I thought I would have the time to keep updating this site while in graduate school, but I don't, so I'm done here. It was fun.
- Mark Ellinwood
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Severe Weather Just Around The Corner
The next couple of days are looking somewhat favorable for severe weather in NY. At the moment, it does not look like there will be much. Most of the action will depend on the placement of the fronts, which favors western and southern portions of NY at this time. Further north, expect showers and thunderstorms as well, but these storms will be elevated. Strong winds and small hail will be possible with these storms. The GFS has more favorable severe weather conditions further north than the NAM does, but the GFS is bringing the line further and further south as we approach game time.
At any rate, some of NY could get a nice light show from these storms. My camera will be ready.
Also, sorry for only 1 update again this week... been having problems with my computer (I have completely reformatted and reinstalled stuff over the weekend).
At any rate, some of NY could get a nice light show from these storms. My camera will be ready.
Also, sorry for only 1 update again this week... been having problems with my computer (I have completely reformatted and reinstalled stuff over the weekend).
Friday, April 17, 2009
Amazing Sounding: Corpus Christi
Get a napkin ready to wipe the drool off of your face after you see these soundings:
You don't see stuff like this very often!
You don't see stuff like this very often!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Researching The 2006 Marcellus, NY Tornado
Not much in the way of exciting weather is going on this week. Hopefully we'll see a more favorable environment for storms in the Northeast somewhere around the end of April.
For one of my classes, I have decided to do a case study of the F0 tornado that struck my hometown of Marcellus, NY back in 2006. I will post the paper here when it is done.
For those of you wondering why I haven't put up my research from earlier this year up, it is because I forgot to. I'll put a research tab on the left-hand link area and throw the powerpoint and other stuff in there.
It looks like I may be going to NCSU in the fall, so I will probably not have any more NY pictures to post after the move. However, I will keep updating this site and adding on to it, and I will probably also start another blog that is more general and caters to me having to move around a bit over the next several years. This blog has been going for about a year now (1 year anniversary is April 19th, yay us!), and I have learned a lot from doing it. I hope that people other than myself have found this site to be useful in one way or another.
For one of my classes, I have decided to do a case study of the F0 tornado that struck my hometown of Marcellus, NY back in 2006. I will post the paper here when it is done.
For those of you wondering why I haven't put up my research from earlier this year up, it is because I forgot to. I'll put a research tab on the left-hand link area and throw the powerpoint and other stuff in there.
It looks like I may be going to NCSU in the fall, so I will probably not have any more NY pictures to post after the move. However, I will keep updating this site and adding on to it, and I will probably also start another blog that is more general and caters to me having to move around a bit over the next several years. This blog has been going for about a year now (1 year anniversary is April 19th, yay us!), and I have learned a lot from doing it. I hope that people other than myself have found this site to be useful in one way or another.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Lull In NY Weather, So Here's A Couple Weather Links!
Since it looks like the weather in NY will be pretty boring for awhile, here's a couple of weather links to keep you on the up-and-up on forecasting!
1. METAR data (defaulted to KALB for 60 hours) - Courtesy of UCAR
What it is: This site shows us the METAR weather code for virtually any station. This link is so special because it was really hard for me to find.
Why it's awesome: Take a good look at the URL. This link is for KALB, but you can enter any four-letter station ID you wish. Also note the "hoursStr=past+60+hours" section. The 60 can be made to any 12-hour interval you desire, for up to a month out into the past (~756 hours max)! This is a very nice feature, as you can look up what kind of weather a station has been having for the last month, which is useful to those who participate in forecasting contests like myself.
2. TwisterData.com - Courtesy of TornadoVideos.net
What it is: A high-res look at the nation from the GFS and NAM forecast models. This site is pretty expansive in its features, allowing you to look at dozens of different model outputs in an easy-to-navigate manner.
Why it's awesome: Easy to use, awesome features, and it's still in its infancy! Expect to see new features added to this site to make it even more user friendly in the near future, along with more model data (see the site for specific details). It also has a four-day archive of model outputs, so you can compare 16 different NAM/GFS runs if you want to! This site makes it really easy to look at severe weather components, which saves me a bunch of time since I don't have to look at several different sites to get my wind, moisture, and sounding data anymore.
Take them, cherish them, and get to know them! These two links provide me with a lot of information that I use on a regular basis, and I hope you will find them as useful as I do!
1. METAR data (defaulted to KALB for 60 hours) - Courtesy of UCAR
What it is: This site shows us the METAR weather code for virtually any station. This link is so special because it was really hard for me to find.
