Barrage of storms to bring rain, strong winds from London to Madrid this week

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 31,2017, 10:54:56AM,EST

 

 

Western Europe will be under siege from a series of storms this week as locations from the United Kingdom to Spain brace for strong winds and rain.
In a dramatic shift from the largely tranquil weather so far this year, Dublin, London, Paris, Madrid and Lisbon could all have travel-disrupting weather as multiple Atlantic storms lash western Europe.
The initial threat for travel disruption will be on Thursday as the first storm takes a shot at western Europe.

The greatest impacts will be across northern Portugal and northern Spain where local downpours and wind gusts of 65-80 kph (40-50 mph) could result in widespread travel delays.
Rain showers and occasional gusts to 65 km/h (40 mph) are expected across northwestern France, southwestern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland where some minor travel impacts are possible.
Another storm quickly approaching on Friday will target areas from Wales and England southward through western France and northern Spain with rain and potentially damaging winds.
Gusts of 65-80 km/h (40-50 mph) will be common across the region with hardest hit locations seeing winds exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
Areas currently with the greatest risk of damaging winds on Friday include northwester Spain, northwestern France and southwestern England.
By Saturday, a third storm will once again put all of western Europe at risk for travel disruptions as rain and strong winds resume.
Locations across southern England and northern France will be at greatest risk for winds capable of producing travel disruption and power outages. Widespread gusts over 65 km/h (40 mph) are expected with localized gusts over 100 km/h (62 mph).
Related:
United Kingdom Weather Center
France Weather Center
Spain Weather Center
A fourth storm in as many days will then target western Europe, with the greatest threat for damaging winds once again across southern England and France. The potential for strong winds with localized travel disruption could expand southward through Spain as well.
“Each of these storms will pose the threat for power outages, transportation delays and flooding,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Dangerous seas will be a constant across the Bay of Biscay, Celtic Sea and English Channel from Thursday through the weekend.
“Coastal flooding at high tide is also possible from northern Portugal to western Ireland and southwestern England on Thursday and Thursday night,” added Roys.
The potential exists for at least one of these storms to organize into a widespread damaging wind storm which could impact several countries. If those impacts are significant enough in the U.K., the name Doris could be given to the storm making it the fourth named storm of the season.
AccuWeather meteorologists are currently most concerned with the time period from Saturday through Sunday for a potential widespread damaging wind event which may include the southern U.K. and France.
The exact track and intensity of these storms will result in significant differences in the expected weather impacts so check back for updates in the coming days.

 

Climate change isn't the only culprit behind massive ice shelf crack in Antarctica

By Courtney Barrow, AccuWeather staff writer

January 31,2017, 3:36:43PM,EST

 

A crack running along the Antarctic ice shelf has scientists on alert, but this time the changing climate isn't to blame.
A massive fissure is moving at an accelerated rate across Larsen C, an ice shelf on the northern peninsula in Antarctica. While the knee-jerk reaction for many may be to blame such a crack on climate change, it's just one of several possible reasons as to why the ice shelf is separating.
"The driving force for the crack is all about geometry and stresses in the ice. Climate change could be playing a role," said Heidi Sevestre, a glaciologist at University of St. Andrew's in Scotland.
Sevestre spent six weeks down on the ice shelf in 2015, living in a tent with other scientists as they studied the icy environment.

The sun hangs over the Antarctic horizon at sunset for Heidi Sevestre and her camp. (Photo/Heidi Sevestre)
According to Sevestre, cracks in the ice are part of the natural life of an ice shelf. They're a normal response to geometric stresses in the ice, depending on how fast the ice is moving.
However, this crack is breaking at a faster rate than most do, and it's raised some eyebrows as to what it might mean for Larsen C. The reason for its accelerated breaking remains, so far, undetermined.
"If they didn’t fracture and cave off of icebergs, they would just be getting bigger," said Dan McGrath, a glaciologist at Colorado State University. "So it’s a very natural part of the process that we’re witnessing here."
McGrath spent several seasons on the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically on Larsen C in 2011.
"It by itself... this potential caving event is not directly tied to climate change," McGrath said. "It’s not directly tied to warming atmospheric temperatures in the atmosphere of the peninsula."
"There is this big iceberg forming," Sevestre said. "It is not quite an ice shelf because it is still attached to the ice shelf, but it’s only attached by about 20 kilometers of ice, which is very, very small."
Ice shelves work as barriers from the ice on the mountains to the ocean, Sevestre explained. Once there is no longer something preventing the ice from the mountains flowing into the ocean, ice can flow right into the waves and add to sea-level rise.

McGrath's team moving supplies across the barren Antarctic landscape. (Photo/Dan McGrath)
"All the ice is contained in these glaciers and is suddenly being discharged or dumped into the ocean," Sevestre said.
As the ice melts, the glaciers will start to speed up, contributing to further ice falling into the sea water, Sevestre explained. More recently, some glaciers have accelerated to five to ten times faster than previously seen.
One ice shelf has already mostly disappeared from the region in recent months. Larsen B is almost entirely gone after it became too unstable.
Larsen B was also part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Due to warm winds from the mountains, lakes and ponds developed on the surface of the ice sheet. Suddenly, the water from the bodies of water seeped through the ice. Larsen B disappeared almost completely in a matter of months.
According to Sevestre, early signs of similar lakes are already forming on Larsen C.
"Climate change could be playing a role," Sevestre said. "It’s hard for us to draw a direct link between how the crack is behaving at the moment and climate change."
Related links:
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For now, glaciologists are watching the activity in the ice intently.
"We’re trying to understand Larsen C and the properties that are leading to this rift growth," said McGrath, "in order to understand the stability of the much larger ice shelves that are in the Antarctic ice sheet."
"Even if Antarctica looks like something that is very, very far away," Sevestre said, "it is important to remember what is currently happening in Antarctica will impact us in the future and is already impacting us."

