Weather World War III

Hello friends.  I am not going to lie, I've been postponing this blog post for a while.  I know I needed some time to take a break from the craziness and ingest the 2 most intense weeks of my life.

The anvil of a killer storm. May 31, 2013.

Serene start of a deadly day.

I have very mixed emotions about the last 2 weeks in May in Oklahoma.  Emotions including:
Sorrow - Oklahoma faced immense tragedy.  My heart aches for all the people impacted by these storms.
Helplessness - Of not being able to do more.  I am struggling with the thought that I watched tornadoes killing people.
Anger - Towards people quick to criticize...everything.
Hope - For rebuilding and for change. New tornado regulations and requirement of storm shelters, especially in schools.
Excitement - From running on adrenaline for 2 weeks straight.  The May 19 Shawnee tornado was the closest I had ever been to a violent tornado.  Next, I witnessed the horrific and deadly Moore EF-5.  Finally, I got too close to the widest tornado on record.

I wonder, why did God put me here in this space and time to witness such historic and catastrophic times? I know it can't be a coincidence.  I do know that I was meant to be here for a reason...but that reason remains unknown.  I'd like to think that part of the reason is to help keep Oklahomans safe.  I pray that I can join in the catalyst for change in tornado safety precautions to save more lives in the future when inevitably more violent tornadoes strike.

The Storm Prediction Center received 11 tornado reports in Oklahoma.

May 31, 2013

May 31st was like deja vu.  Once Oklahoma faced a 3-day streak of severe weather.  May 18-20 proved deadliest on day 3 and it happened again May 29-31.  Thankfully, this tornado did not hit a majorly populated city, however, 21 lives were still lost mainly due to serious flash flooding.

Central OK received up to 8" of rain leading to deadly flash flooding.

As meteorologists we use several forecast tools to predict the potential severity of the weather.  One of the indices is the "Significant Tornado Parameter."  I won't go into nerdy detail but basically, I have never seen this index so high before.  As you can see, there is a bullseye with 11.  Just as a comparison, I saw the number as high as 8 for the Moore tornado day.  In other words, meteorologists across the state knew just how bad May 31st could be.  For this reason the SPC issued a moderate risk and a PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) Tornado Watch.  I commend the National Weather Service in Norman for putting out urgent wording and stressing tornado safety in advance of storm development.

Significant Tornado Parameters were OFF THE CHARTS.

In a way, I would argue May 31st to be more dangerous than May 20th.  I am not diminishing the fact that the Newcastle/Moore tornado was a tragedy. Hands down, it was a horrific tragedy.  However, May 31 impacted a greater area, the storms were making erratic movements and it seemed like nearly every storm was turning tornadic.  When I was on the Mizzou Storm Chase team, we would not chase high risk days for this reason.  The storms were highly dangerous to chase.

Storm Chasing in Question With the Loss of A Legend

Storm Chaser locations. Scary reality.

Many people have asked why storm chase?  Storm chasing is necessary to provide "ground truth." Radar can only give us so much information.  Storm chasers can tell whether or not there is a tornado on the ground and if it is causing damage, the tornado's exact location and the tornado's intensity.  Select storm chasers further tornado research. I am not about to jump into a hot controversy but I do agree that discussions need to be made about storm chasing safety.  You are probably thinking...who are you, Emily, to be talking about this since you were so close to the El Reno tornado?  That is valid.  However, before you judge I would like to clarify that photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I worked hard to make sure we had a safe distance from the tornado and had appropriate escape routes. If you watched our raw video from the day, you can hear us discussing several ways to get out of the way should the tornado change directions.

Rapid-scan X-band Polarimetric Mobile Radar data from OU measured winds to 296 mph and a width of 2.6 miles, the widest tornado on record.

Tim Samaras and his "Turtle Probe."

