Wind Advisory

A strong cold front will move through the region tonight starting at 2AM with possible wind gusts of 50MPH. I'm getting a camcorder next week but I wish I had it now. These windy fronts are always fun to watch. The last one that rolled through had traffic lights staying sideways from the sustained strong winds.

Record Warmth Possible Today

It's the weekend after Christmas and the high for today is 75! I don't think I've ever seen it get this hot here in the winter. Maximum temperatures will be at or above record levels.

Are We Moving In To The Sun?

Weird weather for this time of year. The last time I checked the temperature yesterday, it was 68 degrees! This was Christmas Eve we're talking about here. Today, as you may know, is Christmas day and it's considerably cooler. However, Weather.com is indicating that we will have scattered thunderstorms around 3PM tomorrow. No word of this from NOAA but I will be keeping my eye on the radar around that time tomorrow just in case.

Weather Underground's Interactive Tornado Map

Weather Underground's Interactive Tornado Map is really neat to play around with. Of course only the documented tornadoes are there, and there are many more that are not reported every year, but it may prove to be a valuable tool. If you zoom down and drag through the heart of tornado alley, there's a tornado marking in just about every position you point the thing.

Think tornadoes don't happen in West Virginia?



This F1 ripped through the heart of Kanawha City; a sprawling business town, when I was in my teens. It mostly up-rooted trees and busted windshields. It made a 1.5 mile path. If it had been any stronger, it could have been a huge disaster. I believe that much of West Virginia is not prepared for these sorts of events. Many people believe they are protected by the hills, which is true in a way, but they do not offer complete protection from violent storms. I have noticed over the years that storms that come from north west tend to cause the most damage. I believe this may be due to how the valley is positioned relative to the storm's path.

Breezy

A strong pressure gradient moving over the area tonight is causing some pretty strong winds. Right now the winds are coming from the west at 30MPH with gusts of 45MPH. Leaves, twigs, and even larger debri has been smacking up against the house all night. A particularly strong gust rolled through when I was still doing a college assignment and I could hear it tearing at the shingles of the roof. Pretty awesome stuff compared to the mostly boring weather we've been having since the end of summer.

Heavy Snow!

Heavy wet snow is falling over the region tonight with 1 to 4 inches possible. Some portions of the major roads where covered to the point where you couldn't see the dividers, but salt trucks are out in full force. A winter weather advisory remains in affect until 4AM. We'll see what it looks like in the morning!

Freezing Roads

I'm hungry. I want to go out and grab something to eat but my weather radio just went off with a Law Enforcement Warning warning of the slick roads due to below freezing temperatures and light snow fall. There has been an advisory for this up for awhile so I'm thinking there have been some accidents. I hit a small patch of black ice last night at an intersection and it hadn't even been snowing.

It's been a pretty mild fall which is typical here, but there's been very little moisture for the weather patterns to work with and it's been like this for months. If it seems that I've been slow to update, this is why.

Hurricane Paloma Links

Maps

GOES IR Loop

GOES Visible Loop

Weather Underground Track Map

NOAA's Paloma Page

The Weather Channel Maps

Articles
(Arranged from oldest to newest.)

Reuters UK Article

Canada.com Article

CaribWorldNews.com Article

cayCompass.com Article

Bloomberg.com Article

The Associated Press Article

The Press Associate Article

Welt Online Article

The Associated Press Article

Bloomberg.com Article

The Associated Press Article

CTV.ca Article

Tropics Not Over Yet

Tropical depression 17 is expected to reach tropical storm status any time today. The current track map forcasts it to reach category 2 hurricane strength by late saturday.

First Snow Flakes Of The Season

It's definitely sleeting outside right now. It should continue into the morning as actual snow flurries so there is a slight chance that I could take some pics but I don't think there is going to be enough to show up on camera let alone enough to cover any portion of the ground.

Wind Event

A strong cold front is moving rapidly eastward through the region tonight causing 40 to 45mph gusts. The wind has been really picking up outside in the past few minutes. There's a slight chance of some snow flakes on tuesday morning but it will likely be mixed with rain.