 

February thaw expected across Germany following frigid January

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 31,2017, 9:23:08AM,EST

 

 

An unrelenting cold air mass that settled over Germany during January will be replaced with waves of milder air throughout the month of February.
While most of Germany has experienced prolonged periods of below-normal temperatures, Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg have endured the harshest conditions.
Temperatures have averaged 3-6 degrees Celsius (5-10 degrees Fahrenheit) below normal across the region in January. Along with the frigid air, periods of freezing fog and poor air quality affected many locations.

Munich has had five days with an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) or more below normal with a minimum temperature of minus 22 C (minus 7 F) reported on two separate days in early January.
The powerful area of high pressure that has been responsible for this cold weather pattern will finally shift eastward, allowing milder air to return throughout Germany this week.
This shift to milder weather is expected to prevail throughout most of February as cold air retreats into Russia and storms battering western Europe allow milder air from the Mediterranean to surge northward across Germany.
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High temperatures will routinely average 6-9 C (42-48 F) throughout the country with occasional days of temperatures reaching or surpassing 10 C (50 F).
The highest frequency of days with temperatures at or above 10 C (50 F) will be in the southwest and west, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Cologne.

Despite frequent storms battering western Europe, precipitation is expected to be near to slightly below normal across the country in February, with the most widespread precipitation expected in the west and north.
This change to milder air will also limit the threat for accumulating snowfall in the lower elevations compared to January which saw numerous snowfall events.
Even though most of the storms will bring only minor impacts to Germany during February, there will be an increased risk for a significant wind storm during the second half of the month.

Snow to sweep across northeastern US into midweek

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 31,2017, 11:31:19PM,EST

A quick-hitting snowstorm spreading across the northeastern United States will bring slippery road conditions and delays into the middle of the week.

The swift nature of this storm and its path designates this storm as an Alberta Clipper.
“The name is due to their origin in western Canada and because of their quick pace, like the Clipper ships of years past,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Michael LeSeney.
This fast-moving storm dropped snow across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan during Monday and Monday night. Up to 5 inches of snow fell in Minnesota.
Just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the National Weather Service reported 3 inches of snowfall over the course of just two hours on Monday evening.

“Accumulating snow will be relatively brief, lasting six hours or less in most places, due to the storm’s rapid trek southeastward,” LeSeney said.
The heaviest area of snow will be relatively narrow. A north to south distance of a mere 25 miles could result in snowfall varying from a coating to a few inches of snow throughout the path of the storm into Wednesday.
Snow and slippery roads forced officials to close schools in Detroit and Cleveland for Tuesday. From 1 to 4 inches of snow fell on both cities during the early morning hours.
Newark International Airport and LaGuardia Airport reported arriving flights were delayed over two hours and one hour respectively, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Similar to bursts of snow for the Upper Midwest, a period of heavy snow on the order of 3 to 6 inches streaked eastward across central and northern Pennsylvania to near the New York state border on Tuesday, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
In advance of the storm, some schools in central Pennsylvania first delayed school, then closed for the day Tuesday.
"A general 1 to 3 inches of snow will fall over southeastern New York, northern New Jersey and southern New England into Tuesday night."
Related Links
AccuWeather Winter Weather Center
Snow may visit DC to New York City this weekend
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As a result, travel along portions of I-84, I-87 and the Massachusetts Turnpike can be slow and slippery.
Around New York City, accumulating snow has ended from the storm. However, some slippery spots can develop as untreated wet areas Tuesday night.
Although this clipper will move into the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, spotty snow is likely to linger throughout much of upstate New York and New England.

On Wednesday, the steadiest snow will fall over parts of southern Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Slippery travel is in store from Concord, New Hampshire, to Bangor and Portland, Maine.
Lake-effect snow and snow showers will occur from the central Appalachians to the central and lower Great Lakes.
Additional storms will follow during early February. One storm will roll eastward this weekend. During next week, two major storms are likely to affect the Central and Eastern states.

Storm to slam western US with heavy rain, snow through late week

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 31,2017, 3:03:41PM,EST

 

 The recent dry spell in the western United States has come to a close as wind, heavy snow and flooding rain begin over the region.

“Another strong West Coast storm system will deliver rounds of coastal flooding for northern and central California, along with heavy snow for the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades of Oregon and Washington,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore.
Snow will continue to fall over parts of south-central and southeastern Washington to central and eastern Oregon into Wednesday.
Snowy and slippery travel is in store for motorists along Interstate 84 from The Dalles, Oregon to Caldwell, Idaho.
“Heavy snow could result in dangerous travel conditions for cities including Billings, Missoula and Butte, Montana,” said Gilmore.
Treacherous travel can be expected along I-15 through Montana and Idaho, as periods of blinding snow coat the road and drastically decrease visibility.

Strong winds will also be a factor in this region as strong northwesterly wind flow downhill from the Rockies and through southern Wyoming.
On the other side of the mountains, some rain showers will sweep across coastal Oregon, potentially resulting in measurable precipitation in Eugene, Oregon, for the first time since Jan. 22.
By Wednesday, winds will pick up noticeably throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
While snow continues along a swath stretching from central Oregon through northern Wyoming, the threat for afternoon rain will shift to areas just north of the San Francisco Bay Area.
As the Pacific storm responsible for this onslaught of moisture approaches the coast overnight on Wednesday, rain and wind will start to pummel the California shore.
“Torrential rainfall will once again bring the potential for flash flooding along the California and southern Oregon coasts beginning early Thursday and lasting well into the upcoming weekend,” Gilmore said.

