Storm Gone, Humidity Dropping

I was out in Chestertown yesterday working on a story for Good Morning Maryland (it will air July 25th). This storm that blew through brought them over 1 inch of rain and this lightning display. That was 1,535 lightning strikes in a 30 minute span. This was one of those storms that grew strong crossing the bay. Funny how the locals were just telling me that most of this summer has been the opposite.
I just found a local weather station that has peaked my interest and look forward to sharing more later. Unfortunately I am out the door for more- another one of the 1 tank trips.
Enjoy the improving weather. It will stick around through most of the weekend.

Severe Weather Season Is Here....

Due to the storms yesterday and what is expected today- I will not be posting about the Chesapeake Health and Earth Day as expected. Sorry....
Yesterday's Tornado Warning was issue by NWS due to Doppler Indicated Tornado. There was none spotted at the time on the ground, but here are the Doppler Images showing what we look for.
Note: This image on the left is your standard return of rain intensity measure in DDZ you might see on TV or online. This was the image from Baltimore County around 6:20pm Sunday. The rainfall rates were over 1 inch per hour with small pea size hail in Parkton (account from a co worker). I've highlighted the central point of the storm and wind field, however the possible 'hook' on the south side in the rain free zone is a signature of rotation in a storm. Most tornadoes are in the rain free section on the south or southeast side of a storm.


This image is a different level showing the wind profile. The whole premise for Doppler Radar is measuring a frequency change as wind/rain, etc move towards or away from the radar site. Much like the sound Danica Patrick's car winning in Japan's Indy race. That change in movement is measure and shown here with wind away from the radar in red, and towards the radar in green. When they are stacked side by side, that indicates rotation and potential spin of a funnel cloud. You'll notice I did not say tornado yet since this is all at cloud level. There is no guarantee that it will reach the ground, and as of this posting (6am), I did not see any confirmation of touchdown.


I am working on placing the lighting tracker with Radars and Stuff, but until then I will continue to post a live image here:
In terms of rain, how about those giant drops? This type of environment will produce what appears to be larger drops as small hail generated in these storms will melt on the way down from the clouds. The wind turbulence will help to break up these drops, but some can hold together. There is a lot of moisture available, so rain amounts under these storms may exceed a few inches.
Our severe weather is all thanks to a cold upper level trough with this pocket of warm moist air underneath. That allows the freedom for this air to rise and quickly dump rain. The spin from the upper low (check it out on Water Vapor Loop)

Tornado Warning "Doppler Indicated"

It was around 6:15 or so this evening when I first heard the warning. It was indicated by radar that the storm might be rotating, but that does not guarantee a funnel on the ground. Here is our lightning tracker which shows strikes over the past 30 minutes and any other indication on radar with rotation and storm centers. I have also posted an enhanced radar view. These colors are much more intense than our normal view- to help see the storm....
This is part of an upper low that will be stuck nearby for another day or two. For more mas go to the TV Graphics tab above (on my website view of this blog)
That's all I have time for now- be safe...