By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Approximately 65 people learned about storm safety and identification during the annual spotter training drill Monday evening at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center.
National Weather Service meteorologist Chad Omitt touched on supercells during his presentation. He noted that they can rotate counter clockwise. At some point they will likely produce golf ball or larger size hail but usually not a tornado. A lot of rain often occurs. Omitt explained a wall cloud is not a tornado.
Omitt provided other storm related information.
--In 2025 there were about 30 tornadoes in Kansas compared to a more typical number of approximately 80.
--Falling debris is the greatest danger in a tornado.
--The last F-5 tornado in Kansas occurred in Greensburg in 2007. The last 10-15 years have been quieter for tornadoes but Omitt does not expect it to last. He expects the state to be around average this year.
--Most tornadoes occur in the late afternoon or evening in Kansas.
--More than 50% of fatalities are in mobile homes," said Omitt. "Have a safety plan."
--You should have a mobile device to receive a storm warning.
--When you see lightning go inside.
--Flooding is the leading thunderstorm killer.