Localized flooding is anticipated to be most disruptive from Eureka to San Francisco, California, as well as at the foot of the higher terrain to the north and east of the San Joaquin Valley.
As with other storms over the previous weeks, road closures and power outages will be possible as the threat of flash flooding, landslides and toppled trees returns.
Areas as far south as Fresno, California, can expect waves of drenching rain throughout the day.
Related Links
AccuWeather Winter Weather Center
Arctic air to invade north-central US this week
Winter storms to aim for midwestern, northeastern US during early February
A few showers could even dampen downtown Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.
Farther north in and around the cities of Eugene and Portland, Oregon, near-freezing temperatures will combine with any rain to create slick roads.
“Periods of freezing rain will cause treacherous travel conditions along the Columbia River Gorge early on Thursday, and could last into the upcoming weekend,” said Gilmore.
Thursday will also host the beginning of winter weather in California.
“Another round of fresh snowfall is likely for the Sierra Nevada beginning during the middle of the week and lasting through the weekend,” Gilmore said.

Up to 3 feet of high-elevation snow could accumulate, adding to the yards of snow pack already in place.
This same blustery and wet weather will persist on Friday from Los Angeles to Seattle and Billings to Salt Lake City.
“Extreme snowfall totals of 1 to 2 feet will fall for higher elevations of western Montana, Idaho and northwestern Wyoming by the upcoming weekend,” said Gilmore.
By Saturday, the precipitation is expected to lift out of central and Southern California.
Snow is expected to pile up over the interior Northwest through the weekend while waves of rain continue to batter the Washington, Oregon and northern California coasts.

Deadly pileups occur in Pennsylvania amid sudden, blinding snow squalls

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer

January 31,2017, 10:57:57AM,EST

 

 

Locally heavy snow squalls erupted over parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and northern Virginia and may have contributed to multiple automobile accidents on Monday.
"As the squalls crossed major highways in the region, a sudden change in visibility and a quick covering of snow caused dangerous conditions," Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.

An emergency responder surveys the damage following a deadly pileup on I-83 in York County, PA. (Photo/J. Marc Harrison)

A pileup involving 40 cars and 11 trucks occurred on Monday afternoon on along I-83 in York County, Pennsylvania as a snow squall moved over the highway.
At least one fatality and nine injuries have occurred due to the accident with the highway being shut down for several hours.

A webcam shows the pileup in York County after the snow squall had passed. (Photo/PennDOT)

(Photo/J. Marc Harrison)

Another deadly pileup occurred earlier in the day on I-80 eastbound in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.
State police said that at least one person has died in the 20-vehicle pileup, which took place around 11 a.m. EST.
RELATED LINKS
Interactive weather radar
Snow to sweep across northeastern US into midweek
Snow may visit DC to New York City this weekend
A storm with more general snow will blanket areas from the Great Lakes to the upper mid-Atlantic and New England into Wednesday.

 

Snow may visit DC to New York City this weekend

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 31,2017, 2:35:05PM,EST

 

 A storm from the southern Plains has the potential to bring a few inches of snow and some ice from part of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this weekend.

As is often the case, February is shaping up to be quite stormy at times for parts of the central and eastern U.S. The risk of significant travel disruption will increase with each storm into the middle part of the month.
Snow or a wintry mix will spread from the middle part of the Mississippi Valley during Saturday to the Ohio Valley Saturday night.

The central Appalachians will get hit on Sunday, while the coastal areas of the northeastern U.S. will be impacted during Sunday night.
The storm will spin away by Monday.
How much snow falls and how difficult travel becomes will depend on how much warm air is drawn in from the south and the Atlantic Ocean.
At this early stage, motorists along portions of Interstate 64 and 70 in the Midwest should be prepared for slippery conditions.
The storm is likely to bring all snow around the Great Lakes, including areas from Chicago to Detroit and Cleveland. However, in this area, a lack of moisture may prevent anything more than a light accumulation.
RELATED:
AccuWeather Winter Weather Center
Snow to sweep across northeastern US into midweek
Storms loom with rain, snow and severe weather for central and eastern US next week
Farther to the east, slippery conditions are possible along parts of I-70, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-81, I-83 and I-95 later in the weekend.
"Similar to parts of the Ohio Valley, the area from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore and Philadelphia, it is a tough call between snow and a rain/snow mix with little or no accumulation," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity.
"From the central Appalachians to New York City, including the northern and western suburbs from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, there is the potential for a few inches," Margusity said.
Some snow may also fall on New England during Sunday night, depending on how quickly the storm strengthens upon reaching the Atlantic coast. If the storm strengthens quickly, blowing and drifting snow can come into play.
Following the storm this weekend, two storms may bring major weather impacts to the Central and Eastern states next week.

Houston's NRG Stadium to showcase its energy-efficient lighting during Super Bowl

By Jennifer Fabiano, AccuWeather staff writer

January 30,2017, 9:40:43AM.EST

 

 

NRG Stadium, which will host Super Bowl LI, is shown Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons will face off for the National Football League title in Super Bowl LI on a field illuminated exclusively by 65,000 LED lights on Feb. 5.
Houston's NRG Stadium, home to the NFL’s Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, became one of the first professional venues to use energy-efficient LED lights in 2015. The new lighting system uses 337 kilowatts when at full power, about 60 percent less energy than the previous system did.
“We are deeply committed to providing renewable, reliable and affordable energy solutions, and these installations at these different stadiums really are designed to show the many thousands of fans that come and go for the game how these things work and how practical they are,” said Pat Hammond, director of media relations at NRG.
This stadium hasn’t hosted the Super Bowl since 2004 and has undergone many changes since then.
Not only has the stadium undergone the switch to LED lighting, but it also now features 599 solar panels. Running along pedestrian bridges that bring fans to and from the stadium, the panels collect energy that is used to power the venue.
The stadium also experienced a name change, converting from Reliant Stadium to NRG Stadium in 2014.

