Wettest Month on Record
Thursday, November 30, 2006
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
...A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER...
RARELY DOES A SINGLE MONTH LEAVE SUCH A VAST IMPRESSION ON THE
COLLECTIVE WEATHER RECORDS FOR AN ENTIRE REGION. THE FIRST DAY OF
THE MONTH PASSED ON A RATHER QUIET NOTE. ONLY A TRACE OF RAIN WAS
REPORTED AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT THAT DAY...AND IT FOLLOWED AN OCTOBER IN
WHICH THE SEATTLE AREA RECEIVED LESS THAN HALF ITS NORMAL MONTHLY
PRECIPITATION. SEVEN DAYS LATER...SEA-TAC AIRPORT HAD ALREADY
RECEIVED NEARLY 150 PERCENT OF ITS NORMAL MONTHLY PRECIPITATION AND
SEVERAL RIVERS ACROSS WESTERN WASHINGTON HAD FLOODED AT LEVELS NEVER
BEFORE RECORDED.
BY THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH...SEA-TAC HAD RECORDED ITS WETTEST
NOVEMBER IN OVER 60 YEARS OF RECORD KEEPING. DURING THE SAME
PERIOD...A POWERFUL PACIFIC STORM LASHED THE REGION WITH WINDS
GUSTING IN EXCESS OF 70 MILES PER HOUR ALONG THE COAST AND THE WEST
ENTRANCE TO THE STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA. ON THE 21ST...SEA-TAC
RECORDED ITS WETTEST MONTH OF ALL TIME. NOT TO BE OUTDONE...THE
STATE CAPITAL OF OLYMPIA RECORDED ITS WETTEST NOVEMBER IN OVER 55
YEARS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
FOR A GRAND FINALE TO THE MONTH...MODIFIED ARCTIC AIR SANK SOUTHWARD
INTO THE REGION SENDING SNOW LEVELS DOWN TO SEA LEVEL ON THE 26TH.
SNOW AMOUNTS VARIED WIDELY ACROSS THE LOWLANDS...FROM AN INCH OR TWO
IN CENTRAL SEATTLE TO OVER A FOOT IN THE BELLINGHAM AREA. CLEARING
SKIES...SNOW COVER...AND A COLD AIR MASS LED TO A NUMBER OF RECORD
LOW TEMPERATURES ACROSS WESTERN WASHINGTON ON THE 28TH AND 29TH.
SEA-TAC REPORTED A RECORD LOW OF 18...WITH BELLINGHAM DIPPING TO A
RECORD LOW OF 12 DEGREES.
LATE ON THE EVENING OF THE 29TH...SEA-TAC AIRPORT SURPASSED 15.33
INCHES OF PRECIPITATION FOR THE MONTH OFFICIALLY MAKING IT THE
WETTEST RECORDED MONTH IN THE SEATTLE AREA IN 115 YEARS OF RECORDS.
OLYMPIA RECORDED 19.68 INCHES FOR NOVEMBER JUST .15 INCHES SHORT OF BREAKING THE OLD RECORD OF 19.84 INCHES IN JANUARY 1953 AS ITS WETTEST MONTH ON RECORD!
Wet in Oregon Too . . . .
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
150 PM PST THU NOV 30 2006
...NOVEMBER 2006 OFFERED A SMORGASBOARD FOR THE WEATHER TABLE. AS THE
END OF THE MONTH APPROACHES HERE IS A SHORT COMPILATION OF SOME OF
THE PRELIMINARY RAINFALL TOTALS FOR THE MONTH AS OF 2 PM. KEEP IN
MIND SOME RAIN MAY STILL FALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY. IT IS ALSO
INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT LOCATIONS SOUTH OF AURORA WERE WELL ABOVE
AVERAGE FOR NOVEMBER PRECIPITATION AS WELL YET WERE STILL SEVERAL
INCHES SHORT OF BREAKING ANY RECORDS...
PRELIMINARY MONTHLY RAINFALL TOTALS AS OF 2 PM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30:
...OREGON AND WASHINGTON...
LOCATION OLD RECORD NEW RECORD NORMAL DEPARTURE
================================================================
ASTORIA 19.60" 1998 21.07" 10.31" 10.76"
VANCOUVER 12.92" 1973 13.32" 6.29" 7.03"
TROUTDALE 11.80" 1960 12.98" 6.30" 5.50"
HILLSBORO 12.76" 1973 12.86" 6.03" 6.83"
PORTLAND 11.57" 1942 11.92" 5.43" 6.49"
OTHER STATIONS OF INTEREST:
LAUREL MOUNTAIN REPORTED 49.59 INCHES BREAKING THEIR PREVIOUS
NOVEMBER RECORD OF 36.99 INCHES AND THE ALL TIME MONTHLY
PRECIPITATION RECORD OF 49.57 INCHES OF RAIN.
BONNEVILLE DAM SET A NEW NOVEMBER RECORD AS WELL WITH 28.50 INCHES
OF RAIN.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 4:37 AM,
Cold Fizzle
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
As you can see on the satellite photo a large low is in the Gulf of Alaska and far to our north. Last nights low temperatures around the area were relatively mild because of low clouds and fog. The east winds did not pick up in time to clear the air, hence no record lows. And with the low far to our north, southerly winds will pick up as the moisture gets near so any freezing precipitation caused by easterly winds will be short lived. I don't look to this as any big ice event. A Winter Storm Warning by the NWS is out but we may escape without any alarm. Vancouver's low this morning was only 26 degrees. Oh well, stay tuned.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 7:48 AM,
Ice on the Way?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Round Two: Freezing Rain??
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
142 PM PST TUE NOV 28 2006
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY MORNING FOR THE NORTHERN WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND CLARK COUNTY
IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND THE I-5 CORRIDOR OF SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON..
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
THURSDAY MORNING.
