Active Weather Day Winds Down

March 9, 2006, 9:19 pm
Posted by James Spann in Severe Weather
Rating: 0/5   Votes : 0
Today's severe weather event is over. Some thoughts:

*Pretty decent job with our forecast, but we the timing was off. I figured the main line of storms would sweep through the state between 6:00 and midnight; turned out it was between 3:00 and 9:00. As we always say, with thunderstorms, "expect the unexpected"!

*Wind damage seems to be fairly widespread across Lamar County. Other damage was reported in Fayette, Marion, Walker, and Winston Counties. Live in this damaged area? Send us a digital picture and we will post on the blog: coolpix@jamesspann.com

*A bow echo was associated with most of the damage.

*Minor injuries were reported in Eldridge and Lynn... due to falling trees.

*As opined here, dewpoints never made it into the mid 60s. In fact, the dewpoints were mostly in the 50s today. That prevented this event from getting out of hand.

Thanks to lots of people:

Bill Castle and Brian Peters for their work in the field in horrible weather conditions
J.B. Elliott and Bill Murray for keeping the blog fresh during the event
John Oldshue and Jason Simpson for their support here in the weather office at ABC 33/40
Our reporters who were out in the field providing live reports for us.

Thanks to YOU for being "weather aware" and reading the blog and watching our coverage on ABC 33/40 TV and the streaming coverage on the web. Today's severe storms and damage wasn't a surprise for our readers here.

Now I can focus on the next potential severe weather event Monday night of next week. While this system won't be strong as the one today, I do think this one will have 65 degree dewpoint air to work with.

I will have a full post and fresh map discussion video here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow...
Mail this   Printer friendly   
Posted by John T.  
on March 9, 2006, 9:39 pm
Could this have been mother natures drill for us ? Even though it was a "powerhouse" storm , with lots of wind damage , the times when I start to get concerned is when that critical dewpoint gets to the 'grease boiling & overflowing , stove fire ' degree . So , I myself , would actually be more concerned with the up-coming Monday storm possibility with the -dew- playes in place . And again , I'm no meteorologist , but I have been through some might 'sticky feeling ' storms that let you know what makes them and breaks them . And today's was one that in my ( really ugly storms ) defination it broke it for Central AL .. Now to see what takes shape with the next one . And again James, you pretty much nailed it , as far as the timeing , thats why everyone IF possible needs to remain in contact for updates . I think the communication from us bloggers was generally good today . Yes , as usually we had some of the members of the ' gripe and moan club ' sharing thier love but as allways we can put up with them . God love & bless them . They sure need it .

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 9, 2006, 9:43 pm
James I'm ready for the next weather outbreak. With this past weather event coffee and I have gotten along very well together.

Rain has now ended. Total rain at my house in Trussville is at .85''



Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 9:44 pm
Yeah James great job today. Great job with everyone involved. Today the blog was slow but I know it was the traffic on the blog, but I believe it could be better if people did not come on here and make posts on when will schools or will my business close down or will I have to go to night classes tonight as what was posted today. I believe this could speed up the jam if people would respect the blog and use it what it was intended for. Great job guys

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 10:01 pm
I concede I generally rely upon Nexrad (mainly habit) versus 33/40's product, but since it was down, I resorted to and was impressed by the Pinpoint Doppler's output. I had a few hours between road trips and HAD to get some emailed materials printed... and I correctly assumed the power was gonna go out. I timed my work activities and getting a hot dinner out by watching (on radar) the line move in over here in N Shelby Co... all was complete and I was enjoying a Corona when the serious winds began and the lights went out. I was watching from the back deck... it was most impressive. James & crew? I have to identify good local/web weather in a lot of cities and it's hard to come by. Thanks for what you provide here.

Andy

Reply to this comment
Posted by John T.  
on March 9, 2006, 9:57 pm
CC , I agree with you on business & college classes being closed , but when it comes to the grade schools I think that worried parents need to be able to find out this info thru what-ever communication they can . I am not a parent , I do have nieces & nephew , so I can understand where the parents would be on here trying to find out . Would'nt you sir ? But like the idiot earlier calling others idots, I mean come on , thats just totally unnecessay . Think and be fair yaw , its a matter of life and safety .

