Sunday, February 28, 2010

Book Review: Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities, by Paul Yeager

Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities
By Paul Yeager

I have come to know Paul Yeager through our mutual experiences blogging about the weather. We share a fascination with the atmosphere around us and the sometimes explainable (but many times not) phenomena that come to make up the “weather.” Paul’s blog, CloudyandCool.com (which is on my blog roll), is an excellent resource and frequently contains interesting insight, but his most recent foray into publishing – Weather Whys: Facts, Myths, and Oddities (Perigee, $14.95) – is a must-read.

Unlike many books on the topic though, it is not just a must-read for meteorologists, atmospheric scientists, and weather geeks in general. Paul notes that “weather is the most universal of topics” and I believe Weather Whys is one book that will appeal to folks across the spectrum – from the seasoned weather professional, to the weather enthusiast, to one with even a passing interest in the weather. His folksy story-telling tone, a broad knowledge in an array of atmospheric topics, and the ability to explain complex processes in a way that an average middle school student could understand, have come together in Weather Whys to produce a text that is not only information and educational, but entertaining from cover to cover.

As the subtitle suggests, Weather Whys describes in detail where many of the myths and old wives tales originate, separates truth from fiction, and explains some of the idiosyncrasies that makes up the science – or perhaps it is the art – of meteorology. The best part of Paul’s writing style is his ability to relate to the general public, who has a basic understanding of weather obtained from their local TV weathercaster and any number of cable programs (and even an entire channel) devoted to the topic.

If you are in the least bit interested in why it cannot be 100 degrees with 100% humidity, whether you should include snow skis in your checked luggage on your next trip to Hawaii, or whether there really is a “calm before the storm,” I highly encourage you to check out Weather Whys by Paul Yeager – and buy a copy for that middle school-age cousin who has begun showing an interest in the weather. Not only are you guaranteed to learn something new, you will probably chuckle in the process.


(Purchase Weather Whys on Amazon.com)

Erik Proseus
MemphisWeather.net
The MWN Blog

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Tsunami - Hilo Bay photo timeline

These photos are taken from live coverage at HawaiiNewsOnline.com during the tsunami of February 27, 2010. They clearly show the ebb and flow of the ocean over a period of several minutes.

Look closely at the beach in the center-left of the imagery, as well as the turbulence in the water at the entrance to the small bay in lower center. You can also see changes in the rock outcroppings in the lower right. Time stamps are below each image. More information is available on Twitter by following #hitsunami and online at HawaiiNewsOnline.com.

Be sure to stay abreast of Memphis, TN weather at MemphisWeather.net and MWN on Facebook and Twitter (memphisweather1).

3:39pm CST


3:44pm CST


3:48pm CST


3:54pm CST


3:57pm CST


4:00pm CST


4:07pm CST


4:28pm CST


5:23pm CST - note the very high water level on the island


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Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - Skywarn


This is the last post (#7) in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on Skywarn... the NWS-trained storm spotter network.

Severe weather can strike during any month of the year at any time of the day or night. When severe thunderstorms threaten... the National Weather Service calls Skywarn volunteers into action. Skywarn volunteers are the eyes and ears of the National Weather Service... providing instant reports of severe weather including hail... high winds... and dangerous cloud formations.

Skywarn spotters keep a close eye on the sky anytime severe thunderstorms approach. Many communities deploy spotters around the edge of the city and use their early reports of impending hazardous weather to warn the community. Some spotters relay reports from their home or business while other more adventurous volunteers brave the elements and try to get as close to the storm as possible.

Who are these Skywarn volunteers? A large number of sky warn storm spotters in the Mid-South are amateur radio operators... or hams. These public-service minded individuals make ideal storm spotters... since they have the ability to communicate their reports. They are willing to be trained and they have a real interest in helping the National Weather Service and their local communities prepare for severe weather. Amateur radio operators are on call 24 hours a day... 365 days a year... even though they receive no compensation of any kind for their hard work.

Many other groups participate in the Skywarn program... including law enforcement agencies... fire departments... utility companies... rescue squads... and the news media. In some areas... individual citizens are trained as spotters and are asked to relay their reports to the National Weather Service. Spotters are a vital link in the warning process and it is important to have as many trained spotters in each county as possible.

The National Weather Service can help your community set up a Skywarn spotter network. For more information on Skywarn and how you can help... contact the National Weather Service office in Memphis Tennessee.

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information, including flood and flash flood warnings, for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe Weather" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this week's series of posts for Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - NOAA Weather Radio and EAS

This is post #6 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System.

...NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System...

Weather radio is the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides continuous weather information 24 hours a day every day of the year. The nationwide network of weather radio stations provides the public with the fastest most reliable source of
up-to-date weather information directly from the National Weather Service.

You need a special radio to receive weather radio broadcasts... a radio that is capable of receiving signals in the very high frequency public service band. In Memphis, the National Weather Service broadcasts on a frequency of 162.475 MHz.

Broadcasts may vary but generally include area forecasts... present weather conditions... short-term forecasts... climatic data... river and lake stage forecasts... and other specialized information. The broadcasts are updated continuously.

Weather radio is useful anytime... but it is most important when severe weather threatens. During periods of severe weather routine programming is interrupted and the focus shifted to the local severe weather threat. In an emergency... a warning alarm tone is broadcast that activates specially designed receivers to turn on automatically... or to produce a visual or audible alarm.

A primary source of weather information is the emergency alert system. EAS is a system of communications links that utilize data in a digital form. It is a reliable means of linking the National Weather Service... emergency management agencies... and the radio and television broadcast media together. EAS helps participating radio and television stations receive and relay weather warnings and other emergency information in a timely manner.

For more information on weather radio... contact the National Weather Service office in Memphis Tennessee.

Did you know that you can get a FREE Midland WR-100 NOAA Weather Radio like the one pictured above? MemphisWeather.net is running two advertising specials this month that will net you a free radio, already programmed to alert for your county! Rates are very competitive and our audience is regional. Click the link above for more information on how to get a free radio.