ANOTHER PACIFIC SYSTEM WILL PUSH MOISTURE INTO THE NORTHERN
WILLAMETTE VALLEY...CLARK COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND THE
I-5 CORRIDOR STARTING LATER WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUING INTO
THURSDAY MORNING. THIS PRECIPITATION WILL OVERRUN THE COLD AIR IN
PLACE AND PRODUCE AREAS OF FREEZING RAIN WITH THE HIGHEST THREAT
NEAR THE COLUMBIA RIVER AND IN THE PORTLAND VANCOUVER AREA.
THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE GREAT ENOUGH TO PRODUCE ICING OF ROADS
AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FREEZING RAIN AREAS. SOME SMALLER
TREES OR BRANCHES ALONG WITH POWER LINES MAY COME DOWN.
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.
Lost in a Sucker Hole . . . .
It snowed enough to cover the ground everywhere but in the main part of Portland and Vancouver. Snow squalls hit north, south, east and west of the metro area but mainly nothing but a few flurries and a hint of white. By the time the arctic front moved through this morning, there just wasn't enough lift to keep the snow going. And those allusive showers Monday were frustrating!! Close but no cigar.
Winter Wonderland up north . . . .
The Seattle region got buried with snow including thunderstorms, high winds, and bitter cold wind chills.And all of this right down to the waters edge. To read about it on the web, go to KOMO-TV at www.komotv.com/
and KIRO-TV at www.kirotv.com
By the Way . . . .
It is going to be very cold tonight in wind sheltered ares with lows 15-25. Protect outside water faucets, REMOVE THE HOSE! cover vents in foundation, cover your windshield and protect water pipes. Tomorrow night will be warmer with clouds which will prevent any problems except for the chance of freezing precipitation. But then again, with our track record we may escape it too. Seattle and points north may get hammered again. What a November! Plenty to write home about that's for sure.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 3:18 PM,
Snow Showers Arrive
Monday, November 27, 2006
Snow showers finally arrived in Clark County early Monday morning but were mixed with rain in the lower sections of the city earlier in the day. The photo was taken at 2:30 pm in Salmon Creek area during a heavy snow shower that briefly whitened part of the ground. It looked a lot like the photo I posted here on November 21 predicting snow this week (See Tuesday Night Catch Up discussion). More showers tonight with the arctic front which will be the best chance for a little white. Higher hills in east Clark County are getting sticking snow today. Up north, the arctic front has stalled over the northwestern part of the state with Bellingham at 18 degrees this afternoon and Whidbey Island and the San Juan's getting upwards of 12-16 inches of snow with 5-7 inches more forecast today and tonight. Big snows up there. Check out the web cams! More later.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:25 PM,
Snow Advisory
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Heavy Snowfall at 4 pm Sunday near the Anacortes Ferry
SNOW ADVISORY
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
230 PM PST SUN NOV 26 2006
ORZ005>007-WAZ022-039-270700-
/O.NEW.KPQR.SN.Y.0029.061127T1000Z-061128T1400Z/
LOWER COLUMBIA-GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-
CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-
GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ST. HELENS...CLATSKANIE...HILLSBORO..
PORTLAND...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...SALEM...MCMINNVILLE...DALLAS..
LONGVIEW...KELSO...CASTLE ROCK...VANCOUVER...BATTLE GROUND..
WASHOUGAL
230 PM PST SUN NOV 26 2006
...SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM MONDAY TO 6 AM PST TUESDAY
FOR THE LOWER COLUMBIA AND INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR OF SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON...THE GREATER PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER METRO AREAS
AND THE CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY..
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A SNOW
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM MONDAY TO 6 AM PST
TUESDAY.
COLD AIR SPREADING IN FROM THE NORTH WILL LOWER THE SNOW LEVEL TO
500 FEET OR LESS LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT
ALONG THE INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR FROM CASTLE ROCK AND KELSO DOWN
THROUGH PORTLAND AND VANCOUVER TO NEAR SALEM. ACCUMULATIONS OF 1
TO 2 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE ABOVE 500 TO 1000 FEET LATER
TONIGHT...WITH POSSIBLE ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ABOVE LATER
500 FEET ON MONDAY...AND ACCUMULATIONS UP TO AN INCH BELOW 500 FEET
ON MONDAY. ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE
ON MONDAY NIGHT...WITH BE GREATEST AMOUNTS ABOVE 500 FEET.
A SNOW ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY
TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND
LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 4:04 PM,
Portland and Vancouver set new November Rainfall Records
Portland and Vancouver both surpassed the old November rainfall records set in 1942 at 2 pm today. Portland as of 2 pm measured 11.60 inches breaking the old record of 11.57 inches. Vancouver tallied 12.93 inches surpassing the old record of 12.92 inches. November 2006 will go into the record books as the wettest ever for these two cities and they join Olympia and Seattle with that recognition. It was good while it lasted and now we are past it.
Watch for those snowflakes . . . .
Mixed rain and snow fell in Clark Country at 4 am this morning before southerly winds took over. The storm has now past our area at 2 pm and colder air is moving inland with some heavy showers. The snow level will slowly drop to the valley floors tonight and I think most areas will see some snow cover if only briefly. After Monday's showers, clearing and much much colder Tuesday and Wednesday with lows in the upper teens and low 20's. Should be exciting. Stay tuned for updates.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:49 PM,
Rainfall Update
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Vancouver has measured 12.40 inches of rain through November 25. The record for November is 12.92 inches set in 1942. If we get .53 inches of rainfall Sunday and Monday before things dry out for the rest of the month, 2006 will go into the record books. Portland has recorded 11.17 inches through November 25 with the record at 11.57 inches also in 1942. Will these two cities join Olympia and Seattle with the rainiest November on record? Stay tuned!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 11:24 PM,
Snow in Northwestern Washington
Photo courtesy of KOMO-TVAt sunrise Saturday morning a thin mantel of snow covered Bellingham and many other locations in Whatcom county. Some snow fell at Forks and also along the Kitsap Peninsula. These areas may get a deeper blanket Sunday. At 5 pm Saturday it was snowing at Vancouver and Victoria BC, and snow/rain mix at Forks and Port Angeles. We can only hope.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 4:59 PM,
Partly Sunny Saturday
Good day to get outside decorations up if you haven't already. More wet weather tomorrow and Monday. It is looking like the incoming weather system will track to our north, bad news for snow as south winds will blow. Cold air to our north will be held at bay until the storm moves east on Monday. Then cold air filters in but little moisture., This can all change if the track changes so it will be as usual an hour by hour forecast. Stay tuned. The NWS is using that magic 500 feet forecast for snow Sunday night and Monday. Most of us live way below that.
