Introductory Remarks with Session Overview

The tornado outbreak of 3 May 1999 in central Oklahoma and southern Kansas was remarkable, both in its severity ( over $1 billion in damages, 48 lives lost, countless injured and/or emotionally affected) and in the relative success achieved in anticipating and monitoring the developing events and warning the public. This success was the result of 20 years of collaboration between the research and forecast communities, as well as cooperation from the private sector (e.g., media, emergency managers, educators), who were instrumental in communicating the immediate dangers to the public as well as increasing awareness over the years so the public knew how to respond properly. Some estimates suggest that over 600 lives were saved because of these efforts. Yet, the event raises serious questions as to how well we could do under less ideal circumstances or in locations not as well prepared as Oklahoma. The speakers chosen for this session are recognized experts who were intimately involved on May 3. Their personal stories and reflections reveal the progress we have made, but also highlight where we need to go to save more lives in the future.