Thermodynamics & Ice Microphysics of Lake Effect Snow

In a previous post, we discussed the basic mechanics of a historic lake-effect snow event.  I wanted to delve into the basic thermodynamics and ice microphysics of that event.  I will first discuss snow-to-liquid ratios, a concept of ice microphysics that applies all snow events, not just lake-effect. Contrary to popular belief, snow does not … Read more

DFW Snowfall Records & Totals for This Year 2025

DFW record for single day snowfall is 11.2”, just over 12” for a single winter storm. Below are details of the January 9, 2025 snowstorm in North Texas. You may be interested in these related pages: Read more here about the winter storm and past record snowfalls in the DFW metroplex.

Hypothetical 2025 Tornado Season

Disclaimer: While the provided hypothetical tornado season for 2025 paints a dramatic picture, it’s important to remember that predicting specific weather events, especially on a granular level, is a complex science. While we can identify general trends and potential risks, pinpointing exact locations and intensities of severe weather remains a challenge. That said, the hypothetical … Read more

Tornado Count for United States 2024

The tornado outbreak December 28 across the Southeastern United States has become the second most active tornado day of 2024, with 90 tornado reports. The most active day of the year was on April 26th, with 108 tornado reports. 2024 officially had the 2nd most #tornadoes on record, with more than 1735 tornadoes. This beats … Read more

Record-Breaking Hail: The Largest and Most Destructive Hailstorms

Seven Inch sized Hail-stone To Break Texas Record June 2, 2024 a supercell thunderstorm developed and intensified near Happy, Texas in northern Swisher County with strong mid-level rotation rapidly developing. The cyclonic rotation strengthened and lowered as the storm began its track east-southeast towards the Vigo Park community. The extreme lift with the storm’s updraft … Read more

Lightning Stats for Injuries & Fatalities since 1940

Since the 1940s, the annual number of fatalities from lightning has been decreasing. In 1940, lightning was the #1 weather-related killer. In 2023, the National Weather Service reported only 14 lightning-related fatalities. This downward trend highlights improved safety awareness and underscores the importance of seeking shelter during thunderstorms. How many people were killed by lightning … Read more

Will It Be a White Christmas? Snow Predictions and Travel Advisory

Christmas Weather Update: Snow or Travel Hazards? It’s still a bit early to provide a precise forecast for the Christmas holiday. However, we can glean some insights from historical weather data to see which regions might experience a snowy Christmas. Our meteorologists have examined weather data from 1991 to 2020 to identify which areas have … Read more

Record-Setting Hurricane Season: Beryl was the earliest Atlantic Cat 5; Record 178 Tornadoes from Hurricanes

Hurricane Beryl was the earliest Atlantic basin Category-5 hurricane on record A major part of the story of the 2024 tornado season has been plentiful tornadoes spawned from hurricanes. Hurricane Beryl, Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton caused a combined 178 tornadoes. Hurricane Beryl was the earliest Atlantic basin Category-5 hurricane on record. It … Read more

Category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin: Interesting statistics

This page provides some basic, but very interesting statistics about category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic basin since 1851.  Category 5 storms are extremely rare.  In fact, for the Atlantic Basin (including the Gulf of Mexico and Carribbean Sea) only 34* category 5 storms (~4% of all hurricanes) are found in the historical record.  In … Read more

Hurricane Milton Spaghetti Model and Cone Updates

⚠️Milton is Now a Category 5 Hurricane⚠️If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years. As Monster Hurricane Milton continues to strengthen in the Gulf, the Governor has issued EO 24-214 ahead of potential landfall on Florida’s west coast. This EO … Read more

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Approaching? Here’s When to Put Shutters Up

With Hurricane Milton headed towards Tampa Bay and Florida residents now is the time to start putting up shutters. With a hurricane currently swirling towards Florida, it’s a good reminder for everyone in hurricane-prone areas to brush up on their preparedness plans. One crucial step? Knowing when to install your hurricane shutters. Whether you’re a … Read more

