Surviving storms topic of free March 19 weather symposium

A record-breaking year of tornados will be the focus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Central Plains Severe Weather Symposium March 19. The theme for the free public event is "The May 22, 2004, Tornado Outbreak in Southeast Nebraska."

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lincoln East High School, 1000 S. 70th St. It will include spectacular storm videos, demonstrations, visits with television meteorologists, and free information and displays by weather-related organizations. The event is appropriate for families with children; it features face painting and presentations by Mike Mogil, an expert on showing kids "How the Weather Works."

The symposium will examine a record-breaking year in 2004: 110 tornadoes recorded in Nebraska, including 76 tornadoes in May and 37 tornadoes on May 22 alone. Presentations will include analysis and photos of the May 22 Hallam tornado, believed to be the widest tornado path ever measured; tornado damage photographs and safety advice; and stories from Hallam tornado survivors, rescue workers and emergency management personnel. The event features a reception room where those affected by the May 22 tornados can reconnect with their former neighbors.

Additional special events include demonstrations by the urban search and rescue team; launch of a weather balloon carrying a video camera; visits with Omaha and Lincoln television meteorologists; demonstrations of tornado simulators; tours of Lancaster County Emergency Management response vehicles; and continuous showings of the "Best Tornado Videos of 2004." The public is invited to participate in annual storm spotter training and see a multimedia presentation to learn how volunteer storm spotters are trained.

A 12:30 p.m. talk by Tim Samaras, electronics engineer with Applied Research Associates, features his groundbreaking research placing data and video probes into the core of tornados. He is the only person who has successfully deployed such devices.

A link to updated exhibit and speaker information can be found at the High Plains Regional Climate Center Web site.

CONTACT: Ken Dewey, High Plains Climate Center, (402) 472-2908