Not only did the tornado change directions but it did it quickly and jumped in intensity.  According to OU mobile radar data, the tornado went from a 1 mile wide to 2.6 mile wide (new record) tornado in a matter of 30 seconds.  Unfortunately, this drastic change caused the deaths of Tim Samaras, his son Paul and colleague Carl Young.  The news of their deaths was a complete shock.  A shock personally and a shock to the entire meteorological community.  I had the honor of meeting Tim Samaras in college while attending the National Storm Chaser's Convention.  Tim is no ordinary storm chaser, he is a pioneer in the field.  On June 24, 2003 Tim Samaras and his team successfully placed one of his "Turtle Probes" (see pic) successfully in front of an F4 tornado in Manchester, Tornado.  The probe captured a 100 mb pressure drop in 10 seconds...the lowest pressure drop ever recorded.  He also placed a "Turtle Probe" with 360 degree camera angles and showed it for the first time at the chaser convention I attended.  You could hear a pin drop as all of us storm nuts watched in awe.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the Samaras and Young families and friends.

The fact that Tim died really shook me to the core.  His death reminds us that storm chasing is inherently dangerous and there is an element of unpredictability with tornadoes.  It made me realize how blessed I was to still be alive after my close call on May 31st.

A big thank you to my dear college friend and storm chase buddy, Willie Gilmore, for taking the time to analyze Kevin & my location in respect to the tornado's location.  Willie works for the National Weather Service in Little Rock, Arkansas and has access to archived radar data.  If you watch the video I posted above, this is the location when we are backing up and our back window gets blown out.  I had a visual of the tornado to my southeast and then it turns and crosses in front of us.  This is when the tornado intensified.  Tim Samaras' vehicle was found 2 miles down the road we were backing up on.  

Was I in the tornado? NO.  Was I too close? Yup.

The winds were likely caused from either an enhanced Rear Flank Downdraft (RFD) or strong inflow jet.  But if you think about basic physics, a low pressure center that causes a tornado to increase from a mile wide to 2.6 miles wide in 30 seconds is going to trigger a strong influx wind.  The combo of the deepening low pressure center and drastic change in direction whipped the wind around and blew out our back window.  While backing up I lightly hit the guard rail (oops) and it knocked down our dash cam.  The combo of confusion about us being in the tornado and the camera going black made it seem like we died.  This video clip broadcast nationally on CNN, The Weather Channel and MSNBC and freaked out my friends and family in Chicago and Oklahoma.  We were OKAY! But thank you for the concern.

Now What?

Thank God storm season is over.  But until next spring many discussions need to be made.  My personal opinion is that everyone should have a certified storm shelter.  It can cost thousands of dollars but can you really put a price tag on your and your family's lives?  Perhaps neighbors can split the cost and share a storm shelter.  Regardless, we all need to have safety plans in place because another violent tornado will hit Oklahoma.  I hope government officials can work together to put shelters in schools.  It's about time.  

In response to negative press about my station, all I can say is that I support the 4Warn Storm team and I want to stress that it is our goal to SAVE LIVES.  No we are not trying to freak people out or get the best video...it's all about SAVING LIVES. That's it.

On a positive note, I am amazed by the spirit of Oklahoma.  I consider myself an Oklahoman now and couldn't be prouder of the attitude and giving nature of this state.  I tell friends from Chicago how amazing it is after such a tragic time that storm survivors give ME a hug to thank me for storm coverage.  I should give all the storm survivors a hug for being so strong.  The sense of hope and resiliency from tornado victims is inspiring. Thank you to everyone that has donated time and or money to the clean up efforts.  There will be many months of clean up ahead and we have to stay strong.  Oklahoma strong. God bless.

Terror, Tragedy and Hope

The past 2 days have been a blur.  I'm writing this more as a therapy than anything else.  I can't imagine what victims and their families and friends are going through right now.

THANK YOU to the first responders. They rescued at least 100 people last night.

In the past 2 days I  have had 2.5 hours of sleep and have been spending the rest of the time storm chasing or on air at the news station.  The fog is starting to lift and now reality is setting in.

The 4Warn Storm Team and KFOR were prepared for a 3 day severe weather outbreak but we had no idea the magnitude and devastation that would unfold.

May 19, 2013

At least 8 tornadoes touched down in the Sooner state.  One of the first storms went up right over the Metro damaging homes in Edmond.  

Photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I chased the second tornadic storm that went up near Norman, Oklahoma.  The tornado dropped over northern Lake Thunderbird and hit western sides of Shawnee, staying on the ground until Prague, Oklahoma.  This tornado was a violent tornado with a preliminary rating of an EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

I snapped this picture about 2 miles west of Bethel Acres.

May 20, 2013

After a busy day of covering severe weather, I put on my game face and prepared for another big day.  Looking at the high resolution forecast models that morning, I could tell the storms would fire earlier than typical tornado outbreaks which usually develop in the late afternoon during peak daytime heating hours.  The CAPE or storm energy was very high, well into 6,000 J/kg (for tornadoes you look for around 2,000 J/kg so this WAY surpassed it).  I also noted forecast significant tornado parameters as high as 7 (very high!).

A radar can pick up debris on the radar, this is termed a "debris ball."

Once again, photojournalist Kevin Josefy and I were on the chase.  Mike had us cover the Metro.  We fought traffic to intercept tornado and here is a play by play of what it's like to come face to face with a killer tornado.

The storm rapidly intensified. In less than an hour it had a violent tornado.

At least 8 tornadoes hit Oklahoma. The Moore tornado cycled and hit the town of Meeker.

The Aftermath

After taking a long nap this afternoon I woke up with a heavy heart.  I work out to relieve stress.  Despite the fact I am exhausted, I decided to take a long run and take a break from watching the non stop coverage.  About a mile into my run, I started sobbing.  So here I am running and crying and I did not even care.  These past 30 hours have been heavy.  I have powered through to keep it all together on the air but now it has sunk in that when I was a half a mile away from the EF5 tornado, I was witnessing people dying.  24 people died, 7 of them children.  The sky was pitch black and debris fell from the sky like a heavy rain shower.  Those were people's houses and lives falling in front of my eyes.

In journalism school we were warned that we will cover tragic events.  I haven't known true tragedy until now.  Over the past three and half years living in Oklahoma, I have grown to know and love the people of this state.  Oklahomans are generous and kind people.  While we grieve from this tragedy, hopefully we will find hope in the days ahead as we hear stories of survival and tales of heroes.

Pray for Oklahoma.

Today our station partnered with the Salvation Army to accept donations.  Here in Oklahoma we have what's called the "Oklahoma Standard."  This concept started after the Oklahoma City Bombing where instead of running away from the chaos, people ran into the danger zone to help others.  We have already seen a huge response from the people of Oklahoma.  So far we've received more than $50,000 in donations for various charities as well has much needed supplies. It's been incredible how local businesses are offering free services to those in need as well as raising money for the cause. Kevin Durant, NBA Thunder superstar even pledged $1 Million to the Red Cross!

If you'd like to help, text “storm” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army and text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross.

If you are in Oklahoma, click HERE for local ways to help.

Memorial Marathon Forecast

Hello friends!  Here's an update to the Memorial Marathon forecast.

Overall it looks great!  We will have a cool start with light winds and clear skies.

The only concern will be for the runners doing the full as temperatures will quickly climb to the 70's by late morning.  Just remember your salt intake and drink plenty of water and sports drinks on Saturday.  I'm no expert but this is the advice my coaches gave me before the Half Ironman.

Best of luck everyone! Stay tuned for updates and don't forget to wear red socks to remember those affected by the Boston bombing...and green shoelaces to remember lives lost in the OKC bombing.  We will have Christmas feet.

Quakenadofloodcold, Serious Face & Running

Hi friends! It's been awhile.  Here's part of the reason why...here's a summary of the past week.

Oklahoma is crazy and I love it.

Here's the official storm report map from Wednesday, April 17, 2013.  This was the first big severe weather event of the season.

Hard to believe this happened 1 week prior...

Yes, a freak April ice storm coated nearly half of the state with a layer of ice.  This knocked out power for thousands and pulled down tree limbs.

Oh, there's so much to catch up on!

My Station Dominates!

The OKC market just stepped up it's A-Game with this bad boy...

