My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Here is an FM I sent out this morning to some of my friends. I have been asked to post it for everyone. (This was in response to the question 'What's going on with the weather today?') I wrote this around 7:30AM:



Right now is the appetizer. The main entree will be larger than originally ordered off the menu.

Luckily, there will be a lull in the snow for the afternoon. By the evening the main storm will be on it's way here. (Right now it is forming in the Tennesee valley. Turn on the weather channel and you can see it forming as they show the national radar. You can see right over Alabama that the storm is becoming more 'tight' with its spin. Just like an ice skater brings her arms in when perfecting a spin)

This one is beautiful!

There is always the uncertainty of track, but it looks like we could be seeing a foot of snow. Toward the tip of LI, near Montauk, it could mix with some sleet later, so they will get a few inches less.

The heaviest snow will occur overnight tonight, between NYC and mid-Suffolk County. So many will go to sleep thinking it might be okay on Monday. I laugh while they sleep.

So, once you get a lull today, you can go out and do things if you want. But come back home! I believe most schools will be closed tomorrow.

Oh! This storm has such intensity that you shouldn't be surprised to hear thunder tonight. Ahhhhhh. Thundersnow. It's the only thing I like about the winter. Thundersnow.

If I were to take snow measurements tomorrow (Monday) afternoon: I'd expect NYC and Nassau to have a few inches more than Suffolk. (But, really, once you pass 8 inches, does it really matter?)

The only chance we have at less snow is if the people in Upstate NY all get straws and suck the storm a bit closer to them, putting us closer to the line of mixed precipitation. But the warmer precipitation should stay closer to the east end of LI and just over the ocean.

(This is why you always hear meteorologists discussing how a difference in 50 miles can mean the difference between a foot of snow, or 4 inches of snow and mixed precip on top. As I write this, turn on the Weather Channel and see what is happening around Georgia. The rain and snow line is only separated by a small amount.)

Later tonight and tomorrow the wind will pick up. This will result in blowing and drifting of snow. I don't have to tell you how hard this will make travel.

Good day!

Message edited 3/1/2009 1:24:59 PM.

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

I should call my in-laws in Syracuse and ask them to suck the snow back there way

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

- I love it.

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Best weather report of all time. I'll twitter a message to upstate NY about the straws!

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

VERY informative!!!!

I have a patient that is a TV meteorologist & when he comes in I always repeat whatever he said that morning like "we are following an arctic track" or "the cold front coming in from the north" it drives him nuts!!!

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Thanks Kelly, that is cool about the thunderstorms.

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Thanks KElly!!

Well I some would say I'm an upstater (although I strongly disagree) and I promise I will not be using any straws to help bring more snow my way

Is it supposed to be as bad in Putnam County? I tried watching the weather channel and all they talked about was the snow in Alabama and then DD turned on Barney

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

this is great. i hope your storm translation works out to be accurate!!!!!

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Is it supposed to be as bad in Putnam County? I tried watching the weather channel and all they talked about was the snow in Alabama and then DD turned on Barney

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

Posted by RoleModel

Is it supposed to be as bad in Putnam County? I tried watching the weather channel and all they talked about was the snow in Alabama and then DD turned on Barney

For once, the LI area is predicted to get hit the hardest. Temperatures will probably not be an issue and the low will probably hit the benchmark for a perfect snowstorm for our area (40N, 70W).

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

best forecast ever!

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist

I think "thundersnow" is the best word EVER.

Re: My storm translation- from a meteorologist