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  • The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend

    The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend

    It’s that time of the year when we set the clocks back one hour, returning us to standard time, reducing the amount of daylight in the evenings, but we gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sunshine Act passed in the U.S. Senate in 2022

    • Current time change rules have been in place since 2007

    • Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time year round


    This brings up the conversation of why we need to do the switching of the clocks twice a year. Why not just stay on daylight saving time year round or standard time for the entire year?

    However, it’s not that easy. The path to accomplish this includes federal approval.

    Why we change the clocks twice a year

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. By advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame that daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007.

    Not everyone participates

    Hawaii doesn’t participate because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    Old metal alarm clock among grass and flowers.

    Current legislation

    The Department of Transportation oversees daylight saving time and all the country’s time zones. 

    According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Federal law refers to the Uniform Time Act, which was passed in 1966. This law allows a state to exempt itself from observing daylight saving time or staying on standard time year round. However, it does not allow a state to be on permanent daylight saving time. 

    As of 2024, at least 30 states have considered or are considering legislation or resolutions about Daylight Saving Time. 

    22 States that have introduced legislation exempting from daylight saving time and staying on standard time year-round. No federal approval will be needed if passed. 

    On the other hand, 20 states have enacted legislation or passed resolutions to provide for year-round daylight saving time, but there are a few caveats. If Congress allows the change and if the surrounding states enact the same legislation. 

    Sunshine Protection Act

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, two and a half years later, it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Biden.

    The future

    For now, legislation to observe daylight saving time year-round remains pending.

    Other states will continue to perform case studies and collect data to see if this shift is beneficial in saving energy, helping improve health and reducing crime.

    And so we will change our clocks back one hour this Saturday night, returning to standard time and then on March 9, 2025, we will move the clocks forward one hour, switching to daylight saving time. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend

    The time change debate continues as we ‘fall back’ to standard time this weekend

    It’s that time of the year when we set the clocks back one hour, returning us to standard time, reducing the amount of daylight in the evenings, but we gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sunshine Act passed in the U.S. Senate in 2022

    • Current time change rules have been in place since 2007

    • Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time year round


    This brings up the conversation of why we need to do the switching of the clocks twice a year. Why not just stay on daylight saving time year round or standard time for the entire year?

    However, it’s not that easy. The path to accomplish this includes federal approval.

    Why we change the clocks twice a year

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. By advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame that daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007.

    Not everyone participates

    Hawaii doesn’t participate because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    Old metal alarm clock among grass and flowers.

    Current legislation

    The Department of Transportation oversees daylight saving time and all the country’s time zones. 

    According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Federal law refers to the Uniform Time Act, which was passed in 1966. This law allows a state to exempt itself from observing daylight saving time or staying on standard time year round. However, it does not allow a state to be on permanent daylight saving time. 

    As of 2024, at least 30 states have considered or are considering legislation or resolutions about Daylight Saving Time. 

    22 States that have introduced legislation exempting from daylight saving time and staying on standard time year-round. No federal approval will be needed if passed. 

    On the other hand, 20 states have enacted legislation or passed resolutions to provide for year-round daylight saving time, but there are a few caveats. If Congress allows the change and if the surrounding states enact the same legislation. 

    Sunshine Protection Act

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, two and a half years later, it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Biden.

    The future

    For now, legislation to observe daylight saving time year-round remains pending.

    Other states will continue to perform case studies and collect data to see if this shift is beneficial in saving energy, helping improve health and reducing crime.

    And so we will change our clocks back one hour this Saturday night, returning to standard time and then on March 9, 2025, we will move the clocks forward one hour, switching to daylight saving time. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

    How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

    Halloween may have ended, but you can find a lot of ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    You can use the leftover pumpkins to make food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could the be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them.

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

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  • Afraid of the weather? These are the most common weather phobias

    Afraid of the weather? These are the most common weather phobias

    A lot of us hate different types of weather. Someone from the south may hate the cold, while someone from up north might hate the heat and humidity. Those feelings are valid, but there is a difference between disliking the weather and having a genuine fear of it.

    What You Need To Know

    • A phobia is an anxiety disorder defined by an excessive fear of an object or situation

    • The best way to treat a phobia is by exposure therapy, counseling or medication

    • There are countless weather phobias, many of which stem from a prior trauma


    Weather phobias may not be common, but they’re real. People who experience these phobias can have debilitating anxiety and stress depending on what Mother Nature is throwing their way. And like other phobias, symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and more.

    Ombrophobia (Fear of rain)

    Most can probably agree that rain can be a nuisance if you’ve got outdoor plans or you’re trying to go out and run some errands and want to stay dry. For an ombrophobe, rain can cause significant stress or anxiety.

    (Getty Images)

    Whether that fear stems from germs in the rain, acid rain, flooding or even more significant dangers, even a light drizzle can trigger symptoms. Ombrophobes may totally avoid going outside if there is even the slightest chance of rain, whether it be a drizzle or a downpour.

    Astraphobia (Fear of thunder and lightning)

    The fear of thunder and lightning is more likely for children and pets, although adults can be astraphobes, as well. It’s one of the most common phobias, including non-weather related ones.