Yeah, KFOR has signed on Reed Timmer and the Dominator.  The Dominator is a Tornado Intercept Vehicle used to research tornadoes by driving into them. Legit.  Reed Timmer starred on the Discovery Channel show "Storm Chasers" and now he is working for us! This is going to be an interesting storm chase season in Oklahoma to say the least.  Once I can get over this promo picture...

Nope. I can't. Guys, I can't do a serious face.  I can be urgent and serious during severe weather but I can't just plaster on that severe weather go to face.

WHAT.

Yes.  You can laugh now.  During the photo shoot they told us to look at the ground and on the count of three look up and have a serious severe weather face.  Well, I did that 3 times successfully.  All the other times I lifted my head, acted serious for a second and then cracked up.  It's not me.

This is the only photo I come even close to looking normal a serious person...and it looks like I'm creeped out by someone to my left.

This is me. But if I make this face during a tornado, that wouldn't be appropriate.

Anyhoo, I am excited about the 4Warn Storm Team's future!

Training Update: Move Yo Buns

The OKC Memorial Marathon is only a week a way!  Stay tuned for forecast updates. To be honest, I have not properly trained for this race.  For the past 2 weeks I have been trying to catch up by throwing in a few longer runs.  A few days ago I ran 12 miles with an old Team in Training buddy, JoLynn.  She does not look it at all, but she is a grandma and she is ROCKING it.  Thank goodness I have her as a training buddy and motivator.  Guys, I'm not going to lie.  Running 12 miles hurts.  The week before I ran 11 miles the day after I biked 2.5 hours in the wind with hills.  I will say it's a lot easier to run with rested legs (go figure)!

I also bought new running shoes from OK Runner in Edmond.  They specially ordered these Asics. I love them.  To my surprise (and dismay) I have gone up a half a shoe size. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?  Oh well!

I have also been trying to work on my running form.  When Red Coyote opened their new, bigger store in the Classen Curve they had a natural running clinic by the co-founder of Newton Running, Danny Abshire.  I own a pair of Newton running shoes, however, I only use them for short runs since I started getting knee pain again.  His running clinic taught me that I have only been running on my toes.  We did a series of running drills that helps me keep a consistent rhythm and run more on my mid-foot than on my toes.  I am also working on running tall/having better posture.  I think this will help in the long run...literally (haha).

Thanks to Red Coyote for the free running clinic by an expert!

Team Jo & Em is Back!

Joleen and I will be running together in the Memorial Half next Sunday.  I am also singing the National Anthem!  We are once again honored to be riding in the "Tour de Cure" for the second time to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.  The ride will be Saturday, June 22, 2012.  WE NEED PEOPLE TO JOIN OUR TEAM! Please click here to join or team or donate.  There are several distances to choose from...from 10 to 100 miles.  Borrow a bike if you have to and join the ride. This is not a race and it's a lot of fun.

Thanks for reading friends.  Stay tuned for forecast updates for the marathon and of course, I'll have it on the morning newscasts this week on NewsChannel 4 and "Rise & Shine."  Have a great week!

My Date Didn't Kill Me

Hello friends! It's been awhile! I have several things to catch up on so I will try to keep it short.

Shauna Comes To OKC

I had a great time showing Shauna the Sooner state a few weekends ago. I crammed a lot into three days including a first time trip (for both of us) to the Outlet malls, Cool Greens, a Thunder game, The Mantel, Pinkitzel, Pop's, KFOR-TV, Mama Rojas/Lake Hefner, and the Memorial/Myriad Gardens.

P.S. When Shauna first arrived she asked me, "have you heard of this Sweet Brown lady?" I smiled and said, "Heard of her? My news station CREATED her!"  Then I had double awesome bonus points in her book. Haha.

A Creeper Bought Me

So the main excuse to get Shauna to finally come to Oklahoma was for emotional support while being auctioned off for a great cause. I agreed to participate in "Single in the City." This was a fun event thrown by Oklahoma Magazine to raise money for the YMCA by auctioning off single Oklahomans.

One of my friends tried to bid on me but the auctioneer did not see him so I ended up being sold to a guy named Paree for $700.  My friend tried to buy out Paree but he refused.  He refused a large amount of money.  For this reason I gathered he was a creeper.  However, I am a woman of my word so I agreed to go on a date knowing there was a minimal chance I could be killed.

