Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2-8, 2014~Be A Force

[Pfishingruven]

Today starts the week long National Weather Service National Severe Weather Preparedness Campaign. Each day this week, a new aspect of Severe Weather and Preparedness will be addressed. It might be repetitive for many of us, but it is always worth reviewing. Please feel free to direct any friends and family to these posts and feel free to share any links.



This year's slogan is BE A FORCE! The NWS likes to incorporate slogans and sayings as ways for the public to remember what to do in certain weather scenarios.



Today will only be an introduction with a list of available websites and resources. Over the next several months (dates listed below), several other Awareness and Preparedness topics will be covered. I hope that you will find these mostly a refresher and if not, a valuable learning opportunity.

**Facebook and Twitter Account Links are available on most of the links below.

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Ready.gov

FEMA

The National Weather Service

National Weather Service Philadelphia

National Weather Service New York City

NWS Storm Prediction Center

NWS Mid Atlantic River Forecast Center

March 2-8, 2014: National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
March 16-22, 2014; Flood Awareness Week
March 23-29, 2014; Tsunami Awareness Week
April 28 - May 2, 2014: Air Quality Awareness Week
May 17-23, 2014; Safe Boating Week
May 23, 2014: Heat Awareness Day
May 25-31, 2014; Hurricane Preparedness Week
June 1-7, 2014; Rip Current Awareness Week
June 22-28, 2014; Lightning Safety Awareness Week

Thanks for reading!!

Matt

[Hunter 2]

 

[fluke - u]

 ....Thanks Matt....

[IrishAyes]

 

[Pfishingruven]

       Day 2 of National Severe Weather Preparedness will focus on “Knowing Your Risk” and tornadoes. While every geographical area has its own risks, almost all locations in the United States can experience all of the same types of weather. Some areas are more prone to specific kinds of weather and certain types of weather are more likely or unique to a geographical area. However, something to always keep in mind is that no matter where a weather system is impacting, the Earth is always trying to stay in equilibrium. So, indirectly or days later that system may impact areas 100’s to 1000’s of miles away. While the weather and forecasts are never guaranteed, it is guaranteed that every day there will be weather!

“Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather,
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!”
-Author Unknown

       In order to be prepared, you have to know what type of weather to prepare for. “Knowing Your Risk” is multifold; knowing is both long range, medium range and short range. Knowing what types of weather may impact the area you live, work or visit as well as knowing what type of weather is forecasted to impact the area you are in, is important! Understanding the weather and weather forecasts is also a key component. This component is critical and one of the priorities that the NWS is working on improving. While many people know the risks, they disregard or ignore them. When, the weather is ignored and disrespected, it will take you by surprise and remind you why demands respect!

       Severe Weather Risks for NJ include the same risks that are experienced nationwide and worldwide. Severe Thunderstorms capable of producing hail, damaging winds, dangerous lightning, heavy rains and tornadoes are possible across the state. Flooding is also a type of Severe Weather that is possible in the state. All of these types of severe weather could happen at any time of the year. Severe Weather is most common in Spring, Summer and Fall. However, with warm fronts in Winter being met by returning cold air, severe weather is possible. In order to find out about Severe Weather Risks, visiting the Storm Prediction Center’s Website provides an 8 Day Outlook Storm Prediction Center 8 Day Outlook. The SPC also provides forecasts and discussions the day of a severe weather event. These discussions outline thunderstorms and any effects produced by a thunderstorm and heavy precipitation including snow. The SPC also issues Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watches. A Watch “is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.” A warning “is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.”  .Flood Risks from rivers is also forecast and observed by the Mid Atlantic River Forecast Center NWS Mid Atlantic River Forecast Center.