    Lightning strike

    (Susan Coppock Photography)

    People with sensory processing disorders or weather-related trauma are likely to have a fear of storms. Storms can happen year round, but are most common during the summer.

    The best way to deal with the fear of thunder and lightning is being in a safe place during a thunderstorm and finding distractions when the weather gets bad.

    Lilapsophobia (Fear of tornadoes or hurricanes)

    Adjacent to astraphobia, the fear of severe weather, including tornadoes and hurricanes, is known as lilapsophobia. It’s another phobia that can be brought on by previous traumatic experiences related to a hurricane or tornado, and is more common for children.

    Tornado

    (NOAA/Amanda Hill)

    Lilapsophobes can spend a lot of time tracking the forecast if a hurricane is coming or storms have some severe tornado potential, and assume the worst of any normal rain shower or thunderstorm.

    In popular culture, the main character in the 1996 film “Twister,” Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt), suffers from lilapsophobia after witnessing her father die from a tornado as a child. To fight her phobia, she follows her father’s footsteps and becomes a storm chaser (spoiler alert).

    Chionophobia (Fear of snow)

    The fear of snow isn’t exclusive to southern drivers, but for chionophobes as well. These are people who could have had a traumatic experience with snow, whether it be a snowboarding or skiing accident, or maybe a traffic accident driving in wintry weather.

    (FreeImages)

    Someone who fears the snow and lives up north or in the mountains would likely try to stay indoors throughout the winter when it’s cold out or if there is a chance of snow, and keep the curtains closed during a snow shower.

    A common fear of someone who suffers from chionophobia is getting buried in the snow or getting trapped in an avalanche. 

    Ancraophobia (Fear of wind)

    Ancraphobia is the fear of wind, whether it is a light breeze or a gust front. This is a phobia that would keep somebody inside on days there is any type of wind outside.

    (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

    Even something as simple as a wave crashing on a beach could remind someone of wind, making it a place to avoid. Traveling in mountains or higher elevations where winds are typically stronger is also a something an ancraophobe would steer clear of.

    Nephophobia (Fear of clouds)

    Have you ever laid outside in the grass, staring at the sky, trying to guess what the clouds look like? If so, you’re not a nephophobe. That is someone who has a fear of clouds.

    Clouds

    (Spectrum News/Justin Gehrts)

    Clouds can take on many forms, whether it’s a thin and wispy cirrus cloud on a pleasant day, or a bubbling cumulus cloud with the top shooting up as high as you can see before a thunderstorm.

    Nephophobia can cause someone to flee from the outside when they see clouds form in the sky, fearing something much worse is on the way. Being afraid of fair-weather clouds is much less common than storm clouds, which could be a harbinger of severe weather or a tornado. 

    Heliophobia (Fear of sunlight)

    If you’ve ever seen someone covered from head to toe in clothes on a sunny summer day, or carrying an umbrella around for shade, it’s likely for protection from the sun.

    Sun

    (FreeImages)

    A heliophobe likely wouldn’t take the risk of any sun exposure, even with those protections. Not only sunlight, but a heliophobe is probably afraid of bright, indoor light as well.

    Heliophobia can stem from the fear of getting skin cancer or aging quickly, since sunlight can lead to wrinkles.

    Thermophobia (Fear of heat)

    Thermophobia is another phobia not well suited for someone who lives in the desert or the South. It’s the fear of heat. A thermophobe could have an extreme fear of getting a heat illness, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, or could excessively sweat.

    (Getty Images)

    Nobody enjoys getting into their car on a hot day when it feels like the inside of an oven that can make you break a sweat in less than a minute. Not only does a thermophobe avoid hot air temperatures, but hot objects as well.

    The best way to avoid the heat? Living in cooler climates or staying inside in a cooler environment with air conditioning. 

    There are even more weather-related phobias out there, including the fear of air, humidity, fog and more. You can see the complete list here.

    If you’re a weather lover, then you probably have your own “phile.” Whether you love the snow or a thunderstorm, you can find that list here.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Why Election Day is on a Tuesday in November

    Why Election Day is on a Tuesday in November

    Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, this year. Like every year, it’s the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. 

    There’s solid reasoning behind why Election Day follows an unusual calendar process. That’s partly related to the weather.

    What You Need To Know

    • Election Day always falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November

    • Early November was after the harvest, but still ahead of winter

    • Tuesday was the most convenient day for farmers to get to the polls


    While the date itself may not align conveniently to most modern-day schedules, the date wasn’t just picked at random.

    When Congress agreed to make one national election day in 1845, they selected the date centering it around the lifestyles of farmers at the time. That included considering when the growing season ended. 

    Why November?

    Like daylight saving time, much of the decision to select a date for Election Day was geared toward the farmers, since they made up the bulk of the labor population back in the day.

    Farmers spent much of the spring, summer and early fall months dedicated to their cultivating crops, leaving them little to no time to head to the polls. However, their schedules opened up again once the harvest was complete.

    (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

    Choosing an early November date seemed to be the wisest option. Not only was it after the harvest, but it also occurred before winter. This allowed many citizens to get to the polls without worrying about the bitter cold or winter storms.

    Why a Tuesday?

