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Tag: Weather Stories

  • It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week

    It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week

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    The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is less than one month away, and the time to prepare is now. National Hurricane Preparedness Week began on May 5 and runs through May 11. 

    What You Need To Know

    • It is National Hurricane Preparedness Week

    • Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

    • It’s time to review your hurricane preparation plans

    How to prepare?

    Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.

    You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.

    Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.

    Here is a full breakdown of how to prepare you and your family and what you can do today.

    This year’s forecast

    Colorado State University released its outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season in April, and their researchers are forecasting above normal activity this season. It’s the most activity ever forecasted in a preseason outlook since CSU began issuing them in 1995.

    This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily record warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic. Warm water acts as fuel for tropical systems.

    Global climate models and forecasters also suggest a transition to La Niña conditions by the peak of Atlantic hurricane season. According to CSU, “La Niña typically increases Atlantic hurricane activity through decreases in vertical wind shear.”

    As always, it only takes one storm to make it a bad season. Here is a full breakdown of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season forecast.

    Changes to the season

    The National Hurricane Center is introducing some fresh changes to the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season you can expect to see.

    Two new names are on the list this year after Florence and Michael were retired after the 2018 season. The new names replacing them will be Francine and Milton. Here is what to know about the 2024 Atlantic hurricane names.

    Along with the new names, the National Hurricane Center will experiment with some tweaks to the cone of uncertainty this season. Inland tropical watches and warnings will now be shown on an experimental map with the cone to better convey threats.

    Here is a full breakdown of the changes you can expect to see this hurricane season.

    Learn More About Hurricanes

    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.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Disturbance in the Atlantic isn’t expected to develop

    Disturbance in the Atlantic isn’t expected to develop

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    The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season doesn’t begin until June 1, but we’re already watching an area of low pressure in the eastern Atlantic.

    What You Need To Know

    • The system has low development odds

    • Upper-level winds will limit any future development

    • Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1

    The disturbance is about 900 miles northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. As this system moves southwestward, it will get torn apart by strong upper-level winds tonight and Thursday.

    No additional development is expected.

    Even though this system isn’t expected to develop, storms can always form before Atlantic hurricane season begins.

    The 2024 hurricane season outlook from Colorado State is calling for an extremely active season. You can read their seasonal outlook 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.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Weather Explained: Earth Day

    Weather Explained: Earth Day

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    Earth Day marks the birth of the modern environment movement in 1970.

    It falls on the same calendar day each year, April 22.

    Its popularity has grown around the globe with more than 1 billion participants each year. Not only is Earth Day a day where people pick up trash around the world, but its ideas also led to policy changes within governments to push toward a cleaner environment.

    Watch the video above to see how Earth Day got its start.

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    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • PHOTOS: Storm damage, possible tornadoes reported in N.C. Thursday

    PHOTOS: Storm damage, possible tornadoes reported in N.C. Thursday

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    Strong storms moved through North Carolina Thursday, taking down trees and power lines from the coast to the foothills. 

    Officials with the National Weather Service plan to survey possible tornado damage in Rowan, Wilkies and possibly Surry counties Friday. Storms there damaged buildings and took down trees. 

    Wind gusts in Raleigh hit 54 mph. The winds were stronger along the coast, where Jacksonville recorded top gusts at 60 mph. 

    In parts of western North Carolina, people saw more that two inches of rain over 24 hours. Foscoe, not far from Boone, recorded 3.69 inches of rain. Seven Devils had 2.78 inches of rain and Blowing Rock recorded 2.69 inches.

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    Charles Duncan

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  • Portion of state gambling revenues to go toward flood research in St. Pete

    Portion of state gambling revenues to go toward flood research in St. Pete

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When the State of Florida gave the Seminole Tribe full control over sports betting, the agreement was the state would get a share of the proceeds. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that dictates where that roughly $750 million each year will go, and some of it will be for environmental projects across the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Florida Flood Hub studies how sea level rise and rainfall patterns affect flooding 

    • A lengthy list of projects to reduce localized flooding and improve water quality made the list, as well as a $100 million for the Resilient Florida Program

    A lengthy list of projects to reduce localized flooding and improve water quality made the list, as well as a $100 million for the Resilient Florida Program.