SPC Watch Vs Warning Youtube Video

Ready.gov Severe Weather Risks

Ready.gov Weather Risks of NJ

Weather Ready Nation Severe Weather Preparedness Week-Day #2 Know Your Risk

   One of the most violent severe weather risks for anyone are tornadoes. While not prevalent here in NJ, the state has had its fair share of tornadoes. While, most of the tornadoes that affect the state are weaker, shorter track tornadoes, there is nothing preventing stronger, long track tornadoes. Just a quick, simple lesson about what a tornado is and how it forms: Tornadoes develop within thunderstorms, the strongest come from supercell thunderstorms. Moist, warm air mixes with colder (not cold, just colder) air, allowing instability and increasing growth of clouds, which lead to growth (upwards) of thunderstorms. These thunderstorms create very strong updraft and downdrafts, which create hail and lightning. These storms then meet very strong winds well above the surface. When winds travel in opposite or perpendicular directions, called wind shear, this shear creates rotation. That rotation meets a thunderstorm and produces a tornado. Many other ingredients must come together as well in order to produce a thunderstorm. When rotation begins, thunderstorms will produce a lowering cloud base or a wall cloud which rotates in a counter clockwise direction (most of the time). This thunderstorm or supercell, is now called a mesocyclone. Something more common to the area are water spouts. Water spouts can be both tornadic and non-tornadic. Both types can still create deadly winds, however, non-tornadic water spouts are usually slightly weaker and will not be accompanied by supercells, mesocyclones or wall clouds. Tornadoes are categorized based on wind speeds according to the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale). This scale estimates wind speeds according to damage investigations after a suspected tornado. When a Tornado Watch is issued, this is the time to be aware and refresh your plan. When a Tornado Warning is issued, cover should be taken immediately in the lowest and most interior part of a structure. Here is a link to tornado information, including safety. Tornadoes come in many forms, shapes and sizes and though they look alike, no storm is exactly the same as another.





NWS SPC Tornado FAQ's

SPC Enhanced Fujita Scale

Nat Geo Tornado Formation

Nat Geo Video of Tornado Formation

Tornado Records


*Since 1996 NJ has had 29 tornadoes, including 3 F2/EF2 tornadoes and 10 F1/EF1 tornadoes that caused 1 fatality and 3 injuries!

**I know many of you use Radar Apps, Radar Software or access online Radar Data. I will go over some radar basics concerning severe weather.

This is the NWS’s Press Release for Day 2:

Know Your Risk:
 
Every state in the United States experiences tornadoes and severe weather - A total of 267
tornadoes occurred across 25 states during May 2013, including the devastating EF5 tornado that
struck Moore, Oklahoma, on the 20th causing an estimated $2 billion in property damage. Acting
quickly could mean the difference between life and death in these situations. Follow weather.gov
to get the latest forecasts.
 
● Severe weather could happen at any time, anywhere. That rang true on November 17,
2013 when a late season tornado outbreak became the most active day of the year in
2013, in terms of the number of tornadoes. In November 2013, at least 70 tornadoes
spanned seven states in the Midwest, notably Illinois. Two of the tornadoes were
preliminary EF4 rating (winds over 165 mph).
 
● Being prepared and acting quickly could be a matter of survival. This is critical during
the threat of severe weather. In May 2013, tornadoes devastated portions of Oklahoma.
This outbreak included the deadliest tornado of the year on May 20 in Moore, Oklahoma
where an EF5 tornado struck (winds in excess of 200 mph). The Moore tornado is
estimated to have caused approximately $2 billion in property damage.
 
● Severe weather knows no boundaries and affects every individual, so we’re calling on
people across the country to Be a Force of Nature in their communities and prepare.
 National Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2014 Page 2
 
● Be Alert! Listen to the weather forecast on radio or television. Check weather.gov.
Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio for weather updates and check for Wireless Emergency
Alerts (WEA) on your cell phone.
 
● Severe weather comes in many forms and your emergency plan should include all types
of local hazards.

Thanks for reading,
Matt

[Pfishingruven]

Day # 3 of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week will focus on “Making a Plan” and Thunderstorms, Lightning and Hail:

After you discover your risks, you need to make a plan for each of the risks. Plans can be as simple as staying indoors and taking shelter during a thunderstorm or knowing when and where to go if you are out on the water when a storm kicks ups. Plans can get as complicated as making a plan for hurricanes. Are you sheltering in place or do you need to secure your residence, pack your necessities and have an evacuation plan. Each plan will be unique both to the event and to personal needs. Plans do not necessarily need to be written, however many people find writing them down help. The most important thing with a plan is having one. The second most important part of a plan is communication. Anyone that this plan involves, needs to know the details. When a plan is activated, this needs to be communicated to every person that it affects. Communication during emergency events can become hectic, so always have primary communications and backup communications. Texting and email are great ways to communicate during an emergency or weather event. Many times when voice calls fail, text messages will go through. Email to your cell phone requires data, which a lot of the time fails when voice calls fail as well, however if you have a smart phone, you already have 3 ways of communication.
 