Two Day Snow Totals . . . .
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
SNOWFALL TOTALS FOR THE CASCADES OF NORTH AND CENTRAL
OREGON FROM 11-22-06 4 PM TO 11-24-06 9 PM PST...
SNOWFALL TOTALS...
OREGON
WHITE RIVER ................. 46
TIMBERLINE LODGE ............ 33
GOVERNMENT CAMP ............. 26
MOUNT HOOD MEADOWS .......... 27
TOMBSTONE ................... 12
SANTIAM PASS ................ 11
WILLAMETTE PASS ............. 12
BLUE BOX PASS................ 37
WARM SPRINGS JUNCTION........ 11
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
517 AM PST SAT NOV 25 2006
WAZ001-503>512-514>517-261330-
SAN JUAN COUNTY-WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY-SOUTHWEST INTERIOR-
EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS-WESTERN SKAGIT COUNTY-EVERETT AND VICINITY-
SEATTLE/BREMERTON AREA-TACOMA AREA-ADMIRALTY INLET AREA-
HOOD CANAL AREA-LOWER CHEHALIS VALLEY AREA-
EASTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-WESTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA-
NORTH COAST-CENTRAL COAST-
517 AM PST SAT NOV 25 2006
...SIGNIFICANT SNOW POSSIBLE FOR THE LOWLANDS LATE TONIGHT AND
SUNDAY..
COLD AIR IS IN PLACE OVER SOUTHERN CANADA WITH A COUPLE OF PACIFIC
SYSTEMS FORECAST TO MOVE THROUGH WESTERN WASHINGTON THIS WEEKEND.
MODELS DIFFER DRAMATICALLY ON THE TRACK OF THESE SYSTEMS WITH SOME
SUGGESTING RAIN WHILE OTHERS SUGGEST SIGNIFICANT SNOW.
THE FIRST THREAT OF SNOW APPEARS TO BE TONIGHT. AREAS NORTH OF
SEATTLE COULD SEE SOME ACCUMULATIONS AS A WEAK FRONT MOVES
THROUGH. ACCUMULATIONS...IF ANY...WOULD BE LIGHT.
A STRONGER SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA BEGINNING EARLY SUNDAY.
THE LOCATION OF WHERE THE SURFACE LOW ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM
MOVES INLAND WILL DETERMINE WHICH IF ANY LOCATIONS GET SNOW.
CURRENT COMPUTER MODEL SOLUTIONS BRING THE LOW INLAND ALONG THE
CENTRAL COAST WITH THE LOW MOVING JUST TO THE NORTH OF SEATTLE ON
SUNDAY. WITH THIS SCENARIO...ITS POSSIBLE THAT LOCATIONS AS FAR
SOUTH AS SEATTLE COULD SEE SOME SNOW. IF THE LOW TRACK FURTHER
SOUTH THIS WOULD PULL COLD AIR DOWN FROM THE NORTH AND COULD LEAD
TO SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATIONS OVER THE LOWLANDS. IF THE LOW TRACKS
FURTHER TO THE NORTH THIS WILL KEEP THE COLD AIR BOTTLED UP OVER
SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA WITH THE CHANCES FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW
WILL BE CONFINED TO THE NORTHWEST INTERIOR.
AT THIS TIME IT APPEARS LIKELY THAT SOME AREAS WILL SEE SNOW.
HOWEVER...MODELS REMAIN INCONSISTENT WITH THE TRACK OF THE LOW AND
DETAILS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO PIN DOWN AT THIS POINT.
STAY INFORMED OF THE LATEST FORECAST BY LISTENING TO NOAA WEATHER
RADIO OR LOCAL NEWS SOURCES.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
1210 PM PST SAT NOV 25 2006
ORZ003>008-010-012-WAZ020-022-039-040-262300-
COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-
CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-LOWER COLUMBIA-
GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-
SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY-NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
CASCADE FOOTHILLS IN LANE COUNTY-WILLAPA HILLS-I-
5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-
SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK..
GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...ST. HELENS...CLATSKANIE..
HILLSBORO...PORTLAND...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...SALEM..
MCMINNVILLE...DALLAS...EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...SANDY..
SILVER FALLS STATE PARK...SWEET HOME...VIDA...LOWELL..
COTTAGE GROVE...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...LONGVIEW...KELSO..
CASTLE ROCK...VANCOUVER...BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL...TOUTLE..
ARIEL...COUGAR
1210 PM PST SAT NOV 25 2006
...SNOW LEVELS LOWERING CONSIDERABLY OVER THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON LOWLANDS SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY..
THE COLDEST AIR OF THE SEASON WILL INVADE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND
NORTHWEST OREGON SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY...IN THE WAKE OF A STRONG
STORM SYSTEM THAT MOVES THROUGH ON SUNDAY.
THE SNOW LEVEL MAY BRIEFLY DROP RATHER TO LOW ELEVATIONS IN
MAINLY THE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON INTERIOR AHEAD OF THE STRONG
SYSTEM SUNDAY. BUT THEN SNOW LEVELS COULD EASILY FALL TO BELOW
1000 FEET LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY...AND POSSIBLY BELOW 500
FEET.
