Importance of Storm Reports

NWS Town Hall Meeting Summary

SKYWARN^TM Recognition Day

Winter Weather Safety

Heavy Snow Patterns

Northwest Flow Upslope Snows

Summer 2006 Climate and Upcoming Winter Outlook

Historical River Flooding

A Look at Dense Fog

2006 Tropics Report

Snow Cover
Measured by Satellites

From the Desk of the Meteorologist-in-Charge

David Wert

If you are reading this newsletter you are undoubtedly interested in weather. Whether you are excited about the transition away from the heat and humidity of summer, to the snow and cold of winter, or dread its approach, you are most likely watching the weather from day to day and have a personal interest in it!

Importance of reporting winter weather

NWS Blacksburg Town Hall Meeting Summary

by Phil Hysell, Warning Coordination Meteorologist

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg, in partnership with the City of Roanoke, hosted its first ever Town Hall Meeting at the Roanoke Civic Center Performing Arts Theater on Tuesday September 12th. The purpose of this meeting was to promote safety and awareness of dangerous weather during National Preparedness Month, provide an overview of NWS digital and mobile services, and take questions and address concerns from patrons and customers.

An opportunity for the NWS to obtain direct feedback from its patrons and customers.

SKYWARN^TM Recognition Day

by Phil Hysell, Warning Coordination Meteorologist

 

The eighth annual SKYWARN^TM Recognition Day will take place Friday evening December 1st through Saturday December 2nd (0000-2400 UTC). During this time, regional amateur radio operators and members of the National Weather Service (NWS) will gather at our office and contact other radio operators at other NWS offices, as well as contacts around the world.

Winter Weather Safety

by Phil Hysell, Warning Coordination Meteorologist

Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and you have a significant threat. A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snow and cold temperatures.

Heavy Snow Climatology for the Blacksburg, VA CWA
for the Period 1993 through 2005

Snow Accumulations from Northwest Upslope Flow

by Steve Keighton, Science and Operations Officer

 If you have read the previous article, then you know that we can get significant snow accumulations from several types of large scale weather patterns and storm systems, which all generally produce deep upward motion with ample moisture (and of course temperatures cold enough for snow).

SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING HIGHLIGHTS 
  OF THE SPRING/SUMMER 2006

by William Perry

HISTORICAL FLOODING DURING THE FALL
THROUGH EARLY SPRING

A look at our area rivers and dates when significant flooding occurred

by William Perry and Jan Jackson

For the Blacksburg Hydrologic Service Area, flooding can occur at anytime of year. However, looking at the more historic events, those which produced the highest river levels at our forecast points, the fall through early spring (September-March), is the normal time frame.

In this article we will be discussing historical river floods

Airport Dense Fog Study

by Jan Jackson and Amanda Worrell

One of our toughest challenges is forecasting dense fog,
with visibilities of a quarter mile or less.

What is a Left-Hand Traffic Pattern?
and fascinating facts from the FAA

By Ken Kostura

TROPICAL SYSTEMS CAN OFFER DOUBLE TROUBLE,
BUT OVERALL SLOW 2006 SEASON

by James Hudgins

The affects that tropical cyclones or their remnants bring to the region can vary from flooding rainfall to tornado producing mini super cell thunderstorms. These tropical systems again most often occur in the months of August and September when ocean water temperatures are at their warmest while upper level jet stream winds for the most part remain north of the region. This heavy rainfall can result in catastrophic damage due to flooding along with property and structural damage seen in the stronger tornadoes.

Snow Cover and Satellites

by Anita Silverman

One of the many ways NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) measures snow cover is with satellites.

Astronomy Calendar and the Origins of Full Moon Names

by Donato O. Cacciapaglia

 

As the days shorten and the nights noticeably lengthen, the time has come for enjoying the night skies in the central Appalachian and Piedmont regions. It is also the time for the notorious Blue Ridge haze that has tainted our skies and viewing pleasure through the spring and summer seasons to dissipate, allowing clearer viewing of the nighttime sky.

El Rincón Español

(The Spanish Corner)

by Peter Corrigan

 

En la edición del "Rincón español" nosotros tomaremos un más cerca mira El Nino. Esto es un fenómeno climático que puede tener una influencia grande en las pautas de tiempo a través de los Estados Unidos.

By Peter Corrigan

Life in the Volunteer's Shoes

By: Amanda Worrell
Volunteer