Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Localized Heavy Rain

A warm moist air mass flowing up from the south running into a frontal boundary has been the focal point for showers and thunderstorms. These showers and storms were scattered but have been very slow moving on Memorial Day and today. Rainfall rates were up to 1-2 in/hr and some localized areas underneath the storms received about a quick 3 inch rainfall. Rainfall rates this high will cause localized flooding and ponding on the roadways, that's why flood advisories were issued on Monday for a few areas.

As of now, more scattered showers and storms are expected Thursday afternoon and Friday. If you happen to encounter any flooded roadways while driving, just turn around and find another way. It only takes 2 feet of fast flowing water to move a car and 6 inches of fast flowing water to knock and adult over. So it is best to take the National Weather Service advice, "Turn Around Don't Drown."

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Record Lows Temps In SBY

High pressure remains situated off the coast creating clear skies calm winds making another chance to hit the 30s for the third night in a row. Early Tuesday morning Salisbury hit a record low temperature of 35 degrees at 5:15AM dropping below the record low of 36 degrees in 2002. With the same setup high pressure centered off the northern Atlantic coast clear skies calm winds helped drop temperatures even lower early Wednesday morning. Wednesday's low hit the freezing mark at 32 degrees at 4:49 AM breaking the record of 34 degrees in 2002. Tonight's forecast expected to be another cold night with cold, calm conditions in the 30s but not expected to hit the record low at 31degrees. However, good news for the start to the holiday weekend with the continued high pressure situated off shore makes way for sunshine with good boating & beaching conditions Thursday and Friday.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22)

With the weather and water warming up, many folks are readyor already have put their boats in the water. This week the National Weather Service and National Safe Boating Council have teamed up to promote safe boating practices. Each day this week there will be a boating topic that will be focused on and promoted to help keep boaters educated and safe. Here are the daily topics that will be covered this week (provided by the National Weather Service and National Safe Boating Council):

Saturday:
...Boating Under the Influence...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

The effects of alcohol can be even more hazardous on the water than on land. Boating Under the Influence, or BUI, affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being involved in a boating accident... for both passengers and boat operators. Alcohol is a contributing factor in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

It is illegal to operate any boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license and even jail time.

Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecasts and warnings.

This message is brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service, reminding you that Safe Boating Week is May 16 through the 22nd.

Sunday
...Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Every boater should be aware of the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced when a carbon-based fuel - such as gasoline or propane - burns. C-O can be emitted from boat engines and gas generators.

Carbon monoxide fumes can harm or even kill you inside or outside your boat. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short exposure to high concentrations can kill you.

Every boater needs to understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Know where and how carbon monoxide may accumulate in and around your boat. Maintain fresh air circulation. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your boat. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecasts and warnings.

Monday
...Life Jackets...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Before you and your family get out on the water this year, grab a life jacket and "Wear It!" Nearly 90 percent of those who drown while boating were not wearing a life jacket.

Life jacket wear is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for safe recreational boating. Boaters are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for every passenger on their vessel.

Modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. They are comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for any boating activity or sport.

No matter what the activity or life jacket style chosen, the most important thing is this: remember to grab a life jacket and "Wear It!" To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and warnings.

Tuesday
...Navigation in Dense Fog...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Weather Service and the National Safe Boating Council...

Don't be caught in a fog, especially on the water. You just may lose your life. Fog can create very low visibility making safe navigation difficult for boaters. Fog is formed when moist air changes form creating a cloud at the earth's surface. In dense fog the visibility can be reduced to less than a boat length, significantly increasing the risk of collision or grounding your boat.

If your boat is shrouded in fog, reduce your boat speed. Remember - you should always wear your life jacket whether it is foggy or not, but double-check to make sure that everyone is wearing a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket in situations with fog. Display lights and sound warning signals for limited visibility following navigation safety rules.

You can always anchor in a safe location until conditions improve. Other precautions boaters take in low visibility include posting lookouts to see and listen for signals or sounds from other vessels, or to just listen for the sound of breaking waves.

Remember that safe boating is no accident. Consider staying in port when dense fog is occurring or is expected. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and observation information before setting sail. On the open waters, set your radio frequency to the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for alerts on sudden severe storms that might cross your path. Be prepared, not sorry.

Wednesday
...Navigation Rules of the Road...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Do you know what to do when approaching, meeting or over taking another boat? Before you take your boat out on the water this season, it's important that you know the "nautical rules of the road."

The nautical rules of the road are the navigation rules for preventing collisions on the water. Knowing the nautical rules of the road is important for all boaters. Knowing what to do when meeting, crossing or over taking another boat can prevent costly damage to your boat, personal injury or even loss of life. Whenever you believe there is a risk of collision you should slow down, stop or steer away from the situation as described in the navigation rules. Maintaining a proper lookout and a safe speed are all a part of the navigation rules and should be an important part of your boat operation.

