"I’LL JUST SAY THIS .. to the ones whose lives are one big obsession of attacking others when you have little to no clue of what you’re talking about. If you only listen to some unqualified social media friend or ‘influencer’ who simply wants to blame the camp, the meteorologists, or state and federal leaders because you don’t like them - God help you.
I follow a lot of highly respected meteorologists, storm chasers, and a number of US National Weather Service pages. I watch. I read. I understand. Then I share.
1. The National Weather Service for that area had over TWICE the normal staffing on that night due to expected rainfall. Thank you, Meteorologist James Spann for putting that out there. So don’t just automatically blame “cuts”.
2. ‘Flood Watches’ went out well in advanced. A ‘Flood Warning’ that specifically mentions Kerrville went out at 1:14am - hours before the Guadalupe River rapidly rose to 30 feet.
That said, it doesn’t lessen the need for answers. It heightens them. Unless you live in a low-lying area, when is the last time you actually reacted to a ‘flood warning’? Probably never. Many of you would agree, about the only warning that might make you step away from your keyboard attacks is a ‘tornado warning’.
There are a number of tools we already have access to that would help spread the word - even at 1am - if there is a weather emergency. Do you have a weather radio? Have you downloaded weather apps from your local TV news stations? Here is our’s at KNWA ~>
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nwa-your-weather-authority/id835244863
I even heard one idea that included installing tsunami-like sirens in critical low-lying areas. But remember, you’re typically inside at 1am and may not hear a siren designed to warn people who are outside. So do what YOU need to do, and don’t just sit there thinking the government is suppose to send an Uber to your house when it’s time to take shelter.
Regardless, here’s what we should be doing right now. Support the families impacted or the first responders on scene, however you can. That might include a donation to a vetted fundraiser or nonprofit involved in the search, rescue, and recovery. Or - if it’s on your heart to do so - pray for them all. Now is NOT the time for attacks. It’s a time for support.
So, in conclusion - every single one of the armchair quarterbacking, mudslinging, finger-pointing, politicizing, social media warriors who didn’t put in the time to become a trained meteorologist, a first responder making rescues, a volunteer who is providing support, or just a caring human being who is sharing a prayer when it’s needed most - you can just carry-on in your narrow echo chamber. And maybe, just maybe one day, you’ll be grateful for all the people around you (you know, outside in the heat or in pressure situations) handling all the tough stuff that needs to be handled." DOUG WARNER
