The meeting was held at the National Weather Service Office in Jackson. This was the first meeting of the 2011/2012 chapter year. Ideas of meetings over the upcoming year were discussed, the roster of officers was confirmed, and updates to the chapter website were discussed.

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order
The first NWA/AMS meeting of 2011-2012 year started at 7:05 p.m. and was opened by Chapter President Vincent Webb.  The Chapter meeting was held at the NWS office in Flowood, MS.

Rolls
President Vincent Webb passed around a sign-in sheet. Ten people were present, including six of the returning officers.

Minutes Approval
Treasurer, Ms. Joanne Culin, advertised collection of dues. Given lower turn-out, dues will be collected next week but those who wish can pay at the end of the meeting.  As usual, dues are $20 for adults, $10 for students.  In Ms. Nancy Lopez’s absence, Ms. Culin took minutes.

New Business
Mr. Vincent Webb asked for new business. Dr. Loren White informed the group that a scientist from NCAR may be coming to JSU at some point this year and could be a speaker at a future meeting. Mr. Webb then opened the floor up for discussion for meeting ideas this year. Some ideas were to do a meeting on doing a review of the weather in 2011. Mr. Alan Gerard suggested public outreach regarding 2011, such as a symposium. Discussion on this included having it at Brandon City Hall, in January or February (around the time of the AMS meeting which will be in New Orleans.) Some other ideas regarding the symposium would be to gain sponsorship, or a joint venture with the NWS EM workshop.

Additional ideas for meetings included: fundraisers, 5k, a visit to FOX40, Ethan welcomed the group back to WAPT, a tour of MEMA.  Mr. Loren White suggested a trip to the MS River Commission. Another suggestion was to visit the French Camp Observatory or the JSU Observatory.

Mr. Webb discussed getting together with Ms. Culin about updates to the current website. In addition, Mr. Webb discussed planning meetings out into the future for the end of the 2011 calendar year, and documenting these on a calendar which could be located on the website. Mr. Webb brought up the notion of creating a Facebook page for the club. Mr. Gerard nominated chapter member Mr. Daniel Lamb as social media focal point.

Ideas tossed out for potential speakers were to grab someone who would be going to AMS, someone from an adjacent NWS office, Anne Hanks from ULM, Keith Blackwell.

Just for posterity, a rundown of this year’s officers were listed: Dr. Loren White as AMS President, Vincent Webb as NWA President, Eric Carpenter as Corresponding Secretary, Alan Gerard as Corresponding Secretary, Ethan Huston as Vice President, Joanne Culin as Treasurer, and Nancy Lopez as Recording Secretary.

Adjournment
The meeting concluded at approximately 7:35 p.m. Mr. Eric Carpenter stated that he would contact FOX40 about possibly doing a meeting there this year.  The next meeting date is being planned for October.

Minutes submitted by Joanne Culin, Treasurer.

The meeting was held at the National Weather Service Office in Jackson. Presentations were made by NWS Jackson Lead Forecaster Eric Carpenter and local NWA President Vincent Webb.

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order
The second NWA/AMS meeting of 2011 started at 6 p.m. and was officially opened by Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Eric Carpenter at 6:30 p.m.  The Chapter meeting was held at the NWS office in Flowood, MS.  Time was allowed for the catering by the Time Out Sports Café before assembling into the meeting.

Rolls
Recording Secretary Ms. Nancy Lopez took attendance, and the sign-in sheet confirmed 18 attendees.

Minutes Approval
Ms. Lopez briefed the group on the activities and minutes from the March 3, 2011 meeting which were approved.   An announcement was made that minutes were made available to another website, and now should be posted three places.

New Business
Treasurer, Ms. Joanne Culin gave an update on the financial report.  The last balance in March had funds totaling $180.  The group collected more dues of $20 at the meeting, to be used to pay for the caterer.

Mr. Eric Carpenter, NWS Forecaster then started his power point presentation analysis of the April 25-27, 2011 historical tornado outbreak.  This information was also used at the JSU (Jackson State University) weather camp.  He described the number of tornados vs. straight line wind events, showed damage photos and damage surveys.  He used the SPC (Storm Prediction Center’s) materials from the events including soundings, and said it was the first EF5 tornado since the Candlestick Park tornado in 1966.  The staff on call those days also recalled their version of the events that struck Mississippi and Alabama over the duration.

