Archive for August, 2007

WeatherBrains 83: Remembering Katrina

WeatherBrains Episode 83 is now online (August 27, 2007). The netcast audio program for people who love weather.

In this week’s Episode:

Hurricane Katrina, 2005, from NASA

Remembering Hurricane Katrina: Just two years ago, a fierce category 5 monster was moving across the Gulf of Mexico and taking aim at one of the most vulnerable spots possible. Brian Peters and Bill Murray were enroute to the Gulf Coast while James Spann was getting ready for coverage of yet another hurricane. The Weather Brains team looks back on personal experiences with Hurricane Katrina.

Plus hear Robert Ricks, National Weather Service forecaster in Slidell, talk about his thoughts before and during Hurricane Katrina. You might recall that Mr. Ricks was responsible for a chilling weather statement prior to Katrina’s landfall (see it here).

Dean’s ‘You Make The Landfall’ Call: Thanks again to everyone who entered the contest and the prize has been delivered! You can still see the map showing the various landfall locations picked.

Heat and Cars: JB goes on the soapbox about kids, cars, and heat, a dangerous mix.

Buying Rain: Some spots in the Southeast US can’t seem to buy rain, so Brian’s looking for a vendor to buy a rain shower.

From The Weather Center:

  • WeatherBrains 101: When hurricanes wobble – is this really a word you can say in public? Join us as Professor Peters explains what trochoidal motion is all about.
  • This Week In Weather History: Bill Murray looks back at satellites, a new technology – in 1962. And we’re just about into the heart of hurricane season, so this weeks historic weather includes names like Carol, Elena, Anita, and Becky. Plus what year were hurricane forecasters tracking five names storms?

Websites From This Episode:

Hurricane Katrina Summary from NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

Times-Picayune archives on Katrina’s impact.

Collection of Katrina information/images from NOAA.

And on a less serious note, could James and Heidi be patching things up?

Join J.B. Elliott, Bill Murray, Kevin Selle, Brian Peters, and James Spann for the latest look at the field of weather in the newest episode of WeatherBrains.

We would love to hear from you! To leave a recorded message, call 1-888-247-8627. Some calls may be used in future episodes. Also, feel free to post comments to the site and send us an email at question@weatherbrains.com.

WeatherBrains

WeatherBrains 82: “Dangerous Dean”

WeatherBrains Episode 82 is now online (August 20, 2007). The netcast audio program for people who love weather.

In this week’s Episode:

Hurricane Dean

Hurricane Dean: Packing 160 mile per hour winds, this fierce Category Five monster scared residents along the American Gulf Coast, before choosing instead to head for Mexico;

Dean’s ‘You Make The Landfall’ Call: Thanks to everyone who entered the contest! If you’d like to see a map showing the various landfall locations entrants picked, click here.

Media Madness: Have some network weather reporters lost their minds when it comes to responsible hurricane reporting, or did they even have a clue to begin with?

Thirty Years, No Storms? Believe it or not, there is a place on Earth that has gone without a thunderstorm for thirty years–and you’ll learn where in this Episode…

From The Weather Center:

  • WeatherBrains 101: So, just what is a METAR? Join us as Professor Peters explains all about this important weather observation;
  • This Week In Weather History: Bill Murray looks back at Andrew, the hurricane that, at one point, had officials letting their guard down, only to intensify and inflict catastrophic damage on South Florida;

Websites From This Episode:

Hurricane Dean NOAA Satellite Animation Loop

Louie’s Backyard on South Padre Island, TX

Jim’s Beach Rentals on South Padre Island, TX

Join J.B. Elliott, Bill Murray, James Spann, Kevin Selle, Brian Peters, and David Black for the latest look at the field of weather in the newest episode of WeatherBrains.

We would love to hear from you! To leave a recorded message, call 1-888-247-8627. Some calls may be used in future episodes. Also, feel free to post comments to the site and send us an email at question@weatherbrains.com.

WeatherBrains