UPDATED RAIN TOTALS via National Weather Service

Here's updated data from the National Weather Service of Portland regarding the recent rains:

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR 845 AM PDT MON OCT 25 2010 ...HEAVY RAINFALL OVER THE FORECAST AREA... A STRONG AREA OF OFFSHORE LOW PRESSURE DROVE HEAVY RAIN INTO OREGON OVER THE PAST 48 HOURS. THE FOLLOWING ARE AMOUNTS FROM REPORTING STATIONS:


48 HOUR RAINFALL ENDING AT 5 AM PDT MONDAY:
TILLAMOOK..................................3.90 INCHES
EUGENE AIRPORT.............................2.60 INCHES
CORVALLIS..................................2.11 INCHES
TROUTDALE..................................2.02 INCHES
SCAPPOOSE..................................1.98 INCHES
HILLSBORO..................................1.85 INCHES
VANCOUVER..................................1.82 INCHES
MCMINNVILLE................................1.81 INCHES
KELSO......................................1.74 INCHES
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.............1.55 INCHES
ASTORIA....................................1.47 INCHES
SALEM AIRPORT..............................1.04 INCHES
NEWPORT....................................1.02 INCHES


ADDITIONAL OREGON REPORTS ENDING AT 8 AM PDT MONDAY:
LEES CAMP..................................5.20 INCHES
SADDLE MOUNTAIN............................4.70 INCHES
FALLS CITY.................................4.20 INCHES
MARION FORKS...............................3.90 INCHES
JEWELL.....................................3.90 INCHES
HASKINS DAM................................3.90 INCHES
DETROIT LAKE...............................3.50 INCHES
COUGAR.....................................3.50 INCHES
MAPLETON...................................3.40 INCHES
STAYTON....................................3.00 INCHES
DIXIE MOUNTAIN.............................3.00 INCHES
SCOTTS MILLS...............................2.70 INCHES
GRANDE RONDE...............................2.70 INCHES
VERNONIA...................................2.60 INCHES
SUMMIT.....................................2.60 INCHES
BONNEVILLE DAM.............................2.50 INCHES
BULL RUN...................................2.50 INCHES
FOREST GROVE...............................2.30 INCHES
GRESHAM CITY...............................2.20 INCHES
HOOD RIVER.................................1.29 INCHES


THIS WILL BE THE ONLY STATEMENT ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT

Rain Records and Mt. Snow!

Wow, talk about a little of everything...heavy rain/wind/lightning/snow. Places around the metro area are getting close to breaking some rainfall records, here are some totals as of 6 AM this morning:

Troutdale
1.66"
Tillamook
1.42"
Vancouver
1.32"
Eugene
1.17"
Portland
1.14"
Hillsboro
1.13"
Aurora
1.08"


As for Mt. Hood, I don't really need to explain too much if your the ones who like starring at pictures. Timberline is reporting a little over 8 " of fresh new snow and snow covered roads, so if anyone plans on heading up there, come prepared for winter weather conditions.

Here's Steve Pierces Morning Recap via Oregon AMS:

Weekend Rainfall Nears Record


Portland, Oregon (October 25th 2010) – "The Pacific Northwest was pounded with heavy rain, thunder, lightning and blustery winds as the first strong storm of the fall season rolled across the region over the weekend. Winds gusted to as high as 60 mph along the coast. The Portland International Airport received 1.14" of rainfall Sunday alone, barely missing the old record of 1.31" set back in 1943. When combining Saturday's rainfall with Sunday's, the Portland Airport picked up more than 1.62" of rain for the weekend, which brings the total for the month to just over 3 inches. On average, Portland receives about 2.88" of rainfall for the month of October. The wettest October ever at the Portland Airport (1940-2010) was set back in 1994 when 8.41" of rain fell. Some areas in the coast range and Cascades picked up nearly 3" of rainfall over the same period."

NOTE: Rain Table above is regarded to this article.