THE SURFACE LOW FROM THE SYSTEM ON SUNDAY IS NOW FORECAST TO
MOVE INTO EASTERN WASHINGTON ON MONDAY...AND THIS WILL CREATE AN
ONSHORE FLOW OVER SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON. THIS
MAY MAKE IT HARDER FOR THE SNOW LEVEL TO REACH THE VALLEY FLOORS
ON MONDAY...THOUGH THE AIR MAY BE COLD ENOUGH IN SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON AND NEAR PORTLAND THAT THE SNOW LEVEL MAY REACH THE
SURFACE AT TIMES MONDAY.
BE SURE TO TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS TO PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING COLD
WEATHER...SUCH AS PROTECTING WATER PIPES OR ANY REMAINING TENDER
PLANTS.
CONTINUE TO LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE
WEATHER NEWS SOURCE FOR UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER EVENT.
So there you go, I have passed along these special weather statements from Portland and Seattle concerning the incoming weather systems. It is still a toss up whether we will get any snowfall but I would think we would before all is said and done on Tuesday. The local weather geeks are going crazy. So, any bets?
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 12:29 PM,
I'm Dreaming of a White . . . .
Friday, November 24, 2006
Could this snow scene be seen in Clark County within the next two or three days? We have very cold air over southern Canada and ample moisture forming out in the Pacific. All we have to do is get everything lined up just right and snow! Latest computer models show the incoming storm on Sunday to track north of Portland bringing us just plain old rain. Myself, I feel the low will track south of the Columbia River and at least for Clark County the precipitation slowly turning to snow by Sunday night also allowing some modified arctic air to filter down the gorge.
I don't mind the models backing off on this indicating otherwise because quite often that is when it will happen. Surprise, surprise, surprise. It will be time for folks to issue a nowcast I think later on Sunday.
Sorry for not posting earlier in the day but it was a rather tranquil day weatherwise and I was resting after that Thanksgiving feast. See ya on Saturday.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 10:35 PM,
Cold and Wet Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 23, 2006
photo taken by Tyler Mode, Vancouver
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
More and more and more . . . .
Heavy rains and mountain snows continue today with even a few wet snowflakes mixing in at times early Thursday morning in Clark County. At 9 am here in salmon Creek I observed wet snow in the heavy downpour with the flakes hitting my windows and ice flowing down the window pane. Signs of things to come? Some computer forecast models indicate a trend towards colder weather by Monday with a chance of snow. I have been saying that all along for over two weeks now. Still a good chance. And why not? It would get everyone in a good mood for the holidays.But of course the ingredients have to be just right for sticking snow down to city levels. I am sure the foothills around the area will see some of the white stuff on the ground before all is said and done.
More records . . . .
Now that Seattle and Olympia have their wettest Novembers on record, Portland isn't far behind either. A few more downpours and the Rose city will join the ranks.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 11:11 AM,
Over the Top
Wednesday, November 22, 2006It's the Water . . . .
Olympia, Washington has recorded 16.96 inches of precipitation for the month through November 21. This breaks the old record for the wettest November set in 1962 of 15.51 inches.
In Their Own Words . . . .
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
500 AM PST WED NOV 22 2006
...WHAT IF SEATTLE-TACOMA AIRPORT WERE AROUND IN 1933...
...WHAT HAPPENED IN DECEMBER 1933...
IN DECEMBER 1933...15.33 INCHES OF PRECIPITATION WAS RECORDED AT THE
FEDERAL BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE. THIS IS OFFICIALLY THE WETTEST
MONTH ON RECORD IN SEATTLE. IN 1945 THE OFFICIAL WEATHER RECORDS
SITE WAS SWITCHED TO SEATTLE-TACOMA AIRPORT. WEATHER DATA CONTINUED
TO BE RECORDED AT THE FEDERAL BUILDING UNTIL NOVEMBER 1972. THE
FOLLOWING IS A COMPARISON OF THE TWO RECORDING SITES FOR DECEMBER
FROM 1945 TO 1971.
IN THE 27 YEARS ( 1945-1971 ) RECORDS WERE KEPT AT BOTH THE AIRPORT
AND THE FEDERAL BUILDING...SEATTLE TACOMA AIRPORT WAS WETTER 20 OUT
OF THE 27 YEARS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER. THE DECEMBER MONTHLY
AVERAGE PRECIPITATION BETWEEN 1945 AND 1971 AT THE FEDERAL BUILDING
WAS 5.57 INCHES. THE AVERAGE AT SEATTLE TACOMA AIRPORT WAS 6.18
INCHES. THIS IS 11 PERCENT MORE THAN THE FEDERAL BUILDING. TAKING
THE 15.33 INCHES RECORDED IN DECEMBER 1933 AND ADDING AN 11 PERCENT
CORRECTION FACTOR GIVES A TOTAL PRECIPITATION OF 17.01 INCHES AT
SEATTLE TACOMA AIRPORT...IF SEATTLE TACOMA AIRPORT WERE AROUND IN
1933.
IN DECEMBER 1933...MEASURABLE PRECIPITATION WAS RECORDED ON 26 DAYS
AT THE FEDERAL BUILDING. HERE IS THE BREAKDOWN OF THE PRECIPITATION
DAYS IN DECEMBER 1933.
0.00 2 DAYS
TRACE 3 DAYS
0.01 - 0.10 INCHES 6 DAYS
0.11 - 0.25 INCHES 2 DAYS
0.26 - 0.50 INCHES 7 DAYS
0.51 - 0.75 INCHES 5 DAYS
0.76 - 0.99 INCHES 0 DAYS
1.00 - 1.25 INCHES 3 DAYS
1.26 - 1.50 INCHES 0 DAYS
1.51 - 2.00 INCHES 3 DAYS
I said what? . . . .
Boy what a few years can bring weatherwise. About this time four years in my column ago I was writing these words, “Just two days to go before the big day and weatherwise things will remain as dry as the white meat on a turkey. Well, let’s hope your turkey will fair better than that! Anyway, it will be excellent driving conditions for travelers.” I certainly don’t think you’ll have to worry about being too dry outside this year and by the way, keep an eye on the roasting turkey!