If all communication fails, there should always be a backup plan to this. This backup should be a meeting place. It is recommended to have a neighborhood meeting place, a regional meeting place and an evacuation meeting place! Having a contact out of the area is helpful as well. Someone who might not be affected by the event, may be a perfect common contact to relay information to separated family members or friends. This contact may also be able to obtain information unavailable to you. Plus, they can act as a liaison to other family members and friends who may be worried about your situation. A quick example: during Hurricane Sandy, I lost power before the storm really hit. I was running off of a very small generator and had very limited internet on my phone. Family and friends outside of the East Coast texted us updates and information on the storm. Beyond that, I was completely cut-off from all forms of communication. Looking over the Ready.gov website under “Make A Plan” has great information and outlines of what is recommended in a plan. If anyone needs any assistance finding your risks or making a plan, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Weather Ready Nation "Make A Plan"

Ready.gov "Make A Plan"

I guess talking about tornadoes, yesterday, put the cart before the horse. Since, tornadoes are formed from thunderstorms, ideally thunderstorms should have been covered first. However, tornadoes are such a violent and deadly product of thunderstorms  that it is very important to thoroughly cover them first. So, for most, thunderstorms are not a big deal! We have lived with thunderstorms all our lives. Thunderstorms are still a deadly threat, though. Severe Thunderstorm Watches are issued by the PSC when conditions are expected to be conducive for thunderstorm formation. Severe Thunderstsorm Warnings are issued by local NWS Offices when a severe thunderstorm has formed and areas are in immediate danger of an impending storm. In order to be considered a Severe Thunderstorm, the thunderstorm must have winds in excess of 58 mph and/or hail of 1 inch or greater. Thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, called straight-line winds, deadly lightning, heavy rains that can lead to flash flooding and hail that can cause bodily and property damage! As mentioned yesterday, thunderstorms develop when two frontal boundaries meet; warm moist air and colder drier air. These two boundaries create instability in the atmosphere and clouds develop. When instability increases, it allows clouds to grow and build higher and higher into the atmosphere. The higher the cloud builds, the stronger it becomes. Within the cloud are updrafts and downdrafts. This is air moving “in and out” of the cloud, carrying precipitation with it. The friction between raindrops then causes lightning.

Lightning kills between 20-100 people a year and injures another 400 people. Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms, so just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. The NWS says that “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” and use the 30/30 Rule.  If after hearing thunder, you cannot count to 30 without seeing lightning, go indoors. If you do not see lightning, but hear thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. The same process that produces lightning within a thunderstorm can also produce hail. Hail is only produced in thunderstorms. Hail is not something that occurs in Winter Storms and sleet or ice pellets are not produced by thunderstorms. Hail are raindrops that get caught in updrafts and downdrafts. As the rain moves upward in the updraft it is carried high up in a cloud, where it freezes. When it gets too heavy it falls and is carried by the downdraft, which allows melting. This process of being caught in updrafts and freezing and failing in downdraft repeats itself over and over, until the hail is too heavy and falls to the ground. Hail, may have a ragged appearance many times. The larger the hail, the stronger the thunderstorm, as the updrafts and downdrafts will be very strong. Hail can cause both property damage and bodily injury. Larger hail stones can fall at more than 100 mph…imagine being struck in the head by a baseball or softball falling at 100 mph!

The last effect of thunderstorms are damaging winds. Straight-line winds can be just as damaging and deadly as a tornado. Straight-line winds in a Severe Thunderstorm will be greater than 58 mph and can approach 90-100 mph and even over 125 mph. Microburst or downbursts are a type of straight-line winds. Long duration straight-line wind events are called derechos. A derecho is not something that is identified as it happens, but rather after it happens. However, the effects of a derecho will be widespread wind damage. Over the last couple of years, many parts of the country, including NJ have experienced damaging winds. These events can cause just as much or more damage than a tornado. Damaging winds are much more common in NJ than tornadoes and when Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued, shelter away from windows, in the lowest most interior room of a structure, should be taken.
Remember, the best way to stay safe is to have a plan, be aware and put it into action when necessary. Below are some links to Severe Thunderstorm Information.