599 solar panels run along pedestrian walkways at NRG Stadium. (Photo/NRG)
“One of the reasons we believe having our name on a stadium like this is we want people to realize how affordable and reliable renewable energy solutions can be,” said Hammond.
In addition to consuming less energy, the LED lights have various visual benefits. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the LED lights have no flicker, no red tinge and no warm-up time. These lights can be dimmed for events that don’t require them at full capacity, allowing for further energy savings.
“That’s the kind of technology that anybody could use in their own home to reduce their own electricity usage,” said Hammond.
NRG Park’s energy saving efforts fit well with the Super Bowl’s initiative to “reduce the environmental impact of Super Bowl activities and leave a ‘green’ legacy throughout the Greater Houston Area,” according to the Super Bowl Host Committee website.
Throughout January, the Super Bowl Host Committee held a series of events to encourage environment-friendly behavior as well as to reduce Super Bowl LI’s impact on the environment. Events included an Electronic-Waste Recycling Rally and a Bastrop Reforestation Project. The reforestation project brought together representatives from the NFL, Verizon, Super Bowl Host Committee, Trees for Houston, elected officials and community members to improve the neighborhood and plant trees in one of the city’s parks.
According to the Super Bowl Host Committee website, “green” energy will be used to power event venues such as NRG Stadium, the George R. Brown Convention Center and hotels used by the teams and staff.
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The efforts don’t stop when the time on the clock runs out, with food and material recovery beginning immediately after the game. Food that was prepared in event kitchens, but never served, will be donated to shelters, missions, soup kitchens and other community programs.
Material recovery will involve donating items such as building materials, décor, fabric, carpeting and sign materials to local organizations as an effort to keep materials out of landfills.


Environmental concerns have become increasingly important to the NFL and Super Bowl Host Committees. The venues for future Super Bowls were carefully chosen with the environment in mind.
Super Bowl 2018 will be played at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, which opened in July 2016. According to the stadium’s website, U.S. Bank Stadium is the first to use LED lights from the onset and is in the works to become LEED certified.
In 2019, the Super Bowl will be played in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons. This stadium, while still under construction, is on track to receive LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of certification under the United States Green Building Council’s standards, according to the USGBC website.

How do ice boulders form in lakes?

By Courtney Barrow, AccuWeather staff writer

January 30,2017, 8:57:32AM,EST

 

While it may look like a field of crystal rocks, there's more to those perfectly round boulders than meets the eye. Those are ice balls, or ice boulders, found every winter at places like Lake Michigan.
One recent visitor to the area posted a video of the phenomenon online. It went viral as internet users were entranced by the picturesque wonderland.

The way the boulders form is simpler than one might think. As pieces of ice sheets break off around the lake, the waves make them perfectly round as they roll within the undulating water.
"The water has to get cold enough not to melt the ice chunks, while of course not freezing solid itself," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Faith Eherts.
Related links:
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Ice balls are generally found in the Great Lakes and Antarctica, where there are rolling waves and low temperatures. However, reports of these ice boulders have occurred along coasts in California and Russia as well.
"Some examples are along ocean shores, where the salt water rarely freezes," said Eherts. "It can also occur in large, deep bodies of fresh water, where it takes extended periods of frigid weather for the water to freeze."
For now, the ice balls are immortalized on the internet, until they return for next winter.

 

Severe Weather Alerts - Dobbs Ferry, NY Special Weather Statement Special Weather Statement in effect until 8:30 AM EST. Source: U.S. National Weather Service

NORTHERN WESTCHESTER:

NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-
PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-
NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-
KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-
SOUTHERN NASSAU-
1024 PM EST Tue Jan 31 2017

Temperatures should remain in the middle and upper 20s across the
interior and lower 30s closer to the coast. Use caution if
traveling overnight or during the early morning hours as any
untreated road surface may be icy. Secondary roads may remain snow
covered as well.

===================

SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER:

NORTHERN FAIRFIELD-NORTHERN NEW HAVEN-NORTHERN MIDDLESEX-
NORTHERN NEW LONDON-SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD-SOUTHERN NEW HAVEN-
SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX-SOUTHERN NEW LONDON-WESTERN PASSAIC-
EASTERN PASSAIC-HUDSON-WESTERN BERGEN-EASTERN BERGEN-
WESTERN ESSEX-EASTERN ESSEX-WESTERN UNION-EASTERN UNION-ORANGE-
PUTNAM-ROCKLAND-NORTHERN WESTCHESTER-SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER-
NEW YORK (MANHATTAN)-BRONX-RICHMOND (STATEN ISLAND)-
KINGS (BROOKLYN)-NORTHERN QUEENS-NORTHERN NASSAU-SOUTHERN QUEENS-
SOUTHERN NASSAU-
1024 PM EST Tue Jan 31 2017

Temperatures should remain in the middle and upper 20s across the
interior and lower 30s closer to the coast. Use caution if
traveling overnight or during the early morning hours as any
untreated road surface may be icy. Secondary roads may remain snow
covered as well.

