub variety, for next winter as a priority, if needed.
Take all winter forecasts seriously, be careful, bring your pets inside, stock up on your necessities, and stay safe! Submitted by cbooz