One more time . . . .
In case you didn’t read my reference the other day about a very good source for all the weather news concerning the big rains and floods earlier this month, here it is. Go to: www.ocs.oregonstate.edu/index.html and look under what’s new and click on November rain and floods. George Taylor, Oregon State Climatologist has assembled some excellent reports for you to review.
Wet, wetter, and wettest . . . .
Late Wednesday evening, the rains are still falling here in the lowlands. While Seattle is heading towards their wettest month ever, Portland is on the heels of achieving the wettest November ever. Vancouver isn't far behind. Snow was reported falling but not sticking at 11 pm at Welches at the 1500 foot level near Mt. Hood. There still is a chance we could see some snowflakes in the air here within days if we get enough cold air over us. This is always tricky for us at city levels but as always, stay tuned and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 1:48 AM,
Tuesday Night Catch Up
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Snowflakes . . . .?
The photo you see here was taken about 9:30am on November 19, 2003 in Hazel Dell. Who says it can't snow in November! Perhaps we could see a scene just like this briefly within the next week or so. Snow levels will plummet with heavier showers before all is said and done. The high for that day was 57 degrees after midnight and temperatures fell to 33 degrees by mid morning as the cold trough of low pressure moved over. About an inch of snow fell and only traces were left by sundown. Fun while it lasted and not all areas of Vancouver received sticking snow.
And The Winner is . . . .
Okay, the quiz answers From Monday's Blog: Portland, Oregon 9.24 inches and Portland Maine, 5.33 inches. Vancouver, Washington, 10.63 inches and Vancouver, BC, 10.45 inches.
Number Two in the Emerald City . . . .
Seattle is now in their second wettest month ever and less than 2.5 inches to beat the all time wettest month of 15.33 inches in December 1933. Can they do it? There are nine days or so left in the month and the heaviest rainfall looks to be south of that area the next few days. However, more downpours are possible especially if the Puget Sound Convergence Zone (PSCZ) sets up near Sea-Tac which is a possibility. Might as well break the record folks.
No Weather Eye in Tuesday's Paper . . . .
Evidently The Columbian had some difficulties today and my regular column did not appear :( However, it will be published in a shortened version in Wednesday's paper. Don't worry, whatever is omitted I will pass along in Friday's column or here on my blog.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 8:09 PM,
Hail, Hail, Hail
Just before noon today a terrific hail shower moved through the Salmon Creek area north of Vancouver. It produced pea and marble size ice pellets that covered the ground white in many neighborhoods. This was the result of very cold air aloft moving into the Pacific Northwest. More showers tonight and Wednesday with a good chance of more ice pellets and thunder as well. Stay tuned.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:29 PM,
Random Thoughts
Monday, November 20, 2006
Check out the remains of your Thanksgiving turkey with this old weather folklore, "If the breastbone of the Thanksgiving bird is red or has many red spots, expect a cold and stormy winter; but if only a few spots are visible, we'll have a mild winter." I tried this a couple of times in the past and . . . well, take note and see what happens later on.
Raindrops keep falling on my head . . . .
As I write this entry tonight, Seattle is now very close to having this month as its second wettest month ever. Only about a quarter inch of rain will put a new record in the book. The wettest was December 1933 with 15.33 inches. And with ten days to go, all it would take are a couple of good frog stranglers. I bet the folks at the U of W are counting the raindrops!!
A Glancing Blow . . . .
Sunday's storm only brought gentle breezes and less than an inch of rain to Clark County but British Columbia got hammered. Nearly a million folks had to boil their water today due to system outages. Thousands were without power and mudslides were everywhere. Ferries were shutdown at times.
Chain up those snowplows . . . .
Snow advisories will be flying all week as very cold air aloft moves in and the mountain snow pack begins in earnest. If traveling over the mountains for the holiday, be prepared for winter driving. Cold air may still invade the lowlands by the end of the month and early December with a possibly of some lowland snows. (Hang the computer models) Stay tuned!
Rain verses Rain . . . .
Here is a quiz for you to think about: For the first 19 days of November, which city has the greatest rainfall total? Portland, Oregon or Portland, Maine? Vancouver, Washington or Vancouver, B.C.? For the answers check back Tuesday evening!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 9:05 PM,
Rainy Day Sunday
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Rainfall amounts around the Northwest were generally between one-half inch and one inch in the western valleys and along the ocean beaches. Rain fell in the Cascades with very high freezing levels.
That will change this week as much colder air moves in with unsettled weather the next few days. We may see a brief break on Thanksgiving but snowfall will be measured in feet this week in the Cascades down to the 2,000-3,000 foot level. Tough traveling to grandma's house for dinner.
Enjoy your week and keep dry. I will mention some sources for Christmas weather gifts later this week so stay tuned.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 9:22 PM,
Another Storm Brewing
Saturday, November 18, 2006
As you can see by the afternoon satellite picture another Pacific weather system is about to move onshore. More rain and blustery winds will accompany the storm on Sunday. Beyond that a couple more systems will bring rain and showers with slightly cooler temperatures and mountain snows through Thanksgiving. If you plan to travel over the Cascades for the holiday, be prepared for winter conditions.
Looking ahead, a change to our stormy weather pattern will occur with unsettled conditions and lower freezing levels with the possibility the main jet stream flow will head to our south. Details are still fuzzy so check back.
Enough high clouds were present to keep the really dense fog from persisting in Clark County early Saturday resulting in a rather cool but pleasant afternoon.
Afterthought: Forecasters now blame the inaccurate hurricane prediction for this season on what else? El Nino of course. It sure is handy to have such a phenomenon that everyone can blame something on when things fall short . . . or overflow.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:42 PM,
Out of the fog . . . .
Friday, November 17, 2006
"I find the weather fascinating! At times Mother Nature and Father Time create quite a cacophony; that is part of the beauty of a storm I think- the way it clears one's mind of all else. Even a gentle rain can do the same- aahhhh Nature!"
