Monday, March 30, 2009

Flooding And Blizzard Hazards

A flash flood watch is now in effect for parts of southwest and
South central alabama as well as the western florida panhandle from
Tuesday morning through wednesday morning...

.another round of heavy rainfall is expected across parts of
Southwest and south central alabama...as well as the western florida
Panhandle on tuesday and tuesday night as a frontal system moves east
Across the region. This additional rainfall will aggravate already
Existent flood problems and be a major concern across the watch area
Which was inundated by heavy rainfall late last week. Any additional
Heavy rainfall will likely exacerbate flooding problems along area
Rivers...streams and other flood prone areas. As of now...it appears
That the greatest threat for additional heavy rainfall will be
Confined to the coastal counties of alabama and the western florida
Panhandle...and into south central alabama generally along and east
Of interstate 65. In these areas...an average of an additional 2 to
4 inches of rainfall could occur...with localized maximum totals of 5
To 6 inches possible. Farther inland over southwest alabama and into
Southeast mississippi and outside of the watch area...rainfall
Totals are expected to be lower with averages of 1 to 2 inches and
Localized totals of up to around 3 inches. This new heavy rainfall
Threat is still evolving and will continue to be monitored..and the
Flash flood watch area may have to be adjusted farther north.

...flash flood watch in effect from tuesday morning through
Wednesday morning...

The national weather service in mobile has issued a

flash flood watch for portions of alabama and northwest
Florida...including the following areas...in alabama...
Butler...conecuh...covington...crenshaw...escambia...lower
Baldwin...lower mobile...upper baldwin and upper mobile. In
Northwest florida...coastal escambia...coastal okaloosa...
Coastal santa rosa...inland escambia...inland okaloosa and
Inland santa rosa.

from tuesday morning through wednesday morning

another round of heavy rainfall is expected across parts of southwest
And south central alabama...as well as the western florida
Panhandle on tuesday and tuesday night as a frontal system moves
East across the region. This additional rainfall will aggravate
Already existent flood problems and be a major concern across the
Watch area which was inundated by heavy rainfall late last week.
Any additional heavy rainfall will likely exacerbate flooding
Problems along area rivers...streams and other flood prone areas.
As of now...it appears that the greatest threat for additional
Heavy rainfall will be confined to the coastal counties of alabama
And the western florida panhandle...and into south central alabama
Generally along and east of interstate 65. In these areas...an
Average of an additional 2 to 4 inches of rainfall could
Occur...with localized maximum totals of 5 to 6 inches possible.
Farther inland over southwest alabama and into southeast
Mississippi and outside of the watch area...rainfall totals are
Expected to be lower with averages of 1 to 2 inches and localized
Totals of up to around 3 inches. This new heavy rainfall threat is
Still evolving and will continue to be monitored..and the flash
Flood watch area may have to be adjusted farther north.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to
Flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
Should flash flood warnings be issued.

...a serious flood threat is developing this week...

.heavy rain is forecast to develop across areas already saturated
From heavy weekend rains.

...flash flood watch in effect from tuesday afternoon through
Thursday morning...

The national weather service in tallahassee has issued a

flash flood watch for portions of southeast alabama...florida
And georgia...including the following areas...in southeast
Alabama...coffee...dale...geneva...henry and houston. In
Florida...bay...calhoun...franklin...gadsden...gulf...holmes...
Jackson...jefferson...leon...liberty...wakulla...walton and
Washington. In georgia...baker...ben hill...berrien...brooks...
Calhoun...clay...colquitt...cook...decatur...dougherty...
Early...grady...irwin...lanier...lee...lowndes...miller...
Mitchell...quitman...randolph...seminole...terrell...thomas...
Tift...turner and worth.

from tuesday afternoon through thursday morning

a series of storm systems late last week produced rainfall
Totals in excess of five inches and as high as eleven inches
Across southeast alabama...southwest and south central
Georgia...and the florida panhandle. The active weather pattern
Will continue this week with more heavy rain expected beginning
Late tuesday and continuing into wednesday and possibly beyond.
Current projections call for 4 to 6 inches of rainfall...with
Locally higher amounts over a large area that includes many of
The locations that received significant rainfall from the
Previous storms. Many area rivers are already swollen and the
Ground is saturated.

it is therefore anticipated that another round of very heavy
Rain would produce sufficient runoff to create a significant
Flash flood threat...in addition to exacerbating the ongoing
Riverine flooding. Small creeks and streams are particularly
Vulnerable to flash floods.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead
To flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
Should flash flood warnings be issued.

