The Weather Thread

I'm not denying that it doesn't save lives, its a great thing. But what I'm saying is, we don't have severe weather like that here, and our presentation style is a lot more calmer rather than 'hyped' up.

You don't see this here:

Indeed. Americans tend to be surprised at how populist, sensationalist, and competitive most British newspapers are, and how restrained (and often high-minded) British television tends to be. For Britons in the U.S., the reverse tends to be the case -- they think that U.S. newspapers are on the sedate side, while American television strikes them as very sensationalized and competitive.

Don't forget that in the UK, television developed as a public service (with the later addition of a commercial element), whereas it was always a ratings-driven, fully commercial media "product" in the U.S. (albeit with some -- very limited -- public service elements).

But we're way off-topic now...

Just to be picky, there's also 5 and Sky.

Sorry But LA local news is not a good example of anything especially weather. After all they dont even have weather. Thats like saying he Daily Star is the best example of newspapers in the UK.

The Environment Agency is responsible for notifying people about severe flood events - you can sign up to a text service if you are in a susceptible area to be notified about the various levels of flood warnings (at this moment in time there is 1 Flood Warning and there are 49 flood alerts, according to their site). The general severe weather warnings are just given out in forecasts, or by the Met Office app if you have it. These warn you about severe rain, wind, ice, snow, and fog.

If you're in immediate danger overnight, a friendly policeman will knock on your door and tell you to get out.

It's important to consider that the UK doesn't get hurricanes (the climate prevents it from happening), and that our weather is, in general, a lot calmer than the US.


http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/observations/#?tab=map&map=Rainfall&fc is the closest the Met Office provides. Considering the Met Office is one of the most accurate national meteorological offices in the world, the forecasts are going to be reliable enough guides for our relatively stable weather.

Here is a compilation of severe weather warnings as seen on Swiss television:

FYI:
If you've never heard the alert system used in the US is called EAS(Emergency Alert System). Its automatically linked to local National Weather Service (NWS). They are responsible for issuing Tornado Warnings, etc. The EAS is flashed on all channels at the same time. Using a tone and usually an automated voice with further instructions and information. (its sometimes used for Amber Alerts as well)
Depending on where you live and the cable or satellite system you have, it might take over the entire screen or show a banner.
This is a Tornado Warning.

Also in addition to the EAS tv system, the NWS will trigger sirens in a warned area. For example a tornado warning was issued for Chicago in Cook county. This is what it sounds like.

The newer sirens have an automated speaking voice with instructions.
Also the new mobile smartphones issued in the US since 2012 have the Wireless Alert system and will be triggered at the same time.

Doesn't really work like that. The UK in particular has such variable weather during the day on many days of the year(due to our unique geographic position), you just make sure that if there is a chance of rain (which is what the forecasts in the morning will usually tell you), you take the right clothing/umbrella etc. with you to work.

We talk about the weather a lot in the UK. However we aren't obsessed with tracking it minute-by-minute.

We have had a number of 24 hour weather channels try to launch in the UK (including a version of the US "The Weather Channel"). They all failed.

It wouldn't have helped. You can't compare UK and US tornadoes. Ours are usually much shorter lived and thus you get almost zero warning of their creation. By the time you fired an emergency warning system, it would be over.

The kind of weather we need to warn people about usually is heavy rain, heavy winds etc. - but this is covered by regular broadcast news outlets. If there is a very real change that could cause severe risk, it is likely that the BBC would broadcast an unscheduled news report.

Well Anyway.
Here's what the talking sirens sound like.

And it starts. Severe weather outbreak in the USA as forecast by NOAA and NWS.
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2014/day1probotlk_20140403_1300_torn_prt.gif

Hang on, I'll bring my washing in