Why it's awesome: Take a good look at the URL. This link is for KALB, but you can enter any four-letter station ID you wish. Also note the "hoursStr=past+60+hours" section. The 60 can be made to any 12-hour interval you desire, for up to a month out into the past (~756 hours max)! This is a very nice feature, as you can look up what kind of weather a station has been having for the last month, which is useful to those who participate in forecasting contests like myself.
2. TwisterData.com - Courtesy of TornadoVideos.net
What it is: A high-res look at the nation from the GFS and NAM forecast models. This site is pretty expansive in its features, allowing you to look at dozens of different model outputs in an easy-to-navigate manner.
Why it's awesome: Easy to use, awesome features, and it's still in its infancy! Expect to see new features added to this site to make it even more user friendly in the near future, along with more model data (see the site for specific details). It also has a four-day archive of model outputs, so you can compare 16 different NAM/GFS runs if you want to! This site makes it really easy to look at severe weather components, which saves me a bunch of time since I don't have to look at several different sites to get my wind, moisture, and sounding data anymore.
Take them, cherish them, and get to know them! These two links provide me with a lot of information that I use on a regular basis, and I hope you will find them as useful as I do!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Upcoming Project... Making Databases
This Spring and Summer I plan on making several databases concerning severe weather in NY...from SPC storm reports to the actual warnings to pictures to maps and other data. I'm going to start with the most recent stuff and work my way back. I'll also post links to the blog for the dates where possible. This ought to be interesting...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Downtime... Presentation Coming Soon!
I'm getting my presentation for the 34th Annual Northeastern Storm Conference ready, so I won't be making any real updates this week.
NY: Warmer temps ahoy! We finally get to see a good warm-up period!
Keep an eye on the South on Sunday!
NY: Warmer temps ahoy! We finally get to see a good warm-up period!
Keep an eye on the South on Sunday!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Could A Regime Change End The Cold Spell? ...And Research
Model runs are consistently showing the breakdown of a long-standing ridge over the western U.S. and eastern Pacific, which means that temps on the eastern half on the nation will warm up as the trough breaks down! Seasonal to above-average temps are expected in the coming days, which is good news for the snow haters out there (including myself).
As part of my own new regime, I plan on updating this site at least twice a week from now on. Perhaps it's time to get this thing really going.
As for my research, I have officially submitted it to the 34th Annual Northeastern Storm Conference. Below is the title and abstract for my paper. It is similar to the research I did last fall, except I've replaced the warm cases with control cases, which will strengthen the overall paper. I should be presenting this Saturday morning on March 7.
TITLE:
A Comparison Of Cold Season Non-severe Wind Storms
And Severe Wind Outbreaks In New York State
ABSTRACT:
This paper examines synoptic features associated with severe wind outbreaks in New York State (NY), and how they differ from similar outbreaks that produce strong, but mainly non-severe, winds. The differences between these events can be very subtle, but make a large impact as to whether or not the storms reach the 50 knot threshold needed to be considered severe. Being able to distinguish better between non-severe and severe wind events could help improve the accuracy and range of severe wind warnings in NY.
To determine synoptic features common to the severe wind outbreaks, three severe wind cases and three non-severe wind cases between 1 November and 21 March of the years 2005-2008 were analyzed to determine common synoptic-scale features using conventional upper air and surface data, as well as satellite and sounding data. A particular focus of the case studies was on the forcing for ascent, provided by vertical circulations associated with strong polar and subtropical jets. The sounding data also contained characteristic signatures, which help distinguish between non-severe winds and severe wind outbreaks. These common features could be used to potentially forecast future severe wind outbreaks in NY and adjacent areas.
As part of my own new regime, I plan on updating this site at least twice a week from now on. Perhaps it's time to get this thing really going.
As for my research, I have officially submitted it to the 34th Annual Northeastern Storm Conference. Below is the title and abstract for my paper. It is similar to the research I did last fall, except I've replaced the warm cases with control cases, which will strengthen the overall paper. I should be presenting this Saturday morning on March 7.
TITLE:
A Comparison Of Cold Season Non-severe Wind Storms
And Severe Wind Outbreaks In New York State
ABSTRACT:
This paper examines synoptic features associated with severe wind outbreaks in New York State (NY), and how they differ from similar outbreaks that produce strong, but mainly non-severe, winds. The differences between these events can be very subtle, but make a large impact as to whether or not the storms reach the 50 knot threshold needed to be considered severe. Being able to distinguish better between non-severe and severe wind events could help improve the accuracy and range of severe wind warnings in NY.
