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Tag: Weather Stories

  • Winter storm to bring snow, dangerous cold

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    OHIO — A storm system will bring widespread snow to the state, making for dangerous travel. Much of the state can expect several inches by Sunday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow will start to fall later in the day Saturday
    • Much of the state will see at least 2-4 inches with amounts closer to six inches south and in NE Ohio

    • Lake-effect snow will be in the mix across northeast Ohio, bringing more snow
    • Subzero wind chills by Sunday morning and again Monday

    The winter storm will push into the state by early afternoon, with snow spreading across the state. Dangerous travel is likely with heavy snow at times and gusty winds that could cause blowing and drifting. Most areas will get at least two to four inches of snow, with six inches of snow possible in some areas – especially in southern Ohio. Over six inches of snow could fall in areas northeast of Cleveland.

    Winter weather alerts are in place through early Sunday.

    As the storm moves out overnight, arctic air will move into the region. Many areas will have sub-zero wind chills by Sunday morning.

    Cold weather alerts are in place across much of the state.

    Northeast Ohio will still have to battle with some lake-effect snow on Sunday, which will add to the snow totals across the southeast. 

    Once we get past Monday, we can expect a warming trend through Thursday. 

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • City of Cleveland activates warming centers with brutal cold approaching

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    CLEVELAND — Ohio is getting a jumpstart on winter. 

    Through the weekend, highs will drop with wind chills dipping into the negatives, according to Spectrum News 1 meteorologists. To help residents get out of the cold, the City of Cleveland is activating its warming centers through Monday.

    Here are the warming centers that will be available: 

    • Michael Zone Recreation Center
      6301 Lorain Ave.
      (216) 664-3373
    • EJ Kovacic Recreation Center
      6250 St. Clair Avenue
      (216) 664-4140
    • Zelma George Recreation Center
      3155 Martin L. King Blvd.
      (216) 420-8800
    • Collinwood Recreation Center
      16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
      (216) 420-8323

    And here’s how long they’ll be open for, Saturday through Monday:

    • Saturday, Dec. 13: 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    • Sunday, Dec. 14: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    • Monday, Dec. 15: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

    For overnight shelters, RTA passes can be provided to help with transportation to a nearby facility, the city said. 

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Registration for Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s closings, delays system

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — With more snow and extreme cold expected this weekend, Spectrum News 1 Ohio is expanding access to its free closings and delays alert system to additional organizations across the state.

    The system, which launched last winter, allows organizations to post announcements about weather-related closings, delays or schedule changes. Updates appear across Spectrum News 1 Ohio’s platforms, including our website and mobile app, helping communities stay informed during rapidly changing winter conditions.

    Initially available to K-12 school districts, the service is now open to charter and private schools, churches, non-profits, colleges, and other organizations.

    Registration takes only a few minutes and can be done here. A frequently asked questions page is also available to walk organizations through the process.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Expert offers advice on keeping your dog safe during winter hikes

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    Going hiking alone or with friends can be a great experience, but as with almost anything, it’s even better with a dog.

    What You Need To Know

    • Many dog owners love hiking, but the cold weather, ice and snow can add complications to enjoying that activity safely

    • Spectrum News 1 heard from Dr. Victoria Cussen with the ASPCA on some of her advice to keep your furry friends safe on the trails

    • Get them a sweater/coat, protect their feet, watch for signs of hypothermia and more

    • Always bring a bowl and water

    However, as the cold weather and snow settles in and we make ready for winter, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you plan on braving the snow-covered trails and frigid temperatures with your canine companion.

    Dr. Victoria Cussen, the senior director of applied behavior research at the ASPCA, shared some advice with Spectrum News 1 on how to keep your furry friends safe on those winter-time treks.

    She said you should consider a coat or sweater for your dog if you’re planning on a colder hike. While a number of factors dictate whether this is necessary (the breed and thickness of the fur, for example), she said you should consult your animal’s vet if you’re not sure.

