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
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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"

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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).

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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.

11 comments:

Josh Herman said...

Snowing pretty hard down your way. This morning for about an hour or two we had true lake effect snow. Seems to be backing off now but regardless. That stuff piles up quick. With the enhancement over night and the consistent bands this morning my Dad's area, Denmark, WI got 10+ inches for the 24 hour period ending this morning. Pretty sweet.

Looking forward to your updates, WxWatcher! Keep up the great work.

Ami Jo said...

I just emailed you my latest pictures. :) 1&1/4" of sleet here so far. I hear it will be changing over to snow soon. I'll add the pics to my own blog and update them throughout the day.

This is way more fun than the paper I should be writing!!

WxWatcher said...

OSNW3, I've never experienced LES, but I can only imagine it must be like what we're experiencing today. Was your Dad's snow part of the LES event? How much are you expected to get out of this by the way?

Ami, thanks for the pic. I'll post them on my next update.

Up to 7.5" here. Getting VERY hard to measure. The wind has picked up considerably.

Josh Herman said...

WxWatcher, yes, the majority of the higher totals around the lakeshore are because of the LES. The LES is still pumping snow into Oshkosh as I type. Moderate snow at times here in Neenah. I would assume this LES is nothing in comparison to what you got going on down there right now. 2 inches an hour. I can't recall a time that I experienced that for myself. Craziness.

The county I reside in, Winnebago, has quite a span of totals. Ranging from 2" in the northwest corner to 10" in the southeast corner. Pretty weird stuff. Check out the link.

http://www.theplayerstour.net/downloads/winnebagocounty.bmp

Josh Herman said...

Oh, btw. All ice in St. Peters, MO. Mother-in-law reports.

WxWatcher said...

OSNW3, the link didn't work :\

Hope your family in St. Peters keeps their power. Winds are beginning to gust to 35-40 mph here, it's nasty outside.

Bob said...

Stay warm. Some late advice: we used Aladdin lamps living in South Dakota power outages. Lots of light and warmth too. Two inches an hour is good. We had a cool though clear day here. Hang in there...we're with you!

Josh Herman said...

http://www.theplayerstour.net/downloads/winnebagocounty.bmp

The winds are starting to howl up here now. My daughter is like "what's that", we say, "it's the wind". The snow is starting to push into the county now, but nothing at my house yet.

Starting to wind down for you, somewhat?

Josh Herman said...

http://www.theplayerstour.net/
downloads/winnebagocounty.bmp

For some reason it's not being put into the text area correctly.

WxWatcher said...

That did it! It looked like it was missing something. Quite a spread in your county! I'll be interested to see totals in your area.

We're feeling the wind here. This is the first wind event in our new home, an older home. I'm thinking "weather stripping project tomorrow". I'm finding all the leaks in our windows and doors. The wind has been the most ominous part of the storm, for sure. I'm just praying that we keep power tonight.

Bob, great tip. I wouldn't have thought of those. I've got a propane camp stove for cooking (outside obviously), but that's the extent of our power outage supply. I'll look in to the aladdin lamps, for sure. Thanks!

Josh Herman said...

WxWatcher, an exciting and in depth report! Great idea averaging the rate of snowfall through the storm. Over an inch an hour. Insane. Now onto analyzing your lists and videos!