Weather Pulse Blog

Spring is officially here! How do we know? Well one look at the landscape surrounding the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., should give you all the clues that you need.

The cherry blossoms are officially in their blooming stage and will soon fully blossom into one of the more gorgeous exhibitions of nature's pure beauty. Simply put, it's breathtaking. Don't take my word for it. Check out these viewer-submitted pics courtesy of our Weather Plus affiliate WRC in Washington, D.C.:

Click Here For Cherry Blossom Photos

Photo by Christopher L. Jackson, Washington D.C.

Like clockwork, ever since 1912 when the Japanese government donated the cherry blossoms as a sign of friendship, the trees have been flowering and providing a beautiful backdrop to the Capitol building and other historical landmarks of D.C. And every year more than 700,000 people attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival to enjoy the sights and wonders.

So it's official. Bye bye winter, spring is here. If you happen to be in the Washington D.C. area over the next few weeks, make sure to check out the cherry blossoms. Here's a wonderful guide from our friends from WRC with all of the information you need for the annual event. Enjoy!

Posted by Keith Davis at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

We are starting to see some improvement in regards to the major flooding in the Midwest. Several of the rivers in Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana, and Illinois have crested. The graphic below is based on data from NOAA.

Areas shaded in pink: River gauges reporting major flooding. Currently there are 8 in this region.

Red: Gauges experiencing moderate Flooding. Currently there are 22 in the Midwest.

Orange: Gauges reporting minor flooding. Right now there are 67 reports of minor flooding across the countries midsection, including parts of East Texas and near the Great Lakes.

Yellow: Reports of river gauges near flood stage.

In the river forecasts for the next 48 hours there are no significant changes with the water levels. Flooding will continue along parts of the Mississippi River, Ohio River, Wabash River, Patoka River, and White River. The prolonged flooding is due in part to heavy rain in the forecast. A frontal boundary will stall across the region bringing a daily chance of showers and thunderstorms. The graphic below shows where the highest amounts of rain can be expected. Some areas in Illinois and Indiana could receive over 3 inches of rain with in the next 48 hours.

Posted by Samantha Davies at 01:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

Flooding continues for the hard hit area of Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky. Residents in this area along the Ohio and Mississippi River are still experiencing rising water levels. Most rivers in this area are still receiving drainage waters from flooded creeks and streams. As the water levels continue to rise the rivers will contribute to backwater flooding of smaller tributaries and waterways.

In Missouri: The Mississippi River at New Madrid is experiencing moderate flooding and major flooding is expected. Monday afternoon the water was at 40.6 feet and is forecasted to rise to 42.0 feet by Wednesday morning, and then begin to fall.

In Illinois: The Ohio River at Cairo will also continue to rise as major flooding is underway. As of Monday afternoon the flood stage was at 53.5 ft, on Tuesday the river will crest at 54.0 feet and then begin falling.

The weather forecast for this area will remain dry on Tuesday. The second half of the week will be unsettled with daily rain chances. On Wednesday, a warm front will trigger thunderstorms with locally heavy rain. Friday as a developing weather system passes through the region, more storms can be expected. As the cold front associated with this system passes there is a slight risk for severe weather. The locally heavy rain with these weather disturbances will have an impact on the ongoing flooding.

Posted by Samantha Davies at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

Flooding is imminent in Missouri as residents saw non-stop heavy rain on Tuesday. The highest rainfall total that I could find this morning was in Cape Girardeau, MO, where almost a foot of rain fell. The graphic below shows the Doppler radar estimates of the rainfall totals in southeast Missouri. Generally, Cape Girardeau Country saw over 9 inches of rain.

Rain totals for Cape Girardeau, MO

Southwest Missouri received just under a foot of rain. The graphic below is from Springfield, MO. Locations south of I-44 is where the highest totals are found.

Rain totals for Springfield, MO

Here’s a list of a few cities and their rainfall totals from Tuesday:

Ellington, MO - 10.00”

Hurley, MO - 11.00”

Ozark, MO - 8.38”

Carbondale, IL - 9.75”

Due to all of the excessive rainfall, widespread flash flooding is occurring over southern Missouri. Flood Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings remain in effect for much of the state. This is a dangerous situation; we have already received reports of deaths due to the flooding. If you encounter any of the flooding do not try to cross the high water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock an adult off of their feet. If you are in a vehicle, do not drive through flooded waters. It only takes about a foot of water to wash away an SUV or a truck.

The weather is gradually improving in the Midwest; however, the larger rivers will have high water levels for days to come.