To determine synoptic features common to the severe wind outbreaks, three severe wind cases and three non-severe wind cases between 1 November and 21 March of the years 2005-2008 were analyzed to determine common synoptic-scale features using conventional upper air and surface data, as well as satellite and sounding data. A particular focus of the case studies was on the forcing for ascent, provided by vertical circulations associated with strong polar and subtropical jets. The sounding data also contained characteristic signatures, which help distinguish between non-severe winds and severe wind outbreaks. These common features could be used to potentially forecast future severe wind outbreaks in NY and adjacent areas.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Report That Sneaked By
A narrow line of storms brought in one wind damage report in western NY last week, which was a little surprising, but not necessarily unexpected.
12/15/08
(click for a radar loop in larger resolution)
The radar and sounding closely match my findings for what causes severe wind reports in NYS. I shall elaborate on this more when I have worked on my research a bit more.
Speaking of my research, I am going to refine my paper to just include winter cases, and submit it to the 34th Annual Northeastern Storm Conference. Hopefully, I'll get a spot to present my original research to the scientific community. Because of this, I won't put my findings up here until after that, should my paper get accepted.
12/15/08
(click for a radar loop in larger resolution)
The radar and sounding closely match my findings for what causes severe wind reports in NYS. I shall elaborate on this more when I have worked on my research a bit more.
Speaking of my research, I am going to refine my paper to just include winter cases, and submit it to the 34th Annual Northeastern Storm Conference. Hopefully, I'll get a spot to present my original research to the scientific community. Because of this, I won't put my findings up here until after that, should my paper get accepted.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Winter Storm Rocks NYS, New England
12/12/08:
A coastal storm ramped up and slammed into NYS and New England Thursday and Friday, leaving a massive streak of ice and flooding in its wake. Not even Albany was spared from the onslaught of ice, which accumulated up to an inch or more in areas. Due to the nature of the storm, with a warm layer aloft and northerly winds at the surface bringing in subfreezing temperatures to all local areas, despite the difference in elevation. This caused the entire region to get freezing rain, which was in abundance due to the high amount of moisture that was drawn northwards by the storm.
-----
While the city kept its power going throughout most of the storm, many others in the outlying neighborhoods spent the weekend without power, which may not return until later this week.
Many schools canceled afternoon activities on Thursday, as the winter storm crept its way into the region. The storm dumped heavy rain over the region Thursday evening into Friday morning, which turned to ice due to the below-freezing temperatures at the surface. Tens of thousands lost power overnight, as ice caused power lines and trees to fall. Many people spent their Fridays at home, stranded because of the ice storm.
Some of those without power also suffered from flooding, as sump pumps sat idle without a power source. A fortunate few without power were able to purchase a generator to keep their losses to a minimum. One person I spoke to visited as many as 15 stores looking for this weekend's number one most-sold product in the region before finally getting the last available generator at that store.
The University At Albany, one of the few schools to have power on (most) of the campus Friday, remained open for finals, despite the inability of some students and professors to commute to the school.
Cleanup will continue through the week, as energy companies rush to restore power throughout the region.
A coastal storm ramped up and slammed into NYS and New England Thursday and Friday, leaving a massive streak of ice and flooding in its wake. Not even Albany was spared from the onslaught of ice, which accumulated up to an inch or more in areas. Due to the nature of the storm, with a warm layer aloft and northerly winds at the surface bringing in subfreezing temperatures to all local areas, despite the difference in elevation. This caused the entire region to get freezing rain, which was in abundance due to the high amount of moisture that was drawn northwards by the storm.
-----
While the city kept its power going throughout most of the storm, many others in the outlying neighborhoods spent the weekend without power, which may not return until later this week.
Many schools canceled afternoon activities on Thursday, as the winter storm crept its way into the region. The storm dumped heavy rain over the region Thursday evening into Friday morning, which turned to ice due to the below-freezing temperatures at the surface. Tens of thousands lost power overnight, as ice caused power lines and trees to fall. Many people spent their Fridays at home, stranded because of the ice storm.
Some of those without power also suffered from flooding, as sump pumps sat idle without a power source. A fortunate few without power were able to purchase a generator to keep their losses to a minimum. One person I spoke to visited as many as 15 stores looking for this weekend's number one most-sold product in the region before finally getting the last available generator at that store.
The University At Albany, one of the few schools to have power on (most) of the campus Friday, remained open for finals, despite the inability of some students and professors to commute to the school.
Cleanup will continue through the week, as energy companies rush to restore power throughout the region.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
So... What Happened?
Though we did not get the outbreak I was hoping for, a few reports did arise:
11/15/08
A strong line of storms moved through NY and PA into the New England states, but it just wasn't strong enough to be a severe wind monster. Details will come soon, as I am trying to incorporate it into my research project.
Speaking of my research, the rough draft is completed. A final draft will be posted next week, and I might put up my powerpoint when it's finished this week.
