By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Central Kansas is likely not done with the cold stuff but the arrival of spring always brings with it the potential for severe weather. The National Weather Service in Wichita will again be making the rounds with its Storm Fury on the Plains program in March. Meteorologist Robb Lawson said the program is free to attend and all ages are welcome.
"A lot of it's going to be a recap of what happened last year really quick," he said. "I think it's one of the most important parts of the talk is talking about safety: how to stay safe in floods, lightning, hail, that kind of stuff. Also, how to be safe positioning around storms."
The program will also detail the science behind supercell thunderstorms and squall lines. There were 44 tornadoes in Kansas last year, and only one tornado watch issued for Central Kansas.
"We've had a pretty quiet last several years tornado-wise and severe weather in general," Lawson said. "We're still in the heart of tornado alley here. We always expect at least some tornadoes pretty much every year."
The Storm Fury on the Plains program lasts about an hour and 45 minutes. The Ellsworth High School Performing Arts Center will host a program on Monday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. The show moves to Russell's Dream Theater the following evening at 6:30 p.m. The Great Bend program is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 at the Crest Theater.