Chase Van In Action!

The weather van got its first real test Monday night, as I chased down a line of thunderstorms approaching from Alabama. Gene steered me in the right direction while I verified my position with the onboard computer radar and GPS guideance. The van did exactly as we expected beaming back my position and weather sensor data back to the station for the 11PM show. We can also send photos back and instant message back to the station. This will be a great weather tool for the office not only for severe weather, but winter events as well. We will be able to instantly report any condition around metro Atlanta to keep you safe from any potential hazard. We also hope to add a live video capability in the near future. Stay tuned for future posting from the Stormtracker 46 Weather Chase Van.

Greg

Stormy Monday Night

It sure has been hard to get going today because of the rain, fog and generally iccky weather. Okay, iccky isn't a real weather term, but it fits, right?? Anyway, more substantial storms with lightning and thunder are on the way, probably while you're sleeping tonight. And watch out for the wind. Strong gusts are expected, espcecially if you live in far north Georgia. That could be enough wind to knock down a few power lines or trees. Closer to Atlanta, the stormy weather will probably begin to approach as you're headed out to work. Make sure the kids have umbrellas and rain gear and be sure to leave home a little early.

I hope you all had your fill of turkeys and sales. Now, its back to work for a while before the next big holiday. Don't forget to tell us about your Holiday House. You know, the kind of Clark Griswald monstrosity you live next to. Or perhaps you're the guy putting up a zillion lights. We want to know about it so we can show it on TV. You'll find a link to it on our web site (cbs46.com).

Also, if you have any cool pictures I could share with viewers, send them along as well.

Stay safe!!

Football and Forecast...

Ahhhh yes, yet another weekend of forecasting and football is about to come to an end here in the StormTracker46 Weather Center. Having worked in Macon for almost 8 years doing weekday weather I was able to spend fall weekends watching football either in person or on TV. Essentially getting to do what I love 7 days a week since I was forecasting the weather Monday-Friday.

Although I am very excited to be working in my hometown... it comes at a price! Since I do weekend weather I am forced to do the 2 things I love at the same time! Instead of doing fun stuff 7 days a week, I have to cram it into 2! Looking at the computer models to figure out what is going on with our crazy Atlanta weather while quickly turning my head to see what the commentators are yelling about on the game. "Who fumbled what? Who blocked what?" are common questions as I turn my head to catch back up to the games.

Feeling sorry for me? I wouldn't either. Forecasting the weather is the greatest job in the world and what I have wanted to do since I was in the 3rd grade. Football may have been first choice up until the point I discovered I have zero athletic ability! :-) Having torn my ACL and broken my ankle in recent years I think I have only re-enforced the fact that I am a better forecaster than an athlete.

As I am about ready to do the 11pm news, well I think it is the 11:38 news tonight (because of football running late) I can't help but get excited about the fact that in just 6 days I will be forecasting the weather again while watching Army/Navy, the ACC Championship Game, Big 12 Championship Game, and of course the SEC Championship Game with the Dawgs taking on the Tigers of LSU. What a rough weekend ahead!

By the way, I am working on a hurricane season recap story that will air Wednesday (the last day of hurricane season).

Until next time...

It's not your regular turkey trot......