Steve Pierce, Vice President
phone: 503-504-2075
e-mail: stevejpierce@comcast.net
http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon/

Last Day: WWA Wrap- Up!

I want to take the time to thank a few buddies of mine for helping spread the word this week on our participation of Winter Weather Awareness Week with the National Weather Service of Portland. This has been a very successful Winter Weather Awareness week and we belive we reached out to as many folks as we can regarding the issue. Today, is obviously the last day so lets go ahead and recap this past week and finish off!

...Enjoy the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest this winter season, but keep and eye or ear on the changeable weather...

The National Weather Service issues a variety of winter weather watches, advisories and warnings (Tuesday's topic). Safety tips were also discussed. Always check the latest weather forecast before heading out and take the warnings issued by the National Weather Service seriously.

Before winter weather threatens this season, you should prepare a winter safety kit for you vehicle. Such kits are also available at many retail and auto supply stores. Remember, if you become stranded on the roads during a storm, run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, but keep the window open a bit for ventilation. Also, keep the exhaust pipe clear of obstruction to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night while running the motor.

Avoid overexertion when outdoors. Heart attacks can kill during and after storms, because shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be quite stressful.

A valuable companion when heading out this cold season is a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides you with the latest weather conditions and forecasts. You can purchase such radios at many local electronics or department stores, and over the internet.

Use the 511 phone and internet traveler information services provided by state transportation departments to info on road conditions, road work, vehicle restrictions, and road closures, before you travel.

Finally, if you need more information on winter weather safety, winter weather brochures, or NOAA Weather Radio, please contact your nearest National Weather Service office by phone, or by web.

Thank you for your participation in this year's Winter Weather Awareness Week. We hope this information has been beneficial to you.

For questions about local Winter Weather Preparedness, contact your local NOAA National Weather Service Office!

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/seasonal/wintersat.php

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/

WWA: Day 5! Is it just me or did it just get really Windy?!

Hope everyone’s having a wonderful Friday morning. Today, we will be discussing Wind Storms/Events for the Pacific Northwest, for those of you who have lived here for over 5 years+ should already have this down by now. If not, great time to reeducate and prepare yourself for the next "Big Blow" (Which we are "Overdue" for).


The Pacific Northwest does not get hurricanes, but it does get hurricane force winds.

Across eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, Idaho and Montana:
In January 2008 a powerful wind storm in Walla Walla, WA and Milton Freewater, OR is a recent and striking example. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph caused widespread damage. Hundreds of trees were downed, power lines were damaged, vehicles were blown off the road, and even houses were damaged during this event.

Across western Washington and western Oregon:
The best example was the nation's strongest non-tropical windstorm ever---the Columbus Day storm of 1962. This storm produced hurricane force winds across western Oregon and Washington. Winds of 150 mph (category 4 hurricane force) winds rocked the coastal areas, killing 46 persons, injuring hundreds more and knocking out power for several million people. Damage was widespread, with buildings, schools and thousands of homes either destroyed or damage. Other notable windsstorms of the past: the Great Olympic Blowdown of 1921, the November 13th/15th 1981 Twin Wind Storms, the Inauguration Day storm of 1993, and most recently the Great Coastal Gale of December 2007.


Are you ready for the next windstorm?
Windstorms bring down trees and power lines, and produce much blowing debris. Falling trees and blowing debris cause the most fatalities.

Be sure to have your 3-day emergency preparedness kit ready at home, school and/or at work. This kit should include water and non-perishable food for each person, and AM/FM battery-powered radio, along with flashlights and extra batteries. Be sure to include vital medications, sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothing.

In addition, inspect your home and grounds each year for nearby trees that may fall and damage your home. Ensure the trees are healthy and trimmed, and you home, school or business is structurally sound. It is also a good idea to bring lightweight items in out of the weather, or tie them down. During strong gusty winds, such items can become dangerous missiles. These precautions will help ensure that you are ready for the next big blow.