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information, including flood and flash flood warnings, for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Top 10 - Streaks of sub-70 degree temps

The last 70 degree day in Memphis was November 15, 2009, or 102 days ago. This streak puts the city in the top 10 for consecutive number of days below 70 and the longest such stretch in 74 years. Listed below are the top ten longest stretches since records began in 1875. This winter season now ranks 9th in the list. (By the way, I fully expect this streak to continue for some time, as there are no signs of a pattern shift that will support 70 degree weather anywhere in the near term.)

Rank # days End date
==== ====== ========
1. 140 4/4/1915
2. 133 4/2/1931
3. 122 3/15/1877
4. 121 3/17/1912
5. 114 3/15/1886
6. 114 3/10/1885
7. 111 2/28/1908
8. 104 2/23/1936
9. 102 2/25/2010
10. 101 2/28/1905

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Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - Flooding


This is post #5 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on the dangers of flooding and flash flooding.

...Flood and Flash Flood Awareness day...

Severe weather awareness week continues today with a look at flood and flash flood safety. Flooding and flash flooding are... perhaps surprisingly to some... the #1 weather-related cause of death in the United States.

Floods and flash floods occur every year in the Mid-South. River flooding occurs seasonally when winter or spring rains or torrential rains associated with tropical storms fill river basins with too much water too quickly. Flash floods occur suddenly... usually occurring within hours of excessive localized rainfall. These flash floods can become raging torrents which rip through river beds... urban streets... or valleys... sweeping everything before them.

When a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your County... or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent... act quickly to save yourself. You may only have seconds.

A Flood Watch means it is possible that heavy rains will cause flooding in the specified area. Stay alert to the weather and think about what you would do if water begins to rise or if you receive a warning. Watch for development.

Here are some flash flood safety rules:

Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips... low spots... valleys... stream banks... and flood plains.

Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles. Do not allow children to play in or near ditches... gulleys... or culverts following a heavy rain event. Though children are adventurous and may find the fast-flowing water intriguing... lives can be lost if they lose their footing or attempt to cross the flowing water.

If driving... know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The road bed may not be intact under the water. Don't drive into a pool of water or where water is flowing. Water up to the bumper will likely stall a car and can pick it up and move it.

If the vehicle stalls... abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Turn Around - Don't Drown.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. Heavy rain events frequently occur at night!

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams or drainage areas particularly during threatening conditions.

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information, including flood and flash flood warnings, for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - Tornadoes

This is post #4 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on tornadoes.

...Tornado Awareness Day...

In 2009, 39 Tennessee counties were affected by tornadoes, with two fatalities and 62 injuries reported. Total damage estimates for the year exceeded $100 million. Most residents of the Mid-South will remember the July 30th storms that dropped two tornadoes in the metro area, including an EF-1 that struck Cordova near Wolfchase Galleria and an EF-2 that hit parts of Olive Branch.

Your safety depends on being constantly alert to the possibility of tornadoes from the thunderstorms that approach you. This is especially true during tornado watches. A careful lookout should be kept during any period of severe weather activity. Plan in advance where you will go and what you will do if a tornado threatens you.

Remember...a Tornado Watch means that tornado development is possible... so watch the sky for developing thunderstorms and all the hazards they bring. Stay tuned to weather radio... commercial radio or television for weather statements or warnings.

A Tornado Warning...usually issued for 1 or 2 counties at a time... means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Persons in the path of the storm need to immediately find shelter... preferably in a sturdy building (below ground if possible).

Here are some tornado safety rules:

In homes or small buildings... go to the basement or storm shelter or to an interior room such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest level. Get under something sturdy... such as a heavy table or a bed.

In mobile homes and vehicles... abandon them and go to a storm shelter or sturdy structure. If there is no such structure nearby... lie flat in a ditch ravine... gully... culvert... or a low spot with your arms and hands shielding your head.

In large buildings such as schools... factories... hospitals... nursing homes... and shopping centers... go to the predesignated shelter area. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually best. Stay away from rooms that are large in area because they have weakly supported roofs.

In all cases... stay away from windows.

This morning... between 9am and 9:30am... a regional Tornado Drill will be conducted. NOAA Weather Radio tones will sound and the Emergency Alert System will be activated. Many schools... businesses... and other venues with tornado preparedness plans will exercise those plans. Now is a good time to review your personal preparedness plan. Where will you go and what will you do should a tornado threaten you while at work... school... or home?

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Photo of Murfreesboro Tornado taken by Titus Bartos, TitusBartos.com/PhotoBlog/

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - Lightning

This is post #3 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on the hazards of lightning.

...Lightning Awareness Day...

Severe weather awareness week continues today with a look at lightning safety. Here are some lightning safety rules.

Any lightning safety plan should incorporate the 30/30 rule. The 30/30 rule states people should seek shelter if the flash to bang delay (length of time in seconds between a lightning flash and its subsequent thunder) is 30 seconds or less and that they remain under cover until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder.

Move inside a well constructed house... a large building... or an all metal vehicle. Stay away from electrical appliances and do not use the telephone.

If you are in a boat... get off the water and into a substantial building... or at least into an enclosed and all-metal vehicle with the windows up. If you're caught in an open metal boat... lie down in the boat with cushions between you and the metal sides and bottom.

If you are caught outdoors... get down to avoid being the highest point for a lightning discharge. If you're caught in a flat open field or if you feel your hair standing on end... crouch down and cover your head with your hands. That way only your feet will touch the ground.

Move away from motorcycles... scooters... golf carts... bicycles... tractors... and other metal farm equipment. Avoid wire fences... clothes lines... metal pipes... drains... railroad tracks... and other metallic objects.

Avoid lone trees and the tallest trees. If caught in the woods... pick a small grove of trees as your shelter and stand at least 5 feet from the trunk of the nearest tree to avoid flying bark if the tree is struck.

Avoid standing in a small isolated shed or other small ungrounded structure in other areas.

If in a group of people in an open area... spread out before you kneel down.