This Date in Weather History for January 31,2017 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Tuesday,January 31,2017

 

 

 

 

1911 - Tamarack, CA, was without snow the first eight days of the month, but by the end of January had been buried under 390 inches of snow, a record monthly total for the U.S. (The Weather Channel)

1949 - The temperature at San Antonio, TX, plunged to a record low of one degree below zero. Helena MT reached 42 degrees below zero. (David Ludlum)

1966 - A blizzard struck the northeastern U.S. When the storm came to an end, twenty inches of snow covered the ground at Washington D.C. (David Ludlum)

1982 - A snowstorm struck Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Twenty-five inches of snow at Greenville IL, located east of Saint Louis, paralyzed the community. The storm left 4000 motorists stranded for two days. (David Ludlum)

1987 - A storm in the Pacific Northwest produced wind gusts to 85 mph in Oregon, and nearly two inches of rain in twelve hours in the Puget Sound area of Washington State. Ten inches of snow at Stampede Pass WA brought their total snow cover to 84 inches. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1988 - Thirty-one cities in the central and northeastern U.S. reported new record high temperatures for the date, with many occurring during the early morning hours. Temperatures in western New York State reached the 60s early in the day. Strong northerly winds in the north central U.S. produced wind chill readings as cold as 60 degrees below zero in North Dakota. (National Weather Summary)

1989 - The barometric pressure at Norway, AK, reached 31.85 inches (1078.4 mb) establishing an all-time record for the North American Continent. The temperature at the time of the record was about 46 degrees below zero (The Weather Channel). Severe arctic cold began to invade the north central U.S. The temperature at Great Falls MT plunged 85 degrees in 36 hours. Valentine NE plummeted from a record high of 70 degrees to zero in just nine hours. Northwest winds gusted to 86 mph at Lander WY, and wind chill readings of 80 degrees below zero were reported in Montana. Sixty-four cities in the central U.S. reported record highs for the date as readings reached the 60s in Michigan and the 80s in Kansas. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1990 - High winds in Montana on the 28th, gusting to 77 mph at Judith Gap, were followed by three days of snow. Heavy snow fell over northwest Montana, with up to 24 inches reported in the mountains. An avalanche covered the road near Essex with six feet of snow. Snow and high winds also plagued parts of the southwestern U.S. Winds gusted to 54 mph at Show Low AZ, and Flagstaff AZ was blanketed with eight inches of snow. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

This Date in Weather History for January 30,2017 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Monday,January 30,2017

 

 

 

1936 - Birmingham, AL, established a single storm record and 24 hour record with 11 inches of snow. (29th-30th) (David Ludlum) (The Weather Channel)

1977 - The great "Buffalo Blizzard" finally abated after three days. The storm added a foot of new snow to 33 inches already on the ground. Winds gusting to 75 mph reduced visibilities to near zero, produced snow drifts twenty-five feet high, and kept wind chill readings 50 degrees below zero. The blizzard paralyzed the city, and caused 250 million dollars damage. (David Ludlum)

1987 - A winter storm brought more heavy snow to the North Atlantic Coast Region, with 13.6 inches reported at Hiram ME. January proved to be the snowiest of record for much of Massachusetts. Worcester MA reported an all-time monthly record of 46.8 inches of snow. (National Weather Summary)

1988 - Strong southerly winds, gusting to 53 mph at Kansas City MO, spread warm air into the central U.S. Nineteen cities reported record high temperatures for the date. Snow and strong northwest winds ushered cold arctic air into the north central states. The temperature at Cutbank plunged from 54 degrees to a morning low of 7 degrees below zero. (National Weather Summary)

1989 - The temperature at McGrath, AK, dipped to 62 degrees below zero, and Fairbanks reported a reading of 51 degrees below zero, with unofficial readings in the area as cold as 75 degrees below zero. The massive dome of bitterly cold air began to slide down western Canada toward the north central U.S. Strong southwest winds ahead of the arctic front pushed the temperature at Great Falls MT to 62 degrees, and gusted to 124 mph at Choteau MT, overturning trucks and mobile homes, and a dozen empty railroad cars. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1990 - A major winter storm produced heavy snow from Indiana to New England. It was the biggest storm in two and a half years for eastern New York State. Snowfall totals in the mountains of Maine ranged up to 20 inches at Guilford and Lovell. Other heavy snowfall totals included 17 inches at Utica NY, and 19 inches at Bethel VT, Ludlow VT, and New London NH. The storm claimed three lives in eastern New York State, and four lives in Vermont. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

2005 - A significant ice storm struck parts of northern Georgia on the 30th-31st. Ice accretion was as great as 2 inches in Monroe county, located southeast of Atlanta. Power outages in the area at the height of the storm affected nearly 320,000 homes and businesses.

This Date in Weather History for January 29,2017 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Sunday,January 29,2017

 

 

 

 

1780 - On the coldest morning of a severe winter the mercury dipped to 16 degrees below zero at New York City, and reached 20 degrees below zero at Hartford CT. New York Harbor was frozen for five weeks, allowing a heavy cannon to be taken across the ice to fortify the British on Staten Island. (The Weather Channel)

1921 - A small but intense windstorm resulted in the "Great Olympic Blowdown" in the Pacific Northwest. Hurricane force winds, funneled along the mountains, downed vast expanses of Douglas fir trees, and the storm destroyed eight billion board feet of timber. Winds at North Head WA gusted to 113 mph. (David Ludlum)

1983 - A series of Pacific coast storms finally came to an end. The storms, attributed in part to the ocean current, "El Nino," produced ocean swells 15 to 20 feet high which ravaged the beaches of southern California. Much of the damage was to homes of movies stars in the exclusive Malibu Colony. (The Weather Channel)