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Additional Links of Interest...
Pacific NW Windstorm Brochure (.pdf)
Past Windstorms of Oregon, including Columbus Day Storm
Historic Windstorm Photographs (mostly NW Oregon/SW Washington)


Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.

Tomorrow is our Last Day of Winter Weather Awareness Week, we will offer a recap on Sunday following the last post on Saturday. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to go through and read up on potential future winter hazards, we hope this helps other folks who may not know too much about the weather here, find the knowledge needed to get through any given winter like a true Oregonian. Thank you again!


NWS Winter Weather Awareness Official Page

--Grant L.

Day 4: Flooding, Are you Prepared?

Good morning folks! So far in our Winter Weather Segmant we talked about how to deal with the cold and how to read winter weather warnings/advisories. We also learned how to react and what to do in certain events. But one other thing that we are missing out on, is information regarding flooding/warnings-advisories regarding flooding and how to respond. Do you know what to do?


During most winters, storms bring long periods of heavy rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest. In addition to extended rain, flooding can also occur due to ice jams, where large flows of ice pile up. This pile-up of ice can act like a dam, causing water to back up and flood. Warm weather can also cause snow on the middle and higher mountains to melt, putting more water into already rain-swollen streams.

Flooding causes more deaths and prpoerty damage in the U.S. than any other severe weather related event. The majority of flood related deaths occur when people become trapped in automobiles while attempting to drive through flooded areas. Flowing water can be deceptively strong, and pack a powerful punch. As little as six inches of water is enough to float a small car and carry it away. There have been many floods in the history of the Northwest, which include the devastating floods of December 1964 and February 1996. Most recently, in Dec 2007 and Jan 2009, significant flooding struck the Pacific Northwest, closing a twenty mile stretch of interstate 5 near Chehalis Washington under 10 feet of water. Coastal flooding can also occur during the winter months, and poses a threat to life and property. Winds generated from very strong Pacific storms can drive ocean water inland, much like a storm surge, and can cause significant flooding along the immediate coastal areas and estuaries.

A Flood refers to a gradual rise in the water along a stream, river, wash or over an extended period of time. Floods result from heavy rainfall, river ice jams, snowmelt. They can erode an entire mountain side, roll boulders the size of trucks, tear out trees, destroy buildings, wash out roads and bridges, and cause the loss of lives. Rain weakened soils can also result in mudslides capable of closing major highways.

Flood Watch...
This means that flooding is possible with the watch area. You should remain alert and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

Flood Warning...
This means that flooding has been reported, or is imminent. When a flood warning is issued for your area, act quickly to save yourself. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Go to higher ground, or climb to safetly. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by rising flood waters.

Nearly half of all flood fatalities are auto-related. Water that is two feet deep will carry away most automobiles. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. The road bed may be washed out beneath the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

The best advice if you are in a vehicle: TURN AROUND…Don't DROWN.
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From the past...
Record Floods of December 1964 [some historical photos]
The December 1964 rainstorm was undoubtedly the most severe rainstorm to ever occur over central Oregon, and among the most severe over western Oregon since the late 1870s. Several observing stations across central Oregon recorded two-thirds of their normal annual rainfall in just 5 days. Scores of stations set new records for both 24-hour totals and December monthly rainfall totals. Widespread severe flooding occurred, with at least 30 major highway bridges receiving such damage as to make them unuseable! The new John Day multi-million dollar bridge was destroyed as were scores of bridges on county and secondary roads. Hundreds of miles of roads and highways were washed out or badly damaged. Thousands of people had to be evacuated due to ensuing floods.

The Willamette River at downtown Portland had a stage of 29.8 feet. This was a record high for the winter season, and was within inches of the peak stage during the Columbia River spring flood of 1948. Hundreds of homes and other buildings were destroyed and an even greater number were badly damaged. .Heavy snow followed by persistent heavy rains lead to record flooding in Oregon during the later half of December 1964 and January 1965. In all, 17 people died. Virtually every river in the state was far above flood stage and mudslides, bridge failures, and inundation closed the state's roads, airports, and railways. Reservoirs were overwhelmed early on in the storm and many proved unable to release water fast enough to prevent overtopping. Dorena Dam, south of Eugene had water flowing over the top more than 8 feet deep.
Read more information on this and other historic storms in Oregon.