    “The jacket should fit properly, otherwise it may be uncomfortable or could cause irritation to the dog’s skin,” she said via email. “Look for winter gear that does not limit movement, sight, or the ability to breathe or bark. Your dog should be able to run, play, and jump normally.”

    She also suggests dog boots or, if your dog is sensitive about their feet, a wax paw protectant.

    “Snow and ice sometimes get packed between dogs’ toes, which can be very painful; paw protectants can help prevent snow balls from forming between pads (as can keeping the hair between the pads trimmed short),” she said via email. “Paw protectants can also help protect from salt and chemical ice-melting agents.”

    Like with humans, dogs can develop hypothermia, and Cussen said dog owners should bear in mind: “It is too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.”

    She said the following could be signs of hypothermia and that you should put your dog in a warm blanket and reach out to your vet for further advice:

    • Shivering
    • Inactivity
    • Paleness of the skin
    • Lethargy
    • Muscle stiffness
    • Shallow breathing
    • Fixed and dilated pupils

    “After being outside in sleet, snow, or ice, thoroughly wipe your dog’s legs, feet, and belly to prevent any ingestion of salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking themselves,” she said via email.

    She also suggested the following tips when hiking with your dog:

    • Ensure their collar is on with rabies tags and identification
    • Be careful if off-leash hiking when snowing due to visibility concerns
    • Only off-leash hike where it is allowed
    • Check local hunting regulations before hiking in an area (put your dog in a “hunter orange vest” if hunting is allowed in the area)
    • Consider putting a bell on the dog’s harness as it “alerts wildlife and prevents unexpected encounters – especially in the winter when snow can muffle the sound of you and your dog approaching”
    • Identify veterinary clinics in the area before a hike
    • Bring a bowl and plenty of water
    • Consider bringing an emergency sling to carry your dog if it is injured

    “Weather patterns can change rapidly in winter months – be sure to check the forecast before heading out with your pup, even if you looked the night before,” she said via email.

    You can check out the ASPCA’s more general cold weather tips here.

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    Cody Thompson

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  • The earliest sunset isn’t on the winter solstice

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    The winter solstice will occur at 10:03 a.m. ET on Dec. 21 this year, and even though the day of the winter solstice is the shortest of the year, the latest sunrise and earliest sunset do not occur on this day.

    What You Need To Know

    • The solar day impacts sunrises and sunsets

    • A solar day is longer near the winter solstice

    • The sun rises later in the winter and sets later



    Understanding a solar day

    Solar noon is when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The time from one solar noon to the next solar noon is called a solar day.

    The length of a solar day changes throughout the year because of the tilt and position of the Earth. Because of this, a solar day can be more than or less than 24 hours depending on the time of the year.

    The problem is that we count our days as exactly 24 hours. So, with the solar day being more than 24 hours near the winter solstice, this means solar noon will occur at a later time each day. The sun will also rise later and set later.

    If the sun is setting later each day before the solstice, that means the earliest sunset has already happened.

    Since the sun also rises later each day, this means the latest sunrise has yet to occur. The latest sunrise will happen a few weeks after the official start of 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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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • The Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend

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    The Geminid meteor shower peaks heading into this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Geminid meteor shower peaks the night of Dec. 13

    • Up to 150 meteors per hour

    • Known as one of the best meteor showers of the year



    Every year in December, the night sky treats us to one of the best and brightest displays known as the Geminid meteor shower. 

    When to watch

    The Geminids can be viewed in the night sky as early as 9 p.m. The best time to view the Geminid meteor shower will be in the pre-dawn hours between 1 and 3 a.m.

    Tips for viewing

    To see up to 150 meteors in one hour, you will need to be far away from city lights and tall buildings. Ideally, there will be clear skies for viewing on the night of the 13th. 

    After you arrive, avoid bright lights, such as phone screens, for 15–20 minutes so your eyes can adapt to the darkness.

    A waning crescent moon will make viewing conditions even better because there will not be much moonlight to wash out the meteors, which are often bright and vivid.

    Here is the cloud forecast through the weekend across the country. 