    Carving out time to head to the polls on Tuesday may come as a modern-day inconvenience. But that wasn’t the case back in 1845, when Congress set that day of the week as a nationwide date to vote.

    Many 19th century farmers usually spent Sundays as a day of rest and worship. After the harvesting season, they would spend Wednesday through Saturday working in the marketplace.

    With that, Mondays and Tuesdays were the only two days farmers were available to vote. Unlike today, polling centers were few and far between, leaving only one or a select few within a day’s travel by foot or animal.

    As a result, farmers used Monday for travel, leaving Tuesday the designated Election Day.

    (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

    Election Day sometimes falls on the first Tuesday of November, but not always is the first Tuesday of the month.

    Rather, it falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November.

    This was to avoid Nov. 1, which many Christians honor as All Saints’ Day. As a result, Election Day typically falls between Nov. 2 and Nov. 8.

    A change in date is up for debate

    Even though many polling facilities stay opened for long hours on Election Day, many people nowadays argue that making it to the polls is a struggle during the workweek.

    Unlike the 1800s, though, there are now options to cast early votes. Absentee and early voting are offered by nearly all states.

    During the 2020 presidential election, implementation of the mail-in ballot was credited for the uptick in voter turnout. According to census data, approximately 66.8% of eligible Americans voted, making it the highest percentage in the century. 

    In attempts to increase voter turnout, some political leaders fought for making Election Day a national holiday to accommodate more citizens’ schedules. However, Election Day itself remains unchanged.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Shawnie Caslin

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  • Fall brings out spooky things, including spiders

    Fall brings out spooky things, including spiders

    They’re creepy and they’re crawly and altogether spooky. That’s why spiders are associated with Halloween. Have you ever noticed this time of the year spider webs become more prevalent?

    What You Need To Know

    • Females are the larger spiders

    • Warmer fall weather means larger spiders

    • Wolf spiders are common across the United States


    In fact, check any doorway outside and you’ll likely run into a web. I opened the door to let Boomer, the dog, out and inadvertently destroyed a web created by a spider. Several hours later, the web was repaired and intact.

    Spider facts

    The lifecycle of the arachnid begins in the spring with hatching. Spiders that survive into adulthood are big enough to spin webs by the fall.

    Webs are not only created to catch food but also for females to lay eggs. The spiders we typically see spinning those geometric webs in the fall are females.

    Some spider species are solo creatures and often travel alone, unless during mating. If you see two spiders grouped together, the larger of the two is the female.

    Male spiders provide the genetic material and once mating is complete, female spiders typically consume them.

    Warmer temperatures means larger spiders

    Some species of spiders die when the temperatures drop below freezing. However, if it’s a warm fall, these spiders have more time to eat and grow, leading to bigger spiders.

    Other spiders have evolved to survive the colder temperatures, either by seeking shelter indoors or in a pile of leaves or rocks. Once they find this spot, they will go into a state of diapause, slowing down or suspending their body processes into dormancy.

    Brown recluse

    A venomous spider commonly found in the Midwest and South-Central U.S. is called the Brown Recluse spider. The name “recluse” is fitting, as these spiders are often found hiding in unused drawers, basements, closets, garages or attics.

    Before wearing garments found in these locations, including shoes and boots, be sure to inspect them and shake them out to rid of the arachnids. This spider species is quite social, meaning there could be more hiding nearby.

    The females lay their eggs in their untidy webs, but spend little of their time in them.

    These spiders are identified by the violin shape of their heads and are usually observed running or walking around.

    If you think you have a Brown Recluse spider problem in your home, it is best to call in the professionals with a licensed exterminator. 

    Wolf spiders

    This type of spider does not behave like a typical spider. In fact, it got its name because of its ability to run down its prey like a wolf and its large appearance. They don’t spin webs to catch their food.

    The female wolf spider attaches her egg sac to herself and carries it around on the bottom of her abdomen. After the eggs hatch, she will then carry her babies on her back.

    Wolf spiders will only bite if provoked, but their bites are harmless to humans. They are common all over the United States, including Hawaii, and are found in all different habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, as well as coastal forests and even alpine meadows. They like to find warm places to hibernate so don’t be surprised to find them hiding under furniture or in the basement. 

    A Wolf spider was found in the basement. Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn

    Tips to keep spiders away

    Like any insect, these arachnids will find their way into your home by any means necessary, but this will offer you the best way to keep the majority at bay.

    • Seal any cracks or small holes
    • Seal all entryways
    • Remove webs as soon as they appear
    • Keep a clean kitchen free of food and crumbs
    • Turn off exterior lights as much as possible because lights attract bugs and bugs will attract spiders 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • How weather can influence voters on Election Day

    How weather can influence voters on Election Day

    There’s a reason Election Day is on the first Tuesday of November. And it has (just about) everything to do with the weather.

    Election Day falls on the first Tuesday of November because it comes after the fall harvest and before winter’s harshest conditions typically move in.