    The Florida Flood Hub in St. Pete received funding through the Resilient Florida Program. Its goal is to model and predict how flooding will affect Florida in the future, so informed decisions can be made at the state and local levels on the best ways to mitigate flood risks.

    “We’re trying to draw together all of the best possible approaches and say here’s the statewide approach,” said Charles Jacoby with the Florida Flood Hub.

    Researchers with the Florida Flood Hub are looking at models for sea level rise and rainfall patterns to focus on what’s called “compound flooding.”

    “We need predictions because the climate is changing,” Jacoby said. “So our past data doesn’t hold as well as the climate changes.”

    In addition to the funding for the Resilient Florida Program and the Flood Hub’s research, $150 million will go toward improvements to the South Florida Water Management District, $100 million will go to the management of uplands and the removal of invasive species, $100 million will go to land acquisitions to support the wildlife corridor, and $79 million for the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.

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    Angie Angers

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  • NWS confirms tornadoes from Tuesday’s storms in Ohio

    NWS confirms tornadoes from Tuesday’s storms in Ohio

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    Ohio — The National Weather Service confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down during Tuesday’s storms. 

    The NWS said one tornado was an EF-1 which touched down near West Union, Ohio, in Adams County. The tornado began near the intersection of Brier Ridge Road and Robinson Hollow Road, then lifted near Adams Lake State Park. NWS said more information will be released on this tornado in the near future.

    Another tornado, rated an EF-0, touched down in Gratiot in Licking County. It was on the ground for seven minutes, stretching 5.3 miles, with a maximum wind speed of 75 mph. 

    The third tornado touched down near North Zanesville in Muskingum County. NWS said it will release more information on this tornado as it becomes available. 

    Another EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Lawrence County around 10:26 a.m. on April 2, with peak winds of around 90 miles per hour. It started near Aid-Oak Ridge Road and travelled northeast. It eventually crossed Symmes Creek and blew off the roofs of two houses and another building, in addition to rolling over a trailer by State Route 141.

    An EF-2 tornado was confirmed in the north portion of Jackson County, starting around 8:47 a.m., with wind speeds up to 115 miles per hour.

    It started along Erwin Hollow Road, uprooting and snapping trees, before heading northeast over the forest where it weakened. It caused damage to a home from a fallen tree.

    Many areas of Ohio are dealing with damage after Tuesday’s storms. Areas such as Ironton and Proctorville in Lawrence County in southeast Ohio got hit particularly hard, with fallen trees on houses and some flooding.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Help NASA gather eclipse data with your smartphone

    Help NASA gather eclipse data with your smartphone

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    The celestial event of the year occurs on Monday, the total solar eclipse, and whether you will watch it from totality or just partial, you could help collect data for science.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record meteorological measurements during the eclipse with a special app

    • Scientists want to gain more knowledge on how wildlife interact during the eclipse

    • Photos taken during the eclipse will help scientists map the sun

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) calls on citizen scientists to document meteorological and biological changes during the eclipse and all you need is a smartphone. Here are the three ways to participate in this historical experience.

    GLOBE Eclipse

    Download GLOBE Observer from the app store and click on the Eclipse tool. Once there, it will prompt you to take and observe meteorological measurements, including air temperature, observations of sky coverage by monitoring the clouds and even characterize the vegetation in your area.

    Eclipse Soundscapes Observers

    The Eclipse Soundscapes project asks how wildlife responds to the eclipse. Citizen scientists should be outdoors during the eclipse and record information about the location, including what they hear, see and feel during the eclipse.

    They will then take this information and submit it via a web form. Participants are encouraged to take photos.

    SunSketcher

    This app provides the ability to photograph the eclipse. Images collected will help scientists to map the sun. The hope is to reveal the precise shape of the solar disk.

    Safety

    NASA urges its citizen scientists to take the proper precautions when viewing the eclipse. Safety glasses must be worn except during the minutes-long section of totality.

    Camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes must be fitted with a special-purpose solar filter to ensure safety when viewing. Otherwise, severe eye injury can occur.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Here’s what to know about the 2024 Atlantic hurricane names

    Here’s what to know about the 2024 Atlantic hurricane names

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    The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will follow up on a busy 2023 season. The 2023 season totaled 20 named storms, with 7 of those becoming hurricanes and 3 of those 7 becoming major (Category 3 or greater) hurricanes.

    Of those hurricanes, Hurricane Idalia was the only hurricane that made landfall in the U.S. last year. It was a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 125 mph when it moved inland in Keaton Beach, Fla. on Aug. 30.

    The other two named storms that made landfall in U.S. were Harold and Ophelia. Tropical Storm Harold made landfall on Padre Island, Texas on Aug. 22 and Tropical Storm Ophelia made landfall near Emerald Isle, N.C. on Sept. 23.

    What You Need To Know

    • Forecasters started naming storms in 1950

    • The 2023 Atlantic tropical name list was last used in 2017

    • A supplemental names list replaced the Greek alphabet in 2021 if more than 21 storms are named

    With the expected return of La Niña conditions, forecasts for the upcoming season call for above-normal activity. Colorado State University’s outlook is forecasting the highest amount of storms since it began issuing them in 1995.

    Along with the likely transition to La Niña conditions, record-warm tropical and eastern Atlantic sea surface temperatures are a primary factor in the 2024 outlook. Click here for a breakdown of the 2024 Hurricane Season outlook.

    How and when are storms named?

    A storm gets named when it achieves tropical storm status (winds of 39 mph or higher). It becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph, but keeps the same name. In meteorology, any tropical storm or greater is referred to as a tropical cyclone.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) creates lists of names and cycles each list every six years. Each list contains 21 names, alternating between male and female names. A name may be retired if it is deemed too destructive by the WMO and they would add a new name to the list.

    History of naming conventions

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hundreds of years ago, tropical cyclones were named after Saint’s Day, which occurred nearest to the day of the storm. Consider, “Hurricane Santa Ana,” a violent storm that hit Puerto Rico on July 26, 1825.

    Before 1950, storms were noted by their latitude and longitude. This proved problematic when trying to relay information to the public. It was confusing, so meteorologists streamlined this process using the phonetic alphabet to name the storms (Able, Baker, Charlie, etc.). 

    Starting in 1953, storms were given female names. Rumor has it that a member of the committee was angry at his wife and wanted to name a storm after her. 

    Whether that’s true, Alice was the first named storm of the 1953 season. All-female names continued until 1979, when male names were added to alternate within the list.

    Greek names

    Prior to 2021, after the 21 names were exhausted, the Greek alphabet was used. 2005 and 2020 were the only two seasons to feature the Greek alphabet. 

    However, this proved difficult for several reasons, including what would happen after a storm was so destructive the name should be retired, as was the case for Eta and Iota in 2020. Additionally, coronavirus variants use Greek letters, adding to possible confusion.

    Supplemental list

    To account for these issues, the WMO created a supplemental names list. This list featured another 21 names from A to W that alternate male and female names. This list will remain the same each year, only swapping out a name if it is retired. 

    Hurricane preparedness kit

    Now is the time to reevaluate your hurricane preparedness kit. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, your kit should include, at a minimum: 

    • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
    • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
    • Flashlight.
    • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
    •  Extra batteries.
    • First aid kit.
    • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
    • Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife. 
    • Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
    • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
    • Cellphone with charger.
    • Family and emergency contact information.
    • Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
    • Extra fuel for generator and car.

    Depending on your family’s requirements, you may need to include medical care items, baby supplies, pet supplies, and other things, such as extra car and house keys.

    Additional supplies might include towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, and work gloves.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Colorado State University issues highest pre-season hurricane forecast ever

    Colorado State University issues highest pre-season hurricane forecast ever

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    Researchers at Colorado State University released their preseasonal Atlantic hurricane season forecast Thursday morning, calling for another active year across the Atlantic basin.

