Right now we are not looking for a great chance of snow as we had previously forecast. It does look like we might see some light snow, but no accumulations in the valley. It does look like there will be some light accumulations in the higher elevations. There will still be good chances of rain as we go through the rest of the day. Remember to keep it here at ETWeather Blog for the latest on this forecast as new information could change the amount of snow we receive.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rain And More Rain....
Forecast Discussion:
Lots of rain and maybe a thunderstorm as we go through the day. It does look like a chance of strong storms will be limited to the mid Alabama area. The highs today will reach the upper 50s to lower 60s. The rain will continue tonight and Saturday with lows lower to mid 40s and highs in the upper 40s. Saturday night we will see some of this rain begin to mix with and change to snow mainly after midnight. We could see some light accumulations like we did last weekend.
Severe Weather Awareness Week:
Today's Topic: NOAA Weather Radio
Remember to tune to NOAA weather radio in the event that a severe weather event is approaching the area. This will keep you in the know during any type of event and also this will keep you updated on current forecast and information besides severe weather. For more information on NOAA weather radio in this area go here.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Rain And Thunderstorms On The Way....
Forecast Discussion:
Today will be a nice day except for the cloud cover with highs in the lower to mid 60s. Tonight chances of rain begin to creep in to the forecast with lows in the upper40s to lower 50s. Friday we will see a good chance of rain and thunderstorms with highs in the lower 60s. Some of the storms could be strong especially SW of most of East Tennessee toward Chattanooga. Friday night rain showers continue with lows in the mid to upper 40s.
Extended Forecast Summary:
Good chances of rain continue into Saturday and colder air begins to move back into the area by Sunday and Monday.
Severe Weather Awareness Week:
Today's topic: Flooding
Flooding and Flash Flooding are the number one weather related killer!
Most flood deaths occur at night and when people become trapped in automobiles that stall in areas that are flooded.
Flash floods occur within a few minutes or up to 6 hours after excessive rainfall, a dam or levee
failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam or mud slide. Flash floods can tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges.
Because flash floods happen in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, they are
more life threatening than general floods or river flooding. Areas most susceptible to flash
flooding are mountainous streams and rivers, urban areas, low-lying areas, storm drains, and culverts. The mountain regions of middle and east Tennessee have potentially more flash flood problems than west Tennessee but all parts of the state are susceptible.
The National Weather Service issues a Flood Watch when conditions are detected that can
result in either flood or flash flooding within a designated area, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent.
Persons in the watch area are advised to check flood action plans, keep informed, and be ready to take action if a warning is issued or flooding is observed.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. It
focuses on specific communities, streams or areas where flooding is imminent or occurring.
RIVER FLOODING: This type of flood is caused by an increased water level in an established watercourse, such as a river, creek, or drainage ditch. River flooding is generally slower to develop than flash flooding. There can be exceptions to this, especially with some smaller rivers where the time lag between the runoff from heavy rain and the onset of flooding can be very short. This can by the case with several east Tennessee rivers and streams. On the other hand, it may take several days for a flood crest to pass downstream points on major rivers.
The National Weather Service issues River Flood Warnings when rivers are expected to
rise above flood stage in less than six hours. Persons in the warned area are advised to take necessary precautions immediately. River stages and crest forecasts are given for selected forecast points along with known flood stages for each forecast point.
While there is usually more advanced warning time with river floods than with flash floods,
persons should be familiar with the flood prone areas they live and work in, and must know what action to take and where to go if a flood occurs. Advance planning and preparation is essential.
FLOOD SAFETY RULES:
Get out of areas subject to flooding. These include dips, low spots,
stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts. If caught in low areas during
flooding, go to high ground immediately.
Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. A rapidly flowing
stream or ditch can sweep you off your feet or even sweep your car
downstream.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
conditions.
Do not drive through flooded areas. The road bed may be washed away.
Play it safe. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
The rising water may engulf the vehicle and the occupants inside.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams or washes during
threatening conditions.
When a Flash Flood WARNING is issued for your area act quickly to save
yourself. You may only have seconds.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cool Weather Remains....
