Jan
7
Last winter we saw a phenomenon known as “thundersnow”. I hadn’t even known “thundersnow” existed, or that there was, however straightforward, a name for such an event. But we did, and there is. Apparently, a “thundersnow”, “winter thunderstorm”, or “thunder snowstorm” is an exceptionally rare meteorological phenomenon with nearly identical causes as a thunderstorm, with the obvious exception of snow rather than rain. Additionally, it usually happens in areas where the ground temperature is at or near freezing.
Last year, of course, was also the year of record snowfall, with 14 to 18 inches of snowfall overnight throughout the area.
This winter has seen the longest period of snow I can remember, with four separate snowstorms in less than five weeks. But today marks the oddest “winter” weather I have seen: tornados.
I stopped by Columbia Catholic School to talk to one of the network administrators. After the dismissal bell rang, another bell sounded. I looked, perturbed, at the computer teacher and immediately heard the two quick tones capable of making any astute adult’s blood pressure shoot through the roof. We were under a tornado ***warning*** and 600+ students had to take cover.
Twice this afternoon students crouched on the floor in fetal positions as schools across central Missouri held their students. I remember the tornado of 1990 and the hours we spent in the basement; I can handle sever weather but if I never have to endure getting students to safety, not knowing what is going on, as children are crying, it will be too soon.