The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Family Weatherfest and Severe Weather Symposium is Saturday, April 6, at Hardin Hall.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hall, at North 33rd and Holdrege streets. The free, family event explores the wonder of weather and teaches techniques for surviving — and even thriving — through severe weather events. Free parking is available.
After two straight years of extreme weather in Nebraska, many wonder what’s on the horizon. UNL’s Family Weatherfest and Severe Weather Symposium prepares youths and adults alike to understand and react to stunning meteorological conditions, whatever they may be.
Activities include a screening of the tornado-filled film “2012’s Extreme Weather as Captured by Storm Chasers,” a book sale and signing with meteorologist and author Mike Mogil, a weather balloon discussion and launch, face painting booths and an up-close and personal exploration of a real-life tornado vehicle, the Doppler on Wheels.
Other highlights this year include a keynote talk about the 100th anniversary of the deadliest tornado to hit Nebraska; tips for capturing the best photographs of meteorological events; interactive weather presentations such as “Be Weather Wise with Weather Whys,” “The Megadrought Walk,” and “Tornado Generator”; and exhibits from the National Weather Service, Lancaster County Emergency Management and Midland Radio. Local weathercasters will be on site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet and chat with people.
Participants also will have the opportunity to meet Tern and Plover’s “Pebbles” and Lil’ Red’s East Campus cousin, “Lil’ Green,” examine emergency management vehicles and take photos next to an “approaching” tornado. To enhance public safety during severe weather, Midland Radio will sell weather radios to the public. HyVee will also offer a cook-out lunch for sale.
Although Weatherfest ends at 2, the Lancaster County Storm Spotter training workshop begins at 1:30 p.m. in Hardin Hall Auditorium. Visitors are welcome to stick around and attend this workshop to learn more about this important community volunteer activity.
More information is available at http://snr.unl.edu/cpsws/ and http://www.facebook.com/cpsws or from SNR Outreach Coordinator Ken Dewey at kdewey1@unl.edu.
Sponsors of this year’s Weatherfest include High Plains Regional Climate Center, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lancaster County Office of Emergency Management, Lincoln Amateur Radio Club, National Drought Mitigation Center, National Weather Service Omaha/Valley, University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Student AMS Chapter, University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s SNR Outreach Committee, Geography Graduate Student Organization, and Midland Radio.
The event is the same day as the Huskers’ spring game, and visitors will have time to take in both events.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/xr9