UNL’s Family Weatherfest and Severe Weather Symposium returns on Saturday, April 6 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at University Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hardin Hall. This free, family event explores the wonder of weather and teaches techniques for surviving—and thriving—through severe weather events. Free parking is included with this event.
After two back-to-back 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.
With engaging activities—including 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—Weatherfest makes storm preparedness fun for the whole family.
Some 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 between 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to meet and chat with families.
Participants will also 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 beside an “approaching” tornado. To enhance public safety during severe weather, Midland Radio will join us to sell weather radios to the public. HyVee will also offer a cook-out lunch for sale.
Although Weatherfest ends at 2:00pm, 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.
Those interested in more information may go to http://snr.unl.edu/cpsws/ and http://www.facebook.com/cpsws or contact 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, NE, 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.
Hardin Hall is located at 3310 Holdrege St. in Lincoln, NE, on the corner of Holdrege and 33rd St.
All coming for the spring football game can make the day a “double header” with a visit to this year’s Weatherfest prior to the Spring Game. We are just two miles east of the football stadium.
This engaging and entertaining event is certain to take every family’s interests by storm.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/2v2