    Even though the peak is this weekend, you can still view the Geminid meteor shower through December 21st. 

    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 Ramel Carpenter

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  • December’s ‘Cold Moon’ will be the final supermoon of the year

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    December’s full moon will appear in the sky this week. It’s the final full moon and third supermoon of the year, also known as the ‘Cold Moon.’ The Cold Moon gets its name from being closest to the winter solstice. It is also known as the ‘Moon Before Yule’ and the ‘Long Night Moon.’

    It reached its peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 4, but it will be visible and appear full to the naked eye during the next couple nights.

    What You Need To Know

    • December’s full moon peaks Thursday evening

    • It’s the final full moon and third supermoon of 2025

    • The next full moon will be the ‘Wolf Moon’ on Jan. 3, 2026


    The Cold Moon will notably be the highest full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will be at its lowest point in the sky, which means that the moon will be at the opposite. That means that you will be able to see the bright Cold Moon for a longer period in the night sky.

    What is a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the full moon happens at the same time the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Cold Moon will be the third supermoon of 2025, joining October’s ‘Harvest Moon’ and November’s ‘Beaver Moon’.

    Moon phases

    There are eight different phases of the moon. What phase follows a full moon?

    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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  • December’s ‘Cold Moon’ will be the final supermoon of the year

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    December’s full moon will appear in the sky this week. It’s the final full moon and third supermoon of the year, also known as the ‘Cold Moon.’ The Cold Moon gets its name from being closest to the winter solstice. It is also known as the ‘Moon Before Yule’ and the ‘Long Night Moon.’

    It reached its peak illumination at 6:14 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 4, but it will be visible and appear full to the naked eye during the next couple nights.

    What You Need To Know

    • December’s full moon peaks Thursday evening

    • It’s the final full moon and third supermoon of 2025

    • The next full moon will be the ‘Wolf Moon’ on Jan. 3, 2026


    The Cold Moon will notably be the highest full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will be at its lowest point in the sky, which means that the moon will be at the opposite. That means that you will be able to see the bright Cold Moon for a longer period in the night sky.

    What is a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the full moon happens at the same time the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Cold Moon will be the third supermoon of 2025, joining October’s ‘Harvest Moon’ and November’s ‘Beaver Moon’.

    Moon phases

    There are eight different phases of the moon. What phase follows a full moon?

    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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  • 2025 Atlantic hurricane wrap-up; no hurricane made landfall in the U.S.

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    For the first time in a decade, there was no direct landfall on the U.S. from a hurricane. Despite no landfalls, it was still an active season overall with 13 named storms and three Category 5 hurricanes.

    What You Need To Know

    • NOAA and Colorado State University forecasted above normal activity this year

    • First year since 2015 that no hurricane made a direct landfall on the United States

    • Hurricane Melissa was the most intense hurricane of the 2025 season, with winds of 185 mph and a pressure of 892 mbar


    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) predicted 2025 would have above-normal activity during their pre-season forecasts. With the latter predicting 16 named storms. 

    Total storms

    In the end, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was slightly above average with 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major storms.

    However, the season didn’t feel all that busy, and that’s because most of the storms stayed out to sea, with no direct landfalling hurricanes this year. Thanks to a persistent weaker Bermuda High, many storms came close to the coast but curved northward out to sea before making direct landfall.

    Notable storms

    Even though storms did not make landfall, that doesn’t mean they didn’t cause damage to the United States. Hurricanes Erin and Imelda came close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, causing coastal erosion. In the past five years, at least 11 homes have toppled into the surf in Rodanthe, N.C.

    Both storms ended up curving northward and then northeast out to sea.

    Two houses sit out in the heavy surf as Hurricane Erin passes offshore at Rodanthe, N.C., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

    Although no hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. this year, one tropical storm did—Chantal. It made landfall just one day after forming, moving inland near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, as a tropical storm with winds of 60 mph on July 6.

