Dan Robinson
EF5
Today, experienced chaser Dick McGowan reported two tornadoes in the Texas panhandle. The NWS Amarillo office publicly dismissed the reports as false, and did not issue warnings. A Twitter firestorm has ensued.
One of the tornadoes in question, near McLean before sunset tonight:
https://twitter.com/ConnorMcCrorey/status/675833889680588800
The NWS' reply:
https://twitter.com/NWSAmarillo/status/675829622903144448
Screen cap of the NWS chat entry:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1090612437639602&set=p.1090612437639602&type=3&theater
Some seemingly in-the-know social media posts suggest that the on-duty meteorologist was new to the AMA office and unfamiliar with the region's severe weather and/or the general knowledge of experienced chasers - however, this is unconfirmed info.
Having had this happen to me on multiple occasions (sacrificing video/photos to make reports only to have them ignored) I can understand the frustration. However, in this case, we may be looking at an NWS met inexperienced with Plains severe weather.
I think it's apparent this incident will be the subject of scrutiny, and hopefully changes, moving forward.
One of the tornadoes in question, near McLean before sunset tonight:
https://twitter.com/ConnorMcCrorey/status/675833889680588800
The NWS' reply:
https://twitter.com/NWSAmarillo/status/675829622903144448
Screen cap of the NWS chat entry:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1090612437639602&set=p.1090612437639602&type=3&theater
Some seemingly in-the-know social media posts suggest that the on-duty meteorologist was new to the AMA office and unfamiliar with the region's severe weather and/or the general knowledge of experienced chasers - however, this is unconfirmed info.
Having had this happen to me on multiple occasions (sacrificing video/photos to make reports only to have them ignored) I can understand the frustration. However, in this case, we may be looking at an NWS met inexperienced with Plains severe weather.
I think it's apparent this incident will be the subject of scrutiny, and hopefully changes, moving forward.