eclipse...

For those of you who missed the eclipse the other night because of the clouds or smoke (yes, some people missed it because smoke from a controlled burn obscured the whole thing!)or because you forgot.... here is a picture that was sent to me from Bennie Koon who lives in Snellville. He is a viewer of CBS46. Thanks a bunch Bennie! To see the next total lunar eclipse here in Atlanta we will have to wait until December 2010!

--Chris

thank you...

I just wanted to thank everyone at Mt. Zion High School in Clayton County last Friday. Loraine Foushee invited me to come speak to her Video Production class about what I do. The kids in her class are learning all about production. From how to edit and shoot video to directing the newscast to running the cameras and even being in front of the camera!

I talked about my experiences in TV and how I got into the business. I also gave them a few tips on how to be successful not only in TV, but in life (well, at least I think the tips were helpful!). At the end of each class I spoke to we stretched our legs and went outside so I could show the kids out Weather Chaser van. I think they liked all the flashing lights, neon, and loudspeaker more than the fact that we actually try and chase tornado's in it!

Members of the StormTracker46 Weather Team are always coming out to speak to various schools and civic groups. If you want us to come visit you all you have to do is fill out the form on our website here. Just look for the school visit worksheet on the side of the page.

Thanks again to everyone at Mt. Zion High School for your hospitality.


--Chris

keep it coming...

Finally... we got a good soaking of rain the other day (see bottom). Between Thursday and Friday we got anywhere from 1-2" across most of the metro area. The rain was perfect as it did not rain too much too quickly. It was a good steady rain and you can tell from the above picture of Sweetwater Creek near Austell that the area lakes and rivers are happy too! (thanks for the pic Ms. Couch!)

Lakes Lanier and Allatoona have also responded. Lake Allatonna has been rising for months and is actually a good 7' above where it is typically this time of year and has gone up 11' from its lowest point last fall. That can be a bit deceptive though since the current total is almost 10' below where it should be in the summer. Meanwhile, Lake Lanier has a long way to go. It is up 2.5' from its lowest point, but is still almost 17' below where it should be during the winter and 19' below full summer pool.

So, I guess the moral to the story is... we need a lot more rain! We are about 2" down for 2008 on top of the almost 20" deficit we ended 2007 with.

As far as rain chances coming up... our first chance will be on Tuesday, but rain totals are only expected to be .25" or so. After that it might be next week before we get a decent rain.

Have a great week!


--Chris

eclipse...

Since the weather does not look like it will cooperate for us to see the satellite (see below entry) we have a chance to witness a total lunar eclipse on Wednesday night (2/20). This will be our last total lunar eclipse for almost 3 years (Dec. 2010).

The eclipse will start at 8:43pm, become total between 10:01pm & 10:51pm, and end at 12:09am.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the shadow of Earth. Typically the moon takes on a reddish tint as it passes through the Earth's shadow. The reason is while a human's shadow is black because of the the Earth's atmosphere, the light of the sun is bent as it passes through the edge of our atmosphere causing the Earth's shadow to appear red.

Right now the weather looks good for the eclipse so get ready to enjoy it!


--Chris

the sky is falling!!!

OK, well maybe not the sky, but broken satellite's may be falling!

If you have watched the news you have probably heard about the U.S. satellite that is falling back to Earth. The scary thing about it is that the experts can not say for sure where the satellite will crash. Will it hit land? Will it fall into the water?

Because of the uncertainty, the U.S. has decided to try and shoot the satellite down so that as it comes into the Earth's atmosphere it will be more likely to burn up rather than have debris fall from the sky (the satellite is about the size of a bus).

The cool thing is that as the satellite continues to fall back toward Earth you can actually see it with you own eyes as it passes over the metro area.

To see where the satellite currently is just click here.

To see when you might be able to see it pass over Atlanta just click here.

The keys to seeing it will be to have a night with pretty clear skies (the forecast calls for cloudy weather over the days ahead) as well as being in an area with less light pollution. The satellite will look like a star (bright white light) moving smoothly across the sky.

The plan is to try and shoot the satellite down in the next week or two so you better catch it before it's too late!!


--Chris

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 7

Storm Spotters
Courtesy: National Weather Service

Skywarn is a program the National Weather Service uses to improve severe storm warnings. Trained volunteers serve as storm spotters. These spotters pass on vital "ground truth" information to forecasters during severe weather events. They are the eyes and ears not only for forecasters, but for the community as a whole.