In fact, while running up the 400th hill on this 26 mile course - with what seemed to be a 200 mile and hour head wind blowing right in my face, it struck me ---- anyone that even makes an attempt at this Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day has to be one strange bird!
It was a beautiful day for a run around the city. Hundreds of anxious runners were all huddled together with me at the starting line in that "forever- wait" before the gun goes off.
The first couple of running steps always seem to be a little awkward- trying to avoid stepping on the heels of the person in front of you. The concrete seems especially hard as your cold feet strike the ground. Within the first couple of miles the pack thins out, the pace is set, leaders are established, but funny--- there I am about 20 blocks back still trying to make that final mental commitment to get in there and do this thing.
For me, it is just that, a mental commitment. If my body had had the chance to voice an opinion, I'd never had made it out the front door. It's something about saying or should I say "proving" that I can do it - that continues to push me into more "in over my head" situations than I care to discuss.
Running, I am learning, is a blessing. It is a privilege. And between miles 15 and 20 I found myself thanking GOD for every additional step he allowed me to take. Somewhere between mile 21 and 24, after the first couple of rounds of pain have come and gone, I found myself rethinking this whole running 26.2 mile thing. You'd be amazed at the little arguments that go on inside your head as your body is falling apart.
I made the decision to stop running and walk in the last two miles. Primarily because I wanted to live to be able to tell you about this experience - and because I didn't know if anyone would be willing to fill in for me on the noon show (ha!). The important thing is - I finished! 24 miles of running - 2.2 miles of walking......26.2 miles of the best kind of insanity money can't buy.
Perhaps the person that attempts this feat on Thanksgiving Day isn't one strange bird. How about, one strong bird.... or maybe... just a little coo coo.
Great race everyone! Thank you -

Happy Thanksgiving...

Wow, our own blog... and this is my first post!

I am told we can talk about the weather and pretty much anything else in our blog so let me first start with what else but Fantasy Football!

I am still going back and forth between starting the Cowboy's D versus the Broncos or the Philly D versus the Packers. The Broncos O has been pretty awesome and I am not sure the Cowboy's D will hold up. So at this point I am leaning towards the Philly D on Sunday or picking up a D on waivers. Why I am concerned... I am not sure? My team is mired in 12th place in a 12 team league. Of course, my team has been riddled with injuries so I have an excuse! :-)

So, not much to be thankful on the fantasy football front, but weatherwise there is a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Temperatures today are expect to be well into the 60s with lots of sunshine. If there is a negative about today's weather it would be that it will be quite windy. Make sure to be careful with those grills and turkey friers outside.

Colder weather is expected behind the front tonight and tomorrow, but do not expect for it to last as temperatures will climb to near 70 by next week! The down side is I think it will be pretty cloudy with a good chance of showers Sunday-Wednesday.

I am head to mom and dad's house for some turkey. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!


--Chris Smith

Ready For Turkey!

Believe it or not, there were snow flurries in the higher elevations of north Georgia. I'm talking places like Fannina and Gilmer county. I'm looking for pictures, so if you saw the flakes, send them to me (pictures, not flakes).

I'm getting ready for Turkey Day. There's nothing like gathering 'round the table and reflecting on the many blessings of the year. Although in the weather department, there hasn't been much to be thankful about. Killer hurricanes and tornadoes have dominated the front pages since the summer. However, so has the generosity of people seeing the needs of others and stepping up.

I had the chance to help prepare some of the meals that the Atlanta Food Bank will serve to needy families today and that was an act for which I am thankful. Take the time to reach around where you are and do something for someone else this holiday season.

Turkey Day Is Coming

Ugh! (that's a very technical term for today's weather). You probably saw a lot clouds and very few breaks, but check out this cool rainbow! It was sent in by Belinda Allen from Suwanee.

We had quite a soaking today with upwards of an inch and half across nearly all of North Georgia. That's the most rain we've seen since Katrina, way back in August! As the rain moves away, cold air will dive into North Georgia and there is a chance, slim as it is, for a few flurries to fly across Ellijay. Blue Ridge or Blairsvile.

Don't worry about the rain hanging around for Turkey Day, though. I'm looking forward to a mostly sunny and cool day - perfect for gathering with family and friends to watch the Falcons win and the Cowboys lose.

Then, my favorite part of the holiday - waking up early on Friday and hitting the stores. I used to do more of it when my kids were younger. Now, there isn't much of a reason. Oh well, I still might go, just for the experience.

Welcome to our newest BLOG!

If you want to hear about weather and find out what the weather folks are talking about... then this is the new place in town!

Our entire StormTracker 46 Weather team will be contributing to this blog and helping keep you updated on what's happening in their neighborhoods.

So check back here as often as you can read the latest from the largest weather team in Atlanta!