    Flooding from Chantal in Saxapahaw. (Spectrum News 1/Jordan Kudisch)

    Heavy rainfall and flash flooding were the biggest impacts from Chantal. Radar-estimated rainfall totals up 9 to 12 inches were recorded in parts of North Carolina between Raleigh and Greensboro, causing significant flooding around Chapel Hill and nearby rivers.

    Fujiwhara Effect

    As Hurricane Imelda was churning off the coast of North Carolina, it was also about 400 miles from Hurricane Humberto, creating a semi-rare phenomenon called the Fujiwhara Effect. With the two hurricanes so close to each other, it looked as if a mega-hurricane was going to develop, but Bay News 9’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay said back in September, we should not be concerned about these storms colliding and forming a mega-hurricane.

    “In the Atlantic, if two tropical systems are close enough, they can ruin the environment for both, just like we are seeing right now with Humberto and Imelda. There just isn’t enough ocean space.”

    Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto are located about 400 miles from each other in the Atlantic. (NOAA)

    The smaller or weaker storm will usually circle around the bigger one, as the larger storm will eventually dominate or potentially even fully absorb the smaller system. In this case, Imelda was the larger storm and fully absorbed Humberto.

    Category 5 storms

    Three hurricanes this year reached Category 5 status with wind speeds over 155 mph. Those storms include Hurricane Erin, Humberto and Melissa.

    Erin formed in the western Atlantic on Aug. 11 and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on Aug. 16 with winds of 160 mph. It brushed past the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola before moving past the U.S., bringing life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents up the East Coast.

    Coastal flooding was worse along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, especially during high tide, forcing thousands to evacuate and closing Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, and tidal flooding led to rescues in Margate City, New Jersey.

    A section of N.C. 12 at the north end of Buxton is flooding before the Tuesday afternoon high tide as Hurricane Erin continues moving northwest across the Atlantic Ocean. (N.C. Department of Transportation)

    Hurricane Humberto became a hurricane two days after forming into a tropical storm. It rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm and then, 24 hours later, it reached peak intensity as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph. It moved between the United States and Bermuda and brought large swells and dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast and squally weather to Bermuda.

    Melissa was a late-season Category 5 hurricane and the most intense storm of the season. It became a tropical storm on Oct. 21 and by Oct. 25 it had undergone rapid intensification, becoming a Category 4 hurricane. Melissa nearly stalled in the Caribbean Sea and, thanks to favorable conditions, it achieved Category 5 status on Oct. 27.

    The church of Lacovia Tombstone, Jamaica, sits damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

    It reached peak intensity with winds of 185 mph and is now tied for third for the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record (since 1851) with a pressure of 892 mbar. It made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Oct. 28. Over 100 fatalities were reported due to Melissa.

    Forecast models

    The forecast for Melissa was notably a challenge. Weather models were showing inconsistent tracks run-to-run.

    The National Hurricane Center, surprisingly, relied on Google’s DeepMind, a new AI weather model-over more traditional models. Data showed the AI model outperformed traditional physics-based models and aligned with the National Hurricane Center’s forecasts when came to track error.

    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, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Send us your winter weather photos

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    OHIO — Spectrum News 1 is looking for life being captured on camera around the Buckeye State, whether it be snow falling or an icy sunset, and you can help.

    We may use these photos to show during our newscast and on our website/app to help illustrate what Ohio looks like statewide. 

    Here’s what to do:

    • Take your picture in the horizontal perspective (not vertical).
    • Please take your photos when you’re in a safe environment. Do not put yourself in harm’s way for a photo.
    • Please don’t take pictures while driving. (It’s okay if a passenger takes the picture.) Any pictures taken while driving, we don’t show on the air.
    • If using the form below is not an option, you can post your photos on our Facebook page: Spectrum News 1 Ohio
    • Tag us on Twitter: @SpectrumNews1OH
    • Tag us on Instagram: @spectrumnews1oh

    Submit your photos below:

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  • Messy Thanksgiving travel expected with snow, rain on the way

