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Posts Tagged ‘2012’

TSC TRIVIA TIME – Thursday, March 7th

OK, it’s time to start our Trivia Game!!!   THREE random winners with the correct answer will be chosen… one from Facebook, one from Twitter using hashtag #tsctrivia, and one from Google+.

NOTE:  In order for the Facebook user responses to be counted, they must be posted below this blog in the “Comments” section.  Just scroll down and post your response.  It may take 10-15 seconds for the “Comments” section to load, so just be patient.  This should work on both computer and mobile phone and should not require any separate log-in to Facebook.

Winners will be chosen and announced about this same time tomorrow evening.  No cheating and no looking at other people’s answers.  Just kidding!  We expect you to google or bing or send out carrier pigeons to find the answers.  ;)

Ready?

Here’s tonight’s question…Provide the scientific name for the following TWO types of cloud formations.  (Scary looking cloud is not a scientific name!)  Thanks for playing and good luck!!!!

p1070949

 

 

p1080737

M2.6 Earthquake Confirmed in Burleson

The USGS has confirmed a small earthquake at 8:10 PM CST in Burleson. Here are the details.

Event Time

  1. 2012-12-13 02:10:23 UTC
  2. 2012-12-12 20:10:23 UTC-06:00 at epicenter
  3. 2012-12-12 20:10:23 UTC-06:00 system time

Location

32.548°N 97.276°W depth=13.1km (8.1mi)

Nearby Cities

  1. 4km (2mi) E of Burleson, Texas
  2. 4km (2mi) SW of Rendon, Texas
  3. 8km (5mi) ESE of Crowley, Texas
  4. 12km (7mi) W of Mansfield, Texas
  5. 256km (159mi) N of Austin, Texas

earthquake

Drought Re-Intensifying Across Texas; Looking into December

You don’t need us to tell you that it has been dry across Texas the past few months, but let’s talk about the overall conditions across the state. I haven’t posted this graphic since early 2012, but some of you will definitely recognize it.

[caption id="attachment_10686" align="aligncenter" width="595"]width=”595″ height=”442″ /> November 27, 2012Texas Drought Monitor[/caption]

Only six percent of Texas is not in some sort of drought condition at this point with over fifty percent of the state considered to be in a severe drought. Luckily, some of us had enough rain this spring to fill the lakes back to capacity, but the recent dry spell is taking a toll on them.

[caption id="attachment_10687" align="aligncenter" width="595"]width=”595″ height=”303″ /> Percent of normal rainfall for November[/caption]

This graphic shows the percentage of normal rainfall we’ve received thus far in November. The dark red color that covers a majority of Texas indicates that those locations have received less than ten percent of their normal November rainfall. While city-goers might not think much of it, farmers and ranchers definitely understand and are feeling the negative effects of no rainfall.

[caption id="attachment_10688" align="aligncenter" width="595"]width=”595″ height=”446″ /> Global Forecast System Weather Model Precipitation Forecast[/caption]

Finally, here is what one weather model is showing for the next eight days in terms of upcoming rainfall. While parts of East Texas may receive some minor rainfall, dry and rain-less conditions look to continue through the first week of December.

How is the drought affecting you and your family? Let us know by chatting in the Facebook comments below!

West Texas Forecast for the week of November 26, 2012

Week ahead for the Western Half of Texas looks pretty much uneventful after the cold front makes it’s way through Texas today, which will cool things down a little bit, and generated some storms in the eastern part of Texas, but other nothing more that a little increased wind and a bit cooler weather for western Texas.  Should be rather chilly overnight, especially in the Panhandle were we could see some temps in the teens. In fact, it looks relatively uneventful for the entire country west of the Mississippi River at least through mid-week.

Very slow but steady warm up throughout the week with 60s in the north and 70s in the south, and otherwise uneventful weather aka nice, seasonal Fall days ahead of us this week.

Storm system approaching the West Coast toward the middle of the week, but models are still trying to figure out if it will affect our weather or not.  Needless to say, no precipitation likely this week.

November 14th, 2012 Texas Winter Weather Awareness Day

The National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management have designated November 14th, 2012 as Winter Weather Awareness Day in Texas. They do this annually about this time of year in an effort to get folks minds on awareness and safety as we start moving into winter weather season.  Now is the time to start preparing!

Across the U.S. every year, on average dozens of people die from winter related situations, such as exposure to cold, vehicle accidents, fires due to dangerous heater usage for example. It’s a significant threat! Nearly half the people that die due to cold weather exposure are over 60, and about a fourth of those people are at home.

The best way to prepare is:

  • Know the safety rules to survive cold weather
  • Know how to stay informed of winter forecasts and warnings
  • Prepare ahead of time to handle harsh traveling conditions
  • Prepare ahead of time to handle cold weather conditions

The main concerns are loss of heat, power and phone service (and internet for some of you!) and a shortage of supplies.

Have available:

  • Flashlights with extra batteries. LED flashlights are ideal because they use so little power, the batteries will last much longer.
  • Battery powered AM/FM radio as well as a NOAA Weather Radio for information. These may become your only source of outside information
  • Extra food and water. High energy foods that don’t require refrigeration are best.
  • Extra medicines and don’t forget the baby food.
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Emergency heat source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Be sure to only use in well ventilated areas and in a safe manner.
  • Check your fire extinguishers and make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries (you did this when the time changed recently, right?)

If you must travel during winter weather, plan ahead, and be alert to the latest weather conditions ahead of winter storms. Now is the time to go ahead and get your vehicle winterized, don’t wait for the first signs of snow on the windshield! Fill up your gas tank before a winter storm hits, or you’ll be dealing with long lines at the pump. Avoid traveling alone, and always let someone know of your plans.

If you are going to be traveling in winter conditions, here are some things you should take with you:

  • Blankets/sleeping bags
  • Flashlights/extra batteries (again, LED lights here are best!)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Knife
  • Non-perishable, high energy food
  • Extra, dry clothing
  • Can of waterproof matches. In a pinch you can use them to melt snow for water
  • Sack of sand for traction if you get stuck
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper/brush
  • Tool Kit
  • Tow Rope
  • Booster Cables
  • Water Container
  • Compass and Road Map (you won’t have your normal visual reference points in whiteout conditions)

For you folks out on the farm:

  • Move animals to shelter when possible
  • Move extra feed to nearby feeding areas
  • Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter are due to dehydration!

Always dress for the weather. Loose fitting, lightweight and in layers. Trapped air is insulation, and you can remove layers as necessary to avoid sweating and getting chilled. Outer garments tightly woven and waterproof, preferably with a hood. Always wear a hat. You loose most of your body heat through your head. Don’t forget the mittens or gloves, that are snug at the wrists.

Be sure to comment and give us your handy winter weather tips!

Photography by TSC

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