Forecast Discussion:
Starting out the morning with cold conditions, but warmer than yesterday. Look for a mostly sunny day today with highs in the upper 40s. Clouds will thicken up for tonight with lows in the lower 30s. Nice warm conditions return for your Wednesday with partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid to upper 50s. Wednesday night expect mostly cloudy skies with lows in the lower 40s.
Extended Forecast Summary:
Most of the area will see some rain by Friday and clearing by Saturday and Sunday with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s.
Severe Weather Awareness:
Today's Topic: Lightning
What is Lightning?
The action of rising and descending air within a thunderstorm separates positive and negative electrical charges. Lightning results from the buildup and discharge of electrical energy between these positively and negatively charged areas. Lightning charges may reach as high as 100 million volts. This electrical charge is always searching for the path of least resistance to complete the circuit.
Lightning will normally strike the tallest object in the area of the potential discharge. Tall trees, light poles and telephone lines are frequent targets for lightning strikes. Lightning is always a potential killer. Whether the storm is a large spring time severe storm or the more common afternoon variety, it contains this deadly killer. It may strike an isolated tree or an object out in the open, or it may strike you.
Keep in mind that you do not have to be standing directly beneath a cloud to be hit. Lightning may strike many miles from the parent storm. In an average year lightning will claim more victims than tornadoes or hurricanes.
EVERY THUNDERSTORM CONTAINS LIGHTNING.
Lightning Safety Rules—Outdoors
Seek shelter inside a house, large building or an all metal vehicle with the windows rolled up (avoid convertibles).
If your hair stands on end and your skin tingles... lightning is about to strike. Take cover
immediately!
If you can't find appropriate shelter, get down to avoid being the highest point for a lightning discharge. When caught in the open, seek shelter in a low area. Crouch down and cover your head with your hands. If you are with a group of people, everyone should scatter out before crouching.
If caught in a wooded area seek out the area with the smallest trees. Stand at least five feet
from the trunk of the nearest tree to avoid flying bark, should the tree be hit by lightning.
When boating, head for shore and get into a shelter, or vehicle. If caught in a boat, lie
down in the boat with cushions between you and the boat's side and bottom.
AVOID
Large trees, hilltops and other high places.
Chain link fences and any other metal fences like those around ball parks and play grounds.
Motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, small metal sheds, bicycles, tractors and farm equipment that does not have an enclosed metal cab.
Do you know what group of people are most likely to get struck by lightning? It is farmers,
followed then by golfers.
Information provided by: The National Weather Service in Morristown, TN
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunny And Cool....
Forecast Discussion:
Very chilly start for your Monday morning with temperatures in the teens. Looks like a nice warm up for today with mostly sunny skies and lower 40s for highs. Another cold night with mostly clear conditions and lows in the upper teens to lower 20s. Tuesday slightly warmer with highs in the mid to upper 40s. Tuesday night partly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s to lower 30s.
Extended Discussion Summary:
Much warmer conditions by Wednesday and unsettle weather returns by Thursday and Friday.
Severe Weather Awareness Week:
Today's Topic: Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms can strike any time of the year. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are more frequent in the spring months of March, April and May. Tennessee also has a "secondary" severe weather season in November and December. Severe thunderstorms can, and do, occur anytime of the day and night and during any month of the year. Damaging
thunderstorm winds are much more common in Tennessee than tornadoes.
The National Weather Service defines a thunderstorm as “severe” when wind speeds reach 58
mph (50 kts) or stronger and/or 3/4 inch hail (or larger) falls from the storm. Winds from severe thunderstorms can well exceed 100 mph, overturning trailers, unroofing homes, and toppling trees and power lines. Most of the storm damage in the Mid-South is caused by “straight line winds” from thunderstorm downbursts. Severe Thunderstorm wind speeds may exceed the wind speeds of weak tornadoes. All thunderstorms are capable of producing deadly lightning.
PLEASE NOTE:
Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no warning!!
Severe Thunderstorm Safety Rules
FIND SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. Go to a sturdy building that will withstand high winds. Avoid electrical appliances, metal pipes and corded telephones.