11/15/08
A strong line of storms moved through NY and PA into the New England states, but it just wasn't strong enough to be a severe wind monster. Details will come soon, as I am trying to incorporate it into my research project.
Speaking of my research, the rough draft is completed. A final draft will be posted next week, and I might put up my powerpoint when it's finished this week.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Possible Severe Weather Lines Up For NYS
Although I have yet to post the findings of my research here, I would just like to note that I have completed the research.
Basically, today is lining up pretty well with my study of severe wind outbreaks that occurred during the late fall and early winter months, so the potential for a severe wind outbreak is definitely there.
As of now, portions of NYS, New England, and Mid Atlantic states are currently under a tornado watch... and for good reason!
So look out, eastern NYS and New England... it's gonna be a crazy day.
Basically, today is lining up pretty well with my study of severe wind outbreaks that occurred during the late fall and early winter months, so the potential for a severe wind outbreak is definitely there.
As of now, portions of NYS, New England, and Mid Atlantic states are currently under a tornado watch... and for good reason!
So look out, eastern NYS and New England... it's gonna be a crazy day.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Discovery Of New Sites Bring New Ideas
For a brief time, I was providing archived radar imagery and such for the severe weather events, only to find out that they stayed in the web site's database for a period of a week. While working on my research project, I was directed to several web sites, which have (among other things) archived radar and satellite (IR/Vis), and analyzed maps for upper-air stuff and what-not.
I will try to incorporate these things into my severe weather discussions and reports from now on.
*star swipe* The More You Know!
I will try to incorporate these things into my severe weather discussions and reports from now on.
*star swipe* The More You Know!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Research Project On Severe Weather In NYS
I'm doing research for one of my classes, and I chose to look at severe weather outbreaks in NYS that involves numerous wind damage reports. I have found three "cold" and three "warm" cases to study and compare. Results, as well as the full article, will be posted here. The paper is due in early November, and the presentation will be done by early December.
I've revamped my old site to make it more suitable for my collegiate needs. The linked page contains my research stuff:
http://www.albany.edu/~me381243/atm400research.html
I've revamped my old site to make it more suitable for my collegiate needs. The linked page contains my research stuff:
http://www.albany.edu/~me381243/atm400research.html
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Cold Grips NYS ... Fall Is Here
As we make the transition from fun Summer days to miserable Autumn weather, one thing stands out the most: It gets really friggen cold at night! Albany got down to a chilly 36F last night, and I'm sure plenty of areas in NYS got some frost last night.
Now the leaves will start turning, making everything all nice and pretty...the one consolation for having to turn on the heat for the first time in four months.
I hope everyone has their warm clothes ready for this week!
Now the leaves will start turning, making everything all nice and pretty...the one consolation for having to turn on the heat for the first time in four months.
I hope everyone has their warm clothes ready for this week!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Stronger Than Expected Storms Impact NYS
New York State was riddled with wind and hail reports yesterday, including the Albany area. Most of the storms stayed too far to my north for good stuff, but around 1:00am on the 27th we got hit by this awesome thunderstorm. There were lightning flashes every second! I watched that storm from 12:30 until 2:00, and managed to get some good footage. I'll try going through it tomorrow if I'm not hung up on homework and I'll post pics hopefully by Wednesday.
07/26/08
More storms today, with TONS of reports... but I was at work today, and the storms formed JUST to my south and east, so I did not get any footage today (though I tried... a few strikes were pretty close). Details on those reports tomorrow.
07/26/08
More storms today, with TONS of reports... but I was at work today, and the storms formed JUST to my south and east, so I did not get any footage today (though I tried... a few strikes were pretty close). Details on those reports tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Youtube Video Going Up
I'm currently uploading a video of my brief chase from June 22, 2008 to youtube... and it's taking a loooong while to get it fully uploaded. I'll edit this post when it's ready to be viewed.
UPDATE:
Finally uploaded... ready to watch!
UPDATE:
Finally uploaded... ready to watch!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
WUnderground Widget
I've added a "Weather Sticker", which is provided by WUnderground. I think it adds a nice little touch to the blog. I'd also like to add the ENX radar if I can find a way to embed that for free.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Catch-Up And Today's Weather
I'll have to play catch-up for the last couple days of severe weather... just been busy. Today, we are already in a tornado watch for most of NYS east of Rochester. We already have a report of hail in Monroe County, and it's 10:30am!
Definitely going to be a great day for storms in NYS.
Definitely going to be a great day for storms in NYS.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Severe Weather in NYC?
Looks like there could be some thunderstorms in Staten Island tomorrow...there's a good amount of heating, vorticity, and moisture, plus it got up to 87 outside my house today. I will take video/pictures tomorrow if there are any developing clouds...
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