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    OHIO — A cold and blustery Thanksgiving day on tap. High temperatures will top out in the lower to mid 30s, with wind chills in the 20s. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A cold and blustery Thanksgiving

    • Lake-effect snow showers across northeast Ohio could lead to white-out conditions and trick travel for the holiday
    • Wind chills in the teens as you hit the stores Friday morning
    • Active weather builds back in for Sunday and Tuesday 

    Much of the state will be dry and even see some sunshine, especially across the southwest, but the northeast will have to battle with lake-effect snow showers through late Friday. Snow totals will vary greatly depending on where we see some of the heaviest snow bands. 6+ inches of snow is not out of the question, but snow totals have started to trend down a bit. 

    If you’re heading out to grab some Black Friday deals, you’re going to want to layer up! Wind chills early Friday will be in the lower and middle teens. The cold weather will hang around all day with lake-effect snow showers for the northeast.

    We’ll get a quick break from the weather on Saturday with active weather building back in on Sunday. A storm system will bring messy weather statewide which will surely impact holiday travel.

    We’ll do it all over again on Tuesday with another chance for rain and snow. 

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    Meteorologist April Loveland

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  • Ohio Turnpike announces ban as Thanksgiving travel begins

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    OHIO — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a High Wind Travel Ban for the entire 241-mile toll road for high-profile vehicles. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches

    • The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday

    • Wind chills will drop into the 20s on Wednesday

    The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. 

    Spectrum News 1 meteorologists say there will be an active weather pattern through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Starting on Wednesday, a strong cold front will bring a few more showers, but mostly a blast of cold air, that send temperatures plummeting through the day. After starting off in the 50s, we’ll see afternoon temperatures in the 30s, and wind chills in the 20s. A full forecast can be found here. 

    The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches. This means the ban applies to the following vehicles: 

    • All high-profile tow-behind trailers, campers, boats and enclosed trailers (fifth wheel trailers are excluded)
    • Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
    • All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers
    • All long combination vehicles (LCV) that include long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length (enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
    • All LCV triple-trailer combinations
    • 2-axle buses longer than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles greater than 45 feet

    (Ohio Turnpike)

    Here are the types of vehicles that will be allowed on the turnpike: 

    • Self-propelled motor homes
    • Low-profile trailers
    • Fold-down camper trailers
    • Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
    • Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks
    • Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
    • Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer with cargo/loaded
    • Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
    • Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations more than 90 feet
    • Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
    • Two-axle buses less than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles less than 45 feet

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Manatee County resident gives lawn care advice for people during drought

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    PARRISH, Fla. — Much of the Tampa Bay area is experiencing moderate drought conditions. In the Sarasota–Bradenton area, while the yearly rain total is only two inches below average, our Weather Experts say a lack of rainfall over the last three months has created these conditions.

    What You Need To Know

    • Much of the Tampa Bay area is experiencing moderate drought conditions

    • In the Sarasota–Bradenton area, while the yearly rain total is only two inches below average, our Weather Experts say a lack of rainfall over the last three months has created these conditions

    • Manatee County resident Allyn Hane has been taking care of lawns and teaching people how to maintain their yards through his business, Yard Mastery, and through his YouTube channel, The Lawn Care Nut

    • Manatee County Water Conservation Outreach Specialist Breanna Bieberich said the conditions are in Phase 1, but it is possible it could move to Phase 2


    For over 20 years, Allyn Hane has been taking care of lawns and teaching people how to maintain their yards.

    He runs his own business called Yard Mastery. He sells fertilizer and other lawn products, but he’s also become a bit of a YouTube sensation. His channel, The Lawn Care Nut, has nearly 600,000 subscribers, and four of his videos have over 4 million views.

    This week, Hane is demonstrating how residents can keep their lawns safe during drought conditions, like what Manatee County is currently experiencing.

    “So what I’m going to do is put the tuna can out right in the (sprinkler) stream, and I’m going to measure how long it takes to get a half inch of water down,” he said.

    Hane said this helps conserve water — you’ll know exactly how long to let your sprinklers run.