When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your location, treat it the same as
you would a Tornado Warning. Remember that severe thunderstorms can produce damaging
winds, large hail and deadly lightning.
Information provided by: The National Weather Service in Morristown, TN
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Clearing Out And Cold....
Forecast Discussion:
Well some us saw some of the white stuff and now many are being to clear out, but some may still see some snow showers. Highs today are expected to be in the lower to mid 30s. Tonight partly cloudy conditions with lows in the upper teens to lower 20s. Monday will be cool and sunny with highs in the lower to mid 40s. Monday night another cold one with upper teens to lower 20s.
Extended Forecast Summary:
Warming back into the 50s by Wednesday and rain showers by Thursday and Friday.
Severe Weather Awareness Week:
Today's topic: Skywarn
What is SKYWARNTM?
SKYWARNTM is a nationwide network of volunteer storm spotters trained by the National Weather Service (NWS) to report significant weather. Anyone with an interest in weather is welcome to participate. To become a trained storm spotter, you need to attend a storm training session, offered at various times and places across the MorristownCounty Warning Area.
Why SKYWARNTM?
The National Weather Service's mission is to protect lives and property with safety being the top priority. When weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes to develop, a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued. A severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued when severe weather has been reported by a SKYWARNTM spotter or indicated by Doppler radar. SKYWARNTM volunteers become the NWS's and local Emergency Management's eyes and ears, helping them to provide the public with better weather watch and warning services.
Who will activate SKYWARNTM?
The NWS and/or the local emergency management authorities may activate the SKYWARNTM net whenever there is a threat of severe weather or when the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. In this case, information may be relayed through amateur radio repeaters. Localized events may be phoned directly to the NWS and/or local emergency management.
Where will SKYWARNTM observations be taken?
SKYWARNTM reports are relayed from on the road, while at work, or at your home. It is important not to jeopardize your own safety by placing yourself in the path of severe weather while participating in SKYWARNTM.
SKYWARNTM and Amateur Radio Operators
HAM radio operators have a special place in the SKYWARNTM program. NWS offices have HAM equipment on site. SKYWARNTM nets run by the volunteer amateur radio net control operators allow for reports to be directly heard at National Weather Service offices.
How do I join SKYWARNTM?
For additional information on SKYWARNTM including times and locations of storm spotter training sessions, please e-mail Tim Troutman (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or phone (423) 586-8706, Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. This years spotter schedule is right here.
All information provided by: The National Weather Service in Morristown, TN.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Some Of The White Stuff....
Forecast Discussion:
Well it does look like we will have an interesting day as we get closer to the evening hours. Right now temperatures are warming up nicely and expect that to continue as we go through the day with highs in the lower to mid 50s. This evening to late night hours is when the weather will change completely. Expect the activity to initially start as rain showers and then quickly change over to snow showers. The mountains could see 1-3 inches and the valley dusting to a inch. The reason for the small amounts is due to the warm ground temperatures and a fast moving system. Make sure you keep it here or on your favorite media outlet for the latest on this storm system. We could see some lingering snow showers or flurries early on Sunday with highs in the mid to upper 30s. Sunday night will be party cloudy with lows in the upper teens to lower 20s.
Extended Forecast Discussion:
Cool temperatures to start the work week, but a nice warm up by Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the 50s. More unsettle weather by Thursday and Friday.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sunny, But Cool Day....
Forecast Discussion:
It does look like today will be a sunny day, but cool with highs in the lower to mid 40s. Tonight we should see some clouds begin to move into the area with lows dropping into the lower to mid 20s. Here comes the interesting weather on Saturday with rain showers possible and highs in the lower to mid 50s. We should see rain shower become more likely in the evening hours, then a possible switch over to snow in the early morning hours. This will have to be monitored with lows expected to drop into the mid to upper 20s. There is the possibility for some light accumulations, but remember the grounds will be warm at the onset of the precipitation due to the warm temperatures Saturday afternoon.
Extended Forecast Discussion:
Slight chance of snow showers or rain showers on Sunday, and turning off cold again Monday and Tuesday with lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s.
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