Weather Blog

This week, the Pacific Northwest was struck by one of the most powerful atmospheric rivers on record, which also classified as a bomb cyclone—a type of mid-latitude storm that undergoes rapid intensification. This system experienced a dramatic drop in pressure, from 1000mb to 942mb in just 24 hours, far surpassing…

As the vibrant fall colors fade and leaves begin to fall across much of the U.S., the tropics remain active. Tropical Storm Sara formed in the western Caribbean on Thursday, November 14, and is expected to bring significant rainfall and flooding to Central America before moving into the Gulf of…

The Great Lakes are one of the most recognizable geographic features across the United States. Holding 21% of the world’s freshwater, their importance in the winter becomes even more relevant as we get into the colder months, thanks to a phenomenon we call lake effect snow!  These slow moving snow…

The recent issuance of a rare PDS (particularly dangerous situation) Red Flag Warning near Los Angeles, California, highlights how dangerous and unpredictable wildfire season can be. The warning, driven by dry conditions, low humidity, and strong Santa Ana winds of 50-70 MPH, set the stage for a catastrophic fire risk.…

Did you know? Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the United States! The national 30-year average for flood-related deaths is around 127 people per year. Nearly half of these flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Many people will underestimate the power of water and drive in flooded roadways.  It…

It seems that this severe weather season has been notably active so far, as there have been few days without some type of severe risk around the country. However, in terms of observed reports, wind and hail reports are both right around normal compared to the last ten years. Confirmed…

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to severe weather. As always, it is important to know the facts. Here are ten severe weather myths and the facts that correct them!   Myth: Highway and interstate overpasses are safe shelters Fact: Overpasses create a wind tunnel, actually enhancing…

When severe weather enters your area, ominous clouds can fill the sky. A lot of times we will receive false reports of funnel clouds due to a low-lying cloud called a scud cloud. By Hope Kleitsch A scud cloud looks awfully similar to a funnel cloud, however, these clouds are…

Outdoor warning sirens, most commonly referred to as ‘tornado sirens,’ are signaled to go off when severe weather strikes, specifically when a tornado warning is issued, though there is a lot of variance from place to place. By Hope Kleitsch The biggest misconception is that tornado sirens are solely there…

Knowing where to go when severe weather strikes, no matter where you are, is crucial. When you don’t have to think twice about whether or not the area you are going to is safe, will save you time when you have to take action. By Hope Kleitsch When in your…