    “By putting that tuna can out there and putting your sprinklers on, you wait until it gets a half-inch deep in that tuna can, because that’s what we consider good watering, is one-half inch every couple 2 or 3 days.” he explained.

    The county says there are Phase 1 restrictions currently in place, which limit watering to once a week, but it’s possible drought conditions could worsen.

    Manatee County Water Conservation Outreach Specialist Breanna Bieberich said the conditions are in Phase 1, but it is possible it could move to Phase 2.

    “If we were to move to Phase 2, that would mean residents would be watering less. We would be enforcing our restrictions more heavily. Conservation officers, compliance officers would be out and about making sure that residents follow the rules,” she said.

    Hane also recommends products like Moisture Max that help retain water.

    “What this does is it sequesters water in the soil and helps to keep it from evaporating. So, products like this can make the watering that you’re doing go further, again, because they’re holding that water in the soil,” he said.

    Hane considers himself an educator, and whether it’s rainy season or dry season, almost everyone can benefit from a little lawn care advice.

    Our Weather Experts also point out that in the Sarasota–Bradenton area, 2024 was the second-wettest year on record, with more than 78 inches of rain. That means it will take more time for drought conditions to significantly impact our water reservoirs.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Thanksgiving week starts mild but ends on wintry note

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    OHIO — This busy holiday week is starting off with dry roads and way above normal temperatures. However, pre-Thanksgiving dinner we will see a very strong cold front.

    What You Need To Know

    • Roads will be wet on Tuesday from rain
    • Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday with gusty winds

    • Lake-effect snow will likely impact travel late Wednesday through early Friday
    • A weekend storm of snow and rain will complicate travel to wrap up the holiday week

    Our first storm system on Tuesday will be all rain with highs in the 50s and even some lower 60s.

    On Wednesday, a strong cold front will approach but the morning will be mild so we will see scattered showers early Wednesday.

    Our highs on Wednesday will likely happen in the morning and then fall throughout the day with winds starting to pick up.

    Late Wednesday night lake-effect snow will kick in for northern Ohio and will likely continue through early Friday.

    Gusty winds combined with lake-effect snow could produce hazardous travel along the turnpike during this timeframe.

    We may see a short break on Friday night from the active weather before a storm system approaches from the west.

    It looks like initially this will be snow showers on Saturday but then could change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday as warmer air moves in.

    Either way, these are big travel days and the roads will be wet or slippery.

    Spectrum News 1 will monitor the weekend storm for adjustments throughout the week. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Thanksgiving Travel Forecast

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    According to AAA, more Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year than ever before. Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your trip. Here’s what to expect across the country this week.

    What You Need To Know

    • An early week system will bring rain from the Plains to East Coast

    • Thanksgiving looks mostly quiet across U.S.

    • Much colder air after Thanksgiving


    Here are the weather highlights for Thanksgiving travelers this week. 


    A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

    Monday

    A system will be on the move and bring widespread rain from the Southern Plains to Great Lakes. Scattered storms could create travel issues for places like Dallas, St. Louis and Memphis. 


    Tuesday

    By Tuesday, our system will continue its path to the east with showers and storms expected in the Southeast and up the East Coast. Areas farther north will see mostly showers, so nothing too concerning other than a wet commute up and down I-95.

    Wednesday

    By Wednesday, the system will be mostly gone with only a few areas of lingering rain chances in the East and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes. Attention turns to the Pacific Northwest where the next system will be moving on shore. Rain and mountain snow will be likely in this region.


    Thanksgiving Day

    If you are traveling short and far on Thanksgiving Day, most of the country thankfully looks quiet and uneventful. The Pacific NW system will be pushing inland bringing snow across the northern Mountain West. Additionally, the lake-effect machine will continue in the Great Lakes.


    Black Friday

    Black Friday shoppers may need to deal with some winter weather from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes. Temperatures will be far colder behind the early week front setting this one up.

    Saturday

    Forecast info.


    Sunday

    Forecast info.