    What You Need To Know

    • Colorado State University is calling for a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season

    • The forecast calls for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes

    • This is the highest preseason forecast put out by CSU since they began in 1995

    • Hot ocean waters and an expected decrease in wind shear is promoting the high forecast

    The report, released at the National Tropical Weather Conference in Texas, highlights several factors for the upcoming season which lead researchers to believe the Atlantic will be as alive as ever.

    The forecast calls for 23 named storms this season. Of those 23 storms, 11 are expected to become hurricanes and five are expected to reach major hurricane strength with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

    This is the most aggressive preseason forecast Colorado State University has ever issued. The previous record for highest preseason forecast called for nine hurricanes in a season, which CSU has forecast several times since their first April predictions began in 1995.

    The researchers cite record warm tropical and eastern Atlantic sea surface temperatures being a primary factor in the hurricane prediction this year.

    “When waters in the eastern and central tropical and subtropical Atlantic are much warmer than normal in the spring, this tends to force a weaker subtropical high and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic,” the report states. “A very warm Atlantic favors an above-average season, since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water.”

    Additionally, warmer sea surface temperatures promote larger areas of rising air, which promotes storm development. This can also lead to more favorable conditions for hurricane development as a season moves on.

    But that’s not the only factor leading researchers to believe the season this year will be more active than usual. A changing global climate pattern known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) will help spark lower wind shear across the Atlantic basin, likely bringing a more favorable environment for storms to thrive as we head toward the peak season in August and September.

    “The tropical Pacific is currently characterized by weak El Niño conditions. These El Niño conditions are likely to transition to neutral ENSO conditions in the next few weeks and then to La Niña conditions by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season,” the report states. “La Niña typically increases Atlantic hurricane activity through decreases in vertical wind shear.”

    Historically, ENSO forecasting during the spring months can be filled with some questions. Global climate models struggle with capturing the full extent of how the atmosphere can transition heading into summer. But CSU says this year’s climate forecast brings some unusual confidence.

    “All models are forecasting El Niño to be gone, with most models forecasting La Niña to develop by the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season,” they say.

    The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs a name list that’s 21 names long. Colorado State University is outright forecasting that the season will run out of names by Nov. 30. If that becomes the case, the basin will move to a secondary name list for the first time since its inception in 2021. Before 2021, any storms that formed after the 21st went in order of the Greek Alphabet. That has only occurred twice in recorded history — 2005 and 2020.

    2024 Hurricane Names

    In total, CSU predicts that hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year will be about 170% of an average season. Last year, hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin tracked about 120% of an average season.

    Colorado State will issue forecast updates to its seasonal predictions on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 6 of this year.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Zach Covey

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  • Strong to severe storms possible Wednesday

    Strong to severe storms possible Wednesday

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    Welcome to ‘Ask a Meteorologist,’ a weekly chat that discusses a new weather topic every week.

    Today we are discussing the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms on Wednesday.

    Bay News 9 meteorologists answer your questions about these storms. 

     

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • St. Pete approves $7.8 million for Shore Acres flood mitigation project

    St. Pete approves $7.8 million for Shore Acres flood mitigation project

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg City Council on Thursday approved $28 million in standard grant agreements with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for projects meant to help with flooding in the city.

    “One of the grants helps us ensure that our wastewater treatment plants can operate safely during a storm,” said St. Pete’s Public Works Administrator Claude Tankersley. “Our plants are older. They were built back in the 50s, and some of the buildings and equipment are too low in the floodplain. That would put them at risk if we were to get a storm surge.”

    The grant would allow the buildings to be rebuilt above the flood zone. Three other grants focus on improving flood-prone neighborhoods. Tankersley said this is just the beginning of flood mitigation efforts. He told Spectrum News the city’s recently released stormwater master plan includes $760 million in projects all over the city.

    “It’ll take time, but in addition to those projects that are in the stormwater master plan, we’re not just focusing on those. We’re also going to be focusing on the smaller projects scattered throughout the city to make sure that we’re not leaving anybody out,” Tankersley said.