The second part of the meeting was presented by NWA President Mr. Vincent Webb on his post-graduation storm chase trip from May 23 to 25 this year.  He traveled across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee for one week in his own car, videotaping and storm chasing several funnel clouds and tornados.  One clip showed footage of several harrowing near misses of vehicles and a semi-truck in direct path while parked on the side of the road.  He had to reverse the vehicle at one point to get out of harm’s way, and he checked on a nearby school before leaving the area.

Adjournment
The meeting concluded at approximately 7:47 p.m.  The next meeting date is being planned for September.

Minutes submitted by Nancy Lopez, Recording Secretary.

The meeting was held at WAPT-TV in Jackson. Our guest speakers were Ethan Huston, WAPT Meteorologist and local NWA chapter Vice-President, and David Hartman, WAPT Chief Meteorologist.

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order
The third NWA/AMS meeting was opened by NWA President, Mr. Vincent Webb, in Dr. Loren White’s absence  at 7:13 p.m.   The meeting was held at WAPT TV Station, 7616 Channel 16 Way, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Rolls
Recording Secretary Ms. Nancy Lopez took attendance, and the sign-in sheet confirmed seven attendees, three of which were station hosts or guests.  There were higher absentees, partly due to holiday and scheduling conflicts.  Prior to the meeting, an e-mail poll recommended trying a scheduling program.

Minutes Approval
Mr. Webb briefly discussed his progress on the Chapter website before inquiring on minutes from the October 14 meeting, and any new business.

New Business
Ms. Lopez gave an update on the financial report in the absence of Treasurer, Ms. Joanne Culin.  Ms. Culin provided an e-mail that funds of $180 had been collected, and she had visited Bank Plus to open a checking account.  However, an EIN or tax number is needed to open an official business account.  One member thought the report number was 503C, and another suggested checking the East MS Central Chapter bylaws.  Ms. Culin reported sifting through websites such as IRS to find online help, and off the record, the AMS bylaws link with Chapter info is: http://www.ametsoc.org/amschaps/handbookweb2.pdf.

Ms. Lopez announced acceptance of participation for the AMS Chapter poster presentation in January 2011. She requested photos or written forecasts or materials on particular events to include in the poster.  However, the deadline is short, and the abstract was submitted with a final due date of Monday, November 29.

The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Ethan Huston, morning meteorologist at WAPT TV and current NWA Chapter VP.  Mr. Huston informed the group that he actually missed the October Chapter Meeting because he was being honored by his starting station, WOUB TV in Athens, Ohio.  The station is a PBS affiliate in Ohio.  The Broadcasting Alumni honored him for being the first person as a Broadcast Meteorologist originating at their station.  Ms. Huston provided a slide slow of his visit and the station background, and his volunteer availability of visiting schools.

Next, Mr. David Hartman, long-standing and well-renowned Chief Meteorologist at WAPT TV, took the group on a station tour starting in the Weather Center studio.  Mr. Hartman spoke of the station’s affiliation with Hearst, and pointed out logistics of airing their weathercasts and operating the computer equipment.  He highly detailed the different radar capabilities.  The Center has multiple radar capabilities, from older Fast Track versions, to state-of-the-art VIPIR radar storm shield and Baron-produced products.  The different products can show anything from warning rings to indicate storm rotation, and the GR Analyst which can display cross sections of storms.  He showed a cross section of the Yazoo City storm, and the sudden storm that occurred yesterday, before pointing out where the NWS reports and crawls come in.  While the new technology is improved and helpful, he explained the demands that can occur during severe weather between all the forms of communication available and trying to answer them.  Mr. Huston then walked the group through the audio and Master Control booth before meeting some news staff, and returning to the main starting point of the meeting.

Adjournment
The meeting concluded at approximately 8:00 p.m. with pizza and soft drinks for those with an appetite.  The next meeting date is not yet scheduled but was discussed most likely to be after the New Year.

Minutes submitted by Nancy Lopez, Recording Secretary.

The meeting was held at the Golden Corral in Flowood. Our guest speaker was Ashton Robinson, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oklahoma and research assistant at the Storm Prediction Center.