    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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  • Decaying leaves: The gift that keeps on giving

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    When you think of autumn, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Pumpkin spice? Cooler weather?

    For many, it’s the leaves transforming.

    With most of the country past peak foliage, those leaves have likely fallen and are littering lawns and streets. It’s a great time to think about what to do with the leaves as they fall.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall foliage has reached peak or past peak across most of the country

    • Fallen leaves are biodegradable

    • Composting is one of the many options for decaying leaves

    While stepping on a crunchy leaf is extremely satisfying, the leaves take over yards, sidewalks and streets.

    Sometimes when it rains, fallen leaves clog storm drains and can be a hazard while walking. So, it’s no surprise that many want to clean up these dead leaves.

    People commonly bag the fallen leaves and consider the leaves trash.

    But what if there were more environmentally friendly ways to take care of these dying leaves?

    (Pic by Remi Lynn)

    When you bag the dried autumn leaves and put them on the curb, they end up as trash in a landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard waste accounts for nearly 20% of all garbage generated in the United States each year. That’s over 31 million tons.

    As the leaves and other yard waste sit in landfills, they produce methane, which can pollute nearby air and soil.

    So what are the alternatives?

    Alternatives to leaf bagging

    Realistically, leaves can remain in the yard where they fall. You can chop them with a mulching mower or even a regular lawnmower.

    Leaves are biodegradable, meaning that bacteria or other living organisms can decompose them. While whole leaves take a longer time to break down (about two to three years), cut-up leaves decompose faster (about one year) and can provide plenty of nutrients for the soil.

    (Photo by Chris Thompson)

    You can use whole and/or chopped leaves in gardens and flower beds as mulch.

    If you still don’t want leaves scattered all across the lawn, composting is a great way to beautify your lawn and garden in multiple ways.

    To compost decaying leaves, chop them with a mower and combine them with green material (grass clippings work great here). Keep the combination moist and well mixed. It will probably take until spring to break down, but the result is a nutrient-rich fertilizer for any plants or crops.

    If DIY composting isn’t your thing, check out local groups that collect leaves for composting. Happy leaf collecting!

    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 Britney Hamilton

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  • Decaying leaves: The gift that keeps on giving

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    When you think of autumn, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Pumpkin spice? Cooler weather?

    For many, it’s the leaves transforming.

    With most of the country past peak foliage, those leaves have likely fallen and are littering lawns and streets. It’s a great time to think about what to do with the leaves as they fall.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fall foliage has reached peak or past peak across most of the country

    • Fallen leaves are biodegradable

    • Composting is one of the many options for decaying leaves

    While stepping on a crunchy leaf is extremely satisfying, the leaves take over yards, sidewalks and streets.

    Sometimes when it rains, fallen leaves clog storm drains and can be a hazard while walking. So, it’s no surprise that many want to clean up these dead leaves.

    People commonly bag the fallen leaves and consider the leaves trash.

    But what if there were more environmentally friendly ways to take care of these dying leaves?

    (Pic by Remi Lynn)

    When you bag the dried autumn leaves and put them on the curb, they end up as trash in a landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard waste accounts for nearly 20% of all garbage generated in the United States each year. That’s over 31 million tons.

    As the leaves and other yard waste sit in landfills, they produce methane, which can pollute nearby air and soil.

    So what are the alternatives?

    Alternatives to leaf bagging

    Realistically, leaves can remain in the yard where they fall. You can chop them with a mulching mower or even a regular lawnmower.

    Leaves are biodegradable, meaning that bacteria or other living organisms can decompose them. While whole leaves take a longer time to break down (about two to three years), cut-up leaves decompose faster (about one year) and can provide plenty of nutrients for the soil.

    (Photo by Chris Thompson)

    You can use whole and/or chopped leaves in gardens and flower beds as mulch.

    If you still don’t want leaves scattered all across the lawn, composting is a great way to beautify your lawn and garden in multiple ways.

