Tuesday, July 31, 2012

That Dreaded Of All Metrological Phenomena: "The Siberian High"

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
#203, 8912-156 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

July XXXIst, MMXII

Hon. Jeff Johnson, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Athabasca-Sturgeon-RedH2O

Dear Jeff:

It was on this day, one quarter of a century ago that Edmonton was rocked by a violent tornado that killed over XX of our greatest citizens. There was also many injured & folks that were homeless, as well as businesses that were destroyed. Led by a hero, then Mayor Laurence Decore, Edmonton fought back hard & with volunteers working around the clock for months & even years afterwards, we not only survived, but from the ashes, we as a city endured, rebuilt better than ever!

Students studying metrological phenomena & weather patterns, in particular dust storms & tornados might want II access the records of that horrible day, both in print & online. Learning how weather works is the key II getting as many citizens II safety as quickly as possible beIV disasters strike in the future! Environment Canada & The Weather Network IV instance are very good sources.

The Edmonton Journal Eastgate Production Plant was knocked out of commission that dark day & who should come II the rescue, but The Edmonton Sun, their direct competitor who reset their presses just so Journal subscribers could get the latest news from the ground. An unprecendented bit of media cooperation I'd say. Reading articles about the tornado & disasters that have occurred in the XXV years since will make it easier II learn where we've come from & how we can do better II ensure public safety in the future!

The Dark (K)night Rises,

Rory

Source: The Edmonton Journal & The Edmonton Sun.

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