    One of the agreements approved is meant to help people who live in flood-prone Shore Acres. Gary Rosseter has lived in his Arkansas Avenue home in the neighborhood for 24 years and said while flood waters have gotten close, they’ve never come inside until Hurricane Idalia hit last August.

    “When I opened up the front door to load the dogs, the water came gushing into the house — a mess,” said Rosseter.

    His next-door neighbor, Tim Swartz, said he moved into his home four years ago but has lived throughout Shore Acres for more than two decades. Swartz said flooding inside the house was a new experience for him, as well.

    “I stayed, and I kept towels and tape and things over the door,” said Swartz. “I’ve been here for 22 years. I’ve gotten kind of used to it, but I will say, this is the first time that I’ve ever had it come in the house.”

    Rosseter and Swartz said their corner of the neighborhood isn’t where the worst of the flooding is seen. They said that’s further down Connecticut Avenue, which is the focus of the Shore Acres Resiliency Infrastructure Project.

    “That’s really one of the lowest parts of the neighborhood, and that leads toward our strategic approach of really first installing the backflow preventers from a previous capital project we recently got approved by council that we’re also moving forward on,” said St. Petersburg Director of Engineering and Capital Improvements Brejesh Prayman.

    Tankersley said storm drains and pump stations are also planned as part of the project. The $7.8 million DEP grant will pay for half the cost of the project, with utility fees covering the rest.

    “We’ll see how it goes, but we are very low. We’re one of the lowest areas in St. Petersburg,” said Swartz. “So, once you get the wind going and the tide, it’s going to be hard to get that water out of here quickly enough to keep it from flooding.”

    Prayman said people who live along the ten-mile stretch of the project should see benefits. He noted it’s hard to say when work could begin on the project because there are a few more steps before that can happen. Next up, he said the city will look for firms to work on design and construction.

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • The spring equinox is here. What does that mean?

    The spring equinox is here. What does that mean?

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    Spring is almost here — officially, at least.

    The vernal equinox arrives on Tuesday, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere.

    What You Need To Know

    • The spring equinox is at 11:06 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19

    • Earth’s axis lines up with the sun so both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight

    • Astronomical seasons differ from meteorological seasons


    But what does that actually mean? Here’s what to know about how we split up the year using the Earth’s orbit.

    What is the equinox?

    As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle.

    For most of the year, the Earth’s axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. That means the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet.

    During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

    The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

    The Northern Hemisphere’s spring — or vernal — equinox can land between March 19 and 21, depending on the year. Its fall – or autumnal — equinox can land between Sept. 21 and 24.

    What is the solstice?

    The solstices mark the times during the year when the Earth is at its most extreme tilt toward or away from the sun. This means the hemispheres are getting very different amounts of sunlight — and days and nights are at their most unequal.

    During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half of the earth is tilted in toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year. This solstice falls between June 20 and 22.

    Meanwhile, at the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning away from the sun — leading to the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice falls between December 20 and 23.

    What’s the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?

    These are just two different ways to carve up the year.

    Meteorological seasons are defined by the weather. They break down the year into three-month seasons based on annual temperature cycles. By that calendar, spring starts on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on Sept. 1 and winter on Dec. 1.

    Astronomical seasons depend on how the Earth moves around the sun.

    Equinoxes mark the start of spring and autumn. Solstices kick off summer and winter.

    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.

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    Associated Press

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  • Colder air grips the country after a warm start to March

    Colder air grips the country after a warm start to March

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    It’s been a mild start to March across the Eastern U.S., but colder air has moved in and we will see more cooldowns and temperatures swings in the upcoming week.

    What You Need To Know

    • Temperatures have been above normal so far this March east of the Rockies

    • Colder air is moving in behind a cold front

    • An active pattern will bring more precipitation and cold opportunities this month

    A cold front pushing across the country has dropped high temperatures up to 10 to 20 degrees below normal for parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Monday.

    Further south, sub-freezing temperatures in the forecast for tonight have led to Freeze Warnings being issued across the Deep South, stretching from Texas to North Carolina.