    To compost decaying leaves, chop them with a mower and combine them with green material (grass clippings work great here). Keep the combination moist and well mixed. It will probably take until spring to break down, but the result is a nutrient-rich fertilizer for any plants or crops.

    If DIY composting isn’t your thing, check out local groups that collect leaves for composting. Happy leaf collecting!

    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 Britney Hamilton

    Source link

  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

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    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

    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 Nathan Harrington

    Source link

  • Catch the dazzling Leonid meteor shower

    [ad_1]

    The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most famous and historically significant celestial events, occurring every November, with tons of meteors available to view.

    What You Need To Know

    • Meteors appear to radiate from a point within the constellation Leo

    • Best viewing hours are between midnight and dawn
    • The Leonids are known to feature fast-moving meteors



    We’re lucky enough to witness this celestial show from now until Nov. 20. This meteor shower is caused by Earth’s passage through the dusty trail left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This small comet orbits the Sun roughly every 33 years, creating a river of cosmic stardust in its wake.

    How to see the shower

    The best time to look is typically in the hours after midnight and before dawn when the constellation Leo climbs highest in the eastern sky. The shower is active throughout this month, but its peak usually occurs around Nov. 18. Below is a forecast loop of cloud cover through early morning of the 21st. 

    For optimal viewing, find a location far from city lights, lie flat on your back, and simply look up, allowing about 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark. 

    Science behind the shower

    The Leonids are renowned for their exceptional speed, clocking in at around 158,000 mph, making them one of the fastest annual meteor showers. This high velocity directly results from the comet’s orbit, going around the Sun in the opposite direction to Earth.

    Because the comet’s debris hits our atmosphere nearly head-on, the resulting flashes are typically bright and leave behind glowing trails or produce colorful fireballs. These meteors appear brighter than the brightest stars and the planet Venus.

    Even in a typical year, when observers might see a modest rate of 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the sheer intensity of the Leonids ensures a captivating display.

    Why this shower is so special

    The Leonids are in a class of their own among other meteor showers for the sheer volume of meteors to see. While most meteor showers are consistent year over year, the Leonids are capable of bursts of activity where the rate of visible meteors skyrockets to over 1,000 per hour.

    This phenomenon occurs approximately every 33 years, coinciding with the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s closest approach to the Sun. During these rare events, Earth passes through a particularly dense, fresh debris field. Historically, these storms have been awesome, with the 1833 and 1966 events being among the most famous, where meteors “fell like rain.”

    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 Nathan Harrington

    Source link

  • Solar storms bring colorful northern lights to unexpected places in the U.S.

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms brought colorful auroras to unexpected places in the U.S. on Tuesday night, and there could be more to come.

    Space weather forecasters confirmed that storms reached severe levels on Tuesday, triggering vibrant northern lights as far south as Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

    What You Need To Know

    • A rare G4 geomagnetic storm occurred Tuesday night

    • The northern lights were seen as far south as Florida

    • Another powerful storm is likely tonight

    • Using your smartphone’s night mode is the best way to capture the lights



    There were some impacts to GPS communications and the power grid, Shawn Dahl with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a video posted on X.

    Over the past few days, the sun has “burped” out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way and could arrive sometime on Wednesday.

    Forecasters think this solar outburst could be the most energetic of the three and have issued a severe storm alert. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

    How northern lights happen

    The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.

    Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.

    Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major face-lift. Every 11 years, its magnetic poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.

    Last year, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. And soon afterward, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.

    The sun’s active spurt is expected to last at least through the end of this year, although when solar activity will peak won’t be known until months after the fact, according to NASA and NOAA.

    How solar storms affect Earth

    Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.

    When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.

    In 1859, a severe solar storm triggered auroras as far south as Hawaii and set telegraph lines on fire in a rare event. And a 1972 solar storm may have detonated magnetic U.S. sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.

    Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance. Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Visibility tonight could be reduced in places like the West, Plains, and Northeast due to clouds. The Southeast should have great visibility if the northern lights can make it that far south again.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

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    Associated Press, Spectrum News Weather Staff

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