Skywarn volunteers come from all walks of life, and generally have two things in common - an interest in weather as well as an interest in serving their community. Certain organizations often involved in Skywarn include:

Emergency Management
Law Enforcement
Fire Department and Resuce Squads
Amateur Radio Groups

Any organization or person can become a Skywarn spotter, but they must first complete the necessary training from the National Weather Service. These training classes are offered periodically during the period of January to March 15th. Each class will be done in a grouping of 2 to 4 counties. Anyone interested in attending a spotter training class is asked to contact their counties emergency management office to get a schedule of upcoming classes. Sometimes, depending on demand, a second season of classes is offered between September and November.

For a listing of current classes being offered in the metro area click here.

You can always report severe weather to us here at CBS46 by sending us an e-mail...

cbs46weather@cbs46.com

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 6

Flood Preparedness
Courtesy: National Weather Service

Many people do not know this, but flooding kills more people than any other weather hazard. The majority of deaths from flooding occur when people become trapped in automobiles that stall while driving through flooded areas. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle related. Flooding is usually divided into two categories. These categories are flash flooding and river flooding. Both of these can cause death, injury, and property destruction.

Flash floods are usually caused by slow moving thunderstorms or thunderstorms that move over the same area one after the other. These floods usually occur within 6 hours of heavy rainfall and are usually more life threatening as a result. Areas most prone to floods are mountainous streams and rivers, urban areas, low-lying areas, storm drains, and culverts. Typically, flooding in Peachtree Creek is the result of flash flooding.

River flooding is caused by the gradual increase in the water level of river or creek. These floods usually occur seasonally with general rains, or with heavy rainfall from tropical systems. A good example of this flooding is the flooding that affected south Georgia after Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family?

Know what to listen for. A Flood Watch or a Flash Flood Watch means that conditions have been detected that could lead to flooding of a certain area.

A River Flood Warning or a Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent and you should take action immediately. You can monitor the weather radio or any local radio or TV station to get the latest information.

If flooding occurs get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding such as canyons, dips, low spots, and washes.

Avoid areas already flooding, especially if the water is fast flowing. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Road beds may be washed out due to the flooding. Never try to cross flooded roadways.

If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

Of course, you can get the very latest flood information by tuning into CBS46 or logging onto our website CBS46.com.

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 5

Lightning Information
(Courtesy the National Weather Service)

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather deaths in the United States. In Georgia, preliminary 2005 data shows lightning killed 2 people and injured 28. In Georgia, lightning killed 5 people and injured 17 in 2004, killed 1 person and injured 7 in 2003, 2 people were killed and 7 were injured by lightning in 2002, and 18 people were injured and 1 person was killed by lightning in 2001. Most lightning deaths occur in the Summer months usually in the afternoon and evening hours. Also, most deaths occur when people are caught outside during a storm.

Lightning results from the buildup and release of electrical energy between positive and negative charges between the earth and a thunderstorm. A single lightning bolt can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit - hotter even than the surface of the sun. This rapid heating and cooling of the air creates a shock wave which we hear as thunder. Lightning will usually strike the highest object in area. This includes trees, antennas, a boat on a lake, or a person standing in a field.

So, what should you do to protect yourself:

If you are outside, get inside a building or vehicle. If you can hear thunder, you are already at risk.

Practice the 30/30 safety rule. If you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors an additional 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

If you cannot find shelter, do not stand under a tree or remain in an open place when lightning is near. Avoid open water, as well as tractors, bicycles, motorcycles, or golf carts. These will not provide protection, and may actually attract lightning.

Enclosed vehicles are generally safe, if you avoid contact with metal surfaces.

If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

If you are outside, and feel your hair stand on end, this indicates lightning is about to strike. Drop to your knees and roll forward to the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees and tuck your head down. Do not lie flat on the ground.

If you are boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible.

If you are inside, don't use a telephone or other electrical equipment unless in an emergency.

Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.

For more on lighting safety you can click here.

Of course, you can always count on CBS46 to track the storms right into your neighborhood. We can even use exclusive technology that predicts where lightning will strike over the next 30 minutes!

Although the skies are calm now, remember the above tips and stay tuned to CBS46 to keep you and your family safe!

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 4

I guess it is fitting that on tornado day of Severe Weather Awareness Week we are dealing with the threat of tornadoes across the southeastern U.S. So far more than 40 people have been killed as a result of the storms. That is why it is so important to know what to do so you and your family can stay safe.

Because of the threat of storms today the tornado drill has been rescheduled for Friday. Stay tuned to CBS46 for the very latest on the threat of severe weather this morning across the metro area.


