Severe Weather Is Possible Throughout the Year in North Carolina, and It Is Important to Be Prepared When It Occurs
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National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3. -
Code Gray Watch- Indicates a High Probability of a Tornado in the Area of the Watch
St. Vincent’s Health System Page 1 of 9 TITLE: SEVERE WEATHER/WINTER WEATHER PLAN FACILITY: FUNCTION: ORIGINATING DEPT: ST. VINCENT’S EAST SAFETY HOSPITAL SHARED POLICY? EFFECTIVE DATE: _X_ Yes __ No DOCUMENT NUMBER: LAST REVIEW DATE: 4100-805 A ORIGINATION DATE: LAST REVISION DATE: NEW 9/2007 APPROVAL DATE: RETIREMENT DATE: PURPOSE To establish guidelines in the event of an outbreak of severe weather such as tornado/ hurricane or winter weather conditions such as snow/ice that may have the potential to affect/harm operations, services or physical structure. This plan applies to all St. Vincent’s East associates, Medical Staff, contracted employees, and volunteers for all components of the health care organization. POLICY It is the policy of St. Vincent’s East to maintain essential services and operation during any severe weather/winter weather while providing for the protection, safety and health of patients, associates and visitors. Where time and conditions permit, the Incident Commander may enact the Severe Weather/Winter Weather Plan. The plan allows management to consider staffing, procedure cancellation, supply needs and other preparatory actions before the expected weather/emergency is at hand. In the event of inclement weather or emergency situations special staffing instructions for essential service, reserve service and delayed service departments will be broadcast on the Inclement Weather & Emergency Hotline 838-3411. All associates are asked to call the hotline for directives during inclement weather emergencies. Human Resources Department will address compensation and notify associates accordingly. DEFINITIONS Code Gray Watch- indicates a high probability of a tornado in the area of the watch. -
February 2021 Historical Winter Storm Event South-Central Texas
Austin/San Antonio Weather Forecast Office WEATHER EVENT SUMMARY February 2021 Historical Winter Storm Event South-Central Texas 10-18 February 2021 A Snow-Covered Texas. GeoColor satellite image from the morning of 15 February, 2021. February 2021 South Central Texas Historical Winter Storm Event South-Central Texas Winter Storm Event February 10-18, 2021 Event Summary Overview An unprecedented and historical eight-day period of winter weather occurred between 10 February and 18 February across South-Central Texas. The first push of arctic air arrived in the area on 10 February, with the cold air dropping temperatures into the 20s and 30s across most of the area. The first of several frozen precipitation events occurred on the morning of 11 February where up to 0.75 inches of freezing rain accumulated on surfaces in Llano and Burnet Counties and 0.25-0.50 inches of freezing rain accumulated across the Austin metropolitan area with lesser amounts in portions of the Hill Country and New Braunfels area. For several days, the cold air mass remained in place across South-Central Texas, but a much colder air mass remained stationary across the Northern Plains. This record-breaking arctic air was able to finally move south into the region late on 14 February and into 15 February as a strong upper level low-pressure system moved through the Southern Plains. As this system moved through the region, snow began to fall and temperatures quickly fell into the single digits and teens. Most areas of South-Central Texas picked up at least an inch of snow with the highest amounts seen from Del Rio and Eagle Pass extending to the northeast into the Austin and San Antonio areas. -
Winter Bird Feeding
BirdNotes 1 Winter Bird Feeding birds at feeders in winter If you feed birds, you’re in good company. Birding is one of North America’s favorite pastimes. A 2006 report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that about 55.5 mil- lion Americans provide food for wild birds. Chickadees Titmice Cardinals Sparrows Wood- Orioles Pigeons Nuthatches Finches Grosbeaks Blackbirds Jays peckers Tanagers Doves Sunflower ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Safflower ◆ ◆ ◆ Corn ◆ ◆ ◆ Millet ◆ ◆ ◆ Milo ◆ ◆ Nyjer ◆ Suet ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Preferred ◆ Readily Eaten Wintertime—and the Living’s counting birds at their feeders during selecting the best foods daunting. To Not Easy this winterlong survey. Great Back- attract a diversity of birds, provide a yard Bird Count