...a major winter storm to affect the region...

.a major winter storm will slowly move across the northern plains
Through tuesday evening. This system will produce significant
Snowfall amounts. 8 to 12 inches of snow are possible...with
Isolated higher amounts. Along with the snow...east winds from 30
To 45 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow...and
Visibilities will be severely impacted.

...blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 pm central daylight time
tuesday...

A blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 pm central daylight time
tuesday.
Snow will develop this evening and continue through tuesday
Evening. Snow will be heavy at times...especially overnight and
Tuesday morning. Snowfall amounts of 10 to 14 inches are possible by
Tuesday evening...with locally higher amounts. This system will
Also produce strong northeast winds up to 40 mph... Which would
Cause areas of blowing and drifting snow and very low visibility.

...winter storm warning remains in effect from 7 am tuesday to
7 am central daylight time wednesday...
Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches are expected in the
Region late this evening through wednesday morning. Isolated
Higher amounts may be found in the elevated terrain along the
North shore of lake superior...mainly north and east of two
Harbors. The snow will quickly increase in coverage and intensity
Overnight...becoming heavy through tuesday morning. In addition to
The snow...strong winds gusting to around 35 mph will result in
Visibilities of a quarter mile or less at times and areas drifting
Snow that will make travel very hazardous.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow means heavy snow
Accumulation is anticipated...and that snowfall rates of one inch
Per hour or greater can be expected at times. Expect snow covered
Roads and visibility less than a quarter mile. If you must
Travel...exercise extreme caution and allow extra time to reach
Your destination. Let someone know your travel route and expected
Arrival time and have a working cell phone in case you become
Stranded. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle...including a
Flashlight...food...and water. If you choose to travel...be aware
That you may become stranded and that it may take many hours for
Help to arrive.

...major early spring snow storm to affect most of the region
Into wednesday...

.a spring snow storm will move from the central plains towards
The great lakes by wednesday...bringing the threat for
Significant snowfall across parts of eastern north dakota...
Northwest and west central minnesota. Total snowfall
Accumulations from 6 inches to greater than a foot of snow are
Possible...along with gusty winds which will produce reduced
Visibilities in blowing and drifting snow. The heaviest snowfall
Is expected along the north and south dakota border into adjacent
Portions of west central minnesota.

...winter storm warning in effect from 7 am tuesday to 7 am central
daylight time
Wednesday...

The national weather service in grand forks has issued a winter
Storm warning for heavy snow...which is in effect from 7 am tuesday
To 7 am central daylight time wednesday. The winter weather advisory is no
longer in
Effect.
An early spring snow storm will move from the central plains
Towards the great lakes...bringing the threat for snowfall. This
Includes the baudette area. Snow will begin late tonight and continue
Through tuesday. Snow may be heavy at times. Total snow
Accumulation from 6 to 8 inches with locally heavier amounts are
Expected during this extended period.

...heavy and wind driven snowfall expected tonight through
Tuesday...

.intense low pressure will move across eastern nebraska this
Evening...to southern minnesota on tuesday. Rain...or a rain and
Snow mix will turn to all snow in the james river valley late this
Evening and overnight...with the snow line then progressing
Eastward toward the i 29 corridor late tonight and tuesday
Morning. Due to the track of the low...areas along i 90 in
Southwest minnesota...much of northwest iowa...and extreme
Southeast south dakota will likely see minimal snowfall with this
System. But going westward...the snow amounts will greatly
Increase in a sharp line. Ten inches plus of snow is expected in
Areas from east central south dakota to south central south
Dakota...decreasing to 3 to 7 inches through much of southwest
Minnesota and parts of southeast south dakota. In
Addition...winds will become north to northwest as monday night
And tuesday progress at 25 to 40 mph. This will create blizzard
Conditions along and west of a yankton south dakota to lincoln
County minnesota line.
At this time...it appears that the sioux falls city itself will
Escape the heavy snow which should just be off to the north and
West. The only wild card is...if the snow would happen to go
Convective meaning thundersnow early tuesday morning. This would
Increase the amounts for sioux falls in a short period of time.