    And weather traditionally plays at least a marginal role in determining an election’s winner and loser.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lower Election Day turnout has traditionally favored Republicans

    • Some studies even show an increase in raw votes for Republicans in lousy weather

    • Impactful rain appears likely for some parts of the U.S. in this year’s election


    Dating back to America’s first elections in the 1700s, weather has played a big role in election turnout. Day-long journeys to polling places are the reason that Election Day falls on a Tuesday, and you can probably imagine the challenges that befuddled voters trudging through horseback on mud-laden roads.

    But even with modern conveniences of electricity and cars, lousy weather still plays an outsized part in determining the winners of an election.

    And in the modern political era, lousier weather and lower voter turnout typically translates to sunnier results for Republicans.

    A rainy sky is (traditionally) a Republican’s delight

    Several studies in the modern political era point to the GOP’s advantage when bad weather goes up and turnout goes down.

    Those studies also show that Republicans are typically higher turnout voters, meaning suppressed turnout because of bad weather tends to specifically reduce the number of Democratic or Democratic-leaning voter groups.

    Why is that the case? So-called “peripheral voters,” who are less inclined to vote for a variety of reasons, tend to vote Democrat. If rain is a significant inconvenience, such as having to walk in it to a polling place because they don’t have transportation, they’ll skip voting.

    The 2007 study “The Republicans Should Pray for Rain: Weather, Turnout, and Voting in U.S. Presidential Elections” indicated that rain and snow slightly reduced turnout—and benefitted Republicans.

    “We find that, when compared to normal conditions, rain significantly reduces voter participation by a rate of just less than 1% per inch, while an inch of snowfall decreases turnout by almost 0.5%,” said the 2007 study. “Poor weather is also shown to benefit the Republican Party’s vote share.”

    That study also argued that different weather could have altered the outcomes of the 1960 and 2000 presidential elections.

    Precipitation isn’t everything

    Rain and snow get most of the attention, but another study that looked at the 2004 election explored other factors. It found that sunshine and mild temperatures lowered turnout overall. In fact, for every 10-degree rise in temperature, voting probability dropped by 0.6%.

    The study’s author speculates some people chose to enjoy the weather while they could, rather than use that time to go vote.

    That’s not always the case, though. Election Day 2020 was a beautiful day weather-wise with very little precipitation, with the exception of the Northeast and parts of the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

    (NOAA)

    According the to U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st Century. Although, most of the surge was due to an increase in mail-in voting.

    The U.S. Census Bureau states that “in 2020, 43% of voters cast ballots by mail and another 26% voted in person before Election Day. In 2016, 21% mailed in their ballots and 19% voted in person prior to Election Day.”

    What’s the outlook for 2024?

    This year’s Election Day forecast could be more eventful than that of 2020. A sweeping cold front looks likely to bring rain, wind, and snow to some throughout the day. Let’s have a closer look.

    In the Southeast, more mild weather is in the cards for Election Day. Highs will be warm and reach into the 80s for places like Florida, the Carolinas and Tennessee. There could be some rain across the Tennessee Valley.

    As we go north, a system could pass through the Northeast Tuesday, bringing with it potential for rain, wind and even higher elevation snow.

    Election Day forecast across the country.

    Election Day forecast across the country.

    In the Midwest and Plains is likely where our front will be located on Election Day. Showers and storms will be possible from Minnesota, Kansas and as far south as Texas. Temperatures will also range wildly depending on which side of the front you’ll be located.

    Out in the West, mountain snow is possible in the Rockies. Toward the coast, more favorable weather is expected with cool, but dry conditions.

    As we get closer to the date, we will have an even better idea of the forecast so be sure to keep checking in.

    Check your local forecast here.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • A hot air balloon is one big science experiment

    A hot air balloon is one big science experiment

    On a clear day in early fall, around sunrise, you might notice hot air balloons flying across the sky, but why do they navigate the skies so early in the day and how does weather play a role in their flight path?

    What You Need To Know

    • Hot air balloons fly early in the day or late in the day

    • The fire observed from a balloon is propane igniting to keep the air inside the balloon envelope warmer than the air surounding it

    • A hot air balloon pilot uses wind to steer and navigate their balloon

    Ideal weather for flight

    Mike Wadley, a second-generation Hot Air Balloon Pilot out of St. Charles County, Mo, explains the weather’s role in this high-flying activity.

    The weather conditions matter, and it’s not solely for capturing the best pictures from the treetops. There are many days the team will leave the balloon in the trailer and cancel the day’s flight.

    “If there’s any chance for rain, we don’t fly.”

    He says winds must be light as well and that includes winds higher in the sky. “We love to have weather about 5 mph of wind on the surface and 10 to 12 mph all the way up to about 2500 feet.” And that’s because they use the wind to steer the balloon.

    Winds are light early in the morning, around sunrise, and then again around sunset. Wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Without sunlight, the air is less mixed and there is less wind. 

    “Since we can’t steer the balloon, we find wind directions and different speeds at different altitudes. And then we have to fly very level and be precise and that will carry us off to where we want to go.” But faster winds don’t mean better flying conditions.

    Science experiment

    “Hot air balloons and the way they operate is a big science experiment.” It follows the laws of physics. For the balloon to fly, the air inside the balloon must be warmer than the surrounding air.