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Additional Links of Interest...
1996 Flood Crests Summary of Northwest Oregon/SW Washington
Each local office may have photographs online (see office links below)


Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.

Day 5, we still have to discuss windstorms and how to prepare for those events, so stay tuned for more important information during Winter Weather Awareness Week. Follow along yourself at the NWS of Portland.

Start of the Rainy Season?? And Day 3 of Winter Weather Awareness Week!

Before we go on discussing Day 3's Winter Weather Awareness material, I wanted to discuss the change in patterns coming up starting Thursday night into next week. According to models, which have been consistent for the most part in the last 4 days showing a sudden switch off to The Pacific Northwest Rainy Season. We consider this the start of the "Rainy Season" due to the fact that, it's Mid-October (Normally the start of the Rainy Season here as it is), model's show no sustained dry periods for over a week and lowering snow levels in the Cascades. So all in all, expect the next week to be very Fall-like and if you are traveling or doing any Hiking this weekend, be aware of the lowering snow levels and come prepared.

Today is Day 3 of our Winter Weather Awareness celebration so lets discuss the really cold stuff that happens to fall all over the state during Winter!


Snow, Ice, Avalanche and Blizzards are the most common of Winter's many hazards.

Winter storms are a frequent occurence across the Pacific Northwest. Many of these storms bring snow amounts that cause road closures, especially through the mountain passes. Wind, in combination with the snow, can cause reduced visibility and deep snow drifts. Along with the heavy snow comes an avalanche threat in areas of steep terrain. In valley locations, temperatures may be near freezing during the day, but after the storm passes, temperatures plummet causing wet roadways to become ribbons of black ice. In some valleys, cool air trapped near the surface remains below freezing, while warmer air aloft drops rain through the sub-freezing air, causing glaze ice or freezing rain.

All of these hazards are forecast ahead of time by your local National Weather Service forecast office. Winter storm watches are generally issued 1 to 3 days prior to the storm's arrival. Winter storm warnings, ice storm warnings and heavy snow warnings are issued within a day and sometimes two days's warning.

1) Winter Storm Warning...issued when any combination of freezing rain, sleet, wind and/or heavy snow occurs over an area that is expected to cause significant widespread damage. Snow amounts required for winter storm warnings vary, given the terrain and location. For low lying areas, which normally receive very little snow, only 2 to 4 inches of snow is required for a winter storm warning. On the other hand in mountainous areas, where nearly every storm brings at least 6 inches of snow, 8 to 10 inches (or more) of snow is required for a warning. A winter storm warning means that road crews will have difficulty keeping roads open and snow free, making travel difficult at best, and impossible at worst.


2) Blizzard Warning... is normally associated with severe winter weather in the northern plains where strong northwest winds bring snow and frigid temperatures. While rather common for the plains states, blizzard or near blizzard conditions can occur in the Pacific Northwest. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a combination of wind that is 35 mph or stronger accompanied by snow with visibilities frequently below one-quarter of a mile.


3) Ice Storm Warning... in the Pacific Northwest are infrequent, but can be extremely dangerous. Across interior locations, valley locations will have temperatures below freezing when a warm winter storm blows overhead. Rain falling out of the storm passes through the sub-freezing air near the surface and freezes on contact with objects. These conditions cause trees to snap, power lines to fall, and make roads nearly impossible to navigate.


4) Avalanche Warnings...Avalanche Warnings are issued by the Northwest Avalanche Forecast Center, located in Seattle. These products are issued when there is a significant threat of avalanches in the Cascades and Olympics backcountry, possibly affecting mountain roadways and other high country interests. Also, see the NW Avalanche Center's website.

