Giving the regional networks some exposure

[ThorntonWeather]

As some of you know, I write for Examiner.com as their Denver Weather Examiner.  Anyway, was looking for something to write about and thought of the perfect thing - the regional weather networks!  I figured it was great PR and helps to get the word out.  Anyway, thought you all might want to check it out:

Local weather networks and stations document severe weather

A global network of personal weather stations is documenting weather conditions across the globe and much closer to home where you live.  Watching the nightly news or checking one of the major weather websites is fine if you want to know about the weather at an airport or downtown area.  But, what if that isn’t where you live?  What about places like here in Denver where the weather can vary greatly from one end of town to the next?  It could be snowing in Centennial and yet sunny in Thornton! 

   Tony

[Cienega32]

Well done!

That's an interesting bio-blurb about you and the tornado. Must have been quite the experience.

[ThorntonWeather]

It was pretty "interesting" - well, a bit scary to be honest as a 12 year old.   

As I remember it, it was not too long before school was to get out.  The principal came on the intercom and announced that everyone should get under their desks due to the severe weather.  I remember looking out the windows and seeing that it was black as night outside - at least it seemed like it to me.  They made us stay there and said we wouldn't be allowed to go home until our parents came and got us. 

My dad showed up soon thereafter and took us home with lightning popping all around and it still seeming dark.  My dad was a Kansas farm boy so he was no stranger to tornadoes but even as I kid I could sense it wasn't good.  He sent me and my siblings to the basement to "play" while he hung out upstairs.  Turns out the funnel passed right over us and touched down about 3 or 4 miles east of us. 

Our little suburb's paper did a "look back" at the twister not that long ago.  You can clear here to read more about it - there is a link to a PDF with the actual article.

That was certainly the closest I personally have ever come.  This past summer we did have a supercell pass right over where we were camping on the plains and put down twisters about 9 miles away - that was the second closest!  :-)

   Tony