    Hot air balloon pilots and workers test the propane on their balloon. Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn

    To achieve this, there’s a burner system connected to the basket and the balloon. Fueled by propane gas, the pilot uses a blast valve to adjust the rate of flow, keeping the balloon warmer than the air surrounding it.

    They may also give intermittent blasts during the flight to ensure the air inside the balloon remains at this temperature.  

    Weather while flying

    “So we are constantly paying attention to the weather, and we are paying attention not only before as we are doing our flight planning but also while we are actually flying.”

    They have instruments on board that tell them the direction and altitude they are flying. And it’s these parameters that assist them in landing. “We use the different wind speeds and directions at different altitudes to help us find the right target to land.”

    He will fly any day of the year that weather allows, but says May through September are the most popular and reminds us it’s colder higher in the atmosphere. “We’ll fly any time of the year, doesn’t matter how cold it is out. I’ve flown when it was zero degrees out. It’s uncomfortable.”

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Hurricane Oscar headed for eastern Cuba

    Hurricane Oscar headed for eastern Cuba

    After quickly becoming a tropical storm Saturday, Oscar is now a hurricane close to the eastern tip of Cuba. It’s the 15th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Oscar is a small hurricane

    • It will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba

    • It won’t affect the U.S.


    Hurricane Oscar has max winds of 80 mph and is moving to the west southwest at 7 mph. Hurricane and tropical storm conditions are likely in the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba over the next couple of days.

    It will not affect the U.S.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Hurricane Oscar forms in the western Atlantic

    Hurricane Oscar forms in the western Atlantic

    After quickly becoming a tropical storm Saturday, Oscar has now become a hurricane in the western Atlantic. It’s the 15th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Oscar is a small hurricane

    • It will bring rain and wind to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba

    • It won’t affect the U.S.


    Hurricane Oscar has max winds of 80 mph and is moving westward at 12 mph. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba over the weekend.

    It will not affect the U.S.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Hurricane Oscar forms in the western Atlantic

    Hurricane Oscar forms in the western Atlantic

    After quickly becoming a tropical storm Saturday, Oscar has now become a hurricane in the western Atlantic. It’s the 15th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Oscar is a small hurricane

    • It will bring rain and wind to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba

    • It won’t affect the U.S.


    Hurricane Oscar has max winds of 80 mph and is moving westward at 12 mph. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the southeastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba over the weekend.

    It will not affect the U.S.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Nadine is about to make landfall in Belize

    Nadine is about to make landfall in Belize

    Tropical Storm Nadine formed on Saturday, Oct .19 in the Caribbean Sea. It’s the 14th named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Nadine is a small tropical storm

    • It will bring heavy rainfall to Central America

    • It won’t affect the U.S.


    Tropical Storm Nadine has maximum winds of 50 mph and is moving westward. It will make landfall late Saturday morning in Belize.

    Nadine will move inland and quickly weaken. It will bring heavy rainfall across Central America and southern Mexico through early next week.

    It will not affect the U.S.

    Check to see how the rest of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Full Hunter’s Moon will be the biggest and brightest supermoon

    Full Hunter’s Moon will be the biggest and brightest supermoon

    This month’s full moon will peak on Oct. 17 and is the third of four supermoons this year. 

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is called the Hunter’s Moon because it occurs after the Harvest Moon

    • This is the third of four supermoons that will occur this year

    • The supermoon will appear the largest and brightest of all the other supermoons due to its location lower in the sky

    Why it’s called the Hunter’s Moon

    It’s called the Hunter’s Moon because it follows the Harvest Moon. The full Harvest Moon can occur in either September or October. It’s the moon closest to the autumnal equinox.

    This year that happened in September, so the full moon that follows is called the full Hunter’s Moon. Its name originated from its function as a signal for hunters to begin preparing for winter. 

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. 

    This month’s supermoon orbits closer to Earth than any of the other full moons this year, making it appear even larger than September and August’s supermoon. The final supermoon of the year will occur in November and while it will still appear larger than normal, it won’t look as big as October’s. 

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    Other names for the Hunter’s Moon reflect the signals or activities of the season.

    • Sanguine (Old Oxford Dictionary)
    • Blood Moon (Old Oxford Dictionary)
    • Drying Rice Moon (Dakota name)
    • Falling Leaves Moon (Anishinaabe term) 
    • Freezing Moon (Ojibwe) and Ice Moon (Haida) 
    • Migrating Moon (Cree)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.  

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas is visible tonight; here’s how to best see it

    Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas is visible tonight; here’s how to best see it

    The rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas will be visible again tonight after making its closest approach to Earth on Saturday. It will be the optimal night to observe it, as its position in the night sky will be away from the sun’s glare. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas continues to appear in the night sky

    • Tuesday night will be optimal viewing conditions of the comet with the naked eye

    • The comet will be visible in the night sky through late Oct.


    Astronomers say it should be bright enough to see with the naked eye, although telescopes and binoculars will give a better view. 

    What is a comet?

    A comet is a group of ice and dust particles leftover from the solar system’s formation. These particles heat up as they approach the sun, releasing their characteristic streaming tails.

    This comet, also designated C/2023 A3, was discovered last year and is named for the observatories in China and South Africa that spied it.

