Weather Fan

Strong Gustnado

2011-07-11T18:31:00.000-04:00

I filmed a strong gustnado (at the very least) earlier today. This could even be a possible tornado. You can clearly see a coned shaped cloud form above the debris cloud just before dirt shoots up in a snake shape. The wind was extremely strong. I got dirt in my teeth and the wind pushed me up against my car and slammed the car door in to my body. I'm OK but there was at least four accidents associated with this storm that I saw on my way back through Columbus.

Hail Storm

2011-06-18T14:46:00.002-04:00

Quick Severe Thunderstorm

2010-09-10T06:42:00.000-04:00

This storm struck faster than I could find my camera. I did not feel like getting wet so I filmed from our terrace.

Incredible Lightning

2010-08-08T14:39:00.002-04:00

I had the window of my car rolled up for the majority of this storm because lightning was striking so close and so frequently. Some of the closer strikes hurt my eyes and one actually set the car alarm in the car behind me off.

Lightning Producers

2010-08-05T16:16:00.000-04:00

After a few storms that did not produce much lightning at all, these storms started popping up. We finally got to chase one during our ride home that night. We chased it from one side of Columbus to the other. We never really caught up to it (we were in a big industrial van), but it was still a fun trip.

Storms Rolling In

2010-08-04T16:56:00.000-04:00

Again, this storm was not a great lightning producer, but it did knock out power to the traffic light down the road from us and caused minor flooding on our street.

Nighttime Downpour

2010-08-03T15:58:00.000-04:00

There wasn't much lightning during this storm, but the rain was intense. It was kind of like a mini tsunami.

Random Lightning

2010-07-25T08:05:00.000-04:00

I filmed this random lightning footage back in June.

Not much lightning was happening at the time, but I managed to get a few good shots.

Massive Wall Of Clouds

2010-07-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

This front moved in right after a severe thunderstorm. It was incredible! I will be uploading video from the severe thunderstorm at a later time. Until then, enjoy this massive wall of clouds.

Strong Winds And Heavy Rain

2010-07-18T08:28:00.002-04:00

The first half of this video was filmed during the Wood County tornado which killed 7. I did not originally want to upload it since I would feel sick for capitalizing on such a disaster. Even though I was not in Wood county, I feel that it is important to note that the winds from the storm system that caused the tornado were extraordinary across much of the state. I have never seen wind flatten one whole side of a sturdy tree like that or switch directions so rapidly.

Severe Thunderstorm

2010-06-16T19:05:00.002-04:00

This is another storm that snuck up on me. By the time I realized that it was coming, it was nearly over top of us. I didn't have to travel down the road for this one. It came to us. The lightning got a little too close for comfort. One bolt struck just over my car.

Disclaimer: It's probably not a good idea to leave your window rolled down during a thunderstorm. Lightning can make it's way in to the car. However, wet windows make it hard to film anything and lightning was more likely to hit the car's antenna and I did roll up when it was striking directly over top of me. If you don't understand and respect the risks involved or feel uneasy about being struck by lightning, don't do it! You run just as much of a risk of being struck out in the open as you do with your window rolled down.

Here is the radar image of this storm.

Lightning Strike Destroys "Big Butter Jesus"

2010-06-16T06:04:00.001-04:00

The statue that inspired a song by Heywood Banks has been destroyed by a lightning strike.

Full story on Jalopnik.

Tornado Warning + Hail

2010-06-03T22:34:00.001-04:00

This storm marks the first time that I've filmed hail. This storm totally snuck up up on me. I had no idea that it was coming until the lights started to flicker in our apartment. I have never seen so much cloud clutter before. The clouds turned green and started rotating. A minute or so later, a tornado warning was issued and the storm started to dump hail on my vehicle. I got hit by one of those hail stones and it gave me a little scratch on my hand.

Here are some images that rockystop123 took further in to the storm. He had to pull over because it was raining so hard.

And here is the radar image taken at the time of the storm.

The storm was topped off by a beautiful rainbow afterward. "Tornado sirens" briefly trended on twitter when they where going off. I guess that's to be expected in a heavily populated area. When I got back to our apartment, I was ready to edit video but the power went out for 8 hours so I had to get busy protecting perishable the food that I had just bought that day. I was able to get some work done on my netbook via a car adapter and Wi-Fi at a local McDonald's.

Nighttime Thunderstorm With Heavy Rain

2010-05-10T05:13:00.000-04:00

I shot this video on the night that I shot the last one. This storm was not as violent as the one I chased in to Delaware county, but all of the storms that night had extremely heavy rain fall which can be seen at the end of this video.

Storm Chase In Delaware County Ohio

2010-05-08T08:54:00.001-04:00

As was posted earlier, there was a tornado watch yesterday evening through last night. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Delaware county, so I decided to jump on it. I spotted a wall cloud and a potential funnel cloud/missed tornado while I was out there. It was dark and there were a ton of scud. However, a still image that I extracted from the part of the video where I exclaimed "funnel cloud" revealed that my eyes may not have been deceiving me. Click on the image belowe to take a better look.