NWS Severe Thunderstorms

Ready.gov Severe Thunderstorms

NWS Lightning Safety

NWS Lightning Fatalities

Thanks for reading and please feel free to ask any questions!

[Ms Fish]

Great info Matt! Makes sense no doubt! Even though the cell phones can sometimes be annoying; during a power outage they are our only point of communication. As you said, you can get everything you need to know for the most part right on our smart phone; news, weather updates, and via a call or text know that our loved ones are safe. Keep up the great work Matt!  We appreciate all that you do!

[Pfishingruven]

Day #4 of National Severe Weather Week will take a look at “Building a Kit” and Flooding:

Having a “kit” available at all times, is important for any type of potential disaster. Kits can come in all varieties and need to be personalized to suit individual and family needs. Having a kit is not something new to any of us; first aid kits, ditch bags and Beach Buggy “kits” are a few examples. FEMA and the NWS have basic recommendations on Disaster Kits. However, each kit needs to be personalized and made for the risks that might be encountered. A kit can be very simple or can be very complex. It all depends on what each person or family is comfortable with. Kits can contain just basic necessities ranging all the way up to being considered an all-out survivalist or “prepper.”  The old saying “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” is somewhat valid. However, if you are prepared and ready, even the worst scenario can turn out for the best! FEMA and the NWS recommend  having enough supplies readily available for a minimum of 72 hours. Here is a list of the recommended items in a Basic Disaster Kit:

•Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
•Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
•Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
•Flashlight and extra batteries
•First aid kit
•Whistle to signal for help
•Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
•Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
•Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
•Manual can opener for food
•Local maps
•Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

There are additional items that could be considered as well as special type of kits. All of this information can be found at:

Ready.gov Build A Kit

Weather Ready Nation Build A Kit

Flooding is the last type of severe weather to discuss. Flooding comes in many forms, however it all has the same results. Flooding can come from rivers or streams, flash flooding, coastal flooding and tsunamis. Knowing what type of risk of flooding is important. River, stream and coastal flooding are conditions that are determined by where you live or work. Knowing worst case scenarios for flooding is important as well. Normally, the geographical area you are in does not flood, however can it flood? Can an extreme river or stream flooding affect you? Are you in a storm surge area or a coastal evacuation zone? Each type of flooding can be as dangerous and as destructive as any other form. A saying that has stuck with me over the years is “hide from wind and RUN from water!” When flooding occurs there is no hiding from it. The best way to survive a flood is to evacuate before the threat occurs! Waiting until last minute is a deadly gamble. Unfortunately, sometimes flooding can occur rapidly! Flash flooding of roadways and rivers/streams is one of these situations. Tsunamis are another example of a rapid flooding event. If you get caught in a flash flood, get to higher ground, avoid flood waters and NEVER cross roadways covered by water. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” It only take a couple of feet of water to wash away a tractor trailer. A person or a personal vehicle are no match for a flood. Not to mention, you have no idea what the road looks like under the water; the road is likely washed away as well! Flood Awareness Week is coming up in a little over a week, so this is a topic that will be revisited!

When referring to flooding from Severe Weather, Flash Flooding would be the kind of flooding a storm would cause. Flash flooding comes from heavy rains during thunderstorms and usually occurs rapidly or within 6 hours. However, flash flooding has occurred after 6 hours in areas downstream along rivers! Flash flooding occurs on roadways, usually low areas or areas of poor drainage. Rivers and streams can also flash flood over their banks. Flash flooding does not always accompany thunderstorms. Areas many miles away from heavy rains, downstream from rivers, can flood. Levee or dam breaks can also cause flash flooding from too much water as well as ice jams on rivers. Flash flooding and flooding are a leading cause of weather related fatalities. Like in all weather events, flooding at night is more deadly than during the day! This is why having a way of obtaining weather alerts is vital, either via cell phone or weather radio. Some quick facts: 6 inches of fast moving water can knock and person off their feet and two feet of water can float most vehicles!

Below are some links to information on floods, including links to NJ Storm Surge Maps!