    It came from what’s known as the Oort Cloud, well beyond Pluto. After making its closest approach about 44 million miles (71 million kilometers) of Earth, it won’t return for another 80,000 years — assuming it survives the trip.

    In 2023, a green comet that last visited Earth 50,000 years ago zoomed by the planet again. Other notable flybys included Neowise in 2020, and Hale-Bopp and Hyakutake in the mid to late 1990s.

    How to see it

    Those hoping to spot it should venture outside soon after sunset and look to the west. Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment. This comet you will see with the naked eye tonight. 

    The comet will be located 30 degrees from the sun, which means it will be relatively easy to see fairly high in a dark sky. As long as you have a clear view of the western horizon after sunset, you should be able to see it. 

    According to sky and telescope, you’ll begin to see it 45 minutes after sunset but it will be brightest an hour to two hours post sunset. Find Venus and look “two and a half fists” to the upper right of the planet and you should see the comet. 

    Check your forecast here to see if the skies will be clear and if you capture pictures of Tsuchinshan-Atlas, submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

    Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas will be visible through Oct. 21, but you will likely need a telescope or binoculars to see it after tonight. 

    Check out some of the photos captured by our viewers. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a strong (G4) geomagnetic storm, meaning the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could be visible for much of the Mid-latitudes across the United States Thursday night through Friday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • The northern lights could be visible in the northern U.S. on Thursday

    • A severe geomagnetic (G4) storm is forecasted Thursday night into Friday morning

    • The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle producing more solar storms


    A coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred earlier in the week. This eruption of solar material will arrive on Earth today, becoming a severe geomagnetic  storm (G4) and could make the northern lights visible as far south as the Mid-Latitudes.

    Aurora Borealis

    The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle. Scientists notice more sunspots as they migrate toward the equator of the sun, and when their magnetic fields tangle, solar storms erupt.

    Earth’s magnetic field acts as a buffer to keep particles and energy ejected from the sun at bay. However, if the solar storm is strong enough, those particles can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, giving off light, the auroras we see.

    With such intense CMEs expected to arrive on Earth Thursday night, the severe storm might make the northern lights visible in Missouri, Oklahoma and even North Carolina. However, the better chance of viewing will be at higher latitudes. 

    The geomagentic storm magnitude is categorized by the K-index or the Planetary K-index. Kp is used by the Space Weather Prediction Center to send alerts and a good predictor of locations of the aurora borealis. A G4 storm can give off a Kp value of 8 or 9.

    NOAA Weather Space Center

    Tonight’s forecast

    Here is tonight’s forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The northern lights are likely to be visible on Thursday night and early Friday morning for areas shaded in green, and they could be visible on the horizon for areas shaded in yellow.

    To ensure the best chance at getting a look at the northern lights tonight, look toward the northern horizon. The best viewing conditions are under cloud-free skies and away from bigger cities with light pollution.

    The best time to view the aurora borealis is 8 p.m and 3 a.m. Use the long exposure option on your phone or camera to get the best pictures. 

    This event could end up being similar to the northern lights event back in May of this year. 

    If you see the northern lights tonight, be sure to submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a strong (G4) geomagnetic storm, meaning the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could be visible for much of the Mid-latitudes across the United States Thursday night through Friday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • The northern lights could be visible in the northern U.S. on Thursday

    • A severe geomagnetic (G4) storm is forecasted Thursday night into Friday morning

    • The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle producing more solar storms


    A coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred earlier in the week. This eruption of solar material will arrive on Earth today, becoming a severe geomagnetic  storm (G4) and could make the northern lights visible as far south as the Mid-Latitudes.

    Aurora Borealis

    The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle. Scientists notice more sunspots as they migrate toward the equator of the sun, and when their magnetic fields tangle, solar storms erupt.

    Earth’s magnetic field acts as a buffer to keep particles and energy ejected from the sun at bay. However, if the solar storm is strong enough, those particles can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, giving off light, the auroras we see.

    With such intense CMEs expected to arrive on Earth Thursday night, the severe storm might make the northern lights visible in Missouri, Oklahoma and even North Carolina. However, the better chance of viewing will be at higher latitudes. 

    The geomagentic storm magnitude is categorized by the K-index or the Planetary K-index. Kp is used by the Space Weather Prediction Center to send alerts and a good predictor of locations of the aurora borealis. A G4 storm can give off a Kp value of 8 or 9.

    NOAA Weather Space Center

    Tonight’s forecast

    Here is tonight’s forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The northern lights are likely to be visible on Thursday night and early Friday morning for areas shaded in green, and they could be visible on the horizon for areas shaded in yellow.

    To ensure the best chance at getting a look at the northern lights tonight, look toward the northern horizon. The best viewing conditions are under cloud-free skies and away from bigger cities with light pollution.

    The best time to view the aurora borealis is 8 p.m and 3 a.m. Use the long exposure option on your phone or camera to get the best pictures. 

    This event could end up being similar to the northern lights event back in May of this year. 