Thousands of avalanches occur each year in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. With the popularity of winter sports, avalanches pose a great risk to skiers, hikers and snowmobilers. The risk is very real, as people die each year when sudden avalanches bury them. Avalanches can happen anywhere the slope is steep enough and has a heavy load of snow. They typically occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm, you may allow the snow to settle. If you stay in the valleys away from avalanches chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes, you can minimize your risk to avalanches.

…AVALANCHE SAFETY RULES…
1) NEVER TRAVEL ALONE. Always have one or more companions. If you are alone, and get trapped by an avalanche, you may not be found until April or May.

2) If crossing a slope that may be prone to avalanches, do it one person at a time. You want to minimize the impact on your party if an avalanche occurs.

WHEN WINTER STORMS THREATEN…AVOID TRAVEL IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. ROAD CREWS WORK HARD TO KEEP ROADS OPEN…STUCK CARS ONLY MAKE THEIR JOB HARDER.


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Additional Links of Interest...
Top 10 Weather Events of the 1900s for Oregon
Top 10 Weather Events of the 1900s for Washington
Each local office may have other historical data and photographs online (see office links below)

Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.

Day 2: Do You Know What The Warnings Mean and How to React?

On day two of the NWS Winter Weather Awareness Week, we look into Winter Warnings, what they mean and how to react. You may be surprised by the definitions and certain explanations regarding certain Winter Weather Warnings and Advisories so this is a really great way to get accustome to The Pacific Northwest Winter.


ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER WEATHER ?

A goal of the National Weather Service is to provide information on winter storms, with enough advance notice to allow the whole community to take actions needed to prepare for and deal with adverse and sometimes dangerous weather conditions. As the threat of severe winter weather draws closer, and the confidence in the location and timing of the event increases, the National Weather Service will issue various bulletins that become increasingly more specific. Here is what these bulletins mean, and what precautions you should take:

NOAA's National Weather Service uses a four-tier approach to alert the public for the potential for severe weather or high fire danger. This four-tier approach consists of outlooks, advisories, watches and warnings.

1) Winter Storm Outlook...
A winter storm outlook is issued when conditions are favorable for hazardouse winter weather to develop within the next 3 to 7 days. It is intended for those groups that require considerable lead time to prepare for the event.

ACTION: Stay tuned to local media or monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates. Evaluate your emergency action plan and the resources you have in your home, car or work place to deal with a winter storm.

2) Winter Storm Watch...
A winter storm watch is issued when the risk of hazardous winter weather has increased, but occurrence, location and timing is still somewhat uncertain. Generally, a watch is issued when there is a significant threat of severe winter weather in the next 12 to 48 hours.

ACTION: You should prepare now and ensure that all emergency plans and resources are in place. Note: Winter Storm Watches may be upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings, if conditions warrant.

3) Winter Weather Advisory...
Winter weather advisories are issued for less serious winter weather conditions that are occurring, or have a high likelihood of occurring. These products are used for winter weather situations that are less severe than a Warning, but will cause significant inconvenience. These situations should not be life threatening, damage is usually localized and the main danger is hazardous travel. Note: This advisory may be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning if conditions warrant.

4) Winter Storm Warning...
A winter storm warning is issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. Warning products are used for conditions that pose a threat to life or property. Winter Storm warnings are issued for several types of hazardous winter weather, including heavy snow, sleet, or a combination of snow and wind.

ACTION: YOU SHOULD ACT NOW. STAY INDOORS IF POSSIBLE UNTIL THE STORM ENDS. LIMIT ANY TRAVEL TO ONLY WHAT IS ESSENTIAL.

5) Ice Storm Warning...
An ice storm warning is issued when freezing rain will accumulate at a rate that causes a coating of ice that will make outdoor activities dangerous. Tree limbs and power lines fall under the weight of the ice. These conditions are fairly rare but, when they occur, can be especially dangerous.