1987 - A strong storm moving out of the Central Rockies spread snow across the north central states, with up to eight inches of snow in Wisconsin, and produced wind gusts to 64 mph at Goodland KS. A thunderstorm produced three inches of snow in forty-five minutes at Owing Mills MD. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1988 - Rain and snow were primarily confined to the northwestern U.S. An afternoon reading of 34 degrees at International Falls MN was a record high for the date. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1989 - Bitter cold air continued to pour into Alaska. At McGrath, temperature dipped to 63 degrees below zero. Strong winds blowing through the Alaska Range between Fairbanks and Anchorage produced a wind chill reading of 120 degrees below zero at Cantwell. (National Weather Summary)

1990 - Severe thunderstorms in the southeastern U.S. spawned a tornado which destroyed three mobile homes near Blythe GA injuring six persons. A fast moving cold front produced high winds in the western U.S. Winds along the coast of Oregon gusted to 65 mph at Portland, and high winds generated 22 to 26 foot seas which battered the coast. Winds near Reno NV gusted to 78 mph. High winds also buffeted the Central High Plains, with gusts to 94 mph reported at La Mesa CO. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

February outlook: Storms with heavy snow, rain and severe weather may eye central and eastern US

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

By Courtney Spamer, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 28,2017, 3:47:37AM,EST

 

After a lull in storm intensity to end January, there is the potential for a return of bigger, more disruptive storms in the central and eastern United States as February progresses.

"The overall weather pattern will favor at least two substantial storms to spring up from either the Gulf of Mexico or the southern Plains and travel northeastward during the period from Feb. 4-10," according to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
The storms are likely to cause a large area of travel problems and disruptions to daily activities as they move along.
The storms will develop and travel along a strong temperature contrast zone with a return of warmth in the South and waves of cold air across the Northern states.

With this sort of path, the storms can grab moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and deposit it in the form of heavy snow, ice or rain.
The amount of cold air in the storm's way is what will determine which form the precipitation takes in the Northern states.
How heavy the precipitation is and the formation and coverage of severe weather in the South will depend on the intensity of the storm systems.
"At this early stage, it looks like the first storm will likely occur between Feb. 4 and 6," Pastelok said. "The storm could behave similar to most storms thus far this winter with rain for the immediate Atlantic coast but snow or a wintry mix farther inland."
The first storm is most likely to take a path toward the Great Lakes for a time, which could mean another dose of heavy snow for parts of the central Plains and the Upper Midwest.
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The second storm may spring up and travel northeastward between Feb. 8 and 10, tracking toward the mid-Atlantic.
"Since there may be a greater amount of fresh cold air in front of the second storm, it may be more likely to bring substantial snow and ice on the front end for the Ohio Valley and Interstate 95 corridor of the mid-Atlantic when compared to the first storm," Pastelok said.
As February progresses, storms will continue to follow the jet stream as it takes periodic dives southward over the eastern half of the country.
The jet stream is a fast river of air high in the atmosphere that guides weather systems along.
Cold air, with temperatures typical of February, is expected to accompany storms into the central and eastern U.S. This will open the possibility for more snow or wintry precipitation.
However, prolonged stretches of cold weather are unlikely. Instead, temperatures are expected to be back and forth as storms roll through the eastern half of the country.

Showery spells to dampen UK this weekend as stormier weather pattern resumes

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 27,2017, 9:19:38AM,EST

 

 

Showery spells will put a damper on the United Kingdom this weekend before the risk of more impactful storms returns in early February.
Anyone planning to ring in the Chinese New Year are among those across the U.K. that should keep brollies handy this weekend.
The entire weekend will not be a washout, but showery spells from a pair of depressions threaten to put a damper on festivities. This includes the Magical Lantern Festival at London’s Chiswick House Gardens.
While there can still be the odd shower, Saturday evening will be better than Sunday evening to head to Chiswick House Gardens.

An isolated shower could also move across London as the Chinese New Year Parade winds from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown starting at 10:00 on Sunday.
“The greater opportunity for some rain in London, however, will be on Sunday afternoon and evening,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.
A wet Sunday is also shaping for Belfast, Cardiff and Manchester.
However, brollies can be left at home in northern and eastern Scotland and the northeastern coast of England. After Saturday’s showers, the wet weather on Sunday will stop short of reaching these areas.
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The depressions will also allow milder air from the Atlantic to arrive, causing temperatures to rebound above normal across most of England and Wales this weekend.
Temperatures will flirt with 10 C (50 F) in London on Sunday, a stark contrast from Thursday when temperatures struggled to climb above freezing. A high around 6 C (43 F) is more common to end January.
Further warming will send temperatures to or past 10 C (50 F) throughout the U.K. early next week as another depression tracks to the northwest of the British Isles. The depression will deliver more showery spells for the final days of January.
A fresh to strong breeze may blow, especially over northern and western areas. However, widespread damaging wind gusts are not anticipated.

The potential for damaging winds, as well as flooding and travel disruptions, may increase in early February when stronger storms could target the U.K.
“Whether or not any of these storms strengthen enough to become named, we are definitely seeing a change in the weather pattern to bring more persistent bouts of rain and wind to the U.K. for early February,” Roys said.
The stormier weather would mean fewer prolonged periods of fog and frosty nights and less cold air settling over the U.K., according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister.

 

‘Intense’ storm to unleash heavy rain, snow across western US next week

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 28,2017, 6:22:05AM,EST

 

 After a lull in the stormy pattern, wet weather will return to the western United States around the middle of next week.

