Our first inch of snow came through Monday night, and took most everybody here by surprise. By 5:00 am, we had nearly half an inch on the ground and roads, which made it a slick drive to work. Snow fell steadily throughout the day, albeit in spurts between light snow and flurries. When the day was done, and after a bit of melting, we ended up with 1". Only missed that date by three days this year!
Calling for light snow tonight. I'm looking for a birthday snow!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
First possible accumulating snow
The snow contest board is up in the teacher workroom, and I feel good about my predictions this year. We try to predict the first accumulating snow (>T), first snow day, and total amount for the season. Here are this year's predictions:
First Accumulating: Dec. 3
First Snow Day: Dec. 9
Total Snow: 28.5"
It's funny to see how last year's 54" of snow affected everyone's predictions for this year. There are a lot of guesses in the 30s and 40s! That's an Oshkosh winter.
NBC Action News Weather Blog is showing a chance for snow this Saturday (the 3rd!), which could be the first for many in Missouri. I'm getting excited and am ready for the season to start.
First Accumulating: Dec. 3
First Snow Day: Dec. 9
Total Snow: 28.5"
It's funny to see how last year's 54" of snow affected everyone's predictions for this year. There are a lot of guesses in the 30s and 40s! That's an Oshkosh winter.
NBC Action News Weather Blog is showing a chance for snow this Saturday (the 3rd!), which could be the first for many in Missouri. I'm getting excited and am ready for the season to start.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What????
Surprise!! March 14 was supposed to be the beginning of our spring break, but our blizzard break from Jan. 31 - Feb 4 wiped all those day away. No complaints here, though. Much to our amazement, and the meteorological network's surprise, we were graced with another nice snowstorm! Forecasted to bring our area <1", we ended up with a total of 9.1" at this station. This brings our seasonal total to 51.2".
The snow fell as very large conglomerate flakes during much of the day. It was amazing. A co-worker said it reminded her of spring in Colorado.
The snow fell as very large conglomerate flakes during much of the day. It was amazing. A co-worker said it reminded her of spring in Colorado.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
World Sunlight Map
In my research I often find some pretty interesting resources. I thought I'd share with anyone here who might find this interesting as well.
http://www.die.net/earth/
http://www.die.net/earth/
Monday, February 14, 2011
Exploding Snow
Found this video on another blog. I've seen some big ice chunks come off 18-wheelers, but never anything this bad.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
February 1, 2011 Blizzard Review
Posting some links to NWS reviews for the blizzard:
St. Louis Office
Chicago Office
Central Illinois Office (links to other regions can be found here)
Many thanks to the National Weather Service for the work they did predicting and analyzing this historic storm.
St. Louis Office
Chicago Office
Central Illinois Office (links to other regions can be found here)
Many thanks to the National Weather Service for the work they did predicting and analyzing this historic storm.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Blizzard '11 - February 1
7:30 p.m.
The wrap around moisture from the storm has come and gone in a hurry. We experienced a short time with moderate snowfall and light winds as the low pressure system traveled nearby. Now that it is on its way to the NE, we are officially on the back side of the storm and into the 3rd phase, windy and bitterly cold.
My final observation was at 7:05, bringing the storm total to 16.0". This is of course assuming we don't experience any more wrap around moisture.
Here are my final snowfall observations (pending any additional snow tonight)
Snowfall rates started off light but quickly became incredibly intense. By the 10:00 hour, we were pushing 2.0"/hr and many places were reporting the same. I read a few reports in areas north and west of here experiencing thundersnow, but didn't hear any today.
Storm average snowfall rate from the period of 5:30 am to 7:30 pm: 1.14"/hr
Photos and Videos
Video #2 - From earlier in the day
Video #3 - Nearing the end of the storm; shows some of the amazing drifts
More photos from the storm can be found here.
______________________________
2:30 p.m.
I could only imagine what a blizzard looks like, and what I'm seeing now is the image I've had. But I never realized what a blizzard feels like. It kinda puts your senses on edge. Our winds are now sustained at 23 mph and gusting 35-40. I feel like something could give at any time. And that makes me nervous.
12:05 p.m. | 7.5"
1:05 p.m. | 8.5"
2:05 p.m. | 10.0"
______________________________
11:30 a.m.
At midday, snow has been falling for 6 hours. Moderate snow has been the norm with periods of heavy snow. At the most, we have had 2"/hr rates. Snow is getting difficult to measure, so I've had to start taking multiple measurements. Here are the 2 observations I've taken since last observation:
10:05 a.m. | 4.0"
11:05 a.m. | 5.7"
Our power went out for a minute or two a little while ago. It made the sober reality set in for my wife and I. There are reports of power outages since 10:30 just south of Mexico (25 min north of here).
______________________________
9:05 a.m.