...blizzard warning now in effect from 3 am to 7 pm central daylight time
tuesday...

The blizzard warning is now in effect from 3 am to 7 pm central daylight
time
Tuesday.
Areas of light rain will develop this evening...becoming more
Widespread overnight. The rain will then changeover to snow late
Tonight becoming heavy at times through tuesday morning. North to
Northwest winds increasing to 25 to 35 mph will cause blizzard
Conditions with zero visibilities in snow and blowing snow by
Tuesday. Total snow accumulations will vary from 2 to 4 inches
Around the yankton area...to around 10 inches in mitchell and near
8 inches around brookings south dakota.

...early spring snow storm to affect much of west central and
Central minnesota tonight through tuesday night...

.the winter storm warning for west central minnesota remains
In effect from 7 pm this evening through tuesday. Snow is expected
To develop over western minnesota this evening...as an area of low
Pressure lifts northeast from nebraska into southeast minnesota
Tuesday. Heavier snow will develop over west central minnesota by
Midnight and is expected to continue through tuesday afternoon.
The winter storm warning becomes effective at 7 pm this evening
Through tuesday evening for an area northwest of a line...from
Near granite falls...to saint cloud...to mora minnesota.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect from 10 pm this
Evening through tuesday evening for parts of central and eastern
Minnesota and west central wisconsin. Mainly along and north of an
New ulm...to the southern part of the twin cities...to eau claire
Wisconsin line.
Snowfall totals within the warned area will generally range from
6 to 10 inches...with locally higher amounts. Areas from madison
To long prairie minnesota will see the heaviest snowfall...with
Storm totals likely near 15 inches. Strong winds are expected to
Accompany the heavy snowfall within the warned area. This may
Significantly reduce visibilities and even create near blizzard
Conditions... Especially across far west central minnesota.
Within the advisory area...there is expected to be a sharp
Gradient in the total snowfall amounts and precipitation type.
Presently...the forecast calls for one...to locally six inches of
Snow...with the potential of light sleet accumulations as well.
This may lead to hazardous travel conditions developing later
Tonight. By tuesday....most areas within the advisory will have
Changed over to rain before changing back to snow tuesday night as
The low pulls into northeast minnesota.
Due to the overall nature of this storm system...and the impacts
It will have across the upper midwest and northern plains...please
Continue to monitor future forecasts and winter weather messages
For updates on the expected track and snowfall amounts from this
Latest storm system.

...winter storm warning remains in effect from 7 pm this evening
To 7 pm central daylight time tuesday...

A winter storm warning remains in effect from 7 pm this evening
To 7 pm central daylight time tuesday.
A dry east wind has delayed the onset of light snow across this
Area during the afternoon. However...light snow is expected to
Develop this evening and it will become heavy at times...
Especially after midnight. Snow...occasionally heavy at
Times...will continue through tuesday across west central and
Central minnesota before tapering off to light snow or flurries
Tuesday evening. Total snowfall accumulations through tuesday
Evening are expected to be 6 to 12 inches...with locally higher
Amounts. Areas from madison to long prairie minnesota will see
The heaviest snows totals with amounts near 15 inches. Strong
Winds are expected to accompany the heavy snowfall within the
Warned area. This may significantly reduce visibilities and even
Create near blizzard conditions... Especially across far west
Central minnesota.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather
Conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow
Are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an
Emergency. If you must travel...keep an extra flashlight...
Food...and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

...heavy snow and reduced visibilities across far south central
And southeast north dakota...

