Weather broadcasts can’t keep up with weather changes.
By the time the broadcast comes on, it’s too late. The
change has already happened and another is taking place.
The Corp of Engineers seems to be facing big decisions lately
on whom to flood out next. Over the years, the Corp has diverted
water and built levees to improve control of various waterways.
For example, the Mississippi River has been a constant problem,
first overflowing than being too low. Attempts to change its
flow to join the Atchafalaya River have been an ongoing challenge.
Each time major changes affect the Mississippi, new levees
or locks and dams were built. This year there was no way to
control all the water draining into the Mississippi from its
many tributaries. Spillways had to be opened to relieve the
pressure created by the high volume of water.
The
latest problems on the Miss may well create even more concerns
for the Corp of Engineers, calling for additional
controls
to handle the magnitude of flooding. The extreme flooding
is no doubt exacerbated by the heavy rainfalls the past
several weeks — which are still occurring. The
weather Gods change their mind daily.
Although the controlled flooding is tearing lives apart by
destroying prime farmland along with many homes, these circumstances
are not the worst. Those affected are given warning and have
a few days to gather their possessions before heading to higher
ground. Where floodwaters overflow levees and spillways, people
often do not have much warning at all.
On
my return drive from Florida, I drove through areas where
a different type of weather disaster had occurred – with
little warning. I got a first-hand look at the devastation
left behind by the recent tornadoes that ripped through
Georgia and Tennessee. I was told people only had
minutes to seek
shelter; many were unable to do so. Entire towns
and communities were
destroyed, trees ripped out of the ground, cars and
debris piled everywhere.
Here
in Huron County, we wonder if the weather will ever return
to normal. We should all be very thankful
we still
have homes
to return to – I know I was. We should be grateful for
our farmlands to work — as the weather allows — and
our crops to harvest. If our basements are flooded from the
constant deluge of rain, as I’ve heard many
complain of, at least we can still live in our
homes as they
dry up.
To those upset with the weather, I suggest they consider, as
the people of Joplin are, what real problems can result from
the weather. Many of them are left with nothing; no home, car,
clothing, and in too many cases, missing family members.
As I see it, we should all recognize our troubles and problems
in respect to what others around the country are facing and
give thanks. If you have Memorial Day activities with outside
barbeques planned and the weather Gods intervene to dampen
the event, just hug your friends and family and enjoy the fact
you can all be together.
As
we celebrate, let us remember the true meaning of Memorial
Day, once named Decoration Day,
dedicated to all those
who died in U.S. wars. Memorials to all men
and women who served
their country in any conflict, whether declared
a war
or not, have since been added. The purpose
of MEMORIAL DAY
is to commemorate
our heroes — not just enjoy a three-day weekend — so
lets take time to salute them.