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order
The second NWA/AMS meeting was opened by AMS Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Eric Carpenter, scheduled at 7 p.m.  This meeting had all the new officers and roles in place for 2010/2011, under Mr. Vincent Webb as the new Central Mississippi NWA President, and Dr. Loren White continuing in the role as AMS President.  The meeting opened at the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill in Flowood, MS.

Rolls
The organization’s Recording Secretary Ms. Nancy Lopez took attendance.  There were 20 total attendees present, consisting of members and guests, with approximately six being guests.  Affiliations and e-mails were collected by sign-in sheet.

Minutes Approval
Mr. Carpenter briefly discussed the minutes from the September 28 meeting, which were approved with a change in Recording Secretary noted.

New Business
Mr. Carpenter welcomed the alumni in town for the Jackson State University 35^th anniversary celebration, and he briefed the Chapter on the event.

Ms. Joanne Culin, Treasurer, gave an update on the current dues fund.  She reported $60 had been collected, and that collections were being accepted at the meeting via check or cash.  She discussed plans to start a bank account, but that a minimum balance of $100.00 was required.  Four members paid during the meeting, with new collections being enough to open an account.

Mr. Carpenter introduced guest Mr. Richard Hartung from the Time Out Café, and gave a plug for his restaurant, with an emphasis on his excellent barbecue.

Mr. Carpenter announced the official change of Recording Secretary from Mr. Ariel Cohen who stepped down last month, to Ms. Nancy Lopez who accepted the role.

The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Ashton Robinson, invited as a special guest speaker and research assistant from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma.  Mr. Robinson started his student career in the Jackson network, and he isn’t done yet.  He is working on his Ph.D. at Oklahoma University, and talked to the Chapter on his dissertation research called, “Statistical Relationships Between the El Niño Southern Oscillation, the NAO, and Winter Tornado Outbreaks in the U.S.”

After the question and answer session, Ms. Latrice Maxie of NWS, announced that there were a few more places available for the banquet at Jackson State University on Friday, October 15, 2010, and to call if interested.

Adjournment
The meeting concluded at approximately 8:25 p.m.  The next meeting date is not yet scheduled.

Minutes submitted by Nancy Lopez, Recording Secretary.

The meeting was held at the National Weather Service Office in Jackson. This was the first meeting of the 2010/2011 year. The chapter’s name was changed from “Jackson Chapter…” to “Central Mississippi Chapter…”, new officers were selected, and ideas for future meetings were discussed.

Meeting Minutes

The first NWA/AMS meeting of the 2010-2011 year was opened by Chapter president, Eric Carpenter. A number of business matters were discussed including the election of officers. Eric Carpenter is stepping down from the President position. Vincent Webb has been chosen to replace Eric. Vincent is a senior at Brandon High School (BHS), is enthusiastic with a number of ideas to help the Chapter. These ideas include: updates to the website, photo glossary, Paypal method to pay dues, creation of a Facebook site with meeting information and advertisement of events, and a desire to have regular monthly meetings.

Eric proposed changing the name of the group from Jackson to encompassing more of Central Mississippi. This was agreed upon by the members and the name was changed to the Central Mississippi Chapter of the NWA/AMS.

Joanne Culin is taking over treasurer responsibilities from Brad Bryant. She will be responsible for bank account information and will be looking into this over the coming weeks.

Ethan Huston volunteered to take over the role of NWA Vice President

2010/2011 Officers:

• NWA President: Vincent Webb
• AMS President: Dr. Loren White
• AMS Vice President: Barbie Bassett
• NWA Vice President: Ethan Huston
• Corresponding Secretary for AMS: Alan Gerard
• Corresponding Secretary for NWA: Eric Carpenter
• Treasurer: Joanne Culin
• Recording Secretary: Ariel Cohen

JSU is having their 35th anniversary for the meteorology program, and Latrice Maxie discussed this. The date will be Thursday October 14th, and will include a luncheon from 11am-1pm. There will also be a training workshop on campus. Anyone interested is welcome to come for the training and lunch, please let Latrice know. There will also be a scholarship banquet on Friday October 15th. If anyone is going they will need to RSVP.

