With each passing day, we get closer to South Carolina's severe weather season. In an effort to save lives and pass on new information to the public, the National Weather Service held a severe weather workshop Wednesday.
"We get most of our tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in the spring months. Really from about late winter to early summer," says Dan Miller, Columbia's National Weather Service Office.
State climatology office numbers show South Carolina averages more than 14 tornadoes each year. May is the worst month recording 130 tornadoes over the last 60 years.
"There is enough of a severe weather threat in South Carolina to where anybody needs to be aware of any severe weather potential and the appropriate action when necessary," says Miller.
On the agenda Wednesday, new products and future advancements in the fight against severe weather.
"Our technology doesn't allow a lot of lead time ahead of a tornado. I mean the average lead time on a warning is about less than 15 minutes," says Greg Carbin, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.
While South Carolina is not located in tornado alley, the state does have its hot spots. Orangeburg leads all other counties in twisters. The National Weather Service fights a constant battle against this threat.
"It's an exciting time to be a meteorologist. And we don't really see an end to these improvements," Carbin.
Changes include new satellite and radar technology that will be put into effect over the next five years. The GOES-R satellite hasn't been launched yet, but it will offer higher resolution images, more frequently updated data and numerous additional channels. The satellite upgrades should be available to the public by 2015.
The new dual-polarization radar will offer better rainfall estimates, precipitation type determination and improved hail detection. The new radar is expected in Columbia between 2011 and 2012.
Greg Carbin with the Storm Prediction Center reminds the public that all the technology in the world won't make a difference if the public isn't prepared.
"The greater the level of interest in weather, the greater your chances for being prepared before dangerous weather strikes," says Carbin.
The National Weather Service has also made changes to its hail criteria during severe thunderstorm warnings. The required size has been increased from three quarters of an inch to one inch. This change is anticipated to lower the number of severe thunderstorms warnings while increasing public awareness.
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