Take some time to learn the nautical rules of the road this summer and ensure safer boating for you, your family, and the other boaters on the water. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

And Remember...
Grab a life jacket and "Wear It!"

Thursday
...Vessel Safety Check (VSC)...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

This boating season, make sure that you take advantage of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), program - a free, no risk, service provided in your area by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons. A qualified vessel examiner will conduct an inspection of all the required safety equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of the vessel's overall condition. Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boats (including personal watercraft) get a free VSC each year.

A VSC is your best way of learning about conditions that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create an unsafe condition for you or your passengers on the water.

Be prepared for any emergency when you are afloat. Get a free vessel safety check to ensure that your vessel complies with both Federal and State requirements. If the vessel meets all requirements, the examiner will award a Vessel Safety Check decal. If you vessel fails to receive a VSC decal, no law enforcement action is taken and the examiner will provide a list of items for correction.

To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Friday
...Lightning Safety on the Open Water...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Weather Service and the National Safe Boating Council...

No one thinks they will ever be struck by lightning, but the most common threat boater's face in thunderstorms is lightning. Each year 100,000 thunderstorms develop across the United States and adjacent coastal waters. Lightning can generate a phenomenal amount of heat that can vaporize water, melt metal, or cause objects to explode. In fact, bolts of lightning can produce extreme temperatures up to 53,000 degrees Fahrenheit - or almost 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun!

A lightning strike to a boat can be catastrophic, especially if it results in a fire or loss of radio and navigation equipment. Although you cannot prevent lightning from striking your boat you can take protective measures to limit the damage.

The best things to do the minute you see lightning or hear thunder: head to shore and take shelter until the storm passes. If you must weather the storm out on the water, drop anchor so the boat's bow points into the wind. If your boat has a cabin, stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat doesn't have a cabin, stay as low as you can in the boat.
At all times, but especially during thunderstorms, make sure you and your crew are wearing life jackets. To protect your boat, make sure it is grounded. Use a good conductive material to allow the current to travel through and off the boat through a discharge plate or the keel. Another way to minimize the chance of a lightning strike is to install a static dissipater.

Even though you cannot stop lightning from striking, you can take measures to protect or minimize damage to yourself and your crew. Remember that boating safety begins ashore with planning and training.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and observation information before setting sail. On the open waters, set your radio frequency to the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for alerts on sudden severe storms that might cross your path. Be prepared, not sorry.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Ocean City Community Preparedness

Ocean City emergency officials held a community preparedness seminar, to help the public prepare for any emergency situations. The seminar informed the public on plans that are in place in case of evacuations, plans the public should take ahead of time, and phases the Ocean City officials will follow during emergency situations. The number one topic that was stressed is to be prepared ahead of time, make sure your family has a plan. Ocean City emergency officials encourage all household to take four steps to prepare before an emergency strikes.
1.Get Informed
2.Make A Plan
3.Make An Emergency Kit
4.Be Aware
The other important topics that were stressed is flood insurance, grants that can be applied for after June 1st, and getting items for your home to prepare yourself for an emergency situation. The points made at the seminar can be found on the Ocean City Emergency website at ocmdemergency.com which also including contact information for questions concerning the Ocean City Emergency Services.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Below Aveage Rainfall

Since the start of 2009, Salisbury is significantly below average in the way of precipitation. During the month of January rainfall totals coming in just above an inch of rain at 1.17" with February even drier at just .24"! In the month of April slightly better conditions in the way of precipitation totals coming in at 4.44", but still below average. Since the start of this year not once has Salisbury been at or above average in the way of rainfall. Finally, starting off the month of May with above average rain totals thus far at almost 2" that is more than January, February and March put together. In the past 4 months, we have had a total rainfall amounts of 9.19" and normal value for the year should be 17.13", that is 7.94" below average. So with the current weather pattern, keeping rain chances in the forecast for Salisbury maybe we will break the current below average rainfall pattern in the next month.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Wet Start to the Month of May

The month of April for Salisbury ended up with above average rainfall and we are already off to a wet start for May. Overall, we are still over eight inches below-average of precipitation for the year. The upcoming forecast will certainly help as showers remain in the forecast.

A cold front, which came through Delmarva on Saturday has stalled out across the tidewater of Virginia. Waves of low pressure will continue to ride along the boundary and provide rounds of showers and possible thunderstorms. The front will wobble north and south over the next several days and the exact position of the front will determine our temperatures and precipitation amounts and chances. Currently the front is well enough to the south to keep most locations on Delmarva on the cooler side in the 50s. The exception is the southern Virginia portion where temperatures are in the low 70s. If there front lifts any further north, the temperature spread will increase from south to north.

The heavy rain and thunderstorm activity remains along and to the south of the front where the atmosphere is most unstable. Right now, most of the thunderstorm chances will remain across southern Delmarva unless the front moves northward. The chance for showers will continue through Tuesday before we catch a break from the rain on Wednesday. More rain chances will then arrive later in the week as the front impacts us again.