On Wednesday... we will conduct a tornado drill between 9 and 10 A.M. in Tennessee... Arkansas... and Mississippi.

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010 - Severe Thunderstorms

This is post #2 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post focuses on severe thunderstorms.

...Severe Thunderstorm Awareness Day...

There are approximately two thousand thunderstorms in progress around the world at any given time. Most of these storms are beneficial and bring needed rain. Only a small fraction... less than one percent... are classified as severe. Severe thunderstorms are those thunderstorms that produce hail one inch in diameter or larger and or strong wind gusts of 58 mph or greater. Hail that is one inch in diameter is about the size of a quarter.

A small fraction of these thunderstorms produce tornadoes. All thunderstorms are capable of producing deadly lightning. The heavy rains or the lightning activity in a thunderstorm do not have anything to do with a thunderstorm being classified as severe.

Some of the severe thunderstorms safety rules are as follows.

Find shelter immediately. Go to a sturdy building that will withstand high winds. Avoid electrical appliances and telephones.

It would be a good idea to bring your car inside a garage and to secure loose objects.

Remember...a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring. The severe thunderstorm has been detected by the Doppler radar or reported to the National Weather Service by our Skywarn spotter network or the local law enforcement agency in a particular county.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that conditions are right for severe thunderstorms to develop... but none has been observed. Folks should keep an eye on the sky and listen to commercial broadcasts... weather radio... or check MemphisWeather.net for any subsequent warnings.

When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for your location treat it the same as you would a Tornado Warning. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds large hail and deadly lightning.

MemphisWeather.net provides the latest severe weather information for the Memphis metropolitan area. This includes all watches and warnings, an interactive severe weather map of the Mid-South, and free delivery of severe weather alerts for the metro area via e-mail and Twitter. Find these services under the "Severe" menu on MemphisWeather.net.

Most of this post's content courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Post #501 - this week's weather

Welcome to the MWN Blog's post #501! My 500th blog post, sent earlier today and one week shy of the two year anniversary of the start of this blog, discussed the fact that this is severe weather awareness week in the Mid-South. I encourage you to read it, as well as the series of posts coming this week on various topics related to severe weather. Now is the time to make sure you are prepared for any severe weather we may get this season, which runs from mid-March through early May in this region of the country.

As I type this, showers and embedded thunderstorms are rumbling through the region. I stepped outside a bit ago and smelled the distinctive aroma of a spring rain shower as I listened to thunder rumble in the distance. After a seemingly long winter, these are welcome signs that spring is not too far away!

Unfortunately, we will have to deal with a little more winter cold this week in the wake of this evening's cold front, and another that will come through Tuesday night. While today's front brings in an airmass of Pacific origin and not a lot of cold air (but noticeable still the same), Tuesday's front marks the leading edge of an Arctic airmass that will thankfully just provide the Mid-South with a glancing blow, while the brunt of the cold air remains over the Ohio Valley. The MWN forecast shows as much, with highs dropping back nearly 20 degrees from today's mid 60s readings for Monday and even cooler air expected for mid-week. Lows will be back below freezing by Wednesday morning. Fortunately, there doesn't appear to be any precipitation in the forecast after tonight for the rest of the week, though subtle upper-level systems will bear watching. Sunshine should re-appear in force by Wednesday.

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Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010

This is post #1 in a series published for Severe Weather Awareness Week 2010. Today's post provides an overview of the week's activities.

...SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN THE MID-SOUTH...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN COOPERATION WITH EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AND THE MEDIA ARE PARTICIPATING IN SEVERE WEATHER
AWARENESS WEEK ACROSS TENNESSEE...ARKANSAS...AND MISSISSIPPI FROM
MONDAY...FEBRUARY 22ND THROUGH FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26TH.

EACH DAY DURING AWARENESS WEEK WILL FOCUS ON A DIFFERENT ASPECT OF
SEVERE WEATHER. DURING THE WEEK...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN
MEMPHIS WILL ISSUE SAFETY MESSAGES ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS.

MONDAY...WE WILL FOCUS ON SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS.

TUESDAY...THE TOPIC WILL BE LIGHTNING.

WEDNESDAY IS TORNADO AWARENESS AND WILL SERVE AS TORNADO DRILL DAY.

THURSDAY...WE WILL LOOK AT FLOODING AND FLASH FLOODS.

FRIDAY IS WEATHER RADIO DAY AND THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM DAY.

SATURDAY WILL CONCLUDE SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK WITH A
DISCUSSION ABOUT THE SKYWARN STORM SPOTTER PROGRAM.

THE PURPOSE OF SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IS TO DRAW ATTENTION
TO THE MANY ASPECTS OF SEVERE WEATHER WHICH AFFECT ALL OF US... TO
FOCUS ON SAFETY... AND TO LEARN WHAT TO DO WHEN HAZARDOUS
WEATHER THREATENS.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Winter takes a short break; satellite indicates global warmth for January

The cold weather pattern of the past few weeks has broken for just a few days as the Mid-South saw their first 50 degree day today since January 28. A full day of sun was a welcome sight, and so was the lack of snow cover! Today was the first day without any snow on the ground at WXLIVE! in Bartlett since the February 8th storm, and only the 5th day this month.

Though it was still below normal temperature-wise, that streak (which is also at 21 days) should end tomorrow as highs climb to the mid to upper 50s. It's been an unusually cold and active winter for the region (see Eddie Holmes' blog on the topic as it relates to Jackson, TN), so a few nice days in the mix is welcome. Following a low pressure system that will bring rain to the area this weekend, another round of Arctic air will spill into the tri-state region next week, which could hold tight through the early part of March (8-14 day outlook), as we end meteorogical winter.

Though the U.S. has been well below normal this winter, Jeff Masters at Weather Underground reports that last month was the warmest January in the lower atmosphere since 1978, globally speaking, continuing a trend of above normal temperatures since the current El Nino began last summer. The measurements are taken from Microwave Sounding Unit aboard a polar-orbiting satellite.

One final note... I'll be speaking tomorrow to the second graders at Rivercrest Elementary School for their Career Day. I hope they enjoy my talk on being a world famous pastry chef! Ha! I always look forward to opportunities like this and am especially grateful to the staff at Rivercrest for having me tomorrow. I think my second-grade daughter is more excited than I though!

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day snow expected - Advisory posted



The Winter Storm Watch that was issued Saturday afternoon for all of west TN and north MS has been upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory. The Advisory goes into effect at 6pm Sunday and continues through 6am Monday. It includes Memphis and Shelby County, Tipton County, Fayette County, and DeSoto County. Expect light rain on Sunday to change to snow by evening as very cold air moves in behind an Arctic cold front. Accumulations of an inch or so are expected in the metro area, with up to 2" to the east of the city, mainly overnight Sunday night. Light snow or flurries could continue into Monday morning and driving conditions could be hazardous for the lighter-than-normal President's Day commute Monday morning as temperatures bottom out in the upper 20s.

In addition to this Advisory, there is also a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for northern parts of west TN (not including the metro area) overnight tonight, as up to 1-2" of snow and sleet are expected overnight before becoming light rain Sunday.

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Winter Storm Watch Sunday night for west TN and north MS



URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
330 PM CST SAT FEB 13 2010

...WINTER WEATHER EXPECTED TONIGHT AND AGAIN SUNDAY NIGHT INTO
MONDAY...

.A FAST MOVING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL APPROACH THE MID SOUTH
TONIGHT. TEMPERATURES OVER NORTHWEST TENNESSEE SHOULD REMAIN
STEADY OR SLOWLY RISE LATE TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING OVER THESE
AREAS...BUT STILL SHOULD HOVER NEAR THE FREEZING MARK. THIS WILL
ALLOW LIGHT SNOW MIXED AT TIMES WITH SLEET TO PRODUCE LIGHT
ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS THE ADVISORY AREA. THIS ADVISORY DOES NOT
INCLUDE THE MEMPHIS METROPOLITAN AREA.

A COLD FRONT WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND
EVENING. COLDER AIR BEHIND THE FRONT COMBINED WITH AN UPPER LEVEL
DISTURBANCE WILL PRODUCE SNOW ACROSS MUCH OF THE MID-SOUTH SUNDAY
NIGHT AND MONDAY MORNING.

DESOTO-MARSHALL-TUNICA-TIPTON-SHELBY-FAYETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SOUTHAVEN...OLIVE BRANCH...TUNICA...
COVINGTON...BARTLETT...GERMANTOWN...COLLIERVILLE...MEMPHIS...
MILLINGTON

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED
SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING.

* TIMING: SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL SUNDAY NIGHT INTO
MONDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS: ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY SUNDAY
NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

$$

NWS/MWN



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Another snow chance late on Valentine's Day

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NWS-MEMPHIS TN / MEMPHISWEATHER.NET
752 AM CST SAT FEB 13 2010

...WINTER WEATHER POSSIBLE ACROSS THE MID-SOUTH...

A FAST MOVING CLIPPER TYPE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE ACROSS
THE MID-SOUTH TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY FOLLOWED BY MUCH COLDER AIR
AND A POTENT UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY
MORNING.

LIGHT PRECIPITATION SHOULD DEVELOP ACROSS THE MID-SOUTH THIS
EVENING AND CONTINUE INTO SUNDAY MORNING. ACROSS THE MEMPHIS
METRO AREA...A LITTLE SLEET COULD MIX WITH RAIN THIS EVENING
BEFORE CHANGING TO ALL RAIN OVERNIGHT. NO ACCUMULATIONS OF
SLEET ARE EXPECTED. SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE
THROUGH THE NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING. THERE WILL LIKELY BE A
REDUCTION IN PRECIPITATION INTENSITY OR EVEN A BREAK IN
PRECIPITATION FROM LATE SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH THE AFTERNOON
HOURS.

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL PASS ACROSS THE MID-SOUTH FROM WEST TO
EAST SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. MUCH COLDER TEMPERATURES WILL
FILTER ACROSS THE AREA WITH PRECIPITATION BEGINNING AGAIN OR
INCREASING IN INTENSITY BY SUNDAY EVENING AS A STRONG UPPER LEVEL
DISTURBANCE MOVES ACROSS THE AREA. EXPECT RAIN TO QUICKLY CHANGE
TO SNOW SUNDAY EVENING BEFORE TAPERING TO SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS
BY MONDAY MORNING. THIS SYSTEM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BRING LIGHT TO
MODERATE SNOW ACCUMULATIONS TO MUCH OF THE MID-SOUTH SUNDAY NIGHT.
THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR MODERATE SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL REMAIN
ACROSS EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE FORECAST AREA INCLUDING A LARGE
PORTION OF WEST TENNESSEE. ANY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL LIKELY
RESULT IN HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AS TEMPERATURES FALL WELL
BELOW FREEZING AND ROADWAYS BECOME SNOW COVERED SUNDAY NIGHT INTO
PRESIDENTS DAY MORNING.

THERE STILL REMAINS SOME UNCERTAINTY WITH RESPECT TO THE EXACT
TRACK OF THE UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE. THIS WILL HAVE A DIRECT
IMPACT UPON EVENTUAL SNOW AMOUNTS... THOUGH AMOUNTS OF 1-2 INCHES
SUNDAY NIGHT ARE POSSIBLE.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS FROM THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE AND MEMPHISWEATHER.NET AND PREPARE NOW FOR POSSIBLE
IMPACTS FROM SNOW. ADDITIONAL WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES OR WARNINGS
MAY BECOME NECESSARY FOR MUCH OF THE MID-SOUTH FOR SUNDAY NIGHT
INTO MONDAY MORNING.

$$

JLH/EAP


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Friday, February 12, 2010

No end in sight to Winter 2009-2010

What a cold and snowy winter it has been so far across the region! With two winter storm events in January and one so far in February (not counting the one that is going by to our south today), no one would argue that it has been an active pattern. El Nino has at least something to do with that, as we have had several southern stream storm systems (say that three time fast)like today's which move across the southern U.S., tapping the Gulf of Mexico as their moisture source.