Through the weekend, a broad area of high pressure will guide Pacific storms into the British Columbia coast and away from California and the Northwest.

This pattern will break down by the beginning of February and storms will return to the West Coast.
An intense storm will barrel into the West Coast with heavy coastal rain, mountain snow and strong winds around midweek, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Max Vido.
The unsettled weather will be in no hurry to leave.
“A consistent stream of Pacific moisture will favor stormy conditions through at least Friday from Northern California to the Canada border,” Vido said.
The most persistent rain is expected to target Northern California, where the threat for localized flash flooding will be highest. Spottier rain will expand northward into Portland, Oregon, and Seattle.

“Cities such as San Francisco, Eureka, and Redding, California, will continue to add to their well above average rainfall in 2017,” Vido said.
Depending on exactly when the precipitation arrives and how quickly temperatures rise above freezing, there could be a period of freezing rain around the Columbia River Gorge.
Travelers heading north and south along Interstate 5 from Seattle to Sacramento, California, should be prepared for rainy spells and reduced visibility.
The recent dry stretch will allow oil to build up on roadways, threatening to cause slippery spots at the onset of rain.
Gusty winds could heighten the risk for fallen trees and power lines, leading to sporadic power outages. The threat will be greatest across Northern California where the soil remains saturated.
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Vido stated that mountain snow would add to the healthy snowpack across the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.
Those with plans to venture over the mountain passes late next week should remain aware of the threat for snow-covered roads and potential closures.
Some rain will reach the southernmost reaches of California, including Los Angeles and San Diego. However, a repeat of last weekend’s devastating flooding is not expected.
Prior to the next storm, stubborn fog and low clouds will cause travel difficulties across the interior Northwest and California’s Central Valley through the weekend.

Storms to batter UK with wind and rain from late January into February

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

January 26,2017, 10:46:06AM,EST

 

 

A shift in the overall weather pattern will bring the return of potent Atlantic storms to the United Kingdom from this weekend into February.
This expected outbreak of storms will be a significant change from what has occurred across the U.K. so far this year.
A dominating area of high pressure has been centered over central and western Europe during much of January, shielding the U.K. from any significant storm systems.
There have been no named windstorms during the month of January.
"There will be a transition period this weekend as it starts to become a little more active with showery weather," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Spamer.

The storm track through the weekend will take storms just north of the British Isles. However, passing fronts will bring in rounds of showers. Showers will be wintry in the hills of Scotland.
"Increasingly stormy weather is expected through the new week, with more blustery conditions by Monday and Tuesday," Spamer added.
It is this pattern change that will likely yield multiple named storms during the month of February.
The strongest storms are expected to bring impacts ranging from damaging winds and flooding to travel disruption.

While all of the U.K. will notice an increase in stormy weather, the degree of impacts will vary across the country.
“The most frequent and significant impacts are expected across western and southern areas,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
“Significant coastal flooding will be possible in several of these storms,” added Roys.
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The high frequency of these storms will also lead to an increased risk for river and stream flooding as areas get repeated rounds of rainfall.
Another noticeable change in the weather will be the lack of cold air settling over the U.K. as the frequent Atlantic storms bring milder air to the region.
As a result, there will be fewer prolonged periods of fog and frosty nights compared to January.
The barrage of storms will continue into the middle of February. However, there will still be the threat for a named windstorm during the second half of the month despite less frequency of storms.

Quick-hitting rounds of snow to cause slippery travel in eastern US into next week

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 28,2017, 11:34:25AM,EST

 

 Along with the return of colder, more seasonable air, two storms will bring snow to the eastern United States into next week.

The storms, sometimes referred to as Alberta Clippers, are named for the province in western Canada where they often originate from and their fast-moving nature.
The storms are generally associated with cold air and light snow, due to a lack of moisture. However, they can bring moderate to heavy snow on occasion, especially if they strengthen and slow down upon reaching the Atlantic coast.
"The first clipper storm will drop across the Midwest during Saturday night and will reach parts of the central and southern Appalachians on Sunday night, before turning toward the mid-Atlantic coast on Monday," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

Snow with the first storm will generally be just a nuisance.
The snowfall will be light and spotty with most areas likely to receive a few flurries to a coating. However, some locations, especially over the mountains from south-central Pennsylvania to eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, can pick up a couple of inches of snow.
Enough snow can fall to make roads slippery from parts of Minnesota and Illinois to portions of eastern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey with the first storm.
"A second clipper storm will drop southeastward of Canada next week," Pydynowski said. "The storm will enter the upper reaches of the Midwest on Monday and likely exit the New England coast during Wednesday."

Initially, the second storm will be poorly organized with small patches of snow from the Great Lakes into New England.
However, within these patches of snow, there can be a coating to a few inches of accumulation. Some areas in the Midwest and Appalachians may barely get enough to sweep away. A few communities within this zone can get enough snow to shovel and plow.
The second storm has the greatest potential of the two to quickly strengthen upon nearing the Atlantic coast, which could make it much more disruptive as a result.
How quickly the strengthening occurs with the second storm will determine if and where 6 inches of snow accumulates in the northeastern US Interstate 95 corridor.
"Winds will kick up surrounding the second storm, which can cause some blowing and drifting snow, along with poor visibility," Pydynowski said.
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"Both storms can bring enough of a temperature rise and fall to cause the snow to initially melt, then freeze on some roads," Pydynowski said.
Before, during and after the clipper storms will be lake-effect flurries, squalls and shifting bands of steady snow to the lee of the Great Lakes. The lake-effect will bring its share of slippery and dangerous travel into next week.