Better Hurricane Path Predictions?

Last month I submitted a question to TalkWeather.com's Meteorologist Q & A forum. Below is the question and the answer that I received.

Question: It seems like only a few years ago that hurricane paths where very unpredictable. Recently it seems that we are able to pinpoint the landfall locations a little better. Are the storms this year more predictable in nature or are we advancing in our prediction capabilities? I know the exact landfall point is still unpredictable but it seems that we are getting closer every year. Or am I just seeing things wrong? -Daniel

Answer: Track prediction accuracy does vary some from year to year, but overall, we are getting better with track prediction capabilities. I am not sure how 2008 will stack up, but NHC has some nice charts on the forecast accuracy from past years at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/verification/verify5.shtml. Intensity forecasting, on the other hand, has improved very little in the last 20 years or so. -DVDweather

Forum Thread Topic

First Freeze Warning Of The Season

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
3:09 pm EDT, Sun., Oct. 19, 2008

... FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM EDT MONDAY. THE FROST ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

WITH A CLEAR SKY AND LIGHT WINDS AND VERY DRY AIR IN PLACE... TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO FALL BELOW FREEZING... ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT ARE AWAY FROM THE RIVERS. THUS A FREEZE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR TONIGHT.

A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

Volcanic Sediment?

I noticed something odd on the Cruz Bay, St. John webcam earlier when I was adding it to my links. There seems to be black sediment being brought on shore by the waves.



I've seen something similar in my own back yard when coal barges would kick up small waves on the Kanawha River. Coal sediment would splash on shore in much the same way. Since the Virgin Islands are volcanic, I'm pretty sure this is volcanic sediment. Pretty neat.

Hurricane Omar Links

Maps

The Weather Channel Maps

NOAA's Omar Page

Radar

News Articles
(Arranged from oldest to newest.)

The Associated Press Article

DominicanToday.com Article

Reuters AlertNet Article

CNN.com Article

Caribbean Net News Article

Reuters Article

The Associated Press Article

The Associated Press Article

AFP Article

Internation Herald Tribune Article

The Associated Press Article

Reuters Article

Webcams

Cruz Bay, St. John Cam

Tropical Storm Nana Links

NOAA's Nana Page

Reuters Article

The Weather Channel Maps

Note: This storm was very short lived. It is now a tropical depression.

Local Shelter In Place

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
7:30 am EDT, Mon., Oct. 13, 2008

... LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY...

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE KANAWHA METRO 911.

THERE IS AN ANHYDROUS AMMONIA LEAK IN THE TOWN OF CARBON IN THE CABIN CREEK AREA. A SHELTER IN PLACE IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF CARBON IN CABIN CREEK.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN ANY FORM OF DISTRESS... STAY INSIDE AND CALL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE.

From Wikipedia:

The U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a 15-minute exposure limit for gaseous ammonia of 35 ppm by volume in the environmental air and an 8-hour exposure limit of 25 ppm by volume.[35] Exposure to very high concentrations of gaseous ammonia can result in lung damage and death.[35] Although ammonia is regulated in the United States as a non-flammable gas, it still meets the definition of a material that is toxic by inhalation and requires a hazardous safety permit when transported in quantities greater than 13,248 L (3,500 gallons).[36]

Update: THE CLOUD OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA GAS IS HANGING LOW... AND IS ABOUT 100 FEET IN DIAMETER AROUND THE TANK.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS... THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER... HOWEVER THE SHELTER IN PLACE IS STILL MANDATED.

THE ROAD IS SHUT DOWN TO THE AREA WHERE THE INCIDENT IS OCCURRING. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE COMPANY IS ON SITE... AND RESPONDERS ARE EN ROUTE.

Winds are currently calm.

Update: Local News Article

Update:

Issued by The National Weather Service
Charleston, WV
9:57 am EDT, Mon., Oct. 13, 2008

... LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY...