    If you see the northern lights tonight, be sure to submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    Northern lights could be visible across U.S. on Thursday night

    NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a strong (G4) geomagnetic storm, meaning the northern lights, or aurora borealis, could be visible for much of the Mid-latitudes across the United States Thursday night through Friday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • The northern lights could be visible in the northern U.S. on Thursday

    • A severe geomagnetic (G4) storm is forecasted Thursday night into Friday morning

    • The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle producing more solar storms


    A coronal mass ejection (CME) occurred earlier in the week. This eruption of solar material will arrive on Earth today, becoming a severe geomagnetic  storm (G4) and could make the northern lights visible as far south as the Mid-Latitudes.

    Aurora Borealis

    The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle. Scientists notice more sunspots as they migrate toward the equator of the sun, and when their magnetic fields tangle, solar storms erupt.

    Earth’s magnetic field acts as a buffer to keep particles and energy ejected from the sun at bay. However, if the solar storm is strong enough, those particles can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, giving off light, the auroras we see.

    With such intense CMEs expected to arrive on Earth Thursday night, the severe storm might make the northern lights visible in Missouri, Oklahoma and even North Carolina. However, the better chance of viewing will be at higher latitudes. 

    The geomagentic storm magnitude is categorized by the K-index or the Planetary K-index. Kp is used by the Space Weather Prediction Center to send alerts and a good predictor of locations of the aurora borealis. A G4 storm can give off a Kp value of 8 or 9.

    NOAA Weather Space Center

    Tonight’s forecast

    Here is tonight’s forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. The northern lights are likely to be visible on Thursday night and early Friday morning for areas shaded in green, and they could be visible on the horizon for areas shaded in yellow.

    To ensure the best chance at getting a look at the northern lights tonight, look toward the northern horizon. The best viewing conditions are under cloud-free skies and away from bigger cities with light pollution.

    The best time to view the aurora borealis is 8 p.m and 3 a.m. Use the long exposure option on your phone or camera to get the best pictures. 

    This event could end up being similar to the northern lights event back in May of this year. 

    If you see the northern lights tonight, be sure to submit your photos on the Spectrum News App!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Leslie became a Category 2 hurricane but never made landfall

    Leslie became a Category 2 hurricane but never made landfall

    Tropical Depression 13 formed in the eastern Atlantic on Wednesday, Oct. 2 becoming Tropical Storm Leslie on Thursday, Oct. 3. It was the twelfth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and the eighth hurricane. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Leslie formed in the eastern Tropical Atlantic

    • It was the twelfth named storm of the season

    • At one point Leslie strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane but never made landfall


    Tropical Depression 13 formed in the eastern Atlantic on Wednesday, Oct. 2 becoming Tropical Storm Leslie on Thursday, Oct. 3. It was the twelfth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and the eighth hurricane. 

    Despite following in Hurricane Kirk’s wake, Leslie was able to strengthen into a hurricane on Oct. 5. It remained a Category 1 hurricane for several days before weakening to a tropical storm on the morning of Oct. 8. 

    It looked as though Leslie would weaken and soon dissipate but as Leslie moved northwest it traveled over warmer water and on the night of Oct. 8, it strengthened back into a hurricane, even becoming a Category 2 hurricane early on Oct. 10. 

    By the next morning, however, Leslie moved north into a hostile sheared environment and was weakened to a tropical storm before dissipating shortly after. Leslie made no impact on land throughout its life cycle. 

    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Hurricane Milton is breaking records before landfall

    Hurricane Milton is breaking records before landfall

    Hurricane Milton continues to churn in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday along the west coast of Florida.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hurricane Milton peaked in intensity with winds of 180 mph

    • Surface pressure dropped to the fourth lowest at 897 mb

    • Its small size aided in explosive development in the Gulf of Mexico


    Ahead of expected landfall, this storm is breaking many records. From rapid intensification to maximum winds to minimum pressure, Milton will earn its place in history.

    Milton’s history

    Milton developed from a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea. On Saturday, Oct. 5, it became Tropical Depression 14, and less than three hours later; it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Milton.

    Milton intensified into a hurricane by the afternoon of Oct. 6, and by the morning of Oct. 7, it had reached Category 3 or major hurricane status with winds of 125 mph. The storm began exploding, and by 5 p.m. eastern, winds were 180 mph.

    Rapid intensification

    As defined by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), rapid intensification is “an increase in the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone of at least 35 mph in 24 hours.” Milton surpassed that by nearly three times that amount.

    The 5 a.m. Milton advisory on Oct. 7 had winds of 90 mph. Just 12 hours later, winds were 180 mph, some of the highest winds ever recorded in an Atlantic hurricane.

    Milton intensified from a tropical depression with winds of 35 mph on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. to a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph on Monday, Oct. 7 at 11:55 a.m. This sets a record for the fastest intensification from a depression to a Cat 5 storm, 48 hours 55 minutes.

    History-making pressure

    On Monday, Oct 7, Milton’s surface pressure plummeted to 897 mbar, the fourth lowest surface pressure ever recorded in the Atlantic basin in the modern satellite era. Only Hurricanes Rita and Wilma from 2005 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 had lower pressures.

    How Milton intensified so quickly

    For a hurricane to develop, certain ingredients are needed, including water temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, rising air and light winds aloft to support thunderstorm development and a low pressure. Milton had all of this and remained small in size, all aiding in explosive development.