This Date in Weather History for January 28,2017 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Saturday,January 28,2017

 

 

 

 

 

1922 - The "Knickerbocker" storm immobilized the city of Washington D.C. The storm produced 28 inches of snow in 32 hours, and the heavy snow caused the roof of the Knickerbocker movie theatre to collapse killing 96 persons. (David Ludlum)

1963 - The low of -34 degrees at Cynthiana, KY, equalled the state record established just four days earlier at Bonnieville. (The Weather Channel)

1987 - A storm moving out of the Central Rockies into the Northern Plains Region produced up to a foot of snow in the Colorado Rockies, and wind gusts to 99 mph at Boulder CO. High winds in Colorado caused 5.6 million dollars damage. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1988 - Barometric pressure readings of 30.55 inches at Miami FL, 30.66 inches at Tampa FL, and 30.72 inches at Apalachicola FL were all-time record high readings for those locations. (National Weather Summary)

1989 - Nome, AK, reported an all-time record low reading of 54 degrees below zero, and the temperature at Fairwell AK dipped to 69 degrees below zero. Deadhorse AK reported a morning low of 49 degrees below zero, and with a wind chill reading of 114 degrees below zero. In the Lower Forty-eight States, a winter storm over Colorado produced up to 15 inches of snow around Denver. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1990 - Strong and gusty winds prevailed across the northwestern U.S., and heavy snow continued over the mountains of Washington State and Oregon. In Idaho, Mullan received seven inches of snow, and winds gusted to 65 mph southeast of Burley. Heavy rain soaked coastal sections of western Oregon. Rainfall totals of 1.20 inches at Portland and 1.57 inches at Eugene were records for the date. Winds in Oregon gusting to 60 mph downed power lines in Umatilla County knocking out power to more than 13,000 homes, just prior to the kick-off of the "Super Bowl" game. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

Exploring the Accuracy of Weather’s Most Enduring Folk Wisdom

Holly Zynda
Published: January 26,2017

A solar halo is seen around the sun in the Yemeni port city of Aden. The optical phenomenon is mostly caused by ice crystals in cold cirrus clouds located in the upper troposphere
(KHALED FAZAA/AFP/Getty Images)

Since long before the advent of satellites, Doppler radar and savvy weather reporters, humans have been used their observational skills to interpret and predict meteorological events. Because much of this folk wisdom survives and continues to guide our thinking, it’s time to examine the accuracy of these maxims.

Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight. Red Sky in the Morning, Sailors Take Warning.

An early expression of this adage can be found in the Wycliffe Bible (circa 1395):

“When it is evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and louring.”

The modern version of this maritime advice remains popular among weather watchers. So what’s the science behind it?

That red sky is the product of dust and aerosols associated with a low-pressure system (the impurities do a better job of scattering long — meaning red — wavelengths). Low pressure indicates stormy weather. In the region where the westerlies determine wind patterns, a red west-setting sun indicates that the foul weather is moving away from the sailor’s position. A red sky in the morning means the seafarer is headed right for the storm.

On the other hand, this advice would need to be reversed to hold true where the easterlies prevail.   

A Ring around the Sun or Moon Means Rain will Come Soon

The appearance of celestial bodies offers valid clues about impending weather systems. That ring you notice sometimes is your optical interpretation of light passing through ice crystals blown high by storm clouds or from cirrus clouds. This proverb is most accurate during the cold months at mid latitude. Just remember: when you see the ring, some galoshes might be a good idea.

Birds Flying Low, Expect Rain and a Blow

Avian animals demonstrate sensitivity to the fluctuations in air pressure that indicate a coming storm. And it makes sense. After all, birds depend on air density and currents to achieve flight the most efficient flight.

The high air pressure that accompanies clear, sunny weather makes for good high flying from an aerodynamic standpoint. Under low pressure, the best air density for flight is lower to the ground. When the birds go low, consider taking an umbrella with you.

When Cows Lie Down, Rain is On the Way

While birds seem to be a fairly safe forecasting bet, cow behavior is a more controversial method. Folk wisdom says that when members of the herd lie down in the field, a good shower could be on the way. The logic behind the claim: cows stay standing when they want to cool themselves but lie down when they need to get warm. So the cold that precedes a storm could inspire bovines to hunker down. But a cow isn’t a barometer, and just like people, animals behave according to mood. So when Bossy is on the ground, it could mean cold weather, or it could just mean she’s sleepy.

Lightning strikes over Johannesburg. Johannesburg claims to be the lightning capital of the world, though this title is also claimed by others. More than 260 people are killed by lightning strikes in South Africa each year.
(ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Your Joints Hurt, It Means Rain is Coming

You may not be as instinctively responsive to weather changes as a bird or other wild creatures, but your body, too, is capable of indicating a change in the weather. In a study conducted across several cities, people reporting on their chronic pain symptoms discovered that flare-ups often preceded shifting weather. No wonder many chronic pain sufferers prefer locales where dry, warm climate is the norm.

Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice

This statement is poetic, but simply untrue. Whether it’s a mere fluke or an element of the site that renders it more vulnerable to strikes, a place isn’t immune to electrification just because lightning has visited before.

While some of the folk wisdom surrounding weather is debatable or proven false, these old sayings are a good reminder that our own senses can sometimes be a forecast worth paying attention to.

Holly Zynda is a copy editor, proofreader and writer with a lifelong passion for the written word. She owns and operates Owl Intermedia, a content production and editing company, and has provided writing and editing services for companies ranging from GoPro and Reputation.com to The California Environmental Protection Agency and Genentech.