Weekend storms left a bit of destruction and beneficial rain locally. While there were reports of a strong winds knocking down trees and power lines over the weekend, it was the destructive wind at a Huntsville air show that made unfortunate headlines. Yesterday afternoon around 2:00 central a “microburst” [1] overturned planes and toppled a spectator tent, injuring 12 and killing a 5-year-old boy.
According to WAFF-TV in Huntsville:
Airport officials have confirmed that one person, 5 year-old Aaron Miller of Athens is dead after a microsburst hit the Air Show this afternoon. Witnesses say several VIP tents, including the City of Huntsville's tent, and the main announcer's stand were picked up off the ground and overturned. Twelve additional injuries, including lacerations and fractures have also been confirmed.The NWS has a quick explanation of the event. [2]
Video of the event continues to emerge: Click on the pictures from The Huntsville Times, for videos.
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My heart sank as I heard news of the event. As we have seen here in Chattanooga, this is a show in the open field with hundreds, if not thousands, outside at one time. In a case like this, many were left to find shelter in tents or no shelter at all. There were no severe thunderstorm warnings on the storm as the winds were below the severe limit of 58 mph. A weather statement was issued at 1:45 of the storm and the Airport was alerted. At 2:05pm, a wind gust of 48 mph was registered.
Tim Troutman who works for the NWS in Huntsville was attending the show. He spoke with the Huntsville times: [7]
"It happened really fast," said Troutman, "It was a matter of a second or two and it was over. There wasn't a lot of time to react, to be honest." "It was developing into a strong thunderstorm, but it never did reach severe thunderstorm level," he said. "The peak gust was 10 mph under what the weather service qualifies as severe-level winds."
As I write this story, I ask what could have been done. I don't really know. While there was some warning, it just appears to be one of those cases where you are truly caught off guard. We are thinking of the families affected.
See you soon,
Brian
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