James Spann blasts number of false tornado warnings

Birmingham News ^ | 15 Jun 2011 | Thomas Spencer

[mesoman7]

I am wondering if that was an accurate report. When I was in that part of the country (south KS), tornado warning systems were tested weekly or at worst monthly. If true, then emergency management was seriously derelict.

[mesoman7]

I appreciate the comments.

I have to admit...even though it is a high stakes game and the stress level extreme, I loved it. Many of us in this field feel the same. We certainly don't cheer the destruction and death, but we relish the action. Another form of adrenaline junkies.

I am older now, and taking it easier out west. I'll leave the major outbreaks for the younger guys.

- mesoman7

[jda]

I was in Springfield the night the tornado hit - I had actually gone through Joplin an hour or so before it hit. There were reports that some of the warning systems were not working (thus the large number of deaths), and saw the report a few days later for citizens to not be alarmed because the systems were being checked - I got the impression the testing was something new, which really sounded strange. I, too, am used to such systems being checked regularly.