Powerful Bomb Cyclone Impacts the Pacific Northwest

Powerful Bomb Cyclone Impacts the Pacific Northwest

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…
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How Rare are November Tropical Storms and Hurricanes?

How Rare are November Tropical Storms and Hurricanes?

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…
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Lake Effect Snow Forecasting in Winter Operations

Lake Effect Snow Forecasting in Winter Operations

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…
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Flash Floods: The #1 Weather-Related Killer

Flash Floods: The #1 Weather-Related Killer

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…
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Severe Weather Preparedness Episode 3: Tornado Sirens

Severe Weather Preparedness Episode 3: Tornado Sirens

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…
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