Severe Weather in St. Louis

[ElliottB]

So far the day 3 outlook from the SPC shows possibility for localized large hail and a tornado or two because of forecast uncertainty so I'm not worried. A large steel building at least for hail is better than anywhere with glass windows.

[Jessica Boucher]

I think the best example of how fine we will be is footage from the 2008 tornado hit to the Georgia Dome itself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkfu4I9W2T8. They ended up delaying for about an hour and then completed the game.

I was on the floor for 2012 and can tell you that the Dome staff as well as FIRST staff have multiple precautions in place in case of emergency. The best thing to do is to stay calm, listen for announcements, and don't be a hero.

[Type]

I heard that St Louis is getting hit today with severe storms. Hopefully that doesn't interfere with any teams travel plans.

[IndySam]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Small note for the load-in teams: bring towels. Not little shop rags either - legit towels.

It's one of those things we said we needed one year during a rainy load-in, and then immediately forgot. Luckily it came up again Saturday during packing.

Hitchhikers always have their towels.

[Koko Ed]

I'll be at the dome putting fields together so I'm hoping to get in before the storms hit and I'm also hoping their fury is spent by the time we have to leave.

[BSV]

The most likely time of arrival for the severe storms approaching St. Louis is between 2pm and 4pm. The most likely threat is damaging wind, large hail, and lightning according to the Storm Prediction Center.

This is for today, April 26, 2016, not tomorrow during load in.

-- your friendly neighborhood meteorologist

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by BSV

The most likely time of arrival for the severe storms approaching St. Louis is between 2pm and 4pm. The most likely threat is damaging wind, large hail, and lightning according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Looks like that is during FRC load-in time, so prepare accordingly so you don't get caught out in it.

-- your friendly neighborhood meteorologist

I wonder if there is a possibility that FIRST could allow load-in prior to 1pm, or allow pre-staging inside the big doors rather than the sidewalk. This would decrease the amount of teams caught in the the storm.

It's probably more up to the venue and possibility of getting early volunteers than what's desired though. My team will have adults capable of fulfilling the temporary spots, if need be.

[techhelpbb]

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/...plains-n562331

Neither rain, nor snow will stop you from getting your robots to the the Championship.
Hopefully nobody reenacts the opening of the 'Wizard of Oz'.

[BSV]

Originally Posted by JesseK

I wonder if there is a possibility that FIRST could allow load-in prior to 1pm, or allow pre-staging inside the big doors rather than the sidewalk. This would decrease the amount of teams caught in the the storm.

It's probably more up to the venue and possibility of getting early volunteers than what's desired though. My team will have adults capable of fulfilling the temporary spots, if need be.

Sorry, I was talking about today, not tomorrow. (Confused)

Today's storms will affect flights, though. And you want to be careful driving.

Tomorrow bears watching closely as well.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by JesseK

I wonder if there is a possibility that FIRST could allow load-in prior to 1pm, or allow pre-staging inside the big doors rather than the sidewalk. This would decrease the amount of teams caught in the the storm.

It's probably more up to the venue and possibility of getting early volunteers than what's desired though. My team will have adults capable of fulfilling the temporary spots, if need be.

I think the big issue would be getting the volunteers in place for crowd control. I know inspectors were told to meet at 12:30, I imagine all of the others involved were asked to show up around the same time to get ready for load in as well.

[ctt956]

In case of flooding, remember: Unlike last year, game pieces may not be used as floatation devices. Robot bumpers probably won't float(well) either.

[CalTran]

Originally Posted by ctt956

In case of flooding, remember: Unlike last year, game pieces may not be used as floatation devices. Robot bumpers probably won't float(well) either.

Well why else would FIRST have such strict policy on the size of pool noodle? Clearly they've done the math on how to float a robot

[b1nary]

VERY heavy rain outside of st. louis right now. 67mph wind reported near the city. the part of stl i'm from is under a severe thunderstorm warning and tornado watch.

[bdaroz]

Originally Posted by CalTran

Well why else would FIRST have such strict policy on the size of pool noodle? Clearly they've done the math on how to float a robot

Water game confirmed!

(Sorry - I had to do it.... )

[I_AM_Clayton]

It's getting pretty bad as of right now.