Author: spunkycarol
Tornado Myths
Wikipedia entry includes myths such as using highway overpasses as shelter (not wise, see below), opening windows to reduce tornado damage (current advice is that opening windows in advance of a tornado wastes time that could be spent seeking shelter), and escaping a tornado in a vehicle (the National Weather Service advises that if a person spots a nearby tornado while driving, the individual should abandon the car and seek shelter in a ditch or culvert, or substantial shelter if nearby).
using highway overpasses as shelter
From lessons harshly learned in the 1999 Oklahoma outbreak, and for many scientific reasons, meteorologists insist that overpasses are insufficient shelter from tornado winds and debris, and may possibly be the worst place to be during a violent tornado. The embankment under an overpass is higher than the surrounding terrain, and the wind speed increases with height. Additionally, the overpass design may create a “wind-tunnel” effect under the span, increasing the winds further. Many overpasses are completely exposed underneath and most lack hanging girders or a crawlspace-like area to provide sufficient protection from debris, which can travel at deadly speeds even in weak tornadoes. Even worse, people stopping underneath overpasses blocks the flow of traffic, putting others in danger unnecessarily.[1][2]
Tornado Evacuation Procedures Reviewed
“A National Weather Service report says that even when people know a storm is on its way, they often ignore the risks involved and stay put.”
Jellyfish Lake
via Current:
“Today, Jellyfish Lake seems as much jelly as water. This makes for a surreal diving experience, moving around in water that is itself a moving gelatinous mass.”
Travel Info for Knitters
CraftStylish had a recent post on airline travel for knitters. Below is the text from the TSA web site.
TSA info: Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint
Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers. Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security. We recommend the following when bring knitting needles on an airplane:
* Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
* We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
* Scissors must have blunt points
* In case a Security Officer does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items cannot be taken through a security checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage.