Either way, this was a monster storm, and since it was night I kept plenty of distance from the worst parts of it. There was huge cloud to ground lightning.

Tornado Watch

2010-05-07T19:18:00.003-04:00

There is currently a tornado watch for most of Ohio. There was a tornado warning in Henry county earlier.

While it was too far for me to travel to, Reed Timmer and his TornadoVideos.net team was there. If they happen to upload a video, I'll be sure to post it.

Edit 1: The same cell just went tornado warned again. The storm is currently in Wood county and heading for Sandusky county.

Edit 2: A tornado warning was just issued for northern Hardin county. This storm is moving toward Wyandot county and Upper Sandusky.

Severe Wx Symposium / Possible Thunderstorms

2010-04-16T10:33:00.003-04:00

The Ohio Severe Wx Symposium is taking place at OSU today. Mike Bettes from The Weather Channel is speaking there now! I wish I could have attended. Meanwhile, there is a strong chance of severe thunderstorms in the area. Stay tuned!

Very Close Tornado

2010-04-15T04:20:00.001-04:00

I was searching through YouTube videos when I came across this.

This is a prime example of what not to do when a tornado is approaching you (I'm shocked that the glass that this person was behind didn't shatter and send shards through their body like a buck shot) but WOW!

New Weather Fan Store!

2010-04-07T21:38:00.000-04:00

Are you a Weather Fan? You can now support Weather Fan by purchasing products from the new Weather Fan store!

First Severe Thunderstorm Of The Season

2010-04-06T17:11:00.005-04:00

Last night I filmed the first severe thunderstorm of the season in Columbus, Ohio. This thunderstorm had a tornadic vortex signature at one point.

As you can see, there was a distinctive hook at the time that this radar image was scanned. If the way the wind shifted was any indication, this storm was definitely rotating by the time it reached us. However, there was no tornado warning.

By the time the back end of the storm had passed over me, I found myself having to wipe rain water off the camera lens as the wind had shifted at an angle that was soaking the interior of my car.

All in all, it was a great start to the season. I just wish I could have found my HD camera in time for the lightning show. However, it's good to have something to work up to.

Treacherous Road Conditions

2010-02-26T21:50:00.005-05:00

My roommate flipped his work vehicle over earlier today after he ran in to some windy and icy road conditions in Madison county.

You can read the full article here.

Be careful out there!

Snowpacolypse - What It's Like

2010-02-17T21:11:00.001-05:00

If you're not lucky enough to live in a state that's been blasted with feet of snow this season, this video should give you an impression of what it's like.

50 Vehicle Pile Up On I-71 Yesterday

2010-02-16T18:29:00.002-05:00

More than 50 vehicles were involved in an I-71 southbound pile up yesterday.

For more details and photos head over to the Fox 8 story here.

It's Possible

2010-02-14T01:59:00.001-05:00

A weather enthusiast can get tired of snow. This video may illustrate why. I still had fun filming it, though, and I hope you enjoy.

Ahhhh!!!!

2010-02-14T01:56:00.001-05:00

This is just a bit of an over reaction...

Please turn sound down.

Winter Storms

2010-02-09T14:10:00.004-05:00

We've been getting hammered by winter storms recently. I've been very busy so sorry for the lack of updates here.

Right now we're still under a Winter Storm Warning. When I was out earlier, the snow was up to my ankles and there is still more on the way. Here is a map of the current traffic conditions:

There looks to be several accidents and slow-downs. While I've been filming, I have not driven out to get field shots during the worst of these storms. My car has proven to be a death trap on ice, and I want to still be able to chase thunderstorms this spring.

Here is video I shot of the last storm's progress:

We got 1 inch per hour snow fall rates with that storm. The video I shot on the first day was over the course of a couple of hours.

Huntsville Tornado

2010-01-24T05:12:00.001-05:00

I just had to share this. This looked like a really menacing storm. I wish I was there.

Heavy Snow Part 3

2010-01-03T05:53:00.000-05:00

The third and final part of video from the heavy snow we got on the morning of New Year's Eve.

Heavy Snow Part 2

2010-01-02T06:39:00.002-05:00

More video from the heavy snow event on the morning of New Year's Eve. We almost didn't get to chase this event due to car troubles. Why I bought a car that doesn't like to start in the cold is beyond me. I'm looking in to fixing this issue for future chases as well as my safety. The roads were very slippery and hard to see. I took it really slow as I was a little nervous about getting in a wreck. Part three is coming soon!

Heavy Snow Part 1

2009-12-31T10:44:00.002-05:00

Here is video from the heavy snow fall last night. These were some of the largest snow flakes that I have ever seen. Part two coming next year. I have a downtown party to rest up for tonight. Happy New Years, everyone! I'll be doing something special early next month.

Snow Storm Part 3

2009-12-29T06:07:00.002-05:00

Part 3 of video from the snow storm on the night of the 27th and the aftermath the following morning. I was surprised by how well they had cleared the roads in just a few short hours. They were very slippery the night of the storm.