I guess about the only good thing about foggy mornings is that it reminds me that the skies above are usually clear which is the main ingredient for fog formation. Of course long cool nights and ample moisture in the atmosphere enhances its presence.
That I can take, but when it lingers all day as well, I don't like it. It is so un-weatherlike that I despise it. But of course it is just nature's way of relaxing the atmosphere after a siege of heavy storms. To calm the air, drain the rivers, and refresh the weather wheel.
Perhaps another round of foggy skies tonight and early Saturday depending on how many clouds float overhead. The next storm is due in on Sunday. Could be a bit blustery so stay tuned.
There is a large low pressure system spinning in the Gulf of Alaska with very cold air flowing down from the Bering Sea producing snow right at sea level according to various ship reports. That cold flow of air remains to our north and a warm flow of air remains to our south so we are in the doldrums so to speak. If you like cold and snow however, I don't think the northerly jet will slide over us any time soon, but I still am optimistic that we could see some cold weather by the end of the month. It will turn cooler with plenty of snow in the mountains later next week. Good news for skiers. If only HWY 35 would re-open for traffic so Mt. Hood Meadows would be available.
A friend shared their thoughts to me today about the stormy weather of late and is quoted above, here is her reflection again: "I find the weather fascinating! At times Mother Nature and Father Time create quite a cacophony; that is part of the beauty of a storm I think- the way it clears one's mind of all else. Even a gentle rain can do the same- aahhhh Nature!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:39 PM,
Sunny Side Up!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Hey, what about those blue skies and sunshine today? Isn't it great? I must admit even for a weatherman it was a nice respite from the nasty storms of the past couple of weeks. At least it allowed me to take some time off and take a much needed nap.
There have been many records broken around the Pacific Northwest this month with high winds, heavy rains, flooding, and who knows what else. And, we still have a couple of weeks to go before we reach December.
The Oregon Climate Service (link on side panel) has published a very good review of the torrential rains and flooding the first week of November on their web site, Check it out! Thanks to George Taylor and his staff for the great public service they provide.
Next big storm is due in on Sunday for round three (or is it four?) for the great Northwest. Stay tuned.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 2:16 PM,
Seattle Breaks Record for November Rainfall & Peak Wind Speeds Around Washington State
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Bellingham -
Photo Courtesy of KIRO-TV
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA 1045 PM PST WED NOV 15 2006 ...WETTEST NOVEMBER IN SEATTLE IN RECORDED WEATHER HISTORY...
A STRONG PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM CRASHED INTO WESTERN WASHINGTON ON WEDNESDAY. THIS SYSTEM WAS MUCH WINDIER THAN THE ONE A WEEK AGO...BUT NOT AS WET. REGARDLESS...SEATAC AIRPORT HAS RECORDED 11.63 INCHES OF PRECIPITATION FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AS OF LATE THIS EVENING. NOVEMBER 2006 IS NOW THE WETTEST NOVEMBER IN SEATTLE HISTORY. NOVEMBER 2006 IS ALREADY THE 6TH WETTEST MONTH IN 115 YEARS OF SEATTLE WEATHER RECORDS.
WITH THE SECOND HALF OF THE MONTH STILL REMAINING...LITTLE MORE THAN AN INCH OF PRECIPITATION WOULD BE NEEDED TO BE THE WETTEST MONTH RECORDED AT SEATAC IN OVER 60 YEARS. 1. 15.33 INCHES ( DEC 1933 ) ** 2. 12.92 INCHES ( JAN 1953 ) 3. 11.85 INCHES ( DEC 1979 ) 4. 11.80 INCHES ( DEC 1897 ) ** 5. 11.65 INCHES ( JAN 2006 ) 6. 11.63 INCHES ( NOV 2006 11/15 10 PM PST) ** RECORDS FROM THE FEDERAL BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
THE WINDS BEGAN RISING ON THE COAST AND OVER THE NORTH INTERIOR EARLY THIS MORNING AND DID NOT END IN MANY AREAS UNTIL EARLY THIS EVENING. WEST WINDS BEHIND THE FRONT ARE CONTINUING THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING. SOME PEAK WIND READINGS FROM AROUND WESTERN WASHINGTON WERE:
WASHINGTON COAST HOQUIAM 43 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUST TO 68 MPH. OCEAN SHORES 60 MPH GUST. SUSTAINED WINDS 30-40 MPH. DESTRUCTION ISLAND 68 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUSTS TO 82 MPH. QUILLAYUTE AIRPORT 56 MPH GUST. TATOOSH ISLAND 71 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. PEAK GUST TO 93 MPH. ELLIS MOUNTAIN 95 MPH GUST. 13 MILES NNE OF FORKS AT 2305 FEET. WESTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA CLALLAM BAY 87 MPH GUST. SEKIU 41 MPH SUSTAINED WITH GUSTS TO 59 MPH. NEAR SEKIU 77 MPH GUST. EASTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA EDIZ HOOK 52 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. NEAR PORT ANGELES. HURRICANE RIDGE 78 MPH GUST.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS FRIDAY HARBOR 59 MPH GUST.
WESTERN WHATCOM COUNTY BELLINGHAM AIRPORT 49 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUSTS TO 59 MPH. BELLINGHAM 56 MPH GUST. SANDY POINT 44 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. 61 MPH GUST. W OF BLI ABBOTSFORD B.C. 46 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUST TO 63 MPH. EVERSON 53 MPH GUST. SUSTAINED WINDS 35 MPH.
SKAGIT COUNTY ANACORTES 40 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUST TO 65 MPH.
WHIDBEY ISLAND KEYSTONE 44 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. WHIDBEY ISLAND NAS 45 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. PEAK GUST TO 66 MPH. MOUNT VERNON 65 MPH GUST.
HOOD CANAL AREA/PORT TOWNSEND POINT WILSON 43 MPH SUSTAINED WIND. GUSTS TO 67 MPH. PORT TOWNSEND 37 MPH SUSTAINED. PEAK GUST 55 MPH. BANGOR 66 MPH GUST. SUSTAINED 40 MPH. 9 MILES NW BRINNON 55 MPH GUST. SUSTAINED 35 MPH.