At 618 pm central daylight time ...518 pm mountain daylight time
...doppler radar indicated a band of
Moderate to heavy snow from strasburg to montpelier. Snowfall
Rates of up to one inch per hour is expected with this heavy snow
Band...with visibilities of one quarter mile or less. At 530 pm
central daylight time ...12.0 inches of snow was estimated 11 miles north
of
Edgeley...with 20 inches at strasburg at 600 pm central daylight time . No
travel is
Advised on highway 281...and on most other north south running
Roads in far south central and southeast north dakota due to very
High snow drifts on roadways. 3 to 5 inches of additional snowfall
Is possible in far south central and the southern portions of the
James river valley tonight.
Delay your travel plans. However...if you must travel...carry a
Winter survival kit and advise others of your travel plans. If you
Become stranded stay with your vehicle. Due to the heavy
Snowfall...those with health concerns should use caution when
Shoveling.

...a strong spring storm system will continue to bring heavy snow
And blizzard conditions to portions of southwest and south central
North dakota tonight...

.moderate to heavy snow will continue over far southwest and far
South central north dakota this evening and overnight...before
Slowly tapering off late tonight. In addition...very strong winds
Of 25 to 45 mph over the southwest and south central will
Continue. These strong winds combined with falling snow and fresh
Snowfall will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow with
Blizzard conditions likely.
Along the interstate 94 corridor...from dickinson to bismarck and
Jamestown...the winds are no longer expected to be as strong. The
Blizzard warning has been replaced with a winter storm warning for
Snow and blowing snow. Additional snow accumulations around 1 to 2
Inches in the west...to an additional 2 to 4 inches from bismarck
To jamestown are still likely the remainder of tonight. This will
Bring the storm total accumulations across south central and
Southwest north dakota to 15 to 20 inches. An isolated report up
To 2 feet of snow is possible across the far south central by
Tuesday morning.
To the north...additional snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are
Possible in the advisory area. North of lake sakakawea little snow
Accumulation is expected from this storm.
Travel conditions will be very difficult if not impossible over
Much of southwest and south central north dakota tonight. The
Travel conditions will become even more dangerous after dark.
Please take the necessary precautions to protect life and
Property. Delay travel if possible. Stay tuned to local media for
Updates on this storm.

...blizzard warning remains in effect until midnight mountain daylight time
Tonight...

A blizzard warning remains in effect until midnight mountain daylight time
tonight.
Additional moderate to heavy snow accumulations are expected...in
Addition to strong winds of 30 to 50 mph resulting in significant
Blowing snow and near zero visibilities.
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are
Expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
And poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
Conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
You must travel...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
Stranded...stay with your vehicle.

...major winter storm expected to affect western and north
Central nebraska...

.a powerful early spring storm system will move through the
Central plains tonight...before exiting on tuesday. Widespread
Snow in western nebraska will spread east overnight. Snowfall
Rates will intensify as the snow spreads east. Strong winds will
Also produce widespread blowing and drifting snow.

...blizzard warning remains in effect until 7 pm central daylight time
tuesday...

A blizzard warning remains in effect for heavy snow and blowing
Snow until 7 pm central daylight time tuesday.
A strong spring storm system is crossing central plains tonight
And tuesday. Snow...heavy at times...will continue through the
Night and into tuesday morning. Widespread blowing and drifting
Snow is also expected...as north winds of 30 mph with gusts to
Over 40 mph will create white out conditions at times. Total
Snowfall accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are likely by the time
The snow ends midday tuesday.
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are
Expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
And poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
Conditions...making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
You must travel...have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
Stranded...stay with your vehicle.

...strong winds and heavy snow expected later tonight and
Tuesday...

.parts of northeast nebraska will be impacted by a potent early
Spring storm late tonight and tuesday. Strong winds and heavy snow
At times will create near blizzard conditions across the area. Low
Pressure will move into northeast nebraska this evening...and
Into southern minnesota on tuesday then on toward the western
Great lakes by early wednesday. Northeast nebraska will likely
Receive 1 to 7 inches of snowfall with winds eventually becoming
Northwest and reaching 30 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph
Possible.

...winter storm warning now in effect from 4 am to 7 pm central daylight
time
Tuesday...