participants provide variety of food types. But that doesn’t n much of North America, winter valuable data with a much shorter mean you need to purchase one of ev- Iis a difficult time for birds. Days time commitment—as little as fifteen erything on the shelf. are often windy and cold; nights are minutes in mid-February! long and even colder. Lush vegeta- Which Seed Types tion has withered or been consumed, Types of Bird Food Should I Provide? and most insects have died or become uring spring and summer, most dormant. Finding food can be espe- lack-oil sunflower seeds attract songbirds eat insects and spi- cially challenging for birds after a D Bthe greatest number of species. ders, which are highly nutritious, heavy snowfall. These seeds have a high meat-to- abundant, and for the most part, eas- shell ratio, they are nutritious and Setting up a backyard feeder makes ily captured. -
Winter Jet Stream Trends Over the Northern Hemisphere
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 133: 2109–2115 (2007) Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/qj.171 Winter jet stream trends over the Northern Hemisphere Courtenay Stronga* and Robert E. Davisb a University of California, Irvine, USA b Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA ABSTRACT: Trends in the speed and probability of winter jet stream cores over the Northern Hemisphere were measured for 1958–2007, and related changes in the thermal structure of the troposphere were identified. Eddy-driven jet (EDJ) core speeds and probabilities increased over the midlatitudes (40–60 °N), with changes as large as 15% (speed) and 30% (probability). These increasing trends are collocated with increases in baroclinicity driven by a spatially heterogeneous pattern of height change consisting of large-scale warming with cooling centres embedded poleward of 60 °N. The cooling centres reduced high-latitude baroclinicity, making jet cores poleward of 60 °N less frequent and weaker. Over the west and central Pacific, subtropical jet stream (STJ) core probabilities remained relatively constant while core speeds increased by as much as 1.75 m/s decade−1 in association with Hadley cell intensification. The STJ shifted poleward over the east Pacific and Middle East, and an equatorward shift and intensification of the STJ were found over the Atlantic basin–contributing to an increased separation of the EDJ and STJ. Copyright 2007 Royal Meteorological Society KEY WORDS general circulation; climate change; global warming Received 25 March 2007; Revised 23 August 2007; Accepted 18 September 2007 1. -
January 28, 2021
Winds kick up but storm milder than expected so far By John Cox Bakersfield Californian, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 Strong winds knocked out power around Bakersfield and snow shut down traffic on the Grapevine Wednesday but the consensus was things could have been worse — and that it was too soon to declare they won't be. A wind advisory and a winter storm warning were in effect in parts of the county Wednesday as gusts of up to 55 mph hit the Arvin area and snow fell at 3,500 feet, with more expected as low as 2,000 feet. Authorities cautioned travelers headed across mountain passes to stay informed of changing weather conditions and keep extra food, water and blankets in their vehicles. Not as much rain came down by mid-afternoon Wednesday as had been expected, which came as a relief to almond growers after last week's wintry weather knocked down substantial portions of some local orchards. Farmers said the ground was drier this time and so winds Tuesday night and Wednesday weren't generally enough to blow trees sideways. “It hasn’t been a devastation because there hasn’t been enough rain,” McKittrick-area almond grower Don Davis said. A California Highway Patrol spokesman said there had been few problems in the Bakersfield area apart from downed power lines on Ashe Road and a 53-foot tractor-trailer that swiped the side of a mountain while taking Highway 178 through the Kern River Canyon to avoid storm-related closures elsewhere. Public Information Officer Roberto Rodriguez said Highway 58 through the Tehachapi area was open Wednesday but that the Grapevine closed at about 4 a.m. -
1A.1 a Unique Cold-Season Supercell Produces an Ef1 ‘Snownado’
