What is the difference between clouds that produce thunderstorms and those that spawn tornadoes? What should one do in the event of either?

To answer these and other questions, the Barton County Emergency Management Department Monday night hosted the annual National Weather Service, Storm Fury on the Plains presentation at Great Bend’s downtown Crest Theater. Robb Lawson, a meteorologist from the NWS office in Wichita, offered information to help prepare residents and weather spotters for the upcoming storm season. 

Using photographs and videos, he provided an in-depth presentation that engaged the audience by teaching them about the different  types of storms, the individual storm features that will help them to recognize a storm’s potential severity, how to report hazardous weather and to stay safe during severe weather.

“We had a really quiet year last year,” he said. In fact, 2022 was the third in a string of three quiet years.

But, “despite the below average number of storms, we can’t get complacent,” he said. He cited the April 26, 2022, tornado that ripped through Andover as an example.

The purpose of Lawson’s program was two fold – help folks know what to look for so they can stay safe and provide information for those who want to serve as storm spotters.

“Why do we still need spotters?” Lawson said. Even with advances in technology, such with radar, there are limitations and spotters help fill in the gaps while lending credibility to the NWS warnings.

From the smaller “pulse storms” to the massive super cells, Lawson walked the 30-plus attendees through slides featuring radar images and shots of the actual clouds as the storms developed.

Using meteorological terms, he described the different types of storms and how the formed. He also explained the varied cloud formations associated with each.

He used terms like updraft and downdraft, wall clouds, squall lines and microburst.

And, even small storms can pack a big punch. “Looks can be deceiving. Severe storms can come in all shapes and sizes,” he said.

Tornadoes, lightning, hail, strong winds and flooding are all hazards that can cause damages and do harm, he said. “If you see it, report it.”

But, in offering advice on the best locations for storm spotting, he offered one stern warning. “Stay out of the path, stay safe and have an escape route.”

This presentation follows Severe Weather Week which ran last week. This was a cooperative effort of the National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, and local county emergency management agencies.

The statewide tornado drill took place the morning of March 7.