While we narrowly missed out on today's storm, we have yet another chance in the short-range forecast as a clipper system takes a nose-dive out of the Northern Plains into the Mid-South on Sunday. It will bring with it a couple of rounds of precipitation - scattered light showers ahead of the Arctic cold front, an upper-level low that will be trailing the main surface low, and then another impulse in the resulting northwest upper level flow on President's Day.

As of now, it appears we might be warm enough to start out as rain early Sunday morning ahead of the cold front, though a little snow could be mixed in to the north where surface temps may support it. The cold front then comes through during the morning and cold air begins to move in by afternoon, accompanied by the first upper-level low. That round of precipitation could change over to snow during the afternoon hours, continuing into the evening, as much colder air pours over the region. Then on Monday, in the Arctic air behind the system, mostly cloudy skies and cold air filtering into the region could be enough to produce some flurries during the day.

A far as totals, it's too early to say for sure, but there is the possibility of about an inch or so from late afternoon into the evening on Sunday. I don't expect any snow that falls early in the day or on Monday to amount to anything.

This winter system will be enough to continue our streak of below normal temperatures. High temperatures at Memphis International have been below average every day since January 28, and that appears as though it will continue through the extended forecast, pushing us towards 3 straight weeks below normal. I guess maybe the groundhog was right this year? I for one am looking forward to spring!

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Yet another possibility of snow on Friday

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
630 AM CST WED FEB 10 2010

...ACCUMULATING SNOW POSSIBLE ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 40
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY MORNING...

A STORM SYSTEM OFF THE SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA COAST WILL TRACK EAST
ACROSS NORTHERN MEXICO AND SOUTHERN TEXAS WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
NIGHT. BY THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY...IT SHOULD TRACK ALONG THE GULF
COAST. DUE TO COLD AIR ALREADY IN PLACE...PRECIPITATION WILL BE ALL
SNOW.

THERE ARE STILL MANY UNCERTAINTIES CONCERNING THIS FORECAST SUCH
AS THE EXACT STORM TRACK AND THE AMOUNT OF MOISTURE AVAILABLE.
HOWEVER...AT THIS TIME THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A FEW INCHES OF
SNOW SOUTH OF OXFORD AND TUPELO MISSISSIPPI...WITH AT LEAST AN
INCH IN THE MEMPHIS METRO AREA AND ALONG THE TENNESSEE-MISSISSIPPI
STATE LINE. NORTH OF INTERSTATE 40...THE CHANCES FOR ACCUMULATING
SNOW ARE LOWER DUE TO DRIER AIR LIKELY TO REMAIN IN PLACE.

STAY TUNED TO LATER FORECASTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
AND MEMPHISWEATHER.NET FOR UPDATED INFORMATION AND THE POTENTIAL
ISSUANCE OF WINTER WEATHER HEADLINES.

$$

BORGHOFF/MWN



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Monday, February 8, 2010

Winter Weather Advisory in effect

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
315 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT MUCH OF THE MID SOUTH
THIS EVENING INTO TONIGHT..

.HEAVY PRECIPITATION HAS MOVED BACK INTO THE MID SOUTH THIS
AFTERNOON. HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD EAST LATE THIS
AFTERNOON MAINLY NORTH OF A HARRISBURG ARKANSAS TO HUNTINGDON
TENNESSEE LINE. A MIXTURE OF SNOW AND SLEET WILL CONTINUE FROM THE
MEMPHIS METROPOLITAN AREA EAST ALONG THE TENNESSEE AND MISSISSIPPI
BORDER. RAIN AND SLEET WILL OCCUR ACROSS EXTREME NORTHERN
MISSISSIPPI WITH RAIN TO THE SOUTH. WARMER AIR MOVING NORTH WILL
RESULT IN RAIN MIXING IN WITH THE WINTER PRECIPITATION ALONG AND
TO THE SOUTH OF INTESTATE 40 THIS EVENING. PRECIPITATION WILL
CHANGE TO ALL RAIN SOUTH OF THE TENNESSEE AND MISSISSIPPI BORDER
THIS EVENING. COLDER AIR WILL MOVE IN LATER TONIGHT CHANGING
PRECIPITATION BACK TO LIGHT SNOW FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST
ACROSS THE MID SOUTH. ACCUMULATIONS AFTER MIDNIGHT WILL BE LIGHT.

SHELBY-FAYETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FORREST CITY...BARTLETT...GERMANTOWN...
COLLIERVILLE...MEMPHIS...MILLINGTON...SOMERVILLE
315 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8
PM CST THIS EVENING. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

* ADDITIONAL SLEET AND SNOW AMOUNTS WILL TOTAL ABOUT 1 INCH.

* SNOW AND SLEET WILL CONTINUE INTO THE EVENING BEFORE MIXING WITH
RAIN THIS EVENING.

* TRAVEL WILL BE HAZARDOUS TONIGHT.

$$

TIPTON-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...COVINGTON
315 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6
AM CST TUESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

* ADDITIONAL SLEET AND SNOW AMOUNTS WILL TOTAL 1 TO 3 INCHES.

* SNOW AND SLEET WILL CONTINUE INTO THIS EVENING BEFORE MIXING
WITH RAIN. PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE BACK TO LIGHT SNOW LATE
TONIGHT.

* TRAVEL WILL BE HAZARDOUS TONIGHT.

$$

CRITTENDEN-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...WEST MEMPHIS
315 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6
AM CST TUESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

* ADDITIONAL SLEET AND SNOW AMOUNTS WILL TOTAL 1 TO 2 INCHES.

* SNOW AND SLEET WILL CONTINUE INTO THE EVENING AND MIX WITH RAIN
AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE BACK TO LIGHT SNOW LATE
TONIGHT.

* TRAVEL WILL BE HAZARDOUS TONIGHT.

$$

DESOTO-MARSHALL-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SOUTHAVEN...OLIVE BRANCH
315 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING.