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE KANAWHA METRO 911.

THE SHELTER IN PLACE FOR THE TOWN OF CARBON IN THE CABIN CREEK AREA HAS BEEN LIFTED. WHILE THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER FROM THE ANHYDROUS AMMONIA LEAK... THE INCIDENT IS STILL ONGOING... AND THE LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY CONTINUES.

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN ANY FORM OF DISTRESS... STAY INSIDE AND CONTACT 911 FOR ASSISTANCE.

Update:

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY
KANAWHA METRO 911
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
1109 AM EDT MON OCT 13 2008

...LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY...

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE
KANAWHA METRO 911.

THE ANHYDROUS AMMONIA LEAK IN THE TOWN OF CARBON IN THE CABIN
CREEK AREA IS UNDER CONTROL...AND IS NOW IN THE CLEAN UP PHASE.
OFFICIALS HAVE REQUESTED THE TERMINATION OF THIS LOCAL AREA
EMERGENCY.

Storm Chasers On Discovery Channel October 19th at 10PM Est.

It's times like this that I wish I had cable.

Most Costly Storm In Ohio Since 1974

The cost of the damage that was caused by the remnants of Ike on September 14th in Ohio has been making national headlines today, and it rivals the most costly storm in the states history; the 1974 Xenia tornado.

The Columbus Dispatch Article

Insurance Journal Article

Middletown Journal Article

Southeastern Storms

I wish I was further south right about now. They are actually getting some decent storms down there like this line of storms that I'm tracking now near Charleston, South Carolina (where I have family).



The storm is reported to be capable of producing nickle size hail, 60mph winds (and judgeing from the bow shape and the velocity radar images, I wouldn't doubt that), and continuous cloud to ground lightning.

I really wish one of these would plow through our area just one more time before it gets to be snow season.

Tropical Storm Marco Links

The Weather Channel Maps

NOAA's Marco Page

Translated Milenio.com Article

Reuters UK Article

Translated Noticias Article

washingtonpost.com Article

Associated Press Article

CNN.com Article

First Frost Advisory Of The Season

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON WV
854 PM EDT THU OCT 2 2008

WVZ015-024>027-035>038-047-030900-
/O.EXB.KRLX.FR.Y.0002.081003T0600Z-081003T1300Z/
KANAWHA-MINGO-LOGAN-BOONE-CLAY-RALEIGH-FAYETTE-NICHOLAS-WEBSTER-
RANDOLPH-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CHARLESTON...SOUTH CHARLESTON...
SAINT ALBANS...WILLIAMSON...LOGAN...CHAPMANVILLE...MAN...
MADISON...CLAY...BECKLEY...OAK HILL...FAYETTEVILLE...
SUMMERSVILLE...RICHWOOD...CRAIGSVILLE...WEBSTER SPRINGS...ELKINS
854 PM EDT THU OCT 2 2008

...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A FROST
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT FRIDAY.

CLEAR...CALM CONDITIONS...AND LOW HUMIDITY VALUES WILL ALLOW
TEMPERATURES TO FALL INTO THE MID 30S IN THE HOURS BEFORE SUNRISE
IN THE DEEPER HOLLOWS AWAY FROM RIVERS. THIS WILL ALLOW FROST TO
FORM ON EXPOSED SURFACES.

A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE. SENSITIVE OUTDOOR
PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED.

Tropical Storm Laura Links

The Weather Channel Maps

NOAA's Laura Page

Storm Cloud

More Thunder Shower Cloud Action
Originally uploaded by Weather Fan Daniel

I was watching for any thunderstorm development in my back yard a few hours ago (I've been trying to get lightning photos) when this massive developing storm cloud cought my eye. I watched it develope and fizzle out before my eyes as I snaped pictures with my camera phone (I really need to get a better camera). Compare the picture I took on the right to this graph.

More Photos In My Gallery

Time Lapse Video

Check out this cool time lapse video. There really needs to be more of these, especially during thunderstorms.