Posted by Samantha Davies at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

For the first time in recorded history the city of Atlanta was hit by a tornado. This tornado was rated as an EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale with winds estimated between 111 mph-135 mph. Although it is rare, we saw last Friday that major cities are not immune to dangerous tornadoes. Tornadoes that do hit big cities usually get more attention from the media and they tend to cause more damage. When a tornado moves through a city versus open areas there is more material (buildings, wood, glass, cars, people… etc.) for the tornado to damage and there is more flying debris. Most deaths in a tornado are caused from the flying debris, not the actual winds.

SLIDESHOW: Atlanta Tornado Damage

Looking at all of the elements in the atmosphere we can forecast a general area of where a tornado could strike on a given day, however, the exact location of where it hits is a matter of chance. If you think about a map of the country, there is much more open space than actual downtown areas. The square mileage of a city doesn’t cover that much land when compared to the entire nation, so statically a tornado hitting a major city is lower.

In this AP photo, windows were blown out of this skyscraper as a tornado spun through downtown Atlanta.

Atlanta is now added to the list of cities that have been hit by a tornado. Here is a list of some others where a tornado tore through some part of the central business district of a major city in recent history:

Jacksonville, FL on August 12, 2004

Ft. Worth, TX on March 28, 2000

Salt Lake City, UT on August 11, 1999

Miami, FL on May 12, 1997

Houston, TX on November 16, 1993

This week I am watching a potent weather system sweeping through the country. Monday through Wednesday of this week there is a risk for severe weather with isolated tornadoes a possible outcome. Major cities at risk this week include:

Monday- Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa

Tuesday- Houston, Little Rock, Shreveport, and Memphis

Wednesday- Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, and Richmond

Posted by Samantha Davies at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

I know it is still March and there is still snow in the forecast for several locations, but it is heating up in Texas. Highs in the Lone Star State will be in the 90s and 100s! What a contrast to last week, when it was snowing! Last Thursday, parts of North Texas saw 9 inches of snow, and Friday the Dallas and Ft. Worth area could hit 90. Friday will feature highs near or at 100 degrees in South Texas. Gusty southwest winds, dry weather, and plenty of sun will help temperatures climb to near record levels.

The average high in South Texas this time of year is in the upper 70s, while the average high in North Texas is in the upper 60s. This will be the warmest air by far this season. Residents here are urged to stay hydrated, especially if planning to stay outdoors for an extended period of time. Check out the graphic to see Friday’s highs in South Texas.

Temperatures will cool down on Saturday as a cold front moves through. Highs in South Texas will be reduced to the 80s by Saturday.

Posted by Samantha Davies at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Meteorologist Jackie Meretsky

Trained contractors and a hefty budget are required if you want a swimming pool which produces a stunning visual effect of water extending beyond the horizon. This phenomenon, also known as an infinity pool, has become a symbol of luxury at high-end hotels and personal estates. Having a pool that blends beautifully with the natural environment is not cheap, however, with a price tag of around $80,000. The eye-catching design took off in the 1990s and it literally can feel like you’re swimming out to the ocean. But the kicker (pardon the swim pun) is that you’re not.

On a recent trip to the Turks & Caicos Islands, I was awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. The white silky beaches and the crystal clear Caribbean water was spectacular and given the luxurious choice, between the beach and the pool, the beach always has my vote.

Could the landscape be any more beautiful?

But for those of you who prefer the comforts of a critter-less body of water with an artificially regulated temperature, an infinity pool can satisfy the senses and almost convince you that you’re in a natural body of water. It’s really a trick and a symbol of our desire to create as natural an atmosphere as possible through artificial means. It’s really no different than make-up that looks natural (fyi, that glow of mine that you see on television is a carefully mixed blend of sunless tanner and rosy hewed blush).

An infinity pool is almost too good to be true. If it is constructed correctly, you really can’t see where the pool ends and the ocean or horizon begins. It’s also a win-win for hotels because it keeps their guests close to the pool bar. Ka-ching!! But, if you’re at a good hotel, you can usually order your drinks from the beach – it just takes a little longer to get there. The hotel that I stayed at in the Turks had a great system: each beach chair was equipped with a 3 foot high flag that you placed in front of your chair when you wanted something from the hotel kitchen. Genius.

But the real reason why I prefer the beach to the infinity pool is that in simple terms, it’s just not the same. When I’m in the ocean, there’s a certain feeling I get. It’s a combination of respectful fear (if you’ve seen Jaws or Open Water, you know what I’m talking about) and a powerful sensation of healing and being one with nature. That feeling is not lost on spas all over the world as they try time and time again to re-create the ocean in a bottle and with smooth, soothing applications. While in the Turks, I indulged in a 2-hour long Dead Sea mud therapy treatment designed to cleanse and detoxify my body. Truth be told, my skin glowed afterwards and I could feel the ginger mojito(s) from the night before gracefully exiting through my pores. But many of those healing agents are right there under your bare feet at the beach. The sand is a great exfoliator for your feet, salt water can make your skin glow and is a great healing agent and “beach hair” is very desired at salons – all you have to do is jump in the ocean and let it dry naturally!