Wednesday’s Post: “Tornadoes”
(Information courtesy of the National Weather Service)

Tornadoes are one of the most fascinating, but deadly, weather phenomena on Earth. Georgia’s peak season for tornadoes stretches from March to May, but tornadoes can actually occur anytime of the year (even in winter!). However, it is often difficult to see Georgia’s tornadoes because they are shielded by rain, trees, or hills.

Tornadoes can come in many shapes and sizes (from fat wedges to tall, skinny ropes), but all tornadoes consist of a column of violently rotating air that extends from the thunderstorm to the ground. Weaker tornadoes last a few minutes, but some stronger tornadoes can last over 20 minutes and produce winds near 300 mph! Tornadoes can develop very quickly, so it is very important to be alert.

A “Tornado Watch” means weather conditions are favorable for developing thunderstorms that are capable of producing tornadoes. When your area is under a watch, it is time to get prepared in case the weather gets worse. If a member of the public reports a tornado, or if the National Weather Service detects a tornado on its radar, then a “Tornado Warning” will be issued. A “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been spotted in your area and is an imminent threat. If you haven’t done so before, it’s time to get to safety NOW. Remain in your storm safety area until the warning has expired.

You can find out if watches and warnings are issued for your area by listening to your NOAA Weather Radio or your tv, or by logging on to CBS46.com. If a tornado watch is issued for your area, take action to get to safety now, especially if you live in a mobile home. Mobile homes are particularly dangerous during a tornado, and if you live in a mobile home community, you should establish a storm shelter in a nearby sturdy building in case severe weather threatens your area.

If you are in a structurally strong building when a tornado threatens, move to the most interior room of the lowest floor (such as a closet in the basement). Try and put as many walls between you and the outside as you can. Avoid windows; trees and other debris can break the glass and injure you. If you are in your vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado; either get inside a sturdy building or lie flat in a nearby ditch (but be sure to watch for flooding).

For more information about tornadoes, visit the National Weather Service’s website and the Tornado Project’s website.

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 3

Tuesday’s Post: “Thunderstorm Safety”
(Information courtesy of the National Weather Service)

Thunderstorms can occur any time of the year in Georgia, as long as conditions are right for them to develop. However, the strongest thunderstorms usually occur in spring and summer, when plenty of warm, humid air is available for thunderstorms to grow.

Although some thunderstorms can have very intense lightning and thunder, they are not classified as “severe” unless they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- the thunderstorm has winds greater than 57 mph
- the thunderstorm produces hail greater than ¾ inch (the size of a penny)
- the thunderstorm produces a tornado

However, you should still seek shelter for all thunderstorms, even if they are not severe, because all thunderstorms have lightning (see Thursday’s post about lightning).

You may have noticed one day that a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for your area, but it wasn’t even raining outside! Well, the reason is that watches are issued to get people prepared before thunderstorms develop. So a “Severe Thunderstorm Watch” means the weather conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm to develop, but it is not in your area yet (for example, the storms might not have developed or they are still a distance away). When your area is under a watch, it’s time to get prepared in case the weather gets worse. If it does, the National Weather Service will issue a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning,” which means a severe thunderstorm has been detected and it’s an imminent threat to your area. If you haven’t done so before, it’s time to get to safety NOW. Remain in your storm safety area until the warning has expired.

You can find out if watches and warnings are issued for your area by listening to your NOAA weather radio or your tv, or by logging on to CBS46.com.

If thunderstorms are headed for your area, go inside a sturdy building and avoid using the phone and other electrical appliances; if lightning strikes your building, it can travel through the wires to you. The same situation can happen with plumbing, so avoid showering during a thunderstorm. If you are outside when thunderstorms threaten, try to find a shelter in a sturdy building or hop into your vehicle as a last resort. Avoid gazebos, trees, and golf carts, because they provide little protection and can actually attract lightning.

If you see storm damage, wait until the thunderstorm passes and then call the National Weather Service at 1-866-763-4466. If you see hail, be sure to describe what size coin it is. For more information about thunderstorms, check out the NWS’s webpage.

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 2

Monday’s Post: “NOAA Weather Radio”
(Information courtesy of the National Weather Service)

A NOAA Weather Radio is a special kind of radio that receives weather information from the local National Weather Service. On days with mild weather, the National Weather Service will broadcast local conditions and the forecast for the next few days. However, when an emergency occurs, the National Weather Service sends out a special tone, and this causes the NOAA radio to sound an alert and play the emergency message.
In Georgia, you can listen to the NOAA weather radio broadcasts by tuning your NOAA radio to the frequency for your area (see chart below).