Ready.gov Floods

NWS Flood Safety

NWS Turn Around Don't Drown

NJ Coastal Flood Information

NWS Tsunami Ready

NWS East Coast Tsunami Information



Thanks for reading and have a great day!

[Pfishingruven]

Day #5 of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is about being “Weather Aware” and receiving Weather Alerts:

Now that all of the “planning and logistics” have been covered, today the focus will be on staying “weather aware” and getting the information needed from the various National Weather Service Agencies. This is one of the more important steps (not that any other step is less important). Knowing what type of weather is about to happen and receiving any Advisories, Watches or Warnings issued by the NWS, is the only way to stay safe! If you don’t know weather is coming, especially dangerous or severe weather, how can you avoid it? Of course, finding this information is easy and quick. You don’t have to be a meteorologist or scientist and it really should take you just a few minutes. Broadcast Meteorologists are a great way to get information. They summarize any weather threats is about 5 minutes and there is no reading necessary. If you need instant weather, The Weather Channel always has local weather available both on tv and on their website www.weather.COM . Accuweather.com is another weather agency with a wealth of information. The last two, are my go to places to find weather, though. The National Weather Service www.weather.GOV and Buoy Weather are the two main places to obtain quick and accurate information. The NWS main website has more information than is needed and each Local Weather Forecasting Office (WFO) has their own web page. If you don’t know which WFO covers the area you reside or work in or an area you may be visiting, simply search the location on the main NWS Page and it will take you to a local forecast and list the WFO. NJ is covered by two WFO’s as are the local waters. The NWS Philadelphia (PHI) in Mount Holly covers the majority of NJ, as well as parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland and most of the adjacent coastal waters. The NWS New York City (OKX) in Upton, NY (on Long Island) covers Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union Counties as well as New York City, Long Island, parts of the Hudson Valley and Southern Connecticut as well as Raritan Bay/New York Harbor and Sandy Hook east along Long Island. Checking any of these websites, will give you a fairly quick insight into what to expect for the day or week.



Getting alerts of impending weather events is extremely important. Especially, when talking about severe weather. The weather can change quickly and thunderstorms can move very quick speeds! There are multiple ways to receive these alerts and the NWS recommends having three different ways of receiving these alerts. Since each WFO issues Advisories, Watches and Warnings, these alerts will be available on the main NWS Website as well as the local WFO websites. Each WFO also participates in social media and has a Facebook Page and Twitter Account. While social media should not be the main way to obtain alerts, it is an option. In fact, Twitter Accounts and a Twitter Bot for each WFO sends me alerts the fastest. However, social media cannot always be reliable. The main way alerts should be received are on a NOAA All Hazards “Weather” Radio. These alerts are automatically issued over the NOAA Weather VHF Channels when the local WFO’s issue any Advisories, Watches and Warnings. Weather radios come in many forms and sizes. They come in desk models with AC adapters and portable models that run on battery. Most AC models can be run on batteries as well and many portable models have rechargeable batteries and can also take disposable batteries. Almost all models now come with S.A.M.E. technology which allows the radios to be programmed to only receive alerts for specific counties. Specific weather events can be programmed as well. These options prevent the user from having to hear every alert broadcasted, unlike just several years ago. In addition to weather radios, The NWS is also issuing Wireless Emergency Alerts via mobile phones. However, not all phones are capable yet and not all alerts are broadcast. WEA’s are reserved for life threatening emergency alerts, such as Tornado and Flood Warnings. There are also smart phone apps available, such as iMap Weather Radio and email and text services.

No matter what ways you receive your alerts, the most important thing is to identify the alert and take any action needed. Delaying or doubting an alert can be a deadly decision. Remember Advisories are informational alerts that highlight potentially dangerous weather, Watches indicate the potential for weather events and Warnings indicate an immediate threat from weather. Not all Watches and Warnings are for dangerous weather, but any Advisory, Special Weather Statement, Watch or Warning involving severe weather indicates potentially dangerous weather. So, stay alert and stay safe!