Hurricane Kyle Links

NOAA's Kyle Page

The Weather Channel Maps

Canadian Hurricane Centre

Small Forest Fire

Small Forest Fire
Originally uploaded by Weather Fan Daniel

Forest fire season starts October 1st in West Virginia. With high pressure being in the area for weeks, it's been pretty dry. It's no surprise to me that there seems to already be a fire going in the hills. I took this photograph of the blaze while looking across the Kanawha river towards Marmet. It's a far cry from years passed when one whole side of the valley would be on fire (I seem to remember a plane that crashed into one of the hills.), but the leaves are already starting to change and are starting to litter the ground. I would not be surprised if this fire continued to grow in size.

Life with PlayStation Displays Real Time Weather Information

LWP Ike
Originally uploaded by PlayStation.Blog

The new "Life with Playstation" service exclusively for PlayStation 3 owners displays real time news and weather information in major cities around the world on a navigational 3D model of the world. In addition, the 3D globe features real time cloud cover from the University of Wisconsin and live web cams. The service is tied into the Folding@home project, so while you use the service, you're helping to find cures for diseases.

More Information at PlayStation.Blog

More Than 500,000 Without Power Tonight In Ohio

Local Ohio News Story

Map Of Current AEP Power Outages In Ohio



The remnants of Ike moved through the Ohio Valley yesterday causing wind damage and knocking out power ocross the region.

Many of the AEP crews sent to help out in Texas have been recalled back to the area. Some may be without power for a week or more.

Small Tornado Swirls Within a Few Feet Of Car

I like how it instantly cuts the tree in half yet doesn't effect the car or driver much as it cuts across the road in front of them.

New Photo Album

Dark Cumulus Clouds Over Chuck Yeager Bridge
Originally uploaded by Weather Fan Daniel

The sky was littered with dark ominous clouds today. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take pictures while I was out. The weather here has been kind of dead storm wise for the past few weeks, although I did witness an impressive dust devil the other day.

I set up a flickr account to upload weather related photos to. You can check it out on the right or visit the main album here.

Hurricane Ike Links

The Weather Channel Maps

NOAA's Ike Page

TornadoVideos.net Live Tracker and Stream

WeatherBonk Webcams

Four Local News Station Streams

Tropical Storm Hanna Links

The Weather Channel Maps

NOAA's Hanna Page

Web Cams

Hurricane Gustav Links

Four Local News Station Streams

The Weather Channel Maps

New Orleans Radar

NOAA's Gustav Page

Two Tornadoes Near Denver Filmed From Helicopter

This looks so unreal.

Tornado Video 1

Tornado Video 2

Tornado Hitting a Bus

Pretty scary.



Found at TornadoVideos.net.

Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical storm Fay has formed over the Dominican Republic. Winds are currently at 40mph. The storm is expected to head north west and than north over the course of the next few days.

Big Fluffy Cloud

I spotted this large cumulus cloud while I was out yesterday. It was a beautiful day and I thought it would be a shame if I didn't take any pics.

Here is the first pic I took of this particular cloud formation.



Here's another shot I took down the road.



These where taken with my cell phone near Quincy.

Staying Safe While Driving in Inclement Weather

The trick to staying safe while driving in inclement weather is to plan ahead and stay extra alert when there is a chance of t-storms in your area.

Check the weather forecast before you leave. Visit NOAA.org and enter your zip code to pull up the weather information as well as the current radar image for your area.

If you start to hydroplane, do not slam on the breaks. Take your foot off the gas and drive straight ahead until your tires are back on the ground.

If torrential rain makes visibility minimal, slow down. If there is little to no visibility, it may be safer to hit your blinkers and pull over when you can do so safely.

I had to take a detour while I was out getting something to eat today. It seems like every time it rains here, there is a wreck.



Stay alert and stay safe out there.

Welcome to Weather Fan!

Not to be confused with fair weather fans, Weather Fan will be geared towards fans of weather. Here you will find tips and tricks to stay safe during inclement weather, storm and weather news, and links to weather resources.