Ashton Cook Robinson will be attending the workshop and we are planning to ask him if he would be willing to give a presentation at the next meeting. We would also like to go to a restaurant of Ashton’s choosing. These activities will occur on October 14th–in two weeks.

Per Loren White, the last week in Feb./first week of March, the Doppler on Wheels from Boulder will be here. There was a discussion about them coming to talk to our local chapter in the last week in Feb. Another location to meet would be a TV station for future meetings. Ethan Huston said this would be possible. Another idea for the November meeting would be to have a member of the NWS staff give a presentation.

Vincent Webb showed us a video of pictures of his time at the Howard University weather camp in Washington D.C. He then showed video of his storm chase during the April 24th tornado. Meeting adjourned at 8:04pm. Next meeting Oct. 14th and will be announced shortly via e-mail.

Minutes submitted by Ariel Cohen, Recording Secretary.

The meeting was held at the National Weather Service Office in Jackson. Our guest speaker was Kevin Pence, Science and Operations Officer from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Birmingham, AL.

Meeting Minutes

The second meeting of Jackson Chapter’s NWA/AMS in 2007 was held on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at 7:00 pm, at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Jackson, MS. The meeting was opened by chapter President Eric Carpenter, with 13 people in attendance.

Discussion was initiated by Eric Carpenter in the opening session, concerning the chapter’s orders of business:

• Eric Carpenter is currently holding on to the money for the chapter’s treasury, which currently amounts to $185.00.
• Carolyn Bryant, Chapter Webmaster, has been able to get the web page established. Several improvements have been made since the last meeting.
• Eric Carpenter suggested that the chapter needs to be more formal with membership dues and documentation. The chapter will begin to keep record of membership and dues beginning in January.
• Dr. Loren White has agreed to update the officers with the American Meteorological Society.

Following the opening session, Eric Carpenter introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Kevin Pence, Science and Operations Officer from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Birmingham, AL. Mr. Pence worked at the NWS office in Jackson, MS, beginning in 1981. He then took the SOO position at the NWS office in Birmingham in 1993, and he has held this position since.

Mr. Pence’s topic of discussion was on the April 8, 1998, tornado outbreak. Specifically, he focused on a supercell that produced F3, F5, and F2 tornadoes in the Birmingham County Warning Area.

The first tornado touched down at 7:01 pm in east Pickens County, and lasted until 7:29 pm when it ended in Tuscaloosa County. This first tornado was rated an F2 on the Fujita scale, and resulted in zero fatalities and two injuries.

The second tornado was at least a half mile wide and had a track over 30 miles long as it tracked through Jefferson County. This tornado was initially weak, with a rating of around F0 to F1. The storm intersected with a gravity wave, which approached from the south. Around the time this occurred, the tornado intensified, becoming an F5 tornado. This tornado resulted in 32 fatalities and 250 injuries. This tornado dissipated before reaching the Interstate 65 corridor.

The third tornado developed after the supercell took on a bow characteristic. This tornado touched down in St. Clair County, and was given an F2 rating. Another 2 fatalities were added to this supercell’s death toll with this tornado.

This supercell took on a “classic” characteristic as it developed and moved through Jefferson County, with features such as a hook, V-notch, and forward flank. The rotational velocity was maxed out. Once this supercell moved out of Jefferson County, it took on more of a bow characteristic. This supercell continued into Georgia, producing 3 more tornadoes, and overall resulting in 35 fatalities and 286 injuries between Alabama and Georgia, with the majority occurring with the F5 that moved through Jefferson County.

With the event, there were also several other storms across north Alabama. One supercell produced hail that busted through windshields. A storm survey was conducted with this storm, but no confirmed tornado was found.

Overall, the Birmingham Weather Forecast Office issued 109 warnings between 12z on April 8th, through 10Z on the 9th. Of these warnings, 88 occurred between 22Z and 05Z. This made for an average of 12.5 warnings per hour, or 1 warning every 4 minutes and 48 seconds for 7 hours. Needless to say, the tornado outbreak of April 8, 1998, was a significant event in Mr. Pence’s career.

Following Mr. Pence’s presentation, Chad Entremont invited everyone to look at the archived radar data from the April 8, 1998, event on GR2Analyst.

The meeting was adjourned by Eric Carpenter.