Below are links for the many ways to obtain weather information and receive weather alerts:

Weather Ready Nation Receving Alerts

Weather.gov

NWS Facebook

NWS Twitter

NWS National Hurican Center (NHC)

NHC Facebook

NHC Twitter

NHC Twitter Bot

NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

SPC Facebook

SPC Twitter

SPC Twitter Bot

NWS Mid Atlantic River Forecast Center (MARFC)

NWS MARFC Facebook

NWS MARFC Twitter

NWS Philadelphia in Mount Holly (PHI)

NWS PHI Facebook

NWS PHI Twitter

NWS PHI Twitter Bot

NWS New York City (OKX)

NWS OKX Facebook

NWS OKX Twitter

NWS OKX Twitter Bot

NWS All Hazards Radio

Wireless Emergency Alerts

NWS Text and Email Alerts Links

iMap Weather Radio App

Nixle-Local Government Text/Email Alerts

Thanks for reading! If there are any questions, let me know. Also, if anyone is outside of the NWS Offices listed, please let me know and I can get you any links you might need.

[Pfishingruven]

As National Severe Weather Preparedness Week winds down, Day #6 will promote “Being an Example.” I will also discuss some of the other useful weather tools available on the net and apps:

Today, The National Weather Service and Weather Ready Nation focus on “Be An Example!” The best way to motivate and rally others to be Weather Ready is to lead by example. This is not something anyone is this group needs help with. As a group, NJSWF has led by example being weather prepared and weather aware. The discussions both before, during and after events is top notch. While, being taken seriously, there is never hype or panic; everyone simply puts their words into actions. This is evident in our recent acceptance as Weather Ready Nation Ambassadors. A NOAA study shows that Americans, in general, do not take action to weather events until they receive secondary confirmation; this confirmation coming from family, friends, or other actions or facts to substantiate the weather warnings. In other words, most people are followers and need to see leaders taking action before they respond. This research was actually conducted in response to the May 22, 2011 EF5 Joplin, Missouri Tornado in which 158 people were killed and injured 1150 or more people. Many people did not take action when Tornado Warnings were issued well in advance of the tornado. Many factors, such as seeing other people not reacting or taking cover, not seeing the tornado immediately and weather being somewhat nice still all contributed to the extremely high number of fatalities and injuries!

Weather Ready Nation "Be An Example"

Every year FEMA in conjunction with the National Weather Service and state, county and local officials conduct a PrepareATHON on April 30, 2014. This a national event, a day to look at preparedness on all levels.  Federal, State, County and local officials, public and private entities, schools, families and individuals should review and update any Risks, Plans, and Kits! I will be attending a Webinar in two weeks to find out more details about this event. The webinar will go over the year’s theme and any recommendations. I will, of course, bring back any information and pass it along.

PrepareATHON



I would also like to mention that becoming a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador is open to other groups, club, neighborhoods, agencies, etc…this can be extended to the community, schools, places of employment and just about anything and everything in between! If anyone would like more information or needs help setting something up, please do not hesitate to ask. In addition to groups becoming Ambassadors, every member can become Trained Skywarn Spotters. Spotters are the eyes and ears of the local NWS Offices and help relay dangerous and life threatening weather conditions, such as tornadoes, hail, wind damage, flooding, and snow. Classes are usually available both in person and online. Most classes for NWS PHI & OKX are given in the Spring and Fall. Right now, I do not see any planned dates, but if anyone is interested, please let me know. The NWS also has an App for anyone to assist with reporting weather conditions, call mPing. mPing is a project focused on improving radar information, so by reporting types of precipitation, severe weather, winds, etc…researchers can take a look at what was reported versus what the radar was seeing. In addition, this App is used by weather agencies as “live” reports and is very useful during Winter weather. One last promotion here; CoCoRaHS or the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network is having a “March Madness” Volunteer Drive. This organization uses volunteers across the country to report precipitation amounts. It requires very little effort and all precipitation is reported online. Below are links for all of the volunteer opportunities.

