By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The National Weather Service trained attendees to identify and report severe storms during its annual Storm Spotter Preparedness presentation on Thursday in Hays.
Meteorologist Kelly Sugden from the National Weather Service in Dodge City spoke to staff and those unfamiliar with Kansas weather. Ellis County hosted the event at the Emergency Services Building.
The National Weather Service operates around the clock, providing forecasts and warnings for hazardous weather, including severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires.
However, due to distance limitations, the radar in Dodge City cannot capture all storm features in central Kansas, making public observations essential from those in the area.
"The radar beam is going to be looking at the middle to upper portion of the storm. It cannot see the low-level portion where the tornado would be. That's where we need your guys' help," Sugden said.
Kansans are vital in ensuring accurate National Weather Service warnings during severe weather. Whether it's tornadoes, high winds, hail or flooding, you can report conditions by calling the severe weather spotter line at 1-800-824-9943 or the NWNational Weather Service office in Dodge City at 620-225-6514.
When reporting severe weather, state your name and describe the event you witnessed. Include the location or direction of the event, referencing the nearest town, landmarks or highway markers, along with the time it occurred.
"The biggest thing is to call us. We prefer a phone call because it's direct communication," Sugden said. "We're staffed [at National Weather Service Dodge City] all the time, so someone will always answer the phone."
Sugden explained the different storm types, such as single-cell, multi-cell clusters, squall lines and the highly dangerous supercells.
"Supercells are on their own level. This is the mother of all storms, which means that the chances of severe weather are very high," he said.
The significant dangers supercells present are tornadoes, damaging winds exceeding 58 mph, quarter-size hail and flash flooding.
Severe storms form when instability and moisture provide the ideal conditions for strong updrafts. These updrafts are often driven by humid air from the south.
Lift happens as warm, moist air rises along weather fronts. Cold fronts spark storm development.
Wind shear, the variation in wind speed and direction at different altitudes, is essential for supercells. It drives storm rotation and heightens the risk of tornado formation.
Sugden said that specific cloud formations can signal whether a developing storm has the potential to become dangerous.
Sugden also clarified the distinction between severe weather warnings and watches.
A severe weather warning indicates a hazardous event is imminent or already happening, requiring immediate action. A severe storm watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, but it has not yet developed.
Sugden advises taking shelter and staying prepared when either advisory is issued but also offers additional guidance for those planning to hunt storms.
"If you are storm spotting or storm chasing, have an escape route option," he said. "Maintain situational awareness. Weather changes very rapidly and constantly."
Before heading out, ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as phone alerts, radio stations and social media updates from the National Weather Service.
Use radar apps or maps to track your position relative to the storm. For the best visibility, position yourself southeast of the storm.
Sugden emphasized storm chasing is safer with at least two people. One focuses on driving, and the other acting as a navigator, monitoring radar and hazards.
The National Weather Service provides storm spotter certifications to those who complete training sessions and meet the required criteria. These certifications validate your expertise and authorize you to report severe weather officially.
For more information, you can find a spotter reference guide here. You can also follow the National Weather Service in Dodge City on Facebook.