The Date

Paree and I went on our date to the restaurant Vast at the top of the Devon Tower.  He even greeted me with a rose!  Not only did he NOT murder me but he turned out to be a gentleman and did not make me uncomfortable.  We had a great time chatting.  This certainly taught me to not judge a book by its cover but I will still have my guard up in these situations as a young female.

 Training

Back in the saddle...bike saddle that is!

I finally contacted Coach Ryan and he is on his way to formulating a plan to accommodate the Memorial Half Marathon, Route 66 El Reno Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlons and OKC Tour de Cure 100 mile bike ride. 
I am still not 100% motivated to start training. I am used to training during the hot summer months. I know, it's messed up.

Almost Beat By An 11 Year Old

On Saturday, March 9th I finished my first 5k.  I've done 5k's as a part of a sprint triathlon but never ran one by myself.  I agreed to do the First Annual Warrior Way 5k in Washington, Oklahoma.  The race benefits The Beller Foundation.  Although it was a cool, cloudy, wet and windy day, I had a great time at the race.  My friend Lindsey and her dog (kind of my niece) Maggie came along to do the 1 mile fun walk before the 5k race.

At 8:30am the gun went off and I started off at a fast pace.  Since I've never done an official 5k before I just had goal of pushing past my comfortable pace of 9:30 to 10 minutes/mile.  The course was an easy one, flat and out and back.  I had the wind at my back on the way out and slamming me in the face on the way back.  It made my eyes water and my nose run and I felt as if I was running through honey!

I tried my best to sprint near the finish line. I always know I'm pushing myself when I feel like I'm going to barf or have a heart attack.  I crossed the line and prevented myself from cursing!  After I recovered, Lindsey, Maggie and I ate some delicious cinnamon rolls from the only cafe in town, Altheas.  Delish!

Umm...is this mural politically correct?

I ended up getting 2nd overall!  That cracks me up because I don't consider myself much of a runner.  Although I don't enjoy feeling like I'm about to have a heart attack, I think 5k's are the way to go to improve my time.

   Warrior Way 5K Run
                    Washington OK - March 9th, 2013

                       OVERALL RESULTS - 5K WOMEN

Place Name                    Age City/state            Chiptime   Guntime    Pace  Cat Bib# 
===== ======================= === ===================== ========== ========== ===== === ==== 
    1 Amber Dubuc              31 Oklahoma City OK        24:10.68   24:19.52  7:50 AG   169 
    2 Emily Sutton             28 Oklahoma City OK        25:57.84   26:01.44  8:23 AG   150 
    3 Emma Brooks              11 Norman OK               26:15.56   26:17.41  8:28 AG   131 

A big THANK YOU to all of the race volunteers.  I think most of the town came out including the cheerleaders and high school band.  I would highly recommend doing this race in the future!

I think a TRIATHLETE put this sign up in Washington, OK :)

My next race is the Memorial Half Marathon!  Stay tuned for updates and have a fabulous week!

BUY ME!

Hey friends! Woo hoo! The weekend is here! It's been a crazy work week with the big winter storm!  I still can't believe nearly 14" of snow fell in Alva, OK!

Just a quick reminder...I am being auctioned off (embarrassing) for Oklahoma Magazine's "Single in the City" tomorrow at 6pm at Skky Bar in Bricktown.  Please come!  If you call and buy tickets today, it's $25 instead of $30.  Either way, all money goes towards a great cause...the YMCA.  PLEASE COME. Bids start at 5 cents.  You don't even have to bid.  Just come and have a great time.  I'm bringing some of my hot single friends.  Boom.

I am VERY excited because my best friend since age 2 is coming to OKC! Ladies and gents welcome SHAUNA MARTIN to Oklahoma!  I am going to prove to her that Oklahoma isn't just a bunch of covered wagons and casinos.

I'll let you know how it goes in my next entry!

A quick training update...

Janna and I went swimming at the Y last Saturday and I did my first 4,000 m swim! WOO HOO!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!