NWS PHI Skywarn

NWS OKX Skywarn

NWS mPING Project

CoCoRaHS

Now, onto more interesting information. Since we all know how to obtain weather alerts, I want to talk about some weather information. Today and tomorrow, I will go over a little more advanced areas of weather. Today, let’s look at radar and tomorrow we will look at weather models and weather maps. Since, I know many members use radar, both online and on smart phone apps, as well as on boats, let’s go over some basics. Online, radar can be seen through the NWS as well as through many weather websites such as Weather Underground, Accuweather, The Weather Channel and Intellicast. These websites allow access to Doppler radar returns from the NWS Radar sites and Airport Radars. NWS Doppler Radars are now operating with dual polarity, meaning they scan both horizontally and vertically. Dual pol allows visualization of clouds and precipitation more clearly and accurately and shows many things such as types of precipitation, size and how heavy the precipitation may be. Weather Apps, such as Radarscope and Pykl3 provide both NWS and Airport Doppler radar as well as dual pol options. The last way to obtain radar is through software. Programs loaded onto a computer are customizable and can receive level two and level three radar returns. Level II radar is higher definition, while level III radar is more condensed and not as high definition. Most online radar and radar apps are using level III radar, which is more than enough to get the picture.

NWS RIDGE Radar Link

NWS Radar & Hazards

Weather Underground Doppler Radar

Intellicast Doppler Radar

Radarscope

Pykl3

Gibson Ridge Radar Programs

While radar should never be used to confirm warnings, especially immediate action warnings, such as Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings (if NWS warning indicate taking immediate cover, do not attempt to check radar first!) knowing some basics will make using online and app radar easier. While there are many products, the main three products used will be Reflectivity (Base or Composite), Velocity (Base Radial or Storm Relative) and Correlation Coefficient. Reflectivity provides a picture of how intense a storm is. Readings in decibels are reported as “DBZ” and the higher the DBZ, the worse the storm. Do not get used to colors, as each radar program may change that up. Instead know that 20-30 dbz is lighter rain, 30-40 dbz is heavier rain with thunder, 40-50 dbz is heavy rain with thunder and 50dbz and above is a dangerous storm. However, do not get caught up in these radar generalizations. Thunder and lightning are NOT indicated on radar and can occur in any type of thunderstorm! Reflectivities will also provide storm tracks and motion or direction of travel. Radial Velocity returns show winds and wind speeds. Both products, base radial velocity and storm relative velocity, show returns in two colors. Usually, red and green with brighter colors being higher winds, indicate wind moving towards and away from the radar. Almost always green colors indicate winds towards the radar and red indicates away from the radar. Storm radial velocity simply takes into account the speed of the storm, otherwise you get wind values that are not accurate with storms. The last product is a dual pol product and can be helpful during winter precipitation. Correlation Coefficient takes a look as the similarity of hydrometeors in the atmosphere. So, rain would look the same and be indicated by a constant pink color, while a mix of precipitation would look all different and show up a mix of pink, red, orange and yellows. Snow again, would all look the same and show up pink. Correlation Coefficient is good for showing the snow/rain line and any mixed precipitation. However, you have to have an idea where only rain would be falling or where snow would be falling. Here are some links to radar information and a couple of radar images I have saved with explanations. If anyone would like more in depth radar “training,” please let me know and I can forward some very good online training available.

NWS Doppler Radar Lesson

NWS Dual Pol Information

[Pfishingruven]

Today is Day #7 and the last Day of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Today’s emphasis is on “Just the Beginning” and I will go over weather maps and some weather models:

Being prepared for any type of natural disaster is not a static, one time event. Being prepared requires constant vigilance and the ability to adapt and change with new technology, ever changing weather and dynamic personal changes. Most of the time, we make these changes daily and address any issues as they come up. Sometimes the changes do not happen until after an event, when we have learned from a mistake.  Risks, plans and kits all require updating and should be checked before higher risk seasons and again before a known high risk event.

Weather Ready Nation "Just the Beginning"

Forecasts are made through the assistance of weather models. Weather models themselves are not forecasts and are far from perfect, however, they do give a general idea of what type of weather may be expected. Never look at a model and take it as a given, as the models require a meteorologist to make important changes. With that out of the way, models are useful at looking at the bigger picture of what may occur and the more and more models are used, the more familiar you can get with them. Most will not even venture down this road, but in the past, I have been asked about models. Reading numerical models (models are just physics and calculus formulas and equations being computed by supercomputers) is a full Master’s Degree upon itself, but looking at a forecast and then reviewing various models is something anyone can do for their own personal information. There are 100’s of weather models that cover long range, medium range and short range windows. The main models are the Global Forecast System (GFS) produced by the US, the ECMWF or the European Model (Euro), the Canadian (CMC) more for Winter Weather, the NAM, the RAP and the HRRR. Access to models can be somewhat difficult, especially the Euro. Each model provides many products, such as precipitation, snow, surface analysis, etc…choosing which product to pick can be confusing. I recommend that you pick 10M MSLP (mean sea level pressure) or on the shorter range models such as the RAP or HRRR the Reflectivity or Composite Reflectivity. These products will show you what may happen in the future, like  crystal ball, only not as accurate. Access to marine weather models is available too, called WaveWatchIII, but looking at the maps is very difficult as the maps do not zoom in enough for our region to actually see the projections. Using BuoyWeather is a much better option.
 