* ADDITIONAL SLEET AND SNOW AMOUNTS WILL TOTAL LESS THAN 1 INCH.

* SLEET...SNOW AND RAIN WILL CONTINUE LATE THIS AFTERNOON. THE
PRECIPITATION WILL TURN TO ALL RAIN BY 6 PM CST.

* TRAVEL WILL BE HAZARDOUS TODAY.

$$

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL
CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION
WHILE DRIVING.




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Winter Storm Warning updated again, mixed precip likely

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
1211 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT MUCH OF THE MID SOUTH THIS
AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT..

.HEAVY PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE MID SOUTH THIS
AFTERNOON. HEAVY SNOW WILL REDEVELOP NORTH OF A WYNNE ARKANSAS TO
JACKSON TENNESSEE LINE. A MIXTURE OF SNOW AND SLEET WILL OCCUR
FROM THE MEMPHIS METROPOLITAN AREA EAST ALONG THE TENNESSEE AND
MISSISSIPPI BORDER. RAIN AND SLEET WILL OCCUR ACROSS EXTREME
NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI WITH RAIN TO THE SOUTH. PRECIPITATION WILL
GRADUALLY CHANGE TO ALL RAIN SOUTH OF WYNNE ARKANSAS TO JACKSON
TENNESSEE LINE THIS EVENING BEFORE COLDER AIR MOVES IN LATER
TONIGHT CHANGING PRECIPITATION BACK TO LIGHT SNOW.

LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS WILL TRACK EAST TODAY AND MOVE THROUGH
CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI TONIGHT. WITH COLD AIR IN PLACE ACROSS THE
MIDSOUTH...WINTRY WEATHER WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH
TONIGHT.

CRITTENDEN-ST. FRANCIS-CHESTER-DECATUR-SHELBY-FAYETTE-HARDEMAN-
MCNAIRY-HARDIN-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WEST MEMPHIS...FORREST CITY...
BARTLETT...GERMANTOWN...COLLIERVILLE...MEMPHIS...MILLINGTON...
SOMERVILLE...BOLIVAR...SAVANNAH
1211 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING.

* ADDITIONAL SNOW AND SLEET AMOUNTS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES CAN BE
EXPECTED...LOCALLY MORE. SNOW AND SLEET WILL OCCASIONALLY MIX
WITH RAIN TOWARD EVENING AND CHANGE TO ALL RAIN AROUND 6 PM CST.

* SNOW AND SLEET WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS
AFTERNOON... SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW AND SLEET WILL MIX WITH
OR CHANGE TO RAIN BY EVENING.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BE HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

$$

DESOTO-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SOUTHAVEN...OLIVE BRANCH
1211 PM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SLEET...SNOW AND RAIN...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN
CANCELLED.

* ADDITIONAL SLEET AND SNOW AMOUNTS WILL TOTAL LESS THAN 1 INCH.

* SLEET...SNOW AND RAIN WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS
AFTERNOON. THE PRECIPITATION WILL TURN TO ALL RAIN BY 4 PM CST.

* TRAVEL WILL BE HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL
CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION
WHILE DRIVING.

$$




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Updated Winter Storm Warning

WWUS44 KMEG 081325
WSWMEG

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
725 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WITH HEAVY SNOW IN PROGRESS ACROSS THE MIDSOUTH...

.HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL OCCUR TODAY INTO TONIGHT ACROSS
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS...THE MISSOURI BOOTHEEL... MUCH OF WEST
TENNESSEE...AND PARTS OF NORTH MISSISSIPPI. THE AFFECTED AREA IS
GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE FROM MARIANNA ARKANSAS TO
BOONEVILLE MISSISSIPPI. THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF MEMPHIS AND
JACKSON TENNESSEE...AND JONESBORO ARKANSAS.

A LIGHT WINTRY MIX OF SNOW AND SLEET WILL OCCUR JUST TO THE SOUTH.
THIS AREA IS SOUTH OF WHERE THE HEAVY SNOW IS EXPECTED AND
GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE FROM CLARKSDALE MISSISSIPPI TO
NEW ALBANY MISSISSIPPI.

LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS WILL TRACK EAST TODAY AND MOVE THROUGH
CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI TONIGHT. WITH COLD AIR IN PLACE ACROSS THE
MIDSOUTH...WINTRY WEATHER WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH
MONDAY NIGHT.

CROSS-ST. FRANCIS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WYNNE...FORREST CITY
725 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
TUESDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY.

* SNOW AMOUNTS BETWEEN 4 AND 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED...LOCALLY
MORE. SOME SLEET MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS MORNING...
SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH RAIN LATE THIS
AFTERNOON AND EVENING BEFORE CHANGING BACK TO SNOW OVERNIGHT.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

CRITTENDEN-DESOTO-TIPTON-HAYWOOD-MADISON-SHELBY-FAYETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WEST MEMPHIS...SOUTHAVEN...
OLIVE BRANCH...COVINGTON...JACKSON...BARTLETT...GERMANTOWN...
COLLIERVILLE...MEMPHIS...MILLINGTON...SOMERVILLE
725 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON.

* SNOW AMOUNTS BETWEEN 4 AND 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED...LOCALLY
MORE. SOME SLEET MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS MORNING...
SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW IS NOT EXPECTED TO MIX WITH OR
CHANGE TO RAIN UNTIL MID-AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS AND NEARLY IMPASSABLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

LEE AR-MARSHALL-TUNICA-TATE-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...TUNICA
725 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY.

* SNOW AMOUNTS AROUND 3 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. SOME SLEET MAY
OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS MORNING...
SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO MIX WITH OR CHANGE TO
RAIN BY AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

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"Surprise" snow begins early, falls heavy

With each forecast over the past 24 hours, the possibility of accumulating snowfall has increased. Once it began falling over northeast AR and critical low-level surface temps were better analyzed, the NWS upgraded a Winter Weather Advisory to a Winter Storm Warning early this morning, which will continue until 4pm. The snow began around 3:30-4:00am in the city and has piled up quickly along the TN/MS state line since then, with most places blanketed by 1"+ as of 6:30am. The airport area, southern Germantown, Collierville, Olive Branch, and Southaven are already at 2-4"!

