Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Low tornado count across the United States so far in 2013
The total number of tornadoes through early May is considerably behind the national annual average. It is also the lowest in nearly 60 years, since at least 1954. There have been 3 tornado fatalities in 2013; by the end of May 2011, 543 Americans had died. There has been a total of 20 confirmed tornadoes in the state of Alabama from January through April 2013. We are near normal for number of tornadoes. The tornado outbreaks of April 2011 are what stand out in most people's minds, but they were not the norm.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Deep South Chill
Alabamians are used to the wacky weather in the summer, but a late spring chill is something to talk about. Reaching for the jacket heading out to Mother's day dinner is a bit unusual and we did break some records. Here's what happened…
A large, cold core upper low covered the Deep South in early May this year. The upper level low pressure system was responsible for the wet and unusually cold weather pattern across our area from May 4th through May 6th.
It all began with a surface front that pushed eastward across the State on Friday May 3rd. Check out some of these records recorded by the NWS!
Minimum High Temperature Records
Date Location High Temp Previous Record/Date
May 4th Birmingham 60, 60 (1967,1921)
May 5th Birmingham 59, 60 (1917)
*Tuscaloosa 58, 68 (1960, 1957)
May 6th Birmingham 61, 61 (1992)
Montgomery 65, 65 (1992)
Anniston 58, 62 (1992)
NWS: *Tuscaloosa also set a new all-time record minimum high temperature for the month of May with its high temperature reading of 58 degrees on May 5th. This broke the previous record of 61 set on 5/13/1971, 5/3/1970, 5/12/1960, and 5/6/1958.
Image Credit: NWS
Info By NWS, CPC
A large, cold core upper low covered the Deep South in early May this year. The upper level low pressure system was responsible for the wet and unusually cold weather pattern across our area from May 4th through May 6th.
It all began with a surface front that pushed eastward across the State on Friday May 3rd. Check out some of these records recorded by the NWS!
Minimum High Temperature Records
Date Location High Temp Previous Record/Date
May 4th Birmingham 60, 60 (1967,1921)
May 5th Birmingham 59, 60 (1917)
*Tuscaloosa 58, 68 (1960, 1957)
May 6th Birmingham 61, 61 (1992)
Montgomery 65, 65 (1992)
Anniston 58, 62 (1992)
NWS: *Tuscaloosa also set a new all-time record minimum high temperature for the month of May with its high temperature reading of 58 degrees on May 5th. This broke the previous record of 61 set on 5/13/1971, 5/3/1970, 5/12/1960, and 5/6/1958.
Releases at Logan Martin Dam
Flooding at Logan Martin Lake
Image Credit: NWS
Info By NWS, CPC
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
According to a recent list released by Dr. Greg Forbes of The Weather Channel, three Alabama cities rank in the top 10 most tornado-prone cities in the nation. Not hard to believe coming off of one of the most active tornado seasons in history, the record breaking, deadly and costly 2011 tornado season. Dr. Forbes gathered data from the Storm Prediction Center between 1962-2011. He uses numbers within 75 miles of the city tornado paths, including the tornado damage path widths and lengths. His method works more with probability of a particular location getting hit by a tornado than using the raw numbers of tornado that have occurred within a metro area.
1.) Huntsville
2). Jackson, Miss.
3). Birmingham4). Tuscaloosa
5). Little Rock, Ark.
6). Tulsa, Okla.
7). Oklahoma City
8). Atlanta, Ga.
9) Wichita, Kan.
10). Nashville, Tenn.
Image by: Harmony Mendoza
Monday, April 29, 2013
What is a rain garden?
What is a rain garden?
According to http://www.raingardennetwork.com/, a rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. They recommend that the garden be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump. This will capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system.
By building a rain garden using native plants, some property owners can reduce the amount of pollution that would enter nearby water bodies or sewer. Rain gardens can also prevent surface erosion, it can reduce standing water, and create habitat for wildlife such as bugs and birds. They work well in urban and residential areas, so no matter where you live an eden is possible.
To read more on how you can create your own, just click the link in the body of this story...happy planting!
According to http://www.raingardennetwork.com/, a rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. They recommend that the garden be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump. This will capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system.
By building a rain garden using native plants, some property owners can reduce the amount of pollution that would enter nearby water bodies or sewer. Rain gardens can also prevent surface erosion, it can reduce standing water, and create habitat for wildlife such as bugs and birds. They work well in urban and residential areas, so no matter where you live an eden is possible.
To read more on how you can create your own, just click the link in the body of this story...happy planting!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Thunderstorms are very common here in central Alabama
Central, Ala. - Thunderstorms are very common here in central Alabama as we all know too well. During the Summer months, when central Alabama is typically under the influence of high pressure, thunderstorms usually form along outflow boundaries or simply during the heating of the afternoon.
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Click the link below for the full story:
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Tropical Weather Outlook
NHC issuing advisories on TS MARIA and TS NATE
Storm Surge - Water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.
Inland Flooding - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the US.
High Winds - Hurricane force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
Tornados - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornados are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
What Should I Do With a Watch or Warning?
When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your part of the coast this indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your part of the coast this indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
What Are The Hurricane Hazards?
Storm Surge - Water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.
Inland Flooding - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the US.
High Winds - Hurricane force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
Tornados - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornados are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
What Should I Do With a Watch or Warning?
When a HURRICANE WATCH is issued for your part of the coast this indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc. When a HURRICANE WARNING is issued for your part of the coast this indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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