SOUTHWEST INTERIOR NEAR VAIL 60 MPH GUST.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 10:39 PM,
Peak Wind Roundup for Oregon
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR
545 PM PST WED NOV 15 2006...ADD VALLEY AIRPORT PEAK WINDS...
...WIND STORM MOVES INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST BRINGING STRONG WINDS
TO NORTHWEST OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON...
A STRONG PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM MOVING INTO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
COAST IS BRINGING STRONG AND POTENTIALLY DAMAGING WINDS
TO NORTHWEST OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON TONIGHT. THE STRONGEST
WINDS WITH THIS STORM ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR WITHIN THE NEXT HOUR AND
THEN BEGIN TO SUBSIDE THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.
...PEAK OBSERVED WIND SPEEDS AS OF 455 PM WED EVENING...
MT. HEBO........................122 MPH
ROCKAWAY BEACH..................107 MPH
EAST OF PACIFIC CITY.............82 MPH
LINCOLN BEACH....................78 MPH
CLATSOP SPIT.....................71 MPH
ASTORIA..........................70 MPH
SEASIDE..........................71 MPH
TILLAMOOK........................70 MPH
LINCOLN CITY.....................67 MPH
CAPE FOULWEATHER.................66 MPH
YAQUINA BAY BRIDGE...............66 MPH
NEWPORT..........................60 MPH
NORTHWEST OF KELSO...............59 MPH
ROCKHOUSE........................55 MPH
...VALLEY AIRPORT PEAK WIND SPEEDS AS OF 5 PM...
VANCOUVER........................47 MPH
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL...........53 MPH
TROUTDALE........................39 MPH
HILLSBORO........................35 MPH
MCMINNVILLE......................40 MPH
AURORA...........................40 MPH
SALEM............................42 MPH
EUGENE...........................33 MPH
I received a peak wind here at Salmon Creek area of 58 mph at 4:00 pm this afternoon. Only recieved .24 inches of rain by 10 pm. Northern Washington got hammered as well with wind gusts of 80 mph and lots of power outages. All of Whidbey Island was out of power due to down lines from Anacortes.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 10:32 PM,
Weather or knot?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006Tuesday was a lull between storms as Wednesday looks to be another wet and blustery day. It gave all of us weather folks a brief rest from weather watching. Back at it tomorrow. A few notes: Seattle has its second wettest November currently and after tomorrow's storm is said and done it may be their wettest one since records were kept at Sea-Tac in 1941. Most ski areas are planning openings later this week with Timberline a nice 38 inch base. A couple of feet of snow at Government Camp may go down by a foot or so after tomorrow's mild storm but hopefully more will be on the way.
In the mean time,here are some fun facts for Washington state courtesy of the Washington State Climate Office:
Extreme days
Hottest temperature ever recorded: 118F at Ice Harbor Dam on 5 August 1961
Lowest temperature ever recorded: -48F at Mazama and Winthrop on 30 December 1968
Most rain in 24 hours: 14.26" at Mt Mitchell #2, 23-24 November 1986
Most snow in 24 hours: 52" at Winthrop on 21 January 1935
Extreme seasons and years
Wettest year at a station: 185" at Wynoochee Oxbow in 1931
Driest year at a station: 2.61" at Wahluke in 1930
Most snowfall in 12 months: 1140" (that's 95 FEET!) at Mt Baker ski area, 1998-99
Most rainy days in a row: 55 at Centralia, November 1996-February 1997
Most dry days in a row: 140 at White Swan, April-September 1973
Warmest year statewide: 1934 (50.9 F)
Coldest year statewide: 1955 (44.8 F)
Extremes, for towns and cities (1971-2000 averages)
Warmest (annual): Richland (average annual temperature 54.1F)
Warmest (month): Kennewick (average July max temperature 90.4F)
Coldest (annual): Mazama (average annual temperature 43.9F)
Coldest (month): Winthrop (average January min temperature 10.9F)
Wettest (annual): Forks (121.7")
Wettest (month): Aberdeen (average December precipitation: 21.9")
Driest (annual): Desert Aire/Priest Rapids Dam (6.84")
Driest (month): Desert Aire and Sunnyside (0.19")
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 9:59 PM,
Good while it lasted, now we're past it!
Monday, November 13, 2006Had the winds aloft late Sunday dropped to the surface, we would have experienced wind speeds of 60 mph or greater as predicted. The High Wind Warning issued by the National Weather Service was a prudent action based on meteorological data at the time. To verify, wind speeds of 58 mph or greater are required. A 60 mph gust was recorded in Portland verifying the warning.
PDX recorded 46 mph,Kelso measured 53 mph, and I had 42 mph here in Salmon Creek. Wet snow mixed in with the rain at the onset of the heavy precipitation with yesterdays storm causing a brief flurry of action from local weather geeks!
More showers fell today in the wake of Sunday's storm and we should enjoy a few brief hours of no rain on Tuesday before the next large storm rolls inland. Strong winds and heavy rain is on tap for Wednesday. If you are writing home about our active weather, keep those cards and letters going!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 5:21 PM,
Wind Speeds Update
PEAK OBSERVED WIND SPEEDS AS OF 1130 PM SUN EVENING...