As for the rest of the day, it looks like snow will continue through mid-afternoon before transitioning to rain. Some sleet could mix in during the transition this afternoon. Snowfall rates could continue near 1"/hr. at times, with some heavier bands producing more. Thus, the predicted totals of 4-8"+ are well within reason. The rain late this afternoon and evening should help the traffic situations somewhat, but rain will transition back to light snow after midnight as temps drop back into the upper 20s, possibly making Tuesday morning's commute a tricky one. The toughest remaining part of this forecast is when exactly the rain changeover will take place. If it is delayed, look for snow totals to increase further.

As for the rest of the week, another storm system will move in Thursday night and Friday. Once again, the atmosphere will be cold enough to support snow, so this one will also bear watching.

Enjoy your snow day kids!

Stay with MemphisWeather.net and the MWN Blog for the latest details on today's winter weather.

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Winter Storm Warning for Memphis metro area



URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
425 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE MIDSOUTH TODAY AND TONIGHT
WITH HEAVY SNOW ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE AREA...

.HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TODAY INTO TONIGHT
ACROSS NORTHEAST ARKANSAS...THE MISSOURI BOOTHEEL...
MUCH OF WEST TENNESSEE...AND EXTREME NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE
FROM FORREST CITY ARKANSAS TO HERNANDO MISSISSIPPI TO
HUNTINGDON TENNESSEE. THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF
MEMPHIS AND JACKSON TENNESSEE...AND JONESBORO ARKANSAS.

A LIGHT WINTRY MIX OF SLEET...SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN CAN
BE EXPECTED JUST TO THE SOUTH. THIS AREA IS SOUTH OF WHERE THE
HEAVY SNOW IS EXPECTED AND GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A LINE
FROM WEST HELENA ARKANSAS TO ASHLAND MISSISSIPPI TO DECATURVILLE
TENNESSEE.

LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS WILL TRACK EAST TODAY AND MOVE THROUGH
CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI TONIGHT. WITH COLD AIR IN PLACE ACROSS THE
MIDSOUTH...WINTRY WEATHER WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH
MONDAY NIGHT.

CRITTENDEN-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...WEST MEMPHIS
425 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* SNOW AMOUNTS BETWEEN 3 AND 5 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. SOME SLEET
MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS
MORNING...SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO MIX WITH OR
CHANGE TO RAIN BY MID-AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

$$

TIPTON-SHELBY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COVINGTON...BARTLETT...GERMANTOWN...
COLLIERVILLE...MEMPHIS...MILLINGTON
425 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* SNOW AMOUNTS BETWEEN 3 AND 5 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. SOME SLEET
MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS
MORNING...SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO MIX WITH OR
CHANGE TO RAIN BY MID-AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

$$

DESOTO-FAYETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SOUTHAVEN...OLIVE BRANCH...JACKSON...
SOMERVILLE
425 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SNOW AND SLEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CST THIS
AFTERNOON.

* SNOW AMOUNTS BETWEEN 3 AND 5 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. SOME SLEET
MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX IN WITH THE SNOW.

* SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO THE AREA THIS
MORNING...SOMETIMES HEAVY. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO MIX WITH OR
CHANGE TO RAIN BY MID-AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BECOME HAZARDOUS TODAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL
VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

$$




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School closings for 2/8/10

School Closings for Monday, 2/8/10, as of 5:30am

Shelby County - CLOSED
Memphis City - CLOSED
Memphis Catholic - CLOSED
Tipton County - CLOSED
Tipton-Rosemark Academy - CLOSED
Fayette County - CLOSED
Fayette Academy - Unknown
DeSoto County - CLOSED
West Memphis City - CLOSED
Marshall County - CLOSED
U. of Memphis - CLOSED
NW Mississippi CC - CLOSED
SW Tennessee CC - CLOSED
CBU/Rhodes - Unknown

Complete listing from WREG.com

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Winter Weather Advisory for Monday, 2-8-10

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
1007 PM CST SUN FEB 7 2010

...WINTER STORM TO AFFECT PARTS OF THE MID SOUTH LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT...

.HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED FROM PARTS OF EAST ARKANSAS ACROSS THE MISSOURI BOOTHEEL INTO EXTREME NORTHWEST TENNESSEE LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT. THE AFFECTED AREA IS GENERALLY ALONG AND TO THE NORTHWEST OF A LINE FROM AROUND HARRISBURG ARKANSAS TO BLYTHEVILLE ARKANSAS TO TIPTONVILLE TENNESSEE.

A LIGHT WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION CAN BE EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT INTO MONDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE MEMPHIS... FORREST CITY... AND DYERSBURG AREAS.
LOW PRESSURE OVER TEXAS WILL TRACK EAST MONDAY AND MOVE THROUGH CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI MONDAY NIGHT. WITH COLD AIR IN PLACE ACROSS THE MID SOUTH... WINTRY WEATHER WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT.

TIPTON-SHELBY-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COVINGTON... BARTLETT... GERMANTOWN... COLLIERVILLE... MEMPHIS... MILLINGTON
1007 PM CST SUN FEB 7 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 4 PM CST MONDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING RAIN... SLEET... AND SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 4 PM CST MONDAY.

* SNOW AMOUNTS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 1 TO 2 INCHES. UP TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH ICE ACCUMULATION AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS LESS THAN ONE HALF INCH ARE POSSIBLE.

* A MIXTURE OF FREEZING RAIN...SLEET AND SNOW WILL DEVELOP OVERNIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING. SNOW MAY BECOME MIXED WITH OR TURN OVER TO RAIN MONDAY AFTERNOON.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS MONDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING RAIN... SLEET... AND SNOW MEANS THAT MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

$$

CRITTENDEN-ST. FRANCIS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... WEST MEMPHIS... FORREST CITY
1007 PM CST SUN FEB 7 2010

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MEMPHIS HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING RAIN... SLEET... AND SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY.

