22 February 2012 The letters on the map read “slight risk.”

          I noticed the “special weather statement” on my data and forecast pages last night.  “. The
warm moist air and gusty south winds will generate strong to
severe thunderstorms after sunset Thursday evening... moving east
across the area through midnight. Damaging straight-line winds are
expected to be the main threat... with a potential for some
tornadoes as well.

Since the main threat of severe weather is expected to arrive
after dark Thursday night... residents of east Tennessee and
southwest Virginia are urged to maintain a high level of
awareness. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media
for further details or updates.”

  “Slight Risk”, “damaging straight line winds”, tornado” there in high contrast black and white are bad enough to read.  “Arrive after dark” is particularly unpleasant. 

          The physical topography makes it extremely difficult for us to visually identify any supercell, rotating mesocyclones, or actual tornadoes.  During last spring’s record setting tornado outbreak, the storms that did so much all hit in the dark.  In rural areas, lacking lots of power lines and lighting, even that visual reference of last resort is missing.  I spent most of the evening glued to radar feeds and listening to the poor reception NWS radio warnings.  Only the fluid mechanics of the atmosphere protected us from harm. 

          I’ve always disliked spring east of the Rockies.  That won’t change. 

          I received two occupational therapy devices in today’s mail.  Both are designed to improve, or at least maintain, my manual dexterity. I hope they work.  We’ll see what time and effort accomplish.