    Colder air and below normal temperatures follow the cold front to Florida and the Deep South on Tuesday as temperatures rebound quickly across the Central U.S.

    An active storm pattern will keep temperature swings in the forecast across the country through the week, with more cold blasts and wintry weather opportunities in the Great Lakes and Northeast through midweek and again this weekend.

    March so far

    Most places east of the Rockies are running warm this month. Average temperatures are well above normal through March 17, with areas across the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Northeast feeling a top-10 warmest March on record so far.

    (Iowa Environmental Mesonet)

    Meanwhile, the western U.S. has been running cool with below normal temperatures. With the exception of the Northeast and Florida, it is probable that the rest of the U.S. will close out the month with temperatures around or below normal. 

    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.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • NWS: At least seven tornadoes touched down Thursday

    NWS: At least seven tornadoes touched down Thursday

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    OHIO – At least seven tornadoes have been confirmed in Thursday’s severe weather that killed three people and injured at least 25 across Ohio.

    The National Weather Service deployed storm survey teams Friday to examine storm damage in numerous areas to determine if damage was caused by a tornado, as well as the size and strength of any tornadoes that touched down.

    The number is expected to increase over the next few days as surveys and analysis continue.

    The strongest of the tornadoes is an EF3 that touched down near Orchard Island in Logan County. Orchard Island is adjacent to Russells Point which saw extensive damage Thursday. A more detailed report is expected in the next few days. EF3 tornadoes have winds of 136-165 mph.

    In Mercer County, the National Weather Service said it was an EF1 tornado that caused damage in the western part of the county. More information about that tornado is expected later Friday, including details about the size and path of the twister. EF1 tornadoes have winds of 86-110 mph, according to the Enhanced Fujita scale which is used to determine a tornado’s intensity. Officials said three people suffered non life-threatening injuries. Damage was reported in the town of Celina and in an area near Skeels Road at the Indiana state border.

    Another EF1 torando toucheddown in Mercer and Auglaize counties. The tornado is believed to have started near Celina and ended north of Moulton. This is in addition to the EF1 tornado that occured in western Mercer County.

    It was an EF2 tornado, with winds of 120 mph, that caused damage in parts of Crawford and Plymouth Counties. The National Weather Service said the tornado touched down northeast of New Washington and lifted after ten miles on the ground in Plymouth Township. Meteorologists estimate that tornado was 250 yards wide.

    Officials said the tornado that struck north of Johnstown in Licking County was an EF1 based on their initial storm survey. More details about this tornado are expected in the coming days.

    Five homes were damaged and several farm buildings were destroyed by an EF1 tornado southwestern Hancock County. Meteorologists said the twister, with estimated 100 mph winds, touched down in Orange Township and stayed on the ground for more than three miles. It tracked to the east, eventually lifting in Van Buren Township. It’s estimated the tornado was 100 yards wide.

    The National Weather Service said an EF2 tornado struck in Darke and Miami Counties. They believe the tornado likely started in Indiana before crossing the stateline into Ohio. Additional information about the tornado’s strength and path will be released in the next few days.

    Check back for updates as more survey information is released over the coming days.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Weather Explained: Why spring allergies have us sneezing

    Weather Explained: Why spring allergies have us sneezing

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    Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

    Nearly 10% of the U.S. population is diagnosed with hay fever each year, especially during the spring months when the pollen count is quite high.

    Check out the video above for more on how plants and wind can result in those itchy and watery eyes.

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    Meteorologist Nick Merianos

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  • Damage reported following severe weather

    Damage reported following severe weather

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    OHIO — At least three people have been injured and damage has been reported across the state following several rounds of severe weather Thursday evening.

    Law enforcement in Logan County report extensive damage across the county. One official said a mobile home park in Russells Park was the one of the hardest hit by a possible tornado or damaging winds. Heavy damage was reported in neighboring Lakeview. First responders are having difficulties responding to the impacted areas. An emergency shelter has been opened at the First Church of God in Bellefontaine. More information is expected to be released Friday morning.