Georgia NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters and Frequencies
Americus 162.425 MHz
Athens 162.400 MHz
Atlanta 162.550 MHz
Augusta 162.550 MHz
Baxley 162.525 MHz
Blue Ridge 162.475 MHz
Brasstown Bald 162.500 MHz
Buchanan 162.425 MHz
Chatsworth 162.400 MHz
Cleveland 162.525 MHz
Columbus 162.400 MHz
Eastman 162.400 MHz
Eatonton 162.525 MHz
La Grange 162.450 MHz
Macon 162.475 MHz
Pelham 162.550 MHz
Sandersville 162.450 MHz
Savannah 162.400 MHz
Taylor’s Ridge 162.450 MHz
Thomaston 162.500 MHz
Valdosta 162.500 MHz
Waycross 162.475 MHz
Waynesboro 162.425 MHz


For more information, be sure to visit the National Weather Service’s website.

Severe Weather Awareness Week... Day 1

Even though we are in the midst of winter today marks the start of Severe Weather Awareness week here in Georgia. Our severe weather season is typically from mid-March to Mid-May, but not is the time to prepare!

This week the StormTracker46 Weather team will bring you tips to help keep you safe from nature's fury. The week covers a variety of severe weather topics ranging from today's topic... family preparedness, to tornado drill day (Wednesday), to Flooding (Friday), and Storm Spotters (Saturday).

I would be remiss if I did not thank recent Georgia Tech graduate and meteorologist, Chrissy Warrilow, who has helped us get everything together for Severe Weather Awareness Week.


“Family Preparedness: Know What to Do before Disaster Strikes”
(Information courtesy of the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross)

Despite recent improvements in weather forecasting, severe weather can still strike within a moment’s notice. Because the weather can deteriorate very quickly, it is important to have a family disaster plan developed ahead of time. The National Weather Service suggests implementing the following steps into your family’s disaster plan:

1.) Gather information about hazards. Be aware of the different kinds of severe weather that affects your neighborhood, and during what time of year and day they usually occur. Be sure to know appropriate shelter areas and warning signals for each kind of severe weather. Good sources of information include the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross, and your favorite CBS 46 meteorologist.

2.) Meet with your family to create a plan. Talk about the information you have gathered with your family and decide where everyone will go in case disaster strikes. It’s a good idea to have two meeting places, depending on the type of emergency: 1.) a place outside of the home in case of something within the home (such as a fire), and 2.) a place outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return to your community for a while. For example, those who evacuated for Hurricane Katrina in 2005 could not return to their communities for weeks, and needed a plan for staying elsewhere during that time. In case the emergency involves evacuating away from your neighborhood, be sure your family has an out-of-state contact person to act as a “check in” for everyone to call in case members of your family get separated. Once your family has created its disaster plan, make sure everyone clearly understands it and knows what to do in each type of emergency.

3.) Put your plan in action. Post your disaster plan in a central location, such as on the refrigerator, and have emergency contact numbers listed near each phone. Learn how to do emergency home procedures, such as turning off power and gas in case of a break. Be sure to teach young children when it is appropriate to call 911 and how to do so (for example, what to say to the operator, knowing the full address to the home, describing the emergency clearly, etc). Also, it is a good idea to assemble a disaster kit which has supplies for at least 3 days, including non-perishable food, bottled water, warm clothing, and medicine, and store copies of important documents sealed in water proof containers within this disaster kit. A very detailed list of items that should be in your family’s disaster kit can be found at the American Red Cross’s website, http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_91_,00.html

4.) Practice and maintain your plan. Schools across the country conduct tornado and fire drills, why not your family? Regular practice smooths your disaster plan so that in a real emergency, the evacuation process becomes less chaotic; everyone already knows what to do and will instinctively do it. Regular practice of your family’s disaster plan includes discussing shelter for each hazard and knowing which phone numbers to call in case of injury, family member separation, etc.

The worst thing to ever do for your family is to not have a plan. While it is easy to think “it will never happen to me,” the reality is that at some point in time, everyone will need to be prepared for when disaster strikes. For more information about developing an family disaster plan, check out the National Weather Service’s website and the Red Cross’s Website.

starry skies...

If you are an early riser Saturday morning (2/1) then you have a great chance to see two planets that will appear to be fractions of an inch apart!

All you need to do to see them is look southeast just before sunrise and you will get a good look at Jupiter and Venus (no telescope needed). The planets were even closer this morning, but the clouds from last nights rains ruined the viewing.

Each morning over the days ahead the two planets will get farther and farther... so you better check them out soon!

For more on what's going on in the celestial sky make sure to check out SkyandTelescope.com!


--Chris