The winter storm warning is now in effect from 4 am to 7 pm central
daylight time
Tuesday.
An intense early spring storm system will bring dangerous wintry
Weather back into the area late tonight...lingering through much
Of the day tuesday...before tapering to flurries by early tuesday
Evening. Near blizzard conditions are expected to develop late
Tonight as rain changes to snow and winds become northwest at 30
To 35 mph...with gusts up to 45 mph. Snowfall totals of 2 to 7 inches
Are currently forecast with the higher amounts expected near the
South dakota border. Near white out conditions can be expected
Late tonight through early tuesday...with considerable blowing and
Drifting snow.

...another strong spring storm will continue to pound northeast
Wyoming and western south dakota through tonight...

.a strong low pressure system is moving across the northern
Plains and is bringing widespread snow and blowing snow to much
Of the region. Blizzard conditions have been reported on the
Plains of northwest south dakota as well as portion of far
Northeast wyoming where winds have been gusting up to 50 mph.
Snow will begin to taper off in northeast wyoming later this
Evening...across western south dakota later tonight...and over
Central south dakota by tuesday afternoon.
As of early this afternoon...snowfall totals ranged from 2 to 7
Inches in northeast wyoming with the heavier amounts near the
Montana border. 6 to 10 inches was reported across the plains of
Northwest south dakota...with 9 to 12 inches in the northern black
Hills and foothills from lead to spearfish to sturgis. 4 to 8
Inches had fallen from rapid city to hot springs.
The latest road conditions in south dakota are available by
Calling 511...or 1-866-697-3511. In wyoming...call 511...or 1-888-
996-7623.

...blizzard warning remains in effect until midnight mountain daylight time
Tonight...

A blizzard warning remains in effect until midnight mountain daylight time
tonight.
Snow and blowing snow will continue into this evening...then
Decrease overnight. Snow will be heavy at times into this
Evening. Storm total accumulations of 8 to 14 inches are expected
Before the snow ends. Northerly winds of 30 to 40 mph will create
Widespread blowing and drifting snow and make travel nearly
Impossible.
Travel will be nearly impossible. Stay indoors and do not attempt
To travel until the storm is over.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Red River Tops Out At 40.82 Feet

Boy, this is scary!  I wonder if they will be able to get this situation under control.
 
Michelle
 

Saturday

March 28, 2009

°

Homepage / Orlando Weather
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Red River Tops Out At 40.82 Feet

River Appears To Be Leveling Off

UPDATED: 12:32 pm EDT March 28, 2009

The Red River has topped out at 40.82 feet in Fargo, N.D., and appears to be leveling off, according to CNN and MSNBC.

However, the water may take several days to recede, creating a lingering risk of a catastrophic failure in the levees.

Earlier, offficials said they were adding National Guard troops and intensifying their response to the flood.

Officials said they are increasing the level of guard troops from 1,700 troops to 1,850 and asking residents to keep an eye on dikes for possible breaches.

They are also bringing in 300 large bags that hold a ton of sand and could be dropped into breaks in the levees.

No major levee breaches or other issues were reported during the night.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker talked by telephone Friday with President Barack Obama, who told the state's leaders they could count on help.

Meanwhile, Obama, facing his first challenge as president from natural forces, used his weekly radio and Internet address to say he's putting the federal government's weight behind efforts to avert disaster. He said Washington will do what needs to be done.

Obama and his team no doubt are mindful of the bungled response in August 2005 to Hurricane Katrina, which has since become a symbol of the federal government's incompetence.

Obama also implored residents of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota to be vigilant in reading flood-condition reports and to follow instructions from federal, state and local officials. He repeatedly praised volunteers stockpiling sandbags and building levees.

Also offering praise is Nancy Ward, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

She and numerous other workers from FEMA are in Fargo on Saturday. Ward said she wanted to see the situation firsthand to better understand the challenges.

She complimented local leaders for their organized response to the surging Red River, saying strong local leadership makes the federal government's job easier.

Ward said the New Orleans hurricanes taught FEMA that it must have people on the scene sooner and work with local and state governments to make sure the agency offers the help they need.

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