    Three people suffered non life-threatening injuries as storms moved through Celina in Mercer County. Damage has been reported in several parts of the county, including an area near Skeels Road at the Indiana state border. Officials said they are responding to reports of damage but will have a better idea of the extent at daybreak.

    Officials with Richland County Emergency Management said several homes were damaged in the northwestern corner of the county. Damage was reported near the village of Plymouth where officials are asking people to avoid the area near 598 and West Road.

    Customers across several counties are reporting power outages. Early Friday morning, more than 36,000 customers were without power statewide.

    The National Weather Service said storm survey crews will be out across the state Friday to investigate areas impacted by the severe weather to determine if the damage was caused by a tornado. Meteorologists will examine the damage to determine the strength, path and other details of any tornadoes that touched down.

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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    Staff Reports

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  • Winter ’23-’24 summary for Tampa

    Winter ’23-’24 summary for Tampa

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    Climatological winter is over and it was much different than the past two recent ones in Tampa. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter was wetter than normal

    • Temperatures were slightly below normal

    • Overall, cloud coverage was high compared to a typical winter

    El Niño delivered its promises to Florida this year, with 11.03 inches of rain from the first of December to the end of February.

    As is typical with an El Niño pattern, the subtropical jet stream set up across the southern United States, serving as the central storm track for cross-country low pressure systems.

    This was the 20th wettest winter on record out of 134 years of data. A typical winter yields 7.83 inches of rain.

    Temperatures averaged out to be slightly below normal with an average temperature of 63.3 degrees, 0.5 degrees below normal.

    Also, it was the cloudiest December and January on record in the Tampa area, according to research by Alaska Climatologist Brian Brettschneider.

    Generally, overcast skies led to a smaller range of temperature from morning to afternoon on many days.

    This could have led to a feeling by many to perceive this winter as much more cooler than normal than it actually was, since daytime highs tended to be more below normal than overnight lows.

    Nonetheless, it was the 2nd coolest winter of the last 10 years, so recent residents of the area have good reason to believe that it was a chilly winter.

    The last two winters were more than 3 degrees warmer for Tampa. 

    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.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Warm and humid weather returns

    Warm and humid weather returns

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    Welcome to ‘Ask a Meteorologist,’ a weekly chat that discusses a new weather topic every week.

    Today we are talking about the warm weather returning this week and into the weekend. 

    Bay News 9 meteorologists answer your questions about the warmth returning and when it will cool down again.

     

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Spring training offers a warm break for teams and fans

    Spring training offers a warm break for teams and fans

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    When birds migrate north in the spring, baseball players and fans migrate south to Florida and Arizona every March for spring training.

    Not only is spring training an opportunity for MLB teams to get some practice in before a long season, but for fans to escape the cold weather and enjoy some warmth, sunshine and baseball in warmer climates. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida and Arizona host 15 MLB teams each every year for spring training

    • Spring training games are unofficial, and gives fans a chance to see their team play in warmer climates

    • Florida and Arizona are both warm in March, but differ in precipitation and humidity

    Since the late 1800s, MLB teams have sent their players and coaches south to train and practice in a warmer climate to prepare for the season.

    Since 2018, MLB has split the league with 15 teams training in Florida and the other 15 in Arizona. The reason for those two locations is pretty straight-forward: the weather. 

    Florida Grapefruit League

    MLB spreads out most of the teams that train in Florida along the Gulf Coast, with a few teams in south Florida. Average high temperatures in south and central Florida during March hover around the upper 70s and lower 80s. 

    The Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins play in the two coldest spots as far as March temperatures go, averaging high temperatures in the lower 40s.

    Not only do the players and fans get to escape the cold, but Toronto and Minneapolis average around 8 inches of snowfall during March.

    Minnesota Twins’ spring home, Fort Myers, has an average high temperature in March almost 40 degrees warmer than Minneapolis, and hasn’t even had a low temperature below 40 degrees in March since 2013. 

    Along with the Twins, the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Tigers all get about a 35 degree temperature increase after traveling south during a typical March day.