1A.1 A UNIQUE COLD-SEASON SUPERCELL PRODUCES AN EF1 ‘SNOWNADO’ David Sills1*, Marie-Ève Giguère2, and John Henderson3 1Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), King City, ON 2Meteorological Service of Canada, ECCC, Montréal, QC 3Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Lexington, MA 1. INTRODUCTION1 2. STORM EVOLUTION On November 23, 2013, the ‘forecast problem du A weak low-pressure system moved southeast jour’ in southern Ontario, Canada, was the onset across the Great Lakes area during the morning of of significant snow squalls to the lee of the Great November 23rd. An associated secondary low Lakes following the passage of an Arctic cold front rapidly intensified while traversing the relatively (Fig. 1a). It was discovered a short time later warm (~7ºC) waters of Lake Huron’s Georgian however that, in addition to snow squalls, a Bay (Fig. 2). tornado had occurred that day. Low-level reflectivity images from the Environment An EF1 tornado track was identified at Charleville and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) radar in (Fig. 1b) via an on-site damage survey. It was Britt, ON, show the transformation from a cluster found to have a path length of at least 270 m (Fig. of showers on the west side of Georgian Bay at 1c), a path width of 75 m and an event time of 0900 UTC (Fig. 3a) to a well-developed vortex just 2015 UTC+. No fatalities or injuries resulted, but inland from the east side of the Bay at 1200 UTC farm structures (Fig. 1d) and trees were damaged. (Fig. 3b). Similar cyclone intensification over the Great Lakes was found by Angel and Isard (1997). -
ESSENTIALS of METEOROLOGY (7Th Ed.) GLOSSARY
ESSENTIALS OF METEOROLOGY (7th ed.) GLOSSARY Chapter 1 Aerosols Tiny suspended solid particles (dust, smoke, etc.) or liquid droplets that enter the atmosphere from either natural or human (anthropogenic) sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Sulfur-containing fossil fuels, such as coal, produce sulfate aerosols. Air density The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume occupied by it. Air density is usually expressed as g/cm3 or kg/m3. Also See Density. Air pressure The pressure exerted by the mass of air above a given point, usually expressed in millibars (mb), inches of (atmospheric mercury (Hg) or in hectopascals (hPa). pressure) Atmosphere The envelope of gases that surround a planet and are held to it by the planet's gravitational attraction. The earth's atmosphere is mainly nitrogen and oxygen. Carbon dioxide (CO2) A colorless, odorless gas whose concentration is about 0.039 percent (390 ppm) in a volume of air near sea level. It is a selective absorber of infrared radiation and, consequently, it is important in the earth's atmospheric greenhouse effect. Solid CO2 is called dry ice. Climate The accumulation of daily and seasonal weather events over a long period of time. Front The transition zone between two distinct air masses. Hurricane A tropical cyclone having winds in excess of 64 knots (74 mi/hr). Ionosphere An electrified region of the upper atmosphere where fairly large concentrations of ions and free electrons exist. Lapse rate The rate at which an atmospheric variable (usually temperature) decreases with height. (See Environmental lapse rate.) Mesosphere The atmospheric layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere. -
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation NWS Terminology Convective Outlook Categories Risk Description 0 - Delineates, to the right of a line, where a 10% or greater probability of General thunderstorms is forecast during the valid period. 1 - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low Marginal coverage and marginal intensity. An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with 2 - Slight varying levels of intensity. 3 - An area of greater (relative to Slight risk) severe storm coverage with varying Enhanced levels of intensity. An area where widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous 4 - severe thunderstorms is likely, some of which should be intense. This risk is Moderate usually reserved for days with several supercells producing intense tornadoes and/or very large hail, or an intense squall line with widespread damaging winds. An area where a severe weather outbreak is expected from either numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived derecho-producing thunderstorm complex that produces hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage. This 5 - High risk is reserved for when high confidence exists in widespread coverage of severe weather with embedded instances of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or very damaging convective wind events). Hazardous Weather Risks Risk Description An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to Advisory situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event. -
Driving in the Winter Factsheet
