Talking About The Weather (NAPSA)—Whether you think global warmingis a lot of hot air or an accurate forecast for the future, one thing is certain: Accurately predicting weather can help save lives. In May of 2003 alone, there were a record 562 tornadoes in the U.S.—and in November of that op) year, California experienced a freak storm that dropped five inches of rain and hail in two hours. While both weather phenomenons took a high toll, meteorologists agree the costs could have been much worse. They say weather predictions pro- vided enough advance warning for most people to save their possessions—and even their lives—from the storms. What about doomsday weather scenarios? Scientists say the dawning of a freak ice age, such as the one experienced by some unlucky characters in the movie “The Day After Tomorrow,” is highly unlikely. The movie used some jaw-dropping special effects to depict the race to outrun a new ice age (brought on by global warming,ironically enough). The movie's DVD features two separate commentary tracks during which director Roland Emmerich discusses, among other things, the weather. It also has deleted scenes and a “making of” featurette—during which weather buffs can search for answers about ice ages, global warming and weatherin general. Tornados flattening Los Angeles, How’s the weather? Sometimes unpredictable. New technologies are helping, though. tidal waves engulfing New York and a frozen-solid northern hemisphereareall featured in “The Day After Tomorrow.” While weather tends to be slightly less dramatic in real life, there have still been some surprising incidents: September 19, 2002—A portion of the Maili glacier in the Caucasus Mountains breaksoff, dropping approximately 500 feet of ice and debris. October 2000—England experiences the worst flooding in decades. The historic city of York is among the areas hardesthit. Nearly 10,000 homes and busi- nesses are affected. February 2000—South Africa experiences a monthofflooding. January 2000—Fifteen inches of snow falls in Israel, the most in 50 years. For more information about The Day After Tomorrow DVD, visit www.thedayaftertomorrow dvd.com
