Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Strong Thunderstorms Tuesday Night

A line of heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms are moving through the upper MD shore counties and Delaware. These storms are capable of producing winds over 60 mph and small to medium size hail, and very heavy rain. Ponding on the roads are expected so hold off on any driving until the storms have passed. Expect these storms to last though around midnight across Delaware before moving off the coast. Expect a chance for scattered showers and storms into Wednesday across all of Delmarva.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Warm Start but Cooler Finish to Work Week

High temperatures will top off near to above average for the first half of the week. Highs will generally be in the mid to upper 70s across Delmarva. A cold front will then approach Delmarva on Wednesday. This will bring some clouds and the chance for rain showers on Wednesday. A broad upper-level trough will then develop over the eastern US for the end of the week. This will being below average temperatures with highs only near 70 for Thursday and Friday. Skies will remain sunny but with highs below average for the start of the weekend. Overnight lows look to drop into the 40s for the normally cooler spots for the end of the week.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Coastal Storm

An area of low pressure off the Carolina coast and strong high pressure over New England has brought strong winds to Delmarva for the past 36 hours. The low sitting off the NC/SC border has intensified today and is supplying Delmarva with plenty of Atlantic moisture. Along with the rain we have been dealing with the wind. So far the highest wind gust has been reported at Wallops Island at 47 mph. The persistent winds have brought high seas and surf to the region. This evening the buoy off the Delaware coast reached 16 ft. This increased wave action prompted coastal flood warnings for the Atlantic coast for some tidal flooding around times of high tide this evening. Rainfall amounts have exceeded 1" so far from southern Delaware to points south, with lesser amounts north and west. This rain is welcomed rain as many areas are 4+ inches below average on the year. expect rainfall amounts of 1-2" through Friday.

As the low pressure slowly tracks northwest on Friday more moisture from the Atlantic will move through Delmarva. Expect more of a showery type rain through the day on Friday with a possible rumble of thunder. Warmer air will also move in from the Atlantic as highs reach the low 70s on Friday. The winds will also be much lighter on Friday out of the east around 10-15 mph with some higher gusts along the coast. At this point, Saturday should be mainly dry with the exception of some scattered showers possible.

If you have any storm or damage reports, let us know.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Cool and Breezy Start to the Weekend

As we enter the last weekend of the official summer season, conditions will feel more like fall. The current overall weather pattern is typical for fall. Strong high pressure will continue to dominate the northeast over the next several days. This is causing the low level winds to become northeasterly across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. This is bringing a wedge of cooler air into the region with highs well below average in the low 70s. The current ocean water temperature is 71 degrees so air temps will hover around that number for the next 24 hours.

The high over New England will break down for Sunday, relaxing the winds and warming the temperatures up. Another strong high will situate itself again over New England on Tuesday allowing for another wedge of cooler air to move back into the region with highs below average next week.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Summer isn't over

A strong ridge of high pressure will develop across the Southeast this weekend allowing temperatures to return to above average. This ridge of high pressure will allow heat to expand through the atmosphere and Southerly winds will push the warmer air into our region. Temperatures 5,000 ft above the surface on Sunday support low 90s at the surface across the shore.

South winds will also bring more moisture into Delmarva in the form of humidity. Heat index values on Sunday may reach 100 degrees. The record high for Salisbury on Sunday is 94, which could possibly be reached if we get full sunshine with the right wind direction. Temperatures still remain hot on Monday in the upper 80s to near 90, before a cold front comes through Monday night, cooling us off to the 70s to near 80 for the rest of next week.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Tropical Storm Hanna

As we are in the peak of the hurricane season it is not surprising that we have three tropical systems going on right now. The first one Hanna, looks to bring the threat of tropical storm conditions to Delmarva this Saturday. Even though this storm is not a catastrophic storm it is still a good idea to take precautions as tropical storms bring the risk of power outages and flood potential. The question is, are you prepared for a tropical system to impact your area? Delmarva is already under a tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. Here are some tips from the National Weather Services during Tropical Storm watches and warnings.


WHEN MAKING YOUR TROPICAL STORM PLAN...GIVE FULL CONSIDERATION TO
WHETHER YOU SHOULD LEAVE OR STAY IF A WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR
LOCATION. HEED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICIALS IF ASKED TO EVACUATE.

FILL AUTOMOBILE GAS TANKS...AS POWER MAY BE LOST AND GAS STATIONS
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DISPENSE FUEL. FILL CLEAN CONTAINERS WITH
WATER. PLAN ON AT LEAST ONE GALLON OF CLEAN WATER PER PERSON PER
DAY FOR DRINKING...IN ADDITION TO WATER NECESSARY FOR
COOKING...CLEANING...AND FLUSHING TOILETS.

STOCK UP ON CANNED FOOD...ESPECIALLY FOOD THAT CAN BE EATEN
WITHOUT COOKING OR HEATING. CHECK FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES OF
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.

HAVE WORKABLE FLASHLIGHTS OR PORTABLE LANTERNS AND A BATTERY-
POWERED RADIO. HAVE A SUPPLY OF SPARE BATTERIES. USE BATTERY-
POWERED LIGHTS INSTEAD OF CANDLES SINCE FIRE FIGHTERS AND
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REACH YOU DURING THE
HURRICANE.

PREPARE TO BOARD UP WINDOWS IF NECESSARY. STORE OR SECURE LAWN
FURNITURE...BARBECUE GRILLS...GARBAGE CANS...AND OTHER LOOSE
OUTDOOR OBJECTS.


Here is a disaster supply kit that you should always have incase of any weather related emergency at any time of year. Do you have one prepared?

Disaster Kit:
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash