First Warn Weather Team

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Flooding Concerns This Weekend

You would think that since the Stateline is still under a moderate drought, there wouldn't be such a thing as too much rain, but the possibility of some minor flooding is possible this weekend.

The problem is we're combining melting snow with the potential for heavy rain over the next few days. It all starts Friday, when southerly winds and sunshine help warm us into the upper 30s. That should be plenty warm enough to start melting the 10 or so inches of snow we have on the ground.

The rain will arrive sometime Saturday (most models indicating in the afternoon) and continue into Sunday. An inch or more of rain will be possible. That, the melting snow, and a still frozen ground could cause a few problems by the end of the weekend. -BA

Severe Weather Prep Week: Where To Go

Do you know where to go if severe weather strikes? If not, you're in luck, because that's the topic of today's post for Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

IF YOU'RE INSIDE: Most people have a plan in place if they're home and severe weather strikes. If you have a basement, go there. If not, you want to go to the innermost room on the the lowest level of your house. In all cases, you want to stay away from windows since strong winds can blow them out and create flying debris.

IF YOU'RE OUTSIDE: Being outside is a lot trickier because you are more exposed to the elements, which makes for a much more dangerous situation. If you can find a reinforced shelter nearby (A house, building, or storm shelter), that's your first option. If that's not possible, look for a ditch or low lying area. The lower you are, the better chance you have of avoiding flying debris. These same tips apply if you're in a mobile home or car.

Do NOT hide in an overpass. Since it's an enclosed space, an overpass acts as a wind tunnel. Winds actually speed up and flying debris becomes more dangerous. This video by TornadoVideos.net illustrates just that.

The National Weather Service also has an article on this. Check it out here.

Regardless of where you are, make sure you have a plan and know what to do if severe weather strikes where you are. -BA

First 6 days of March: 2012 vs 2013

What a difference a year makes! While the first few days of March 2012 started out average a significant warm up began on the 6th when the high temperature rose to 67° and continued through the end of the month. In fact, the mercury rose to 84° on the 21st! Unfortunately, this March doesn't look like we'll be quite that warm but a mini-warm up is expected for the weekend. Temperatures the next few days will remain below average but a storm system moving in from the southwest will help boost weekend afternoon highs in the low 40s. It may not feel very warm, though, as skies will remain cloudy with showers for both Saturday and Sunday. With the rain and snow melt it will be a rather sloppy weekend. Looks like temperatures will dip back briefly in the 30s for the beginning of next week.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Severe Weather Prep Week: Watches & Warnings

It's hard to believe given we just had a major snowstorm on Tuesday, but this week is National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Before we know it, we'll be talking about severe weather, hail, and tornadoes. But the real question is are you prepared for it? This week we'll be going over some of the basics to make sure you are.

One of the most basic questions we get is, "What's the difference between a watch and a warning?" It's a great question, because they mean very different things.

A watch means there is the potential for severe weather. These are pretty common during the severe season, but it's not a guarantee that we'll see severe weather. With that being said, you still need to be prepared, just in case something happens.

A warning means that severe weather is happening in your area and you need to take action immediately to stay safe. Don't have a severe weather plan? Don't worry, we'll cover that tomorrow. Stay tuned! -BA

Free Storm Spotter Classes Coming Up!

Have you ever wanted to learn more about severe weather? Here's your chance! A FREE severe weather spotter training class will be offered Thursday, March 7th at Highland Community College in Freeport. More information on this class can be found below. If you can't make this class, don't worry! NWS Chicago is offering more classes over the coming weeks. You can find their complete spotter training schedule here.

NWS Regional Weather Spotter Training Class

by Emergency Management Personnel on 1/22/2013

Thursday, March 7, 2013
Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson County
The National Weather Service Quad Cities Office and Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency will be holding the 2013 Regional Weather Spotter Training Class on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Highland Community College in Freeport, IL.

When:
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Class 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Registration begins at 6:00 PM
Please arrive early to register before the class!

Where:
Highland Community College
Building H, Room 201
2998 West Pearl City Road
Freeport, IL 61032

Description:
This is the only class offered in this region. It lasts about 2 hours, is free, and open to the public. Spotter training classes cover severe weather hazards including thunderstorms and tornadoes. This includes the general structure and movement of severe thunderstorms, identification of important storm features, and safety concerns.

Weather Spotters are required to attend weather spotter training every two (2) years.

Hosted by:
Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency

Skynet Weather Spotters meetings will be held on March 9th and 16th. Skynet members may contact the EMA office to reserve one of the dates to attend.

Tuesday's snowfall one for the record books

Very impressive snow amounts were recorded across the Stateline from Tuesday's storm system! Anywhere from 6" all the way up to 11" of snow were reported to the National Weather Service. Quite amazing considering the snow had a decent amount of weight and moisture with it.

A whopping 9.6" was officially recorded at the Chicago/Rockford Int'l Airport making Tuesday's snow the biggest March snow on a calendar day since 10.4" fell back on March 29th, 1972! It also made this March the snowiest since 10.4" fell back in 1999. Now, snow in March really isn't all that unusual as we typically receive 4.8" in a given year. Hopefully this will be the last of the snow we see this month, but something tells me we may get just a little more.