Driving in the Winter FactSheet HS04-010B (9-07) Even in Texas the onset of winter can bring severe • Winter Storm Watch winter weather conditions. Employers and employees alerts the public to the who drive for a living need to be aware of how to possibility of a blizzard, drive in winter weather. The leading cause of death heavy snow, freezing rain, during a winter storm is driving accidents and multiple or heavy sleet. vehicle accidents are more likely in severe winter weather conditions. Employers and employees can • Winter Storm Warning is take steps to increase safety while driving in winter issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy weather. freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. • Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel. • Winter Weather Advisories are issued when An employer should maintain information on its accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing employees’ driving destinations, driving routes, drizzle, and sleet may cause significant and estimated time of arrivals. Drivers should inconvenience and moderately dangerous be patient while driving, because trip time can conditions. increase in winter weather. • Snow is frozen precipitation formed when • Winterize vehicles before traveling in winter temperatures are below freezing in most of the weather. Before driving have a mechanic atmosphere from the earth’s surface to cloud check the following items on vehicles: battery; level. antifreeze; wipers and windshield washer fluid; ignition system; thermostat; lights; flashing • Sleet, also know as ice pellets, is formed when hazard lights; exhaust system; heater; brakes; precipitation or raindrops freeze before hitting defroster; tires (check for adequate tread); and the ground. -
Warning Uses Definition of Terms
Warning Uses Convective Weather Flooding Winter Weather Non-Precipitation Tornado Watch Flash Flood Watch Blizzard Warning Tornado Warning Flash Flood Warning Winter Storm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Flood Watch Winter Storm Warning High Wind Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Flood Warning Snow Advisory Small Stream Flood Freezing Rain Advisory High Wind Advisory Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Weather Advisory Definition of Terms Term Definition Winter Weather There is a good chance of a major winter storm developing in the next several days. Outlook Winter Storm Watch There is a greater than 50% chance of a major winter storm in the next several days Winter Storm Any combination of winter weather including snow, sleet, or blowing snow. The Warning snow amount must meet a minimum accumulation amount which varies by location. Blizzard Warning Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will last for at least 3 hours. Ice Storm Warning Freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet. Wind Chill Warning Wind chill temperature less than or equal to -20 and wind greater than or equal to 10 mph. Winter Weather Any combination of winter weather such as snow, blowing snow, sleet, etc. where Advisory the snow amount is a hazard but does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria above. Freezing Light freezing rain or drizzle with little accumulation. Rain/Drizzle Advisory . -
Programming NOAA Weather Radio
Why Do I Need a NOAA Weather Radio? ⦿ NOAA Weather Radio is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. ⦿ One of the quickest and most reliable way to get life saving weather and emergency alerts from government and public safety officials. ⦿ NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. What Features Do Weather Radios Have? ⦿ Tone alarm ⦿ S.A.M.E. Technology ⦿ Selectable alerting of events ⦿ Battery backup ● In the event of a power outage the radio will still work with the batteries ⦿ External antenna jack ⦿ Can be hooked up to attention getting devices ● Strobe lights, pagers, bed shakers, computers, text printers Where Should They Be Kept? ⦿ Near a window in a home or office. ● Receive better reception ⦿ It is a good idea to keep one with sports equipment for emergency alerts. ⦿ Everyone should take one with them while outdoors (boating, camping) or traveling. Getting to Know Your NWR 3 4 1. Programming Buttons 2 2. Select 2 5 3. Menu 1 1 4. Warning Light-Red 6 5. Watch Light- Orange 6. Advisory Light- Yellow 7 7. Weather Radio On/Off Switch 8 8. Volume Up/Down 9 9. Weather/Snooze Button Getting to Know Your NWR: Display Icons 1. Low Battery 3 4 5 Indicator 2 6 1 7 2. Menu Indicator 3. Weather Radio On Indicator 4. Warning Tone Alert 5. Voice Alert 6. Clock Alarm 7. Volume Level Bars 8 8. Alphanumeric Starting Your NWR 1.