    The Marlins actually get to travel more than 80 miles north to Jupiter from Miami, and get a break from the heat, with average temperatures about 3 degrees lower. 

    How about the rest of the list? Besides the Astros, Rays and Marlins, the temperature difference is pretty significant and worthy of a trip to Florida for Spring Break. 

    Arizona Cactus League

    In the Cactus League, all 15 teams play and train in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The average high temperature in March for the Phoenix area is a balmy 78.1 degrees.

    Since the Cactus League is more centralized with no two teams more than a 45 minute drive apart, average temperatures are all within a few degrees of each other.

    The biggest difference from the Grapefruit League? The desert offers much lower humidity and less rainfall. 

    Midwest teams from the NL and AL Central Divisions have the biggest disparity when it comes to Arizona temperatures, getting about a 30 degree increase during the month of March.

    The Colorado Rockies escape Denver’s snowiest month of the year on average to play in sunny Scottsdale. 

    Similar to the Marlins, the Arizona Diamondbacks who play in downtown Phoenix, get to travel 20 minutes into Scottdale, where the average March high temperatures is only a few degrees lower.

    Beach or Desert?

    So, if you’re a neutral fan in a cold weather state and want to take in some baseball on Spring Break, do you go to Florida or Arizona?

    Florida teams are more spread out requiring longer drives, and you’ll have to deal with more humidity and higher rain chances. The Cactus league is much more centralized, and it’s a dry heat, but besides baseball, Phoenix may have less to offer for tourist opportunities when you’re not at a game.

    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.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • A short history of daylight saving time

    A short history of daylight saving time

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    Twice a year, most of the U.S. adjusts to time moving forward in the spring and back again in the fall. But where did the crazy idea of “shifting time” come from?

    What You Need To Know

    • Daylight saving was first put to use during World War I

    • The U.S. was once in daylight saving time for over three years during World War II

    • Some want to go to daylight saving time year-round

    Benjamin Franklin gets some credit for the idea of daylight saving time, though his recommendation was a joke.

    In a letter to the editor of the “Journal of Paris,” Franklin jokingly recommended the people get out of bed earlier in the morning to minimize the use of candles and lamp oil. He never mentioned setting clocks back or forth.

    (Erica Roman)

    In 1895, George Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, came up with the modern concept of daylight saving time. He proposed a two-hour time shift so he could have more after-work hours of sunshine to go bug hunting in the summer.

    Hudson suggested moving clocks ahead two hours in October and then a two-hour shift back in March.

    In 1905, William Willett, a British builder, suggested moving clocks ahead 20 minutes every Sunday in April and then setting them back every Sunday in September. That’s eight time changes every year!

    First use of daylight saving time

    It was during World War I that daylight saving time was first practically used.

    In 1916, locations within the German Empire set clocks ahead one hour to use less power for lighting and to save fuel for the war effort.

    Many other countries soon followed and after the war ended, they all went back to standard time.

    Daylight saving time in the U.S.

    In the United States, daylight saving time was first used in 1918, when a bill introduced the idea of a seasonal time shift. It lasted seven months before the bill was repealed.

    During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt re-established the idea of daylight saving time. It was called “War Time.”

    War Time began in Feb. 1942 and lasted until the end of Sept. 1945.

    In 1966, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the idea of regulating a yearly time change. Daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    (Pexels)

    During the 1973 oil embargo, the United States Congress ordered a year-round period of daylight saving time to save energy. The period ran from Jan. 1974 to April 1975. The plan did little to save energy and lost popularity. In Oct. 1974, the U.S. switched back to standard time.

    From 1987 through 2006, daylight saving time started the first weekend in April, running through the last weekend in October.

    In 2007, the start and end of daylight saving time shifted again. That year, it began on the second Sunday in March and it ended on the first Sunday in November, which has been the case ever since.

    The future of daylight saving time

    In recent years, some have pushed to make daylight saving time last year-round. Several states have passed legislation to make this law.

    I guess “time” will tell if we see year-round daylight saving time in the future.

    (iStock)

    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.

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    Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

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