Days Until Winter 2025 Countdown

2024 Winter Solstice Thursday, December 21 at 10:57 am EST How many days until winter? Winter 2024 Begins In The winter solstice, or December solstice, will be Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, marking the first day of winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter generally begins on December 21 or 22. This is the winter solstice, the day … Read more

Heartbreak and Heroism: Inside North Carolina’s Flood Zone

Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic flooding across western North Carolina, leaving behind heartbreaking stories of loss and survival. The hardest-hit areas witnessed unimaginable scenes: Despite the devastation, stories of resilience and community spirit are also emerging. Volunteers are arriving with mules to deliver supplies to hard-to-reach areas, and first responders are working tirelessly to rescue those … Read more

Worse Than 1916″: Helene Shatters Asheville’s Flood Record

Hurricane Helene has become the 2nd deadliest hurricane over the past 50 years for the United States. Over 170 deaths and over 600 people remain missing. The recent flooding in Asheville caused by predecessor rain events of Hurricane Helene serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating power of weather systems and the importance of … Read more

Power Outage Safety Tips

If you are within days or hours of a hurricane or winter storm event where you may be in the dark a while. You are going to need some of these handy power outage safety tips. One is stuffing a Ziploc or freezable bag and putting it into the freezer. “I just stuffed my freezer … Read more

California Wildfire Camera Map and Updates

Fire Triangle in Southern California Airport Fire burning in Trabuco Canyon grows over 9,000 acres A wildfire that broke out in Orange County’s Trabuco Canyon Monday afternoon exploded by several thousand acres overnight. As of Tuesday, the Airport Fire had scorched approximately 9,000 acres and had forced the evacuation of some homes in Trabuco Canyon … Read more

Chasing the ‘Twisters’ Dream: A Meteorologist’s Take on the Movie and How it Can Inspire a New Generation

Like its predecessor, ‘Twister’, the new blockbuster ‘Twisters’ is poised to spark a new generation of meteorologists and storm chasers. With its impressive opening weekend box office numbers, it’s clear that this movie has captured the attention of both weather enthusiasts and the general public. ‘Twisters’ earned $32.2M on the film’s domestic opening day. Same … Read more

Seattle-Tacoma Top 10 Warmest Days

Mount Rainier

Friday, July 19th was the 16th day in a row with a high temperature of 80 degrees or higher for Seattle. That breaks Seattle’s previous record for consecutive 80+ degree days (15 days, set in 2015 & 1977). Top 10 warmest days at Seattle-Tacoma airportRecords started 1945 The records at the Federal Building went from … Read more

Record-Breaking Hurricane Beryl Left Millions without Power in Texas

“Latest Beryl Devastation was similar to the Solar Eclipse but with a line of Thunderstorms” Hurricane Beryl will be talked about for a long time by many for memorable tropical systems. Over 200 tornado warnings were issued from July 8th to 10th, the most since Hurricane Ivan in 2004! The strongest tornado so far occurred … Read more

Hurricane Survival: Supplies and a Plan of Action

Hurricane Readiness

Hurricane season starts on June 1st and runs through November 30.  This time frame was created based on long-term statistics, but hurricanes can certainly occur outside of this range.  In January 2016, for example, Hurricane Alex became the strongest Atlantic hurricane to occur during the northern hemispheric winter. So, irrespective of the date, take some … Read more

How Many Tornadoes Have Been Confirmed in Texas So Far in 2024?

Texas, a state well-acquainted with tornadoes, is experiencing a particularly active 2024 season. As of June 14, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports a staggering 112 confirmed tornadoes have touched down in the Lone Star State. This number surpasses the previous year’s total and reflects a broader trend of increased tornado activity across … Read more

Dallas Battered by Severe Storms, Widespread Power Outages – See the high-wind speeds:

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Houston were pummeled by powerful thunderstorms on Tuesday, leaving over a million residents without power and triggering widespread damage. Baseball-sized hail, hurricane-force winds, and the threat of tornadoes prompted emergency alerts and outdoor sirens, leaving residents scrambling for safety. Dallas County bore the brunt of the outages, with officials warning … Read more