CAPE BLANCO........................102 MPH
MT HEBO (TILLAMOOK COUNTY).........101 MPH
LINCOLN CITY (WEATHER SPOTTER).....88 MPH
COLUMBIA RIVER BAR (BAR PILOTS)....86 MPH (SUSTAINED)
YAQUINA BAY BRIDGE.................85 MPH
ROCKHOUSE RAWS (W OF DALLAS).......83 MPH
NEWPORT AIRPORT....................78 MPH
FLORENCE...........................78 MPH
ROCKAWAY BEACH.....................71 MPH
YACHATS (WEATHER SPOTTER)..........70 MPH
CAPE FOULWEATHER...................70 MPH
CAPE PERPETUA......................70 MPH
TILLAMOOK..........................70 MPH
CAPE CASCADE HEAD..................65 MPH
BUOY 29 (WEST OF ASTORIA)..........62 MPH
BUOY 50 (WEST OF LINCOLN CITY).....60 MPH
FREMONT BRIDGE (PORTLAND)..........60 MPH
AURORA.............................55 MPH
ABERNATHY RAWS(NW OF KELSO)........53 MPH
CLATSOP SPIT.......................51 MPH
PORTLAND AIRPORT...................46 MPH
CANBY..............................45 MPH
SALEM AIRPORT......................44 MPH
MCMINNVILLE AIRPORT................44 MPH
KELSO AIRPORT......................40 MPH
CORVALLIS..........................40 MPH
EUGENE AIRPORT.....................35 MPH
HILLSBORO AIRPORT..................33 MPH
VANCOUVER SALMON CREEK ............42 MPH
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 8:08 AM,
Wet & Windy at 6PM
Sunday, November 12, 2006At 6pm in Vancouver conditions are getting nasty with heavy rain and winds gusting to 30 mph. The barometer is falling like a rock at the present time. The main low center is still off the Washington coast and is expected to move inland around 10 pm tonight or a bit later. Wind speeds in Clark County should still be very strong with possible gusts between 55 and 70 mph. Already winds speeds of 88 mph reported at Cape Blanco on the southern Oregon coast (really exposed headland), and 53 mph on top of the Fremont Bridge in Portland. The NWS has issued a High Wind Warning for our area while all Portland TV weather forecasters are playing down the storm saying only 45 mph gusts at best and that this will not really be a wind storm.
The reason why the NWS issues a warning is to alert the public of the possible dangers and everyone should take heed. The TV folks while expressing their opinion, are doing a diservice to the general public implying the high wind warning has no merit. None of the four channels have included the NWS prediction of 60 mph gusts.
The next few hours will tell the story so stay tuned. I'll be here.
Also, with the heavy rains and easterly gradients, snow was mixing in at many locations between 4 and 6 pm from Beaverton to Forest Grove and some locations in Clark County all the while with temperatures between 38 and 43 degrees. With the convective type of precipitation, that will help drive greater wind speeds from aloft.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 6:32 PM,
Windy Forecast?
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Today's storm is still deepening off the coast and it appears it will still move through just to our north bringing strong winds tonight. Since it is still developing, the exact strength and track is still not certain. As I said in an earlier post, it may be just hours before landfall before we know all the details. BTW- the sunrise today was very gray not really eerie at all. Usually before a windstorm the morning light has an eerie look to it. Don't know what this foretells but we will know soon enough. And on the satellite, there is no real defined curl up of the low like we usually see wrapping up, it is still developing very close to the coast. Stay tuned . . .
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 9:52 AM,
Windstorm on the way . . .
Saturday, November 11, 2006Information late Saturday still keeps our windstorm on track however it will be just hours before the main event before we know exactly how high of wind speeds due to the barometric pressure of the storm when it reaches landfall and the exact track it takes when moving inland. For this stay tuned. Meanwhile back at the ranch if you haven't prepared you only have about 24 hours left. Since the storm is moving eastward, the high winds should only last an hour or two but enough to cause widespread power outages due to the saturated soils.
This storm will be almost exactly 25 years since our last really big wind storm. In 1981 we had a big wind storm that began on Friday, November 13. Wind speeds in Hazel Dell of 80 mph at 2:37 am were recorded on Saturday November 14. Winds of 60 mph occurred prior to midnight on the 13th. The 80 mph recording is the strongest wind speed I have recorded in the month of November. Other recent windstorms include 63 mph on January 16, 2000 and 72 mph on December 12, 1995. The December windstorm caused widespread damage throughout Clark County with our power going out for nearly three days.
I will be curious to see how the sky looks at sunrise tomorrow. I remember on December 12, 1995 there was an eerie yellow color in the eastern horizon while two rainbows appeared in the darkened western skies. Strange indeed, but this was apparently Nature's warning sign of things to come.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 6:49 PM,
Update
The big wind storm for late Sunday is still on track and I would expect the NWS to be issuing High Wind Watches shortly. If you haven't prepared for the big storm, now is the time! I was up at MT HOOD Friday and early today where snow was falling. At Government Camp things were good and white with snow caked on the trees weighting the branches down. It was a picture postcard! Had to get an early snow fix you know!
More on the developing storm this afternoon.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 10:22 AM,
Another day - another storm
Thursday, November 09, 2006Friday looks to be wet and windy with perhaps another inch or so to add to the rain bucket. A brief break on Saturday with cool showers and good snows in the mountains. Sunday gets interesting. I am predicting a good chance of a destructive windstorm in Clark County. Now being that it is still a couple of days away, the exact track of the storm is yet to be. But if it tracks just to our north we would get 70-75 mph winds. Very serious. If it tracks a bit to the south, just blustery. If it tracks towards Vancouver Island, winds in the lesser category but still potent. The main message here is to prepare for a severe weather event should it occur. Have alternate lightning sources available and water and food for several days. My generator is gassed up and ready to go. Stay tuned to your favorite weather source for updates.
Vancouver's rainfall total at 4 pm Thursday was 7.92 inches and we could get another three inches of rain from Friday through next Monday. The outlook for the next seven days calls for continued stormy weather with only brief breaks between weather systems.
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 9:25 PM,
Dry Spell?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006Finally we got a brief respite from the tropical rains of the past few days although there were some good downpours scattered around the region this afternoon accompanied by lightning and thunder. Thursday we will see some calming to the atmosphere before another vigrious weather system roars through on Friday. I am still keeping my eyes on the Sunday/Monday strom as this may produce some serious winds around the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver's monthly rainfall is two inches over the average for the whole month of November in just these first seven days of the month!
-- posted by Pat Timm @ 7:56 PM,
