166 mph Winds Aloft With Michael

By -
[scroll down for higher measurement]

Here is the Doppler wind measurement from 8:50am showing 166 mph.

As it turns out, the Hurricane Hunters were measuring the winds aloft at the same time and they came up with the name number (the graph is in knots, so I converted to miles per hour).
Why is this important?

 The barometric pressures are dropping rapidly in the eye of the storm. That means these winds could make it to the surface and we could be dealing with a near Category 5 hurricane at landfall. 

 There has never, ever, been anything like this in the Florida Panhandle. Do not rely on your experience with previous hurricanes. Hunker down and prepare the closet or bathroom for a stay of several hours as the eye approaches. 

 --- Addition, 9:18am ----
Lightning near the eye of a hurricane is a near certain sign of intensification. I believe we are going to see a Cat 5, or nearly Cat 5, hurricane at landfall.

And, the mini-swirls (circles) are areas where winds will be even more intense than the "maximum sustained winds" that meteorologists use to typically define hurricanes.
9:20am. Mini-swirls circled. 
Please review my postings this morning if you are in the area and hunker down. Good luck.

Update 9:37pm. Measurement of 173 mph aloft. But, these measurements keep rising = higher winds at the surface.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more