Snow Storm Part 2

2009-12-28T06:06:00.002-05:00

Part two of the snow storm on 12/27/2009. I decided to go ahead and upload most of the footage I filmed tonight since it was too good to leave on my computer's hard drive. Most of part three will be filmed later today as this is a continuing event.

Snow Storm Part 1

2009-12-28T03:34:00.002-05:00

This footage was shot entirely by rockystop123 during some of the worst parts of the snow storm last night. More snow is expected and I will be back out to film tomorrow morning. I will be uploading the footage I shot after it's all over.

Snow Fall Video From The 18th Through The 22nd

2009-12-28T02:15:00.002-05:00

Here are some clips that were shot of the light snow fall from the 18th through the 22nd of December. The standar definition content was filmed by rockystop123.

More to come...

Snow Storm

2009-12-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

Major snow storm happening right now. I just got back from filming a few hours ago. The roads are really bad. Everyone be careful out there!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T02:30:00.002-05:00

Here is video of my roommate's decorations. I helped with some of them.

Snow video coming soon! rockystop123 is contributing some video this time and I just need to wait until I can get the clips that he shot before I can start editing.

Snow!

2009-12-18T23:14:00.001-05:00

Snow is falling and accumulating outside as I type this. I just came in from filming few night shots and plan to head out some time tomorrow morning.

High Wind Warning Video

2009-12-12T22:54:00.001-05:00

This is video from the high wind warning we were under on the 9th. Damage was minimal and consisted of downed limbs, snapped telephone lines, and shredded billboard signs.

High Wind Warning For Tomorrow

2009-12-08T18:23:00.000-05:00

Be careful while driving tomorrow and be ready for sporadic power outages.

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 1 AM EST
THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND
WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 1 AM EST
THURSDAY. THE HIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

*A DEEPENING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE NORTHEAST INTO THE
WESTERN GREAT LAKES BY WEDNESDAY MORNING. A STRONG COLD FRONT
WILL CROSS THE OHIO VALLEY ON WEDNESDAY. VERY STRONG WINDS WILL
OVERSPREAD THE AREA WEDNESDAY AND CONTINUE INTO WEDNESDAY
EVENING. SOUTHWEST TO WESTERLY WINDS WILL BE IN THE 30 MPH TO 40
MPH RANGE WITH WIND GUSTS NEAR 60 MPH POSSIBLE.

I will likely be filming when it starts to get really bad.

Pics From This Morning

2009-12-07T22:31:00.005-05:00

Here are some cell phone pics taken of the road conditions earlier this morning by rockystop123. All the snow had melted by the time I had woken up, so I'm glad someone was thinking of me. :) I see now why there was an advisory for this.

More Snow

2009-12-07T14:10:00.002-05:00

It snowed again this morning and from what I was told it actually covered the ground. I woke up in time to catch the last little bit a snow spurts which was not enough to film. By that time the snow on the ground had melted. Hopefully I can catch any snow fall that may occur later on this week.

HD Video Of The First Snow Fall Of The Season

2009-11-28T13:58:00.002-05:00

A portion of this video did not render properly during editing. Editing HD video is time consuming and it doesn't always do what you want it to do. In any case I hope it's still enjoyable. :)

First Snow

2009-11-27T12:48:00.002-05:00

We got our first snow of the season this morning as eager shoppers pushed each other down to get the last of the mechanical hamsters. I got some incredible footage that I will start uploading tomorrow.

Tropical Storm Ida

2009-11-08T00:40:00.008-05:00

It looks like Hurricane Ida will be effecting the Gulf of Mexico soon, but will likely die down to a Tropical Storm by the time it reaches land according to the National Hurricane Center's five day forecast model.

Update November 8, 2009 10:00PM EDT: I may have spoken too soon. According to the latest models, Ida will effect US soil as a Hurricane, but is still likely to be a Tropical Storm by the time it makes landfall. The governor of Louisiana has declared a state of emergency and there is currently a Hurricane Watch extending from Grand Isle in Louisiana to Pascagoula Mississippi and a Hurricane Warning extending from Pascagoula Mississippi to Indian Pass in the Florida panhandle.

Update November 9, 2009 5:00PM EDT: Even though Ida has weakened to a Tropical Storm, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi have all declared a state of emergency. The center of the storm looks like it may move over the coast of Alabama or even the far west side of the Florida panhandle. Tropical Storm warnings currently extend from Grand Isle in Louisiana all the way to the Aucilla River in Florida.

Update November 9, 2009 6:20PM EDT: Here is one of the current radar images from Mobile, Alabama.

This storm is being blasted by winds from the east so it's a bit lopsided. All the real convection is to the west which is why Louisiana has been experiencing some flooding.

Update November 9, 2009 11:45 PM EDT: A flash flood warning was just issued by The National Weather Service for parts of Alabama and Florida that has some valuable information attached to it:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOBILE HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN ESCAMBIA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA...
THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF PENSACOLA...
SOUTHWESTERN SANTA ROSA COUNTY IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA...
SOUTHERN BALDWIN COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST ALABAMA...
EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN MOBILE COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST ALABAMA...