Snow started falling this morning around 5:30, and increased in intensity very rapidly. Moderate and heavy at times, the snow quickly covered the ground. Winds have been light at times and brisk at others, nothing extreme yet.
Total Snow: 2.0"
This video shows our current snowfall rates, as of 9:05 a.m.
The wrap around moisture from the storm has come and gone in a hurry. We experienced a short time with moderate snowfall and light winds as the low pressure system traveled nearby. Now that it is on its way to the NE, we are officially on the back side of the storm and into the 3rd phase, windy and bitterly cold.
My final observation was at 7:05, bringing the storm total to 16.0". This is of course assuming we don't experience any more wrap around moisture.
Here are my final snowfall observations (pending any additional snow tonight)
Snowfall rates started off light but quickly became incredibly intense. By the 10:00 hour, we were pushing 2.0"/hr and many places were reporting the same. I read a few reports in areas north and west of here experiencing thundersnow, but didn't hear any today.
Storm average snowfall rate from the period of 5:30 am to 7:30 pm: 1.14"/hr
Photos and Videos
Video #2 - From earlier in the day
Video #3 - Nearing the end of the storm; shows some of the amazing drifts
More photos from the storm can be found here.
______________________________
2:30 p.m.
I could only imagine what a blizzard looks like, and what I'm seeing now is the image I've had. But I never realized what a blizzard feels like. It kinda puts your senses on edge. Our winds are now sustained at 23 mph and gusting 35-40. I feel like something could give at any time. And that makes me nervous.
12:05 p.m. | 7.5"
1:05 p.m. | 8.5"
2:05 p.m. | 10.0"
______________________________
11:30 a.m.
At midday, snow has been falling for 6 hours. Moderate snow has been the norm with periods of heavy snow. At the most, we have had 2"/hr rates. Snow is getting difficult to measure, so I've had to start taking multiple measurements. Here are the 2 observations I've taken since last observation:
10:05 a.m. | 4.0"
11:05 a.m. | 5.7"
Our power went out for a minute or two a little while ago. It made the sober reality set in for my wife and I. There are reports of power outages since 10:30 just south of Mexico (25 min north of here).
______________________________
9:05 a.m.
Snow started falling this morning around 5:30, and increased in intensity very rapidly. Moderate and heavy at times, the snow quickly covered the ground. Winds have been light at times and brisk at others, nothing extreme yet.
Total Snow: 2.0"
This video shows our current snowfall rates, as of 9:05 a.m.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Blizzard '11 - January 31
A historic event is expected to unfold in mid-Missouri, and in fact in most of Missouri tomorrow and Wednesday. Having grown up in Missouri, I have seen snow storms come and go. Most of the 'big' storms have been such that provided a nice blanket of 6-10" (as we just experienced on the 20-21st), and I can count on one hand the times we have had extreme snowfalls of 12-15". Nothing comes close to what has been churning for the past few days, and what may possibly come through in the next 12 hours.
The Setup
A split flow in the jet stream has merged dropping down a large polar air mass that is expected to bring sub-zero temperatures by Wednesday night. At the same time, a huge storm will be ejected out of Texas bringing an enormous amount of moisture tapped from the gulf. Below is a graphic showing the projected path of the surface low that will cause this storm.
Here is the 2-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast valid Monday night:
These amounts are extreme, even during spring torrents that visit the area. But to have a snowstorm bring such rain is unprecedented during this generation.
On the right side of my blog, I show the NWS STL graphical snow forecast. This changes with each cycle of the model runs, and this image was captured at 6:00 am Tuesday morning. Amazing totals.
Finally, a first has happened in the history of the NWS STL. Never before have they issued a Blizzard Warning for their CFA. As you can see below, much of Missouri is under a blizzard warning from 6 am Tuesday till noon Wednesday. Blizzard conditions include heavy snow, 35+ mph sustained winds, and 1/4 mile visibility for at least 3 hours.
Of course, this storm is not affecting only our area. Many people will be affected by this dangerous system across the country. A crippling ice storm is expected for southern Illinois into Indiana, and the heavy snow will continue northeastward into the already battered New England states. The warning map below was captured early this afternoon.
The Setup
A split flow in the jet stream has merged dropping down a large polar air mass that is expected to bring sub-zero temperatures by Wednesday night. At the same time, a huge storm will be ejected out of Texas bringing an enormous amount of moisture tapped from the gulf. Below is a graphic showing the projected path of the surface low that will cause this storm.
Here is the 2-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast valid Monday night:
These amounts are extreme, even during spring torrents that visit the area. But to have a snowstorm bring such rain is unprecedented during this generation.
On the right side of my blog, I show the NWS STL graphical snow forecast. This changes with each cycle of the model runs, and this image was captured at 6:00 am Tuesday morning. Amazing totals.