NWS Models

NWS Ocean Prediction Center

NWS RAP Model

NWS HRRR Model

FSU Model Interface

European Model

Reading weather maps is a little easier to understand, however the same principles are there in both models and weather maps. Models do not provide the translations most weather maps provide because the models are not produced by a person, but by computers. Basically, models and weather maps provide current or future analysis of air masses, pressure systems, frontal boundaries and weather conditions, such as rain, snow, thunderstorms, etc. All of these are drawn as lines and symbols on a map. High pressure or ridges  look like hills or mountains building up, while trofs/troughs or low pressure are areas that dip down from the north and look like valleys. High pressure and low pressure signify different air masses and are separated by frontal boundaries. After looking at maps and models for a while, the ever changing patterns become something normal to look at and eventually begin to make sense. The best way to understand or get better at weather maps, if you choose, is to read them every day and compare them with known forecasts. At minimum, looking at a weather map legend and understanding current surface analyses can make knowing the current or expected weather easier for everyone. Below are some keys to reading a weather map.

NWS Weather Maps

NWS Map Keys/Legends

NWS About Weather Maps

NWS About Surface Maps

NWS Surface Map Keys/Legends

I hope you found the information this week useful and educational.  I know many have asked for these links and information, so I tried to combine it all together. Some of the information is repetitive, some  more than what many want to get involved with and some just boring! I have not forgotten about the request to do a “Weather Primer” or "how to"…I have been working on the best solution. If anyone has any questions or would like more information about any of the topics covered, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for reading this week!!

[BassChasers]

Great Job Matt on promoting the weather information.  As fisherman and boaters its imperative that we understand what to look for when out on the water.  We need to know when to go and to go safely.  Keep up the good work. 


Rick

[Pfishingruven]

Great Job Matt on promoting the weather information.  As fisherman and boaters its imperative that we understand what to look for when out on the water.  We need to know when to go and to go safely.  Keep up the good work. 


Rick

Thanks Rick!  !! I am not the only one here who knows weather. Most here are very weather savvy and have a higher understanding of the weather than the general public. That makes my job easier . I also have Paul (PED579) to brainstorm with...we like to do "conference" calls during anything big! He has a knowledge base and experience way beyond me . Most importantly, the Commander in Chief, Rod, has provided a great forum and specifically created a place for weather in among all the fishing.

As for me, I am a Trained Skywarn Spotter (OCNJ-020) and CoCoRAHS Volunteer (NJ-OC-54). I am also a second year meteorology student.

This is a great group of people here at NJSWF! Not only are they great fishermen/women, but they are caring and helpful and really take the weather and preparedness seriously! They are a blast to party with, too . Recently, we became a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador...a proud accomplishment.

I look forward to your input and reports, especially those fishing reports .

[BassChasers]

We must all have friends that conference call one another before big storms as I do as well with my buddy who graduated from Penn State. We are always going over models, trends and outlooks expecially this time of year and winter of course.  Perhaps sometime I can get in on a conference call lol..it will be find to follow the coversation and learn from you.  Do you get on any forums or social networks ?  Thanks.

Rick

[Pfishingruven]

Today marks the start of Severe Weather Preparedness Week! Even though, it still feels like Winter across the state, warmer and severe weather is just around the corner. Now is a good time to review Severe Weather Preparedness. I am not going to bore everyone with 5 days of repetitive posts from last year. Anyone interested can review the posts above. The information remains the same and nothing has changed in the last year. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask here or send me a PM, email, text or call.

Thanks and have a good week!

[Hotrod]