* UNTIL 130 AM CST

* AT 1023 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADAR INDICATED A RAIN BAND
ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL STORM IDA...NEARLY STATIONARY OVER SOUTHERN PORTIONS
OF BALDWIN COUNTY ALABAMA...SOUTHERN ESCAMBIA COUNTY AND EXTREME
SOUTHWEST SANTA ROSA COUNTY IN FLORIDA. DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR TRENDS INDICATE THE
POTENTIAL OF HEAVY RAIN WILL CONTINUE INTO THE PREDAWN HOURS TUESDAY MORNING
OVER THE WARNED AREA.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO BON
SECOUR...TURKEY BRANCH...SUMMERDALE...SILVERHILL...SEMINOLE...
ROBERTSDALE...POINT CLEAR...OAK...MOUTH OF WEEKS BAY...MONTROSE...
MIFLIN...MARLOW...MAGNOLIA SPRINGS...LILLIAN...HOUSTONVILLE...
FOLEY...FAIRHOPE...ELSANOR...ELBERTA...CLAY CITY...BATTLES WHARF...
WEST PENSACOLA...WARRINGTON...PENSACOLA REGIONAL A/P...PENSACOLA
NAVAL BASE...PACE...MYRTLE GROVE...GULF BREEZE...GOULDING...
GONZALEZ...FERRY PASS...ENSLEY...EAST PENSACOLA HEIGHTS...COTTAGE
HILL...CANTONMENT...BROWNSVILLE...BRENT...BEULAH AND BELLVIEW

DOPPLER WEATHER PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES SUGGEST THAT UPWARDS OF 2 TO
3 INCHES OF RAIN HAS ALREADY FALLEN OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN
BALDWIN COUNTY...SOUTHEAST OF FOLEY SINCE 7 PM THIS EVENING. AMOUNTS
OF JUST UNDER 2 INCHES HAVE FALLEN OVER SOUTHERN ESCAMBIA COUNTY.
ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE
WARNED AREA THROUGH 130 AM TUESDAY MORNING.

Update November 10, 2009 1:30AM EDT: The center of circulation (if you can call it that) seems to be making it's way on to land at the moment. It's really hard to tell from the radar where the circulation actually is or even that this is a Tropical Storm.

This is made worse by the fact that information from tropical systems generally seem to be far and few between during the night hours. In any event, there's no doubt that the worst of the storm has made it's presence felt by now.

First Real Frost Of The Season

2009-11-02T08:13:00.002-05:00

Those waking up this Monday morning in central Ohio will have some windshield scraping to do. It got below freezing last night and conditions were just right to introduce the first real frost of the season.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T18:09:00.002-04:00

Here's a treat for everyone that enjoys my videos! They will be shot in HD from now on. To see a test run of the new HD camera in action, click here. If you're computer is fast enough to play HD video, click the HD button on the bottom right side of the player. It looks great in full screen this way! I'll be looking forward to the first good snow of the season so that I can truly break it in.

Fall Colors

2009-10-25T04:51:00.002-04:00

I was out the other day and decided to bring my camera with me to film some fall leaf colors.

I saved this video in a much higher quality than I normally do. Let me know how it looks to you.

New Twitter Account

2009-10-16T04:27:00.002-04:00

Weather Fan now has it's own twitter account. You can follow Weather Fan at weather_fan.

While We Wait

2009-10-13T21:54:00.004-04:00

The thunderstorm season in Ohio is pretty much over. That means there's nothing much to do except for wait for the winter season to pick up. If it's anything like last season, we're going to be in for a long haul. In case you haven't noticed, Weather Fan now has a new logo.

In addition to to the upcoming winter storms, I should have a treat for everyone next year. It has always been my plan with this project to create a documentary of a full year of extreme weather in central Ohio. Once the year comes to a close, editing of the full length documentary with never before seen footage will commence.

Stay tuned!

Tornado Hunter

2009-09-23T08:45:00.001-04:00

Via xkcd.

Storm Chasers

2009-09-22T05:30:00.000-04:00

I personally can't wait until October 18th.

Hurricane Fred

2009-09-08T09:44:00.004-04:00

Tropical Storm Fred formed yesterday south-west of the Cape Verde Islands. It will be turning north, and although it could reach hurricane strength by tomorrow, it is not expected to impact any land masses.

Update September 9th, 2009 3:15AM

Fred became a hurricane last night.

Update September 10th, 2009 2:15PM

Fred briefly became a major hurricane yesterday and is now back down to a category two. It now holds the record for being the strongest hurricane in that part of the Atlantic. The current track path will eventually take it west, but by that time it is expected to be a tropical depression.

Tropical Storm Erika

2009-09-02T02:38:00.004-04:00

Tropical Storm Erika seems to be on a path that will allow it to brush the northern Leeward Islands in the Antilles. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for some of these islands.