6) Blizzard Warning...
Blizzard warnings are issued when:
Sustained wind speeds of 35 mph or more, or frequents wind gusts of 35 mph or more. Considerable falling and/or blowing snow is occurring, reducing visibility to less then 1/4 of a mile.

7) Dangerous Wind Chill Warning...
Wind chill warnings are issued when the Wind chill of -20 degrees or colder are expected or occurring and:

Expected to last one hour or longer.
Wind speeds of 10 mph or more are expected or occurring.
Reference Wind Chill chart

8) Avalanche Warning...
Avalanche warnings are issued by the Northwest Avalanche Forecast Center, located in Seattle. These products are issued when there is a significant threat of avalanches in the Cascades and Olympics backcountry, possibly affecting mountain roadways and other high country interests.
[For more info, see the NW Avalanche Center's website]


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Additional Links of Interest...
NOAA's Weather Safety website
Preparedness for Winter Weather
Each local office may have historic storm data and photographs online (see office links below)

Check back tomorrow for Day 3 of our Winter Weather Awareness Week celebration!

NWS WWA: Winter Weather Safety and Terminology

We all know that winter is coming and that it's expected to be a quite stormy season this time around, but do you know any of the terminology and proper saftey rules during the winter season?
Todays Winter Weather Saftey and Terminology Monday at the National Weather Service of Portland and this week; as mentioned last weekend, we will be posting every day this week following Winter Weather Awareness Week with the National Weather Service.

Winter Weather Safety and Terminology via NWS of Portland:

Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia, and become life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are the most susceptible. When a winter storm approaches, stay inside, or seek shelter if caught outdoors.

Other tips to follow to better protect you and others:

When using an alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, be sure to use fire safeguards and properly ventilate. Close off unneeded rooms in the building. Stuff towels or rags in cracks and under doors. Cover windows at night to minimize loss of heat through the windows. Eat and drink sufficient amounts of water. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Fluids prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight and warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating and perspiration and subsequent chill. Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and proper shelter from the elements.

If caught outdoors:

Find shelter immediately. Try to stay dry, and cover all exposed body parts. In no shelter is available, build a lean-to, windbreak, or a snow cave to protect yourself from the wind Build a fire for heat and to attract attention for rescue. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Melt snow for drinking water. Avoid eating snow, as this will lower your body temperature.

If traveling:

This best way to avoid becoming stranded or stuck during a winter storm is to avoid travel during the storm. Stay informed on the current weather, forecasts and warnings. Obtain the latest warnings and forecasts from your NOAA Weather Radio, The National Weather Service website [ http://weather.gov ], or your favorite media news source. If you must travel, let someone else ( who is not traveling ) know of your travel plans.
Weatherize your vehicle now, before rough winter weather arrives. Make sure your vehicle safety set includes: adequate tires, chains, tow rope, sand or cat litter for traction, shovel, tool kit, windshield scraper and brush, battery cables, first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries, a blanket or sleeping bag, extra clothes, waterproof matches, high-calorie snacks and an empty can to melt snow for drinking water.

If you become stranded while traveling:

STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE, and do not panic. If with other people, take turns sleeping. Run the motor every hour for about 10 minutes to maintain warmth, but keep window open a bit to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow. Keep a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna, in order for others to find your car. Exercise periodically by vigorously moving arms, legs, toes and fingers.

In the Mountains and higher Terrain:
Avalanches become a possibility during the winter, especially below steep slopes. Avalanches occasionally come down across roads, with little or no warning. Caution is advised when travelling along avalanche prone roads, especially after heavy snow has fallen or during periods of rapid snowmelt.

Roads which appear clear in the wintertime may actually be coated with a thin layer of ice, commonly called black ice. This nearly invisible ice layer can cause you to rapidly lose control of your vehicle. Black ice is most common during the nighttime hours into very early morning. If you detect black ice, reduce your speed!