Finally, a first has happened in the history of the NWS STL. Never before have they issued a Blizzard Warning for their CFA. As you can see below, much of Missouri is under a blizzard warning from 6 am Tuesday till noon Wednesday. Blizzard conditions include heavy snow, 35+ mph sustained winds, and 1/4 mile visibility for at least 3 hours.
Of course, this storm is not affecting only our area. Many people will be affected by this dangerous system across the country. A crippling ice storm is expected for southern Illinois into Indiana, and the heavy snow will continue northeastward into the already battered New England states. The warning map below was captured early this afternoon.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Snow January 19-20
::Update::
I've added a couple of videos from the storm. The first one is at my first observation at 5:00 p.m.
This next video was at 11:00 p.m., my last observation before morning. 5.4" on the ground at the time.
_________________________________
Jan 20
9:15 a.m.
Total Snow: 8.5"
Light snow is steady but tapering off. Wind N 12 mph
Find more pictures HERE
_________________________________
Jan 20
6:00 a.m.
Total Snow: 8.2"
What a cool sight this is! We haven't had this much snow fall since the big storm on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 2006. It's been a long time coming. Presently, light snow is falling with a light north wind.
_________________________________
Jan 19
11:00 p.m.
Total Snow: 5.4"
Moderate snowfall still occurring at this time. Wind N 13mph
_________________________________
Jan 19
9:30 p.m.
Total Snow: 3.8"
Snow rate has intensified, as we have picked up an additional 1.9" over the past hour and 45 minutes.
_________________________________
Jan. 19
7:45 p.m.
Total Snow: 1.9"
Wind has picked up a bit close to 10 mph out of NE. Light to moderate snow.
_________________________________
Jan. 19
6:40 p.m.
Total Snow: 1.2"
Light to moderate snow falling, little to no wind
_________________________________
Jan. 19
5:00 p.m.
Total Snow: 0.25"
Snow began lightly around 4:15, and is quickly intensifying. It didn't take long for the roads to slicken up.
I've added a couple of videos from the storm. The first one is at my first observation at 5:00 p.m.
This next video was at 11:00 p.m., my last observation before morning. 5.4" on the ground at the time.
_________________________________
Jan 20
9:15 a.m.
Total Snow: 8.5"
Light snow is steady but tapering off. Wind N 12 mph
Find more pictures HERE
_________________________________
Jan 20
6:00 a.m.
Total Snow: 8.2"
What a cool sight this is! We haven't had this much snow fall since the big storm on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 2006. It's been a long time coming. Presently, light snow is falling with a light north wind.
Jan 19
11:00 p.m.
Total Snow: 5.4"
Moderate snowfall still occurring at this time. Wind N 13mph
_________________________________
Jan 19
9:30 p.m.
Total Snow: 3.8"
Snow rate has intensified, as we have picked up an additional 1.9" over the past hour and 45 minutes.
_________________________________
Jan. 19
7:45 p.m.
Total Snow: 1.9"
Wind has picked up a bit close to 10 mph out of NE. Light to moderate snow.
_________________________________
Jan. 19
6:40 p.m.
Total Snow: 1.2"
Light to moderate snow falling, little to no wind
_________________________________
Jan. 19
5:00 p.m.
Total Snow: 0.25"
Snow began lightly around 4:15, and is quickly intensifying. It didn't take long for the roads to slicken up.
Monday, January 10, 2011
January 10-11 Snow
Snow fell again in mid-Missouri, and it's a beautiful sight. Around 11:00 am, light snow began to fall, and throughout the day, we experienced steady moderate snowfall, tapering to light snow by evening and finally ending around 3:00 a.m. This morning, the 11th, we have frigid air spilling in. Currently it is 12° with a wind chill reading around 5.
______________________________________________
Jan. 11, 4:30 a.m. observation:
Snow has stopped around 3:00 a.m.. The wind has started to pick up a bit as this storm makes its way by us.
Total Snow: 4.6"
______________________________________________
Jan. 10, 9:45 p.m. observation:
Still snowing at this time. The intensity has definitely tapered off, and the east wind has all but quit. Currently, light snow is falling with some nice conglomerate flakes mixed in.
Total Snow: 2.9"
SWE: 0.25" (11.6 : 1)
______________________________________________
Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m. observation:
2.4" and still snowing
______________________________________________
Jan. 11, 4:30 a.m. observation:
Snow has stopped around 3:00 a.m.. The wind has started to pick up a bit as this storm makes its way by us.
Total Snow: 4.6"
______________________________________________
Jan. 10, 9:45 p.m. observation:
Still snowing at this time. The intensity has definitely tapered off, and the east wind has all but quit. Currently, light snow is falling with some nice conglomerate flakes mixed in.
Total Snow: 2.9"
SWE: 0.25" (11.6 : 1)
______________________________________________
Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m. observation:
2.4" and still snowing
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