    “Due to Milton’s tiny core, it was able to wrap up very quickly. When a storm is extremely small, you tend to have a much faster ramp up, and down, of intensity due to it avoiding some of the more hostile air to the north,” explains Spectrum News 13 Orlando Meteorologist Zach Covey.

    Here’s the latest track of Milton. 

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  • The meteorological setup that caused the catastrophic flooding in the southeast

    The meteorological setup that caused the catastrophic flooding in the southeast

    The cleanup continues in parts of the southeast after a combination of storms, including the remnants of Hurricane Helene, devastated the area. As of Oct. 7, fatalities have reached the hundreds, with the number expected to rise.

    What You Need To Know

    • A stalled frontal boundary brought days of rain to the southeast prior to Helene making landfall

    • Orographic lift enhanced the rain in the mountains

    • Meteorologists and government officials did their best to relay the messages of flash flooding dangers


    Rainfall totals in the mountains of North Carolina and South Carolina were measured by feet. However, the tremendous amount of rain can’t solely be blamed on Helene. Another synoptic-scale meteorological feature was at play.

    Spectrum News Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Jeff Crum explains the unfortunate events, “Days ahead of Helene, we had heavy rain in the region right over the mountains. Some areas had 6-10” and then Helene hit. It was a recipe for disaster.”

    The timeline

    The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted a region in the western Caribbean Sea on Sept. 17 for possible tropical development. It took a few days for it to become organized, but it began to get its act together and formed a low pressure on Sept. 22. Due to its proximity to land, the NHC designated it as Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 the next day.

    At the same time, a strong cold front was slowly moving through the Midwest. This front was forecast to cross the Ohio Valley and eventually stall along the Appalachian Mountains by midweek.

    On Sept. 23, National Weather Service outlets in South Carolina and North Carolina began messaging about the potential impact of a Florida Big Bend landfalling hurricane that could occur in northeastern Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina Thursday night into Friday.

    Crum says, “NWS and our mets, started warning people Tuesday (Sept. 24)/Wednesday (Sept. 25) of the catastrophic potential.”

    NWS-Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, messaged “A tropical disturbance over the Caribbean remains unnamed, but is expected to develop quickly into a hurricane by the end of Wednesday before bringing widespread heavy rainfall, flooding and possibly strong wind gusts to our area Thursday night and Friday.” Graphics used displayed the total possible precipitation for this region from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday morning with 4 to 6 inches in Asheville, Nor Car. And upwards of 8 to 10 inches in Tyron, Nor Car.

    Rain ahead of Helene

    On Wednesday, Sept. 25, rain began falling from the stalled frontal boundary along the Appalachians. Asheville, collected 4.09 inches. The same day, Helene moved into the Gulf of Mexico and was upgraded to a hurricane. 

    Rain continued to inundate areas along the Appalachians, and before Helene even made landfall, Asheville had already observed nearly ten inches of rain.

    Communication is key

    NWS was now messaging, “Prepare for catastrophic, life-threatening flooding.” Another message, that same day, contained the language: “This has the potential to be an extremely rare event with catastrophic flash-flooding that hasn’t been seen in the modern era… Numerous landslides expected.”

    In a storm like this, Crum says communication is key. How do you reach everyone and explain the impending dangers?

    “I think the frustration for the weather community is how that message was disseminated through state and local governments. In the mountains, a lot of folks don’t have the internet, cellphones or satellite TV. They don’t have cable out in the hollers. How in the heck that alert and dire warning was put out beyond what we do is a question for review among sociologists and such.” 

    Helene’s landfall

    Hurricane Helene made landfall just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 as a Category 4 with winds of 140 mph along Florida’s Big Bend, near Perry, Fla. Once inland, Helene weakened, but also picked up speed.

     

    As it moved north in Georgia during the early morning hours on Sept. 27, it was downgraded to a tropical storm. The center of the storm stayed just west of Anderson, South Car. And Asheville, North Car.

    This put both areas on the eastern side of the storm. This side, also known as the “dirty side” contains heavy rain and wind. Thanks to the orographic lift and the influences from that stalled boundary, moisture was enhanced.

    Another 4.11 inches of rain fell during the morning hours in Asheville. This was on top of the nearly ten inches of rain they had picked up two days prior. Two hours after Helene made landfall, NWS was urging residents to “take action now!” showing a flood inundation map that suggested widespread flooding was forecast in Asheville.

    There was nowhere for the water to go. Although the rain ended midday on Sept. 27, the creeks and streams became backed up with many of the rivers not forecast to crest until later that night. A Flash Flood Emergency was issued, indicating life-threatening flash flooding with widespread life-threatening landslide activity expected across the mountains.

    Unfortunately, as seen through pictures and videos, this forecast became a reality and much of the area was devastated. The highest rainfall includes the higher elevations with Busick, North Carolina. picking up 30.78 inches throughout the event.

    At the time of this writing, there were still several hundred people missing, with the emotional and financial costs still yet to be tallied. This event will be remembered as one of the worst natural disasters to ever hit the United States, surpassing even Hurricane Katrina 24 years ago.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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