Update September 5th, 2009 10:00AM

Erika weakened to a tropical depression last Thursday. Sorry for the late updates. Lots of things going on.

Torrential Downpour Video [Part 3]

2009-08-30T03:55:00.000-04:00

The third and last video of the torrential downpour that prompted a Flash Flood Warning. Not that the dumpster is now floating and has been displaced.

Torrential Downpour Video [Part 2]

2009-08-30T01:20:00.002-04:00

Here is part two of the torrential downpour that prompted a Flash Flood Warning yesterday.

Torrential Downpour Video [Part 1]

2009-08-28T21:19:00.003-04:00

Here is part one of the edited video from the thunderstorms that produced heavy rain and prompted a Flash Flood Warning for Franklin County.

Part two will be up later on.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Delaware County

2009-08-28T19:35:00.002-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
SOUTHERN DELAWARE COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 800 PM EDT.

* AT 731 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL AND WINDS
TO 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR LEWIS CENTER...MOVING EAST
AT 15 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
SUNBURY...

IN ADDITION...LEWIS CENTER...ALUM CREEK STATE PARK...INTERSTATE 71 AT
US ROUTE 36/STATE ROUTE 37...CENTER VILLAGE AND GALENA ARE NEAR THE
PATH OF THIS SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Northeastern Delaware And Northern Union Counties

2009-08-28T18:08:00.002-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
NORTHWESTERN DELAWARE COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...
NORTHERN UNION COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 645 PM EDT.

* AT 603 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL AND WINDS
TO 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR SOMERSVILLE...MOVING EAST AT
20 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
RICHWOOD...

IN ADDITION...SOMERSVILLE...PHARISBURG...ESSEX...MAGNETIC SPRINGS...
STATE ROUTE 229 AT US ROUTE 23...DELAWARE STATE PARK AND RADNOR ARE
NEAR THE PATH OF THIS SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Northwest Union And SouthEastern Hardin Counties

2009-08-28T17:26:00.003-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
NORTHWESTERN UNION COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...
SOUTHEASTERN HARDIN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 545 PM EDT.

* AT 522 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL AND WINDS
TO 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR BYHALIA...MOVING NORTHEAST
AT 15 MPH.

* THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT MAINLY RURAL AREAS OF
NORTHWESTERN UNION AND SOUTHEASTERN HARDIN COUNTIES...INCLUDING
ESSEX.

Flash Flood Warning For Southern Franklin County

2009-08-28T16:13:00.003-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
SOUTHERN FRANKLIN COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 615 PM EDT.

* AT 342 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
THAT THUNDERSTORMS HAD PRODUCED HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS THE WARNED
AREA. RADAR ESTIMATED THAT BETWEEN 3 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN HAD
FALLEN FROM NEAR GROVE CITY TO AROUND WHITEHALL SINCE 1 PM.

* HEAVY RAIN CONTINUES TO FALL ACROSS THE WARNED AREA WITH ANOTHER
1 TO 2 INCHES POSSIBLE THROUGH 530 PM EDT. RUNOFF FROM THIS
EXCESSIVE RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLASH FLOODING TO OCCUR.

SOME LOCATIONS THAT MAY EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...BEXLEY...
COLUMBUS...GAHANNA...GROVE CITY...REYNOLDSBURG AND GROVEPORT.

I wouldn't doubt that there is localized flooding occurring right now. I was out filming earlier and there's been very few breaks in between torrential down pours. While I didn't see any major flooding while I was out driving just a few minutes ago, the sides of the roads were so entrenched in water that they were very hard to drive through. Expect video later.

Tropical Storm Danny

2009-08-26T21:53:00.001-04:00

It looks like this storm could potentially impact the north-east coastline. If it does, it will be no stronger than a category 1 and will likely be moving pretty darn fast.

Another NASA Shuttle Launch Scrubbed By Weather

2009-08-25T04:38:00.002-04:00

"This launch attempt has been scrubbed due to weather. Conditions just did not improve with enough time to continue the countdown. The launch team is setting up for a 24-hour scrub turnaround.

"Well, C.J., the vehicle and operations were cooperating, but weather unfortunately did not," Launch Director Pete Nickolenko told Discovery Commander Rick "C.J." Sturckow.

Launch is scheduled for 1:10 a.m. Wednesday."

Check out NASA's STS-128 Launch Blog for more details and updates.

More Tornado Warnings

2009-08-20T18:38:00.003-04:00

I was woken up again today by the sound of my weather radio screaming at me. Again there were tornado warnings for neighboring counties, this time to the south. This is what the radar looked like earlier.

Not much happening here otherwise. It looks like a storm may have came through while I was asleep. Our back patio is littered with tree leaves and branches. I can't be sure as of yet. It could have just been windy, and then rained.

Flash Flood Warning For Marion And Morrow

2009-08-19T21:56:00.003-04:00

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Marion and Morrow Counties until 2AM EDT.

It looks like a few small cells have popped up in Franklin County and I'm debating on whether they're worth driving down the road for.