Reply to this comment
Posted by Mikey  
on March 9, 2006, 10:01 pm
Why was Brian Peters standing out in the rain telling us it was raining and windy where he was? It seems a bit silly...

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 10:08 pm
It's a broadcast media thing, Mikey... just deal with it. We get good info & service here.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 10:13 pm
John T,
Sir I am a parent. Have 2 kids in school. You know what I did today when I did not know that school was going to be closed? I CALL THE SCHOOL and then the school board. Who would have thought to make a move like that. I DID NOT come on here and ask about school closings. Imagine that, calling the school where your child goes or the school board. Sounds like a good idea to me!!!!

Reply to this comment
Posted by John T.  
on March 9, 2006, 10:43 pm
You got me on that one CC . Did not practice what I preach in thinking the ole common since thing . But again , I am not a parent . Very good point & lesson in calling .

Mikey, you are nominated to do everyones job in the media and weather dept . during next event so you can cut out the "silliness" and do a perfect job for the NWS since you seem to be capable of doing such being that all your comments are negative towards them . Nature just happens to throw out those surprises here and there on timing and whatever else she wants to do .

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 10:51 pm
John T,
I am not here to prove anyone wrong or right or to embarrass or outdo anyone. I just think that if the parents would have used their common sense to call the school, that would have sped the blog up. Who knows, I am probably wrong.

Mikey, I agree with John T. Why are you so cricital of the media doing their job. You seem to point out the bad, but never the good that they seem to do. I thought they did a wonderful job today and everyday. You got to know that Brian was putting his life on the line and had to be scared thinking, I could be struck by lightning out here or a gust of wind come along and blow me right out of sight. Give them a break and stop dogging their every move or are you the one's that seem to be perfect in everything and don't ever make a mistake.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Mikey  
on March 9, 2006, 11:02 pm
Everyone at 33/40 does a great job...I just don't think Brian needed to be out in the weather. He was NEEDLESSLY putting his life on the line. Don't weather people always tell us to go to a safe place INSIDE during a storm? Why are they standing outside in the rain?

Just asking questions...not being critical.

BTW...John T...I have said nothing about doing a <better> job than anyone else. I have just asked questions.

Just sharing the love!

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 11:08 pm
It would be appreciated if you kept your comments to yourself. That is there job as they have said before to put their life on the line in order to save our, I for one am appreciative of that

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 9, 2006, 11:10 pm
I am very tired from all this hype about the severe weather today, not do to all the posting but having to update my site, going to school (getting good grades) i might add, and watching models and monitoring dynamics of this system. I think the tiredness have spread to other people as well. I have been up sense 6:30am this morning, went to school at 11am (do to testing) and back at my computer by 3:30. I have not left my computer at all this eve. only to eat dinner and pee. I am going to bed and will be thinking about Monday's threat. I think some should do the same. (Just my opinion)!



Reply to this comment
Posted by John T.  
on March 10, 2006, 6:18 am
what hype ? just the usual commenting . Updating your site , thats your thing . Going to school thats good & the law . But whats the point of the wrest of what you said man ? I know this is your big rush and all , but no one is depending on you . This is why we have 3340 for . I would say you might need a little help , but then again I am not a Dr.. But you are only 16 ! Live a little . Enjoy the weakend , James and the guys will be watching Monday system . Not dogging you in any way , some may really appreciate what you do , but are you killing yourself for nothing right now ? I really can't imagine anyone really depending on you to watch the models and stuff , again this is why we have the professional meteorologist . Wayyy to early in your life to be stressing out allready .... think about it .... its just a hobby , not a paying at the time .

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 7:31 am
Hey Kenny, PLEASE tell me you also see the humor in someone waking up at 6:00 am to post on a WEATHER BLOG and telling YOU to get a life..LOL

Great stuff!!

