Category Archives: Weather

Climate, Short Films, Travel, Videos, Views, Weather

Weather: ‘Vorticity 5’ – A Storm Time-Lapse Film

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Mike Olbinski Films (August 8, 2023) – Vorticity 5 took two years to film. Tens of thousands of miles across the central United States, from Montana to the Texas/Mexico border. A few hundred thousand shutter clicks. Loads of McDonalds, Subway and Allsups.

The most epic, cheap motels. And countless, stunning storms. This is the first time for any movie of mine where I have tornadoes AND haboobs make appearances. The haboob (dust storm) happened in May of 2022 in southwest Kansas. It was amazing and unexpected. Of all the clips that make up this film, I’m the most proud of that one.

It was like my world of chasing in Arizona finally collided with the universe of supercells and tornadoes on the plains. I hope you enjoy this film. The colors, the storms, the lightning, the twisters and the dust. It’s everything I love, everything I am continually awestruck by no matter how long I do this.

Analysis, Climate, Reviews, Science, Videos, Weather

Hurricanes: The Science Behind Their Destruction

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The Economist (May 5, 2023) – Hurricanes are among the most dangerous natural phenomena on earth, causing billions of dollars of damage and destroying lives every year. But what turns a peaceful patch of ocean into the planet’s most destructive force, and how is this process being affected by climate change?

Video timeline: 00:00 – What are tropical cyclones? 00:46 – The history of tropical cyclones 02:06 – How do they form? 04:33 – What happens when they reach land? 07:13 – What is the impact of climate change?

Analysis, Climate, Reviews, Videos, Weather

Weather: Why Tornadoes Hit U.S. Midwest & South

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DW News (April 2, 2023) – At least 21 people have been killed and many more injured as storms batter the South and Midwest. Authorities in Arkansas have declared an emergency after multiple tornadoes tore through the state.

Infografik - Anatomy of a tornado

Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms in warm, moist, unstable air along and ahead of cold fronts. Such thunderstorms also may generate large hail and damaging winds. When intense springtime storm systems produce large, persistent areas that support tornado development, major outbreaks can occur.

Analysis, Climate, Reviews, Science, Videos, Weather

Hurricanes: Why Storm Surge Can Be So Deadly

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Storm surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane. Discover what causes this effect, and which regions are most at risk.

Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically around the storm. The impact on surge of the low pressure associated with intense storms is minimal in comparison to the water being forced toward the shore by the wind.
Wind and Pressure Components of Hurricane Storm Surge

The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors. Storm surge is a very complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm intensity, forward speed, size (radius of maximum winds-RMW), angle of approach to the coast, central pressure (minimal contribution in comparison to the wind), and the shape and characteristics of coastal features such as bays and estuaries.

Travel, Videos, Views, Weather

Views: ‘Vorticity 4’ – Storms In Timelapse (4K)

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Filmed and Edited by: Mike Oblinski

Music by Péter Nánási: peternanasi.bandcamp.com/

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I made my first Vorticity film. The one goal I had that year was to get a tornado on time-lapse for the first time ever. That happened and it’s been a wild, incredible ride since. The storms I’ve witnessed have been moving, stunning and a few of them, legendary (at least to us chasers!).

The 2021 season was no different. The number of supercells we saw and the level of structure was absolutely amazing. From Sudan, Texas to Malta, Montana…the chases were a blast and the time-lapses I caught were just fantastic fun. So many supercells, so many chases…I think I counted about 27 days we chased from late April to late June. Definitely one of the more active springs in recent years. It was good enough that I felt I could put out another worthy entry in the Vorticity series, so hopefully you agree!

News, Videos, Views, Weather

Hurricane Ida Views: 40% Of Buildings Destroyed In Grand Isle, Louisiana (NYT)

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Analysis, Videos, Views, Weather, Wilderness

Views: California Fights Worsening Wildfires

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The state is increasing funding and preventative measures, but it may not be enough. A year after one of the worst wildfire seasons in California’s history, the state is taking more preventive measures to reduce wildfire risks. But experts worry it still doesn’t have the firefighting and land management resources to adequately fight worsening blazes. Photo: Noah Berger/AP