Rude Awakening

2009-08-19T21:31:00.003-04:00

I woke up not too long ago to the weather radio screaming at me and this radar image.

Those red boxes are tornado warnings and the yellow box is a severe thunderstorm warning. No wonder there was a tornado warning with two air masses colliding like that. As per the norm lately, most of the storm activity has moved around Franklin County, but I was able to film a few lightning bolts down the street. I will be uploading them later when I have some free time.

Severe Thunderstorm Bust

2009-08-17T18:27:00.002-04:00

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for a portion of Franklin and neighboring counties earlier. Due to the local radar being out, I did not travel far to try to catch a glimpse of this storm. By the time the radar came back on, the storm seemed to have weakened in to nothing but a rain cloud which is heading our way at this moment.

Tropical Storm Claudette

2009-08-16T18:29:00.006-04:00

Tropical Storm Claudette is will be making landfall on the Florida panhandle sometime tonight. It seems like this storm popped up out of nowhere today. I woke up and there it was; close to Florida.

Update August 17, 2009 1:30AM

Tropical Storm Claudette, with winds of 50MPH, is currently making landfall just west of Deston.

Hurricane Bill

2009-08-15T18:25:00.006-04:00

We now have Tropical Storm Bill which is trailing Ana.

Update August 17, 2009 5:15AM EST.

Bill is now a Hurricane with winds of 75MPH. It is still 3 or 4 days away from even coming close to land. However, it is expected to intensify to a major hurricane in by that time and the long term path remains uncertain.

Update August 18, 2009 9:00PM EST.

Bill is now a major hurricane with winds of 125mph.

It will be Sunday before it impacts the north eastern part of the United States and possibly Canada.

Update August 22, 2009 12:30AM EST.

Bermuda is currently feeling the effects of hurricane Bill and the island is currently in the tropical storm wind field.

Bill has weekend to a category 2 hurricane since my last update.

Update August 24, 2009 1:30AM EST.

Bill has made landfall in Newfoundland Canada as a category 1 hurricane. Bill has caused minor damage in Canada throughout the day.

Update August 24, 2009 9:30AM EST.

Bill has become extratropical.

Tropical Storm Ana

2009-08-15T12:52:00.003-04:00

The first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is here. Ana is currently about 3 days away from the Leeward Islands with winds of 40MPH.

Update August 16, 2009

Ana is now a tropical depression.

Waiting

2009-08-11T18:04:00.002-04:00

Ohio has seen plenty of strong thunderstorm activity recently, but all the storms seem to go around Columbus. Some near Cleveland are still without power and cleaning up fallen trees. Podcaster and coder Chris Miller took this photograph six houses down from his home.

Tropical Storm Felicia

2009-08-07T01:59:00.004-04:00

I usually don't track Pacific hurricanes, but this one is heading for Hawaii which is part of the United States. Right now, the hurricane is a category 4 but it is expected to weaken significantly to a tropical storm or depression before reaching the island. This does not mean that this storm will not be dangerous, however, as there could still be the threat of flooding.

Update August 09, 2009

Felicia is now a tropical storm and is expected to reach the islands by Tuesday morning.

Update August 11, 2009

Felicia has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

Footage From Yesterday Morning

2009-08-05T08:55:00.002-04:00

Thunderstorms were rolling through the area yesterday morning so went out with my camera and filmed this. I got a couple of good lightning bolts but the majority of the action was too far away and not severe enough to chase.

New Blog Feed!

2009-08-03T01:21:00.002-04:00

Get updates from this blog via RSS! You can click here or see the link at the bottom of the side panel.

This Is What Happens When A Tornado Hits A Train

2009-07-10T06:58:00.001-04:00

5 Things NASA Scientists Are Trying To Figure Out About Hurricanes

2009-07-04T08:05:00.001-04:00

JPL scientist Bjorn Lambrigtsen goes on hurricane watch every June. He is part of a large effort to track hurricanes and understand what powers them. Lambrigtsen specializes in the field of microwave instruments, which fly aboard research planes and spacecraft, penetrating through thick clouds to see the heart of a hurricane. While scientists are adept at predicting where these powerful storms will hit land, there are crucial aspects they still need to wrench from these potentially killer storms.

Read Full Article At NASA.GOV

Slow Motion Version Of The Close Lightning Strike Clip

2009-06-27T19:56:00.001-04:00

GOES-O

2009-06-27T19:32:00.002-04:00

NASA's new meteorological satellite has been launched and is expected to begin operating at the end of the year.

Click here to follow NASA's GOES-O launch blog.

Short Clip Of Close Lightning Strike

2009-06-26T04:23:00.001-04:00

Video From The Severe Storm Earlier Tonight

2009-06-26T03:51:00.003-04:00

Video from the one severe thunderstorm that I was able to film last night. Two lightning bolts struck REALLY close and I was able to catch them both. I will be uploading a clip of the one that struck closest very soon.