Cold and its Effects on You:
Wind Chill: this is not the actual temperature, but rather how wind and cold combined feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, thus lowering your body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill, but cars, plants and other objects are not.


Frostbite: this is damage to body tissue due to exposure to extreme cold. A wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ears and even the tip of your nose. If symptons are detected, get medical help immediately. If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm the affected areas. If the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

Hypothermia: this is a condition brought on when the body temperatures drops to less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It can kill. For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person's temperature, and if it is below 95F, seek medical care immediately.


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Remember, in times of hazardous winter weather, you can get all these vital NOAA/National Weather Service messages via NOAA Weather Radio, your favorite local media, or through NOAA's National Weather Service websites.

You can follow along by visiting the National Weather Services Winter Weather Areness Page: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/seasonal/wintermon.php

Record Attendance in the 2010 Winter Weather Meeting at OMSI Today!

NOTE: I will have my notes and thoughts on the meeting tomorrow so check back

Capacity crowd of 350 attend the 18th Annual “What Will the Winter Be Like” weather forecast meeting in Portland!



Portland, Oregon (October 16th 2010) – A standing room only / capacity crowd of 350 people descended on the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Saturday morning in Portland. Attendees traveled from distances in excess of 100 miles in order to hear detailed forecasts for the upcoming winter from local and regional experts. Mark Nelsen, KPTV Fox-12 Chief Meteorologist gave a recap of last winter’s weather, followed by forecasts from Tyree Wilde, NOAA-National Weather Service WC Meteorologist, Portland, George Taylor, Applied Climate Services Climatologist, LLC, Corvallis, Oregon, Pete Parsons, Oregon Department of Forestry Meteorologist, Salem, Oregon

and Kyle Dittmer, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Hydrologist-Meteorologist who presented his forecasts via telephone from Germany.


Forecast Synopsis


“With a moderate to strong La Nina well underway, the majority of experts at today’s annual forecast meeting predict a wetter and cooler than normal winter overall for Oregon. Snow pack in the Cascades is likely to be at or above normal this winter. In some analog (similar) years in the past, the Cascades have experienced near record snow amounts. George Taylor, Applied Climate Services Climatologist, LLC, Corvallis, Oregon, says, “wet, wild and windy weather is in store for the coming winter.” Pete Parsons, Oregon Department of Forestry Meteorologist, Salem, Oregon says, “this winter is likely to be markedly different from last year. Parsons went on to say, “I would be surprised if we made it through this winter without seeing at least one arctic air mass and low elevation snow event.” Tyree Wilde, NOAA-National Weather Service WC Meteorologist, Portland says, “wet, wet, wet this winter.” Forecasters also noted that it has been 15 years since the last major windstorm to strike Oregon on December 12th 1995, which was also a La Nina winter that featured a record setting flood, arctic air and snow.


Detailed Presentations & Video Footage


* If you would like to download / view all of the forecasts in detail (.pdf format), please go to our chapter’s website at:
http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon/Minutes/2010_10_16_Minutes.html


* If you have any issues with the above link, please use this alternate link to download the full length presentations (.pdf format). Please only use this alternate link if you have troubles with the chapter link above:
http://piercevideo.com/omsi.shtml


* Please feel free to use any of these short HD video clips if so desired. Please courtesy the Oregon AMS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJVDHrMCv2g



Please direct all post meeting inquiries to:

Bobby Corser, President, Oregon chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Phone: 971-563-9458 E-mail: bobbyamsprez@gmail.com



Steve Pierce, Vice President, Oregon chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Phone: 503-504-2075 E-mail: stevejpierce@comcast.net

Oregon AMS chapter web site: http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon/

OMSI web site: http://www.omsi.edu/

Wet Weekend, Winter Weather Awareness and Report Severe Weather for Local Research!

Wow, we have a lot to talk about today regarding weather in the PacNW. I'll start off by mentioning that it was a very wet weekend, Sat-Sun Precipitation totals in McMinnville reached 1.07" total while places like Astoria received 3.42". A location in Washington (Cougar) received 7.96" of rain in October!! I have noticed that we are starting to take that weekend wet/weekday dry pattern here which is typical of early fall and spring.

Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct. 17th- 23rd via NWS of Portland.
Talking about all this rain, already, makes my email box fill up with emails on what we are looking at for this coming winter. The OMSI Winter Weather Meeting on the 16th at 10 AM will kick off the official start to the National Weather Services Winter Weather Awareness Week. McMinnville Weather has always supported NWS's goal of providing life saving tips and information regarding safety during our winter months here in the Pacific Northwest. To celebrate, next week I will dedicate a blog post every day that the Winter Weather Awareness Week has put up on that specific day, we'll discuss all the information and make sure everyone has it down. Click the link below for more information:
NWS Winter Weather Awareness Week

We also want to take the time and let folks know that we have officially finished the MCMW.com MWSRD (McMinnville Weather's Severe Weather Reporting System)on our front page. We want folks to bookmark the page and report all severe/storm damage incidents to this program, which we will use for future research projects as well as data sharing with the National Weather Service. Click the link below to continue reading more on this new feature.
MCMW.com's MWSRD Page

More to come.... --Grant

September MEI Breaks Records!

Via Steve Pierce, the newest MEI numbers have come out showing some pretty exciting numbers this time of the year! The MEI, which in "big" words, means: Multivariate ENSO Index.
We use the MEI to monitor the mutliple oceanic-atmospheric character of ENSO by basing the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) on the main observed variables over the tropical Pacific. This allows us to measure the intensity of the ENSO, whether its in a La Nina state or El Nino state. As for today, we are going into new territory. This is currently one of the strongest La Nina's since 1955 if you can belive that? Here's Steve's publication via email:

September MEI Sets New Record

For those who are interested, the September MEI (Multivariate ENSO Index) reading was released today. It was a whopping -1.99 which is the lowest September MEI reading of all-time (1950-2010). It bested the following September readings ---

2010 -1.99
1975 -1.867
1955 -1.815
1973 -1.75
1988 -1.597

It is also the 3rd lowest monthly MEI reading ever recorded (1950-2010) for any month of the year. Only June and August of 1955 with -2.286 and -2.03 respectively were lower than last month. One could say that, as far as the MEI is concerned, this is now the strongest La Nina in 55 yrs (since 1955).

Steve Pierce
Vice President
Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS)
503-504-2075 (Portland)
e-mail: stevejpierce@comcast.net

web site: http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon/

Sources:
http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/enso/enso.mei_index.html

REMINDER: 2010 AMS Sponsored: What Will Winter Be Like? meeting at OMSI October 16th!

Remember folks; head out to OMSI on October 16th at 10 AM for the annual "What Will Winter Be Like?" meeting sponsored by the Oregon AMS and of course, OMSI. This meeting will offer insight from highly respected and talented professionals in the field of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate and even some Astrology (Sun Cycles)! This will be a good opportunity to get a consensus of what the scientist think will play role factors in this upcoming winter. They offer good explanations with great data, but also keep anything open when it comes to actually determining a prediction synopsis, with all the role factors stated included. As you know, or should know, these predictions should be used ONLY as a map (of guidance) outlining the current atmospheric state with regards to historical analogs saying what will most likely happen and point out events that we may be overdue for, and increased potential with the right atmospheric state. It’s impossible to say how much snow we will get in any given winter, all’s we can give you is either the increased risk and why, or lack of risk and why for any given winter. Just always remember to keep an open mind when determining a forecast, as well as historical knowledge of past events. Keep these factors in line, and keep things realistic, you should be successful. More info of the upcoming meeting you can find by clicking the link below, hope to see you all there!


http://www.ametsoc.org/chapters/oregon/MeetingInfo/2010_10_16_Flyer.pdf


P.S.

For those who wont be able to attend due to work or any other situation, I’ll be posting notes the same day on the blog so you can check out the highlights.