Infinity pools and spa therapies based on the healing properties of the ocean are wonderful, but the real thing is unbeatable. Nature’s glory can be replicated, but not duplicated.

Posted by Jackie Meretsky at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Meteorologist Samantha Davies

A powerful storm system swept through the country’s midsection yesterday bringing snow flurries to Dallas, and heavy snow northward through the Great Lakes. Little Rock saw an inch of snow yesterday, but residents to the north and west of the city saw up to 13 inches of snow.

Earlier this month I wrote a blog about the record-breaking snow across the Midwest. Well… I’ve got another city to add to that list, St. Louis. A daily snowfall record was set Tuesday in St. Louis. At 4 pm CST, 10 inches of snow was measured at Lambert Field. The old record from March 4th was 3.7 inches. The heavy snow caused several accidents on area highways and hundreds of schools where closed.

Click on the video link below to watch the radar from yesterday, and to get a closer look at where the highest snowfall totals were reported.

Click the image to view the video

Posted by Samantha Davies at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bill Karins, Meteorologist

Headlines:

• 10" snow in Arkansas this morning


• Ice in Northern Ohio


• Wind Damage in the Carolinas Tonight


• Ice Storm Across Western N.Y. by Wednesday morning

The only possibility left for this storm to make headlines would be if any tornadoes hit populated locations tonight. Flooding is going to occur but no major flooding of any large rivers is forecasted. The ice storm will be bad but not crippling from Western New York to Northern New England.

Forecast:

Afternoon/Tonight: Moderate risk of severe thunderstorms through the Carolina's this evening into tonight. Fast moving storms will cause widespread wind damage. A few tornadoes are again possible but this storm system hasn't been a big tornado producer up to this point. The snow will end in St. Louis after dropping a good 6-10" over the city this morning. The freezing rain will be the worst from Cleveland up to Buffalo and into Syracuse. Up to 1/2 inch of ice is possible with isolated power outages expected.

Wednesday: The storm will move through Southern New England with only Northern New England dealing with snow and ice. Heavy rain will move through New York in the AM and head for Boston by Mid-morning.

Look Ahead: All weather computers show another East Coast storm for Friday into Saturday. This one looks to pose a significant flooding threat to areas hit by this current storm. Inland areas have a better chance of snow where as the big cities along the East Coast should see heavy rain. More on this later

Posted by Bill Karins at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bill Karins, Meteorologist

On Feb 5th, Super Tuesday, millions of votes were casts and the clear winner was Mother Nature. She outshined all the candidates producing more than 100 tornadoes and taking dozens of lives in the Tennessee Valley. Now comes the most important primary since and once again the weather could steal the show with her snow, ice, rains and severe weather. The threat of tornadoes and wind damage exists for LA, MS and AL through Wednesday morning but will thankfully miss the election states of Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The primary state with by far the worst forecast on Tuesday is Ohio. Northern Ohio will deal with an ice storm and Central and Southern Ohio will deal with flooding. The biggest problem for potential voters will be from Toledo to Cleveland. Temperatures will remain at or below freezing all day Tuesday. Sleet and freezing rain will make untreated roads especially hazardous. Some schools will possibly be closed and as we know a lot of polling places are in schools. There is also the chance that the power could go out at a few polling places which would be a huge issue for touch screens if the sites don’t have generators. Across Central and Southern Ohio the snowmelt combined with 2-4” of heavy rain will flood most small rivers and streams by Tuesday night. We will have to watch the big rivers for flooding on Wednesday.

Another messy election state on Tuesday will be Vermont. A mixture of rain, snow and ice is likely across the state beginning early on Tuesday and continuing during the day. Southern and Central Vermont will see up to a ¼ inch of ice. Northern Vermont will pick up a few inches of snow. Temperatures will be near 32 degrees so hopefully the roads will stay wet instead of icy.

In Rhode Island it will be warm enough for all rain. Wet weather will greet voters during the afternoon but the heaviest rain should hold off until Tuesday night.

Out of all the states Texas will see the best weather, but watch out in Dallas. A few snowflakes are likely overnight with up to an inch possible on the grassy surfaces. With temperatures near freezing at daybreak icy spots will have to be watched from Dallas up to the border of Oklahoma. Once the sun comes up the entire state of Texas will be sunny with highs in the 50s and 60s.

We’ll have to wait and see what the finally vote is at the end of Tuesday, but in a recent NBC Weather Plus poll Mother Nature is leading with 100 percent of the votes.

Posted by Bill Karins at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)