Semi Truck Blown Over By High Winds

2009-06-25T22:24:00.001-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... WESTERN FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO... SOUTHERN FRANKLIN COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO... NORTHERN PICKAWAY COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 1045 PM EDT.

* AT 1000 PM EDT...LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTED A SEMI TRUCK BLOWN OVER SOUTHWEST OF COLUMBUS. RADAR INDICATED THAT THIS SEVERE THUNDERSTORM REMAINS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WINDS TO 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR OBETZ...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... GROVEPORT... ASHVILLE... CANAL WINCHESTER...

IN ADDITION...OBETZ...LOCKBOURNE... DUVALL...LITHOPOLIS...SLATE RUN METRO PARK AND CARROLL ARE NEAR THE PATH OF THIS SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.

Even More Severe Weather

2009-06-25T22:12:00.002-04:00

I really wish my camera battery wasn't so low on power. I missed the earlier severe storm in the northern part of Franklin county and I'm currently missing this severe storm:

However, I had just enough juice in my camera to film the severe storm that rolled over top of us earlier. I filmed some awesome lightning bolts, including one that stuck VERY close and knocked all the power out in our apartment complex for a few seconds. I haven't even watched it yet, but it will be uploaded soon.

More Severe Weather

2009-06-25T20:26:00.001-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
DELAWARE COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...
NORTHEASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...
LICKING COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...

* UNTIL 915 PM EDT.

* AT 815 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL
AND WINDS TO 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE
EXTENDING FROM WARRENSBURG TO 21 MILES NORTH OF FALLSBURG...MOVING
SOUTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
DELAWARE...
SUNBURY...
UTICA...
WESTERVILLE...
JOHNSTOWN...
GRANVILLE...
GRANVILLE SOUTH...
SUMMIT STATION...

IN ADDITION...WARRENSBURG...KILBOURNE...OLIVE GREEN...STRATFORD...
INTERSTATE 71 AT US ROUTE 36/STATE ROUTE 37...LEWIS CENTER...GALENA
AND HARTFORD ARE NEAR THE PATH OF THESE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS.

Tornado Warning For Southeastern Pickaway County

2009-06-25T15:50:00.001-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN PICKAWAY COUNTY IN CENTRAL OHIO...
EASTERN ROSS COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...

* UNTIL 415 PM EDT.

* AT 343 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR KINGSTON...MOVING SOUTH AT 5 MPH.

* THIS DANGEROUS STORM WILL AFFECT MAINLY RURAL AREAS OF EASTERN ROSS
AND SOUTHEASTERN PICKAWAY COUNTIES...INCLUDING HALLSVILLE AND
MOORESVILLE.

Severe Thunderstorm Video From Last Night

2009-06-21T03:23:00.002-04:00

I really wish that I could have filmed this during the day. There where some VERY strong wind gusts in this storm. I think this makes the first time I've been startled by a microburst. See if you can tell when in the video.

Severe Thunderstorm With Training Cells Video

2009-06-20T10:50:00.002-04:00

Here is the video from the severe thunderstorm that occurred yesterday morning and the cells that kept popping up behind it and moving over the same area (known as thunderstorm training).

Part One

Part Two

Nighttime Severe Thunderstorm

2009-06-20T03:49:00.004-04:00

Just got back from filming this severe thunderstorm.

I wish it wasn't night. My car took on the full brunt of a couple of at least 50MPH wind gusts (while I was parked). The trees where whipping and my car was shaking. I had to roll up my window because I was being pelted by hard rain.

Video will be uploaded once I've edited and uploaded the storms I filmed yesterday morning.

Tornado Warnings

2009-06-19T18:51:00.003-04:00

I've gotten very little sleep today because the weather radio has been going off every 20 minutes.

Latest warnings are tornado warnings for Licking, Knox and Holmes counties.

If you're in Ohio today, be careful and keep a look out.

Severe Thunderstorm

2009-06-19T09:39:00.003-04:00

Filmed a severe thunderstorm with training cells.

I got some awesome footage but unfortunately I need sleep. I should have a little time to edit it tomorrow after I finish my school work for this week.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

2009-06-19T06:47:00.002-04:00

The radar images have been looking impressive today.

About to head out and film.

Tornado Warned Storm In Southern Ohio

2009-06-14T17:48:00.004-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN LEWIS COUNTY IN NORTHEAST KENTUCKY...
SOUTHERN ADAMS COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...

* UNTIL 600 PM EDT.

* AT 519 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR WEST UNION...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 15 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
WEST UNION...
VANCEBURG...

IN ADDITION...STATE ROUTE 348 AT STATE ROUTE 125...CONCORD...BLUE
CREEK...SANDY SPRINGS...ROME AND CARRS ARE NEAR THE PATH OF THIS
DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM.

Also, an update:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
NORTHEASTERN LEWIS COUNTY IN NORTHEAST KENTUCKY...
SOUTHEASTERN ADAMS COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...
SOUTHWESTERN SCIOTO COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...

* UNTIL 615 PM EDT.