Anyway, Kenny, I think I'm the only one that actually understood your post. Keep going, man! You, unlike others, are not constantly mean-spirited and don't constantly think you have to teach everyone else a lesson or teach others how they should post on a blog. Don't lose the interest man, I hope you get into a good met school. Completely ignore the negative remarks from bloggers and keep doing your thing. If others don't appreciate it, fine. Ignore them.

What site do you update? I'm curious.

Reply to this comment
Posted by John T.  
on March 10, 2006, 5:19 pm
Actually I have to get up at 5:45 am to go to work , thanks . I did not mean to start a war about Kenny , I like and respect the young man . My whole point was for him not to kill himself over a storm that was not going to materialize THE WAY HE WANTED IT TO , even though it was a bad storm anyway . My appologies , I will let it go .

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 11:29 pm
Don't care what you think. I am a 45 year old man and not going to have a 16 year old tell me what to do

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 9, 2006, 11:39 pm
Some people have to be out in the elements to keep us safe, i.e. police officers, fire fighters, etc. Others brave the elements to keep creature comforts, such as power, up and going. I appreciate the weather guys and gals that stand in the rain and tell us what exactly is going on, however, with the exception of storm spotters, is it really necessary to risk a human's life by putting them in the elements just to show us how bad the weather is outside? Not looking for trouble, just putting it up for consideration.

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 4:36 am
James this was quite an outbreak for Indiana as well on the rain and wind front. Before the Low passed over us, some areas of Central and Southern Indiana received 3-5 inches of rain. After the low passed and the barometer started rising in a hurry in wake of the low, we had wind gusts in New Whiteland, IN of 60 mph but 35-45 mph sustained winds (Like being in a Tropical Storm) A large tree came down on a house in Indianapolis.

Seen this report too. This is just a couple of miles from the house (I live in Johnson County, IN):

0205 AM NON-TSTM WND DMG 11 S INDIANAPOLIS 39.62N 86.15W
03/10/2006 JOHNSON IN BROADCAST MEDIA

20 INCH DIAMETER TREE DOWN.



Reply to this comment
Posted by Wx Man  
on March 10, 2006, 5:36 am
CC, based on your constant smart remarks to Kenny, I'm actually tempted to think YOU are the 16 year old. Please grow up and lose your immature attitude... ESPECIALLY if you are "really" 45 years old.

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 8:08 am
338 reports, mainly wind. Likely will be more tornadoes once surveys are completed over the next few days. Over 450 reports over past two days.

Although an underachiever (thankfully) with tornadoes due to lack of supercells ahead of the line, still a significant event. Widespread events like this can be remembered longer because some many more people are affected by a nasty squall line (serial derecho?) than from tornado tracks.

James is right on the money. The return of mid 60s F dewpoints, which were shown on many of the models even right up to the bitter end, did not occur. This is really good news. Yesterday was a day that you DID NOT want to see a supercell ahead of the line. With those dynamics and wind fields, you can easily get violent tornadoes and tracks of 50-100 miles given the motion. We had numerous cell motions up in the 70 to even 80 mph range.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 8:11 am
Here is the link for reports. A high end moderate risk was verified with this. Report total will probably go up today as offices mop up and more damage is discovered by the EMs.

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/060309_rpts.html

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 9:19 am
Hey WxMan,
Just my opinion. I am not the only one having "smart remarks" I think is what you called them. So before you fire at me, make sure you hit with other people also. GET OFF MY BACK!!!
I agree with John T. The boy needs help. I did not see anything wrong with what John T said. I know at 16 I was not up at 6:00 watching the weather, drinking coffee. I think at 16, I may have just been going to bed at times at 6:00.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Wxman  
on March 10, 2006, 10:41 am
Amen Kenny!

Who cares what others did at 16? YOU be who YOU are and enjoy it. Ignore these commenters who are adults and have nothing better to do than blast a 15 year old.

Anyway, I'm not worried: You seem plenty mature enough to deal with those folks. Have a great day! and keep at it!