* SNOW AMOUNTS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 1 TO 2 INCHES. UP TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH ICE ACCUMULATION AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS LESS THAN ONE HALF INCH ARE POSSIBLE.

* A MIXTURE OF FREEZING RAIN...SLEET AND SNOW WILL DEVELOP OVERNIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING. SNOW MAY BECOME MIXED WITH RAIN OVER PARTS OF THE AREA LATE MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING BUT WILL LATER CHANGE BACK TO ALL SNOW.

* TRAVEL CONDITIONS MAY BECOME HAZARDOUS MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING RAIN... SLEET... AND SNOW MEANS THAT MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

$$


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Friday, February 5, 2010

Two-year anniversary - Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the infamous "Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak" that swept through the Mid-South on Presidential Primary Day, Tuesday, February 5, 2008. On that day, 57 people lost their lives in 4 states and roughly $500 MILLION dollars in damage was done by 87 tornadoes. This outbreak was the deadliest in the era of the modern NEXRAD Doppler Radar (since 1997).

In this region, you will remember the EF-2 that killed 3 people as it was caught live on WREG-TV's cam in east Memphis as it moved through Southaven and into Hickory Hill. And who can forget the EF-4 that decimated the dorms at Union University, yet amazingly spared every life.

This outbreak serves as a reminder that severe weather can happen at any time and does not have to occur in the "traditional" severe weather seasons of spring and late fall. I encourage you to check out the references below for more on this storm system.

Remembering the Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak in the Mid-South - my blog post from last year on this date



"Super Tuesday Mid-South Tornado Outbreak" - a presentation by NWS meteorologists Todd Beal and Jonathan Howell done shortly after the event (PowerPoint format - 81MB) (link deprecated)

Severe weather safety tips from the NWS

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Hurricane WhoDat?


NOAA – 01 Feb 2010 1035 EST
Outlook for the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico
Hurricane Whodat is predicted to make landfall on the South Florida coast in the vicinity of Miami on 7 Feb 2010 at approximately 2200Z (5:00 PM EST). This extremely powerful hurricane is expected to produce damaging Shockey waves and Category 5 Brees. Reports from shipping indicate that this unstoppable storm has blown a huge flock of Cardinals all the way to Arizona , and that it has sunk a replica Viking longboat, the Brettigfǻvren. Livestock, in particular young horses, will be in severe danger of being decimated. Predictive damage estimates are unavailable at this time, but they are expected to be significant.

All interests in and near the Miami area are advised to prepare for a storm surge of catastrophic proportions as Hurricane Whodat begins to arrive in full force on Sunday February 7th..

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Remnants of one storm, and another on the horizon

Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow during the Groundhog Day festivities in Pennsylvania yesterday (groundhog.org), indicating that there would be six more weeks of winter. Given the current forecast, I'm not one to argue much with him, at least for the first week of that six week period! We've left behind a month with two winter storms and threats of others that did not materialize (see the satellite image above taken mid-day today showing the snow cover that is still remnants of last Friday's storm and notice how well it lines up with the snow map in my previous post).

As to the forecast, we'll have two systems affect the Mid-South in the next six days that are definitely winter-time storms, with the second one having the early makings of another snow event. The first comes tomorrow and Friday as mainly rain in the metro area. Low pressure will move by to our south, similar to last week's storm, only this time the colder air will be displaced farther north. Some areas of northeast AR and northwest TN that got a dumping of snow last Friday could get a little more with this system. As for the metro area, I expect rain Thursday and Thursday night, a break Friday morning, then showers possible again Friday afternoon and evening with a possible mix of light snow Friday night. No accumulations are expected. The weekend will see more clouds than sun and cool temperatures.

Another system will take a similar track through the Lower MS Valley early next week. This one also appears to have plenty of moisture and dynamics associated with it. The mid-range models are still having some difficulties with the eventual evolution, strength, and degree of cold air associated with this one, but it definitely has a shot at bringing at least part of the area our next good chance for winter precipitation. We'll continue to monitor. In the meantime, be thankful for some rain on Thursday and Friday to finish the snow melting job and wash the roads and our cars of all the sand/salt/ash from last week's storm!

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System, NWR is an “All Hazards” radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).

Known as the “Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service,” NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. NWR includes more than 985 transmitters , covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal.

In the Memphis area, NOAA Weather Radio is broadcast on WXK49 on a frequency of 162.475 Mhz. Most NWR's will automatically pick up this station or allow you to scan for it. In addition, there are "SAME" codes that can be programmed into most radios that allow you to set a county or counties to warn for, rather than the entire listening area. For more information on NOAA Weather Radio in the metro area, see this page from NOAA or contact MemphisWeather.net.

Incidentally, MemphisWeather.net is currently running an advertising special whereby you can receive a free Midland Weather Radio when your small business or organization palces on ad on MWN! Use the link above to fnd out more and/or contact us about this opportunity!

The majority of this blog is re-printed from the CoCoRaHS website.

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Sunrise video from January 27, 2010

Back before the winter storm hit last Friday, high clouds were streaming in as upper-level moisture increased across the area. MWN's official videographer, Gemini Multimedia, put together a time-lapse of video I took of the sunrise on Wednesday morning, January 27. I always enjoy watching these, and hope you do to!



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Memphis City and Shelby County Schools make-up days for 2010

As of today (February 1), Shelby County Schools will have three (3) inclement weather days to make up and Memphis City Schools two (2) days to make up. According to the Shelby County Schools calendar, their 3 days will be made up on May 24-25-26. According to Memphis City Schools calendar, their 2 days will be made up on May 24-25. (Memorial Day this year falls on May 31.)

Remember it's still winter! Just because we've had two storms that have caused schools to close doesn't mean there won't be more! Any additional inclement weather days will be made up either that week of May 24, or as the school boards designate.

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