* AT 536 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO. THIS DANGEROUS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR ROME...MOVING EAST AT 20 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
VANCEBURG...

IN ADDITION...SANDY SPRINGS...BUENA VISTA...TURKEY CREEK
LAKE...SHAWNEE STATE FOREST...TANNERY...GARRISON...FRIENDSHIP...
REXTON AND SAINT PAUL ARE NEAR THE PATH OF THIS DANGEROUS
THUNDERSTORM

Following the tornado warned storm, there is now a flood warning for the area it traversed over.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
ADAMS COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...
SOUTHWESTERN SCIOTO COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST OHIO...

* UNTIL 830 PM EDT.

* AT 601 PM EDT...THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN WERE CONTINUING TO
PUSH SOUTHEAST ACROSS ADAMS AND SOUTHWEST SCIOTO COUNTY. SINCE 4
PM...TWO TO LOCALLY THREE INCHES OF RAIN HAS ALREADY FALLEN FROM
NEAR CHERRY FORK THROUGH WEST UNION INTO FAR SOUTHWEST SCIOTO
COUNTY. ANOTHER ONE TO LOCALLY TWO INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE
THROUGH 7 PM.

SOME LOCATIONS THAT MAY EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...SEAMAN...WEST
UNION AND WINCHESTER.

Intense Rain And Funnel Cloud

2009-06-12T10:06:00.002-04:00

Here is video of the intense rain we got yesterday along with the funnel cloud that I spotted.

If you listen to the weather radio I had going while in my car, you can hear them report the funnel clouds being spotted at the time. A little while later, I spotted one of my own, filmed it, and documented the hook on radar. This thundershower took on a shape similar to a a super cell before it passed over us and formed the funnel after it left. A few minutes later it lost all of it's strength.

Here is a screen capture of the hook shape that appeared on radar at the time I was filming the brief funnel.

Nighttime Lightning Show

2009-06-02T07:55:00.003-04:00

Me and my roommate Drew drove out to film this thunderstorm last night. It produced a lot of lightning and I got so much great footage that I had to edit and upload it in to two parts.

Part 1

Part 2

The storm turned severe just as it was passing over and around us.

The 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Is Here

2009-06-01T00:35:00.005-04:00

The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts today.

I will be gathering Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm related links again this year so stay tuned!

I also have much better radar software this year, so as the storms approach land, I will literally have a much better picture of what is going on inside the storm.

I wish everyone that lives on the coasts the very best this year. I have family that lives on the coast of South Carolina so I know how nerve racking this time of year can be for some. It's important to realize that these storms happen for a reason. They are part of the cycle that helps maintain our global climates. These storms have been happening since before humans started recording them. The risk of living in a coastal community may be foreshadowed by how pleasant it is most of the year, but being ready for these natural occurrences is a must for all who could potentially be in harm's way this hurricane season and beyond.

Tornado Spotted By NWS

2009-05-30T21:08:00.005-04:00

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio. Have spotted a tornado on the ground. New Vienna is currently in the path of this tornado.

Update: It looks like the NWS radar in Wilmington is offline, probably due to the power being out in the region. I haven't gotten an update from that radar since 9:09PM.

Update: As of 9:55PM the NWS Wilmington radar seems to be operational again.

Line Of Storms

2009-05-30T20:39:00.002-04:00

This line of thunderstorms extends from Indiana to West Virginia on my radar. Red is tornadoes and yellow is sever thunderstorms.

Tropical Depression #1

2009-05-28T18:54:00.002-04:00

It's a few days until the 2009 hurricane season starts and we already have a tropical depression out in the Atlantic. It is not expected to effect any land mass, but there's a good chance that it will strengthen to tropical storm status over night and receive the name Ana.

TD One Track Map

Triple Threat

2009-05-27T17:53:00.002-04:00

The area just northeast of Mendon was just pounded with a flash flood, sever thunderstorm, and tornado warning at the same time. The flash flood warning is still in effect at this time.

My First Filmed Lightning Bolt

2009-05-15T08:56:00.004-04:00

I played around with Windows Movie Maker a little more and figured out how to cut down and edit my videos a little better.

Here is the edited video of the first lightning bolt that I have ever caught on film. Shown in real time and slow motion. Keep your eyes on the upper left hand corner.

Persistence Pays Off

2009-05-14T15:21:00.004-04:00

Persistence payed off this morning when I captured my first bolt of lightning on film. The video itself is unimpressive but I may upload it later when I get better video editing software so that I can cut the video down from it's original eleven minutes and slow it down around the time the bolt appears. Until then, here's a screen capture of the frame. The bolt is in the upper left hand corner.

The good news is that this proves that my camera can capture lightning. I was beginning to worry that the FPS was too slow to accomplish this.

Tornado Warned Storm Video

2009-05-01T23:06:00.001-04:00

This is video from the Tornado Warned storm today in Franklin county. I almost got struck by lightning and I got hit by hail. There was a lowering in the clouds and some rotation right before my phone started ringing... Sorry about my camera fogging up. I know how to correct this quickly now.