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 9:47 am
John and CC
I am 15 again 15 yr. old and have an unhealthy obsession with weather. CC if you like the weather, as much as I do, you would be up at 6 checking. No, I do not get up at 6 everyday, only for a good severe weather outbreak. As for school and my site, I stated that I was JUST tired of that, and I was just making a statement. As soon as I get my pics up on my site, everybody will understand. CC, If I post anything I think people should do, I always state that that’s JUST MY OPINION, and is not to be taken serious by anybody who does not want to take it.




Reply to this comment
Posted by chloe  
on March 10, 2006, 10:02 am
Kenny, I think it is wonderful that you have such an avid interest in weather at age 15. And, the best of luck on your plan to become a meterologist!

Toughen your skin against those comments from the "know-nothings." They are obviously the ones who need "help," not you.

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 10:10 am
I totally agree Chloe!

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 11:19 am
Thanks Wxman!

Reply to this comment
Posted by   www
on March 10, 2006, 12:54 pm
Ok So I pipe in although Kenny already knows what I think...

I can only hope that when my son turns 15 in 2 years that he is as driven towards a career goal like Kenny is, and a GOOD one at that.

keep your chin up Kenny, my friend :)

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 1:05 pm
What kind of man spends his time blasting a 15 year old who enjoys the weather? So what if he has his own web site, more power too him. Nothing says you have to listen to him. And further more, I would rather my son have an obsession with weather than some of the other temptations that a teenage boy comes across. BE A MAN! LAY OFF THE KID!

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 1:11 pm
Well, Well, Well, I guess John T and I are the only ones who will stand up and say it like it is. It does not bother me one bit that he has his own weather site or anything else like that. What bothers me (and I don't want to speak for John T.) is that he will constantly post things on here for example, temperature postings, hourly updates and things like that when the posting rules have said not to do it. He can weather away for all I care and I hope he does well with it. But keep it off the blog. Sounds like others need to grow up also. If the shoe fits wear it.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 1:12 pm
Hey Kenny don't worry about what people say you will find all kinds of strange people out there so don't worry about it. seeing how some people on the blog think I am strange but I don't care it's there loss.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 1:15 pm
Hey CC GET A LIFE AND GET OFF OF KENNYS BACK I have said this before if James or any body else sees fit to take something off this blog they will.

Reply to this comment
Posted by Wx Man  
on March 10, 2006, 2:26 pm
Don't worry, Michael. That's probably just some kid that got a hold of his mommy's PC and has nothing better to do than insult people. Ignore him and he'll go away.

Seen anything new about Monday's event?

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 2:32 pm
Thanks WX man no I have not seen anything about Mondays storms yet. From what James said early today it should not be anything like the one yesterday I hope not.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 4:36 pm
Hey Wxman,
I see we have 3 kids here, Mr Mills, Mr Kenny and now you. Boy they will let kids do anything today. Why don't we take this elsewhere besides on the blog here.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 10, 2006, 6:56 pm
Hey CC I don't see how you can think I am a kid since I am 37 years old but you think what you want to I don't care.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 11, 2006, 7:48 am
Man....what a disapointment my fellow bloggers are....all the needless personal attacks, and no one bothering to welcome the consumate severe weather expert Jeff Craven to the site.

For those of us with no manners....welcome Jeff, your thoughts and opinions are respected and welcome. Perhaps James will consider letting you post "front page" messages, so that your thoughts will not be lost among the personal flames....

Matthew

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 11, 2006, 8:05 am
Thanks Matthew. As far as mainstream posts, I will only be participating while at home and as "Joe Public Weather Weanie". There are some concerns from the Beltway about participation in these blogs (probably related to endorsing one station over another, etc, etc, etc).

Thus, James is good at relaying information and my opinions (The opinions expressed here are mine and not necessarily those of the NWS Jackson, etc).

Anyways, it would probably not be a good idea to have my posts in any capacity other than what is not occurring. Sorry to be a bureaucrat...

Good thing the the instability of the past 24 hours wasn't present ahead of the "Delta Tango" on Thursday.

Reply to this comment
Posted by  
on March 11, 2006, 8:42 am
Hey Matthew I did not know Jeff was on here welcome Jeff I look foward to your post.

Reply to this comment