Ma ma ma more mammatus!

So, after I enjoyed the thunderstorm and post pics of what I thought was an amazing sky, I walked out of the office a little later than I had planned because I wanted to get that posted... and this is what I was blessed with:Another spectacular mammatus show. I saw my first mammatus show last November, and it was an incredibly powerful and emotional experience. This one wasn't as spectacular as the first, but it grew into the sky, getting more and more defined as it moved in from the south southwest. It was gorgeous in that grey stormy sky, and I was once again mesmerized by God's awesomeness!

Revelation Song
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything, and I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
To You, the only wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything, and I will adore You

I must have stayed there 20 minutes shooting the amazing mammatus sky...

The day progressed and we ran to Wally World to pick up a few things, but upon leaving, we were graced with a multi-dimensional sky, with a palette of colors and depths of clouds. It was phenomenal. No matter which direction we looked, the view of the sky was absolutely spectacular. Then, a quick look to my obscured west suggested that we might get an amazing show with what was left of the sunset, so I asked my wonderful groom to drive around into a better position to see the remnants... you're not going to believe this, but...... the mammatus made an encore appearance for sunset!!!

How great is our God?
~Dew

Thunderstorms overhead... hail, yeah...

This:... translates to this:Just took these, looking north from where I was... the red plus sign.

~Dew

The forbidden dance of chaser merriment...

Now is the time to prepare for hurricanes!

In continuing with the Hurricane Preparedness Week schedule, today's focus is preparedness. I'm sure that survivors in the New Orleans 9th Ward could tell you a thing or two about hurricane preparedness or perhaps the potentially devastating consequences of not being prepared, or perhaps you'd rather talk to some of the people from the Bolivar Peninsula (very dramatic link to Hurricane Ike aftermath) in Gilchrist, Texas, whose lives were destroyed as Hurricane Ike plowed ashore.

"Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all."

Yes, preparedness is EVERYONE'S responsibility. We are all charged with making sure that we educate ourselves and have a disaster action plan for the sake of protecting ourselves and our families. If everyone would take the initiative to do that, rescue crews wouldn't be putting their lives on the line quite so much to save people... Preparation and mitigation are the most important things regarding hurricane safety.

Disaster Prevention should include:

Developing a Family Plan
Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
Having a Place to Go
Securing your Home
Having a Pet Plan

This is a topic near and dear to my heart, so I am going to really break down each of these areas. Weather awareness is the best approach to staying safe. The more educated you are, the better prepared you are. It is my objective to reach as many people as I can with valuable weather knowledge share.

Developing a Family Plan
This morning, I heard that over half of the people on the east coast think they aren't vulnerable to hurricanes, and a striking percentage of coastal residents do not have a disaster preparedness plan. Frankly, anyone on the coast is at risk and at a bare minimum should have a family plan in place. Really, all families should have a written family disaster plan for "what to do, in case...." you can fill in the blank there. Whatever your vulnerability... even if it's a house-fire plan. What will your family do if disaster strikes? Do you have a plan? For a hurricane plan, what's your family's vulnerability??? Storm surge, winds, flooding...? Do you have an escape route? Do you have important documents gathered in the safest spot? Do you have a family member or friend out of the area as a point of contact? Where is your disaster supplies kit? Is your property covered for disaster by insurance? Do you have a NOAA Weather Radio???Have you taken first aid, CPR or disaster preparedness classes?

Disaster Supplies Kit
1. Water - at least 1 gallon/day/person for 3 to 7 days
2. Food - for 3 to 7 days (non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices)
3. Blankets/Pillows
4. Clothing - seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes
5. First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs
6. Special Items - for babies and the elderly
7. Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes
8. Flashlight/Batteries
9. Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio!!
10. Telephone - Fully charged
11. Cash and Credit Cards
12. Keys
13. Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
14. Tools
15. Vehicle fuel tanks filled
16. Pet care items - proper identification/immunization records-ample supply of food and water-a carrier—muzzle and leash

Have a place to go
Mikey and I were amazed and disappointed in the lack of evacuation before Hurricane Ike. We didn't feel like the need for evacuation was effectively conveyed to the population and people were waiting until after school, after work... to get out of dodge.
1. If ordered to evacuate, do not wait or delay your departure. If possible, leave before officials order the evacuation.
2. Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to your home.
3. Be prepared to wait in traffic.
4. If possible, make arrangements to stay with the friend or relative who resides closest to your home and who will not have to evacuate.
5. If going to a hotel or motel during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave.
6. If you are unable to stay with friends or family and no hotels/motels rooms are available, then as a last resort go to a shelter.
7. Make sure that you fill up your car with gas, before you leave.

Secure your home!
The best way to prepare your home and property for a hurricane is to reinforce and protect areas where wind could enter. It is important to strengthen the exterior of your home so that debris cannot tear large holes making your home more vulnerable to wind damage. A structure is only as strong as its weakest point. Here are five critical areas where you should focus your protection and reinforcement efforts:

ROOF | STRAPS | SHUTTERS | DOORS | GARAGE DOORS

Typically, garage doors and windows are the first to fail in excessive wind.

Having a pet plan
So many times, during disasters we see pets who have been left behind in horrendous conditions, and they become susceptible to diseases and harm, and left pets can become abnormally aggressive and defensive. It is essential that if you have a pet, that you work your pet into your disaster plan. You can prepare ahead of the disaster by having current on their vaccinations. Have a current photograph of your pet. Make certain that your pet keeps a collar with identification and have a leash on hand to control your pet. You should also have a pet carrier for each animal large enough for the pet to stand and turn around in. Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.

Incidentally, the Tropical Depression that formed yesterday poses no threat to land and will not be forming a Tropical Storm as had been forecasted, so it looks like Ana is still up for grabs. It was, however, a great way of alerting people of the upcoming season. Now is the time to prepare. Don't wait until it's too late. Also, guess who has a slight risk for severe weather this afternoon and lots of late morning sunshine... Me!

Have a fabulous day!
~Dewdrop

Hurricane preparedness and other summer-like discussion

SKY WATCH FRIDAY time! Our hosts: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Louise Fishing Guy

SKY WATCH FRIDAY (click the word to link and participate!) Thanks to Dot and Tom, who were instrumental in the success of this blogging event. You should definitely come fly with us!For today's picture, I decided to share a shot of what our skies have been looking like most days lately. I took this shot back in late August 2008, during an impromptu chase, supported by my dear friend, Christine. I love the boiling cumulus as it swells into the rich blue sky demonstrating the key elements are in line for thunderstorms... moisture, instability and lift. This shot as an example of current skies, further exemplifies our summer-like afternoon thunderstorm pattern, which is getting old, though I love the swelling cumulus... gorgeous.

Now, something I have neglected to talk about this week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. (That is a shot of my wonderful groom--- well, he was just my bf at that time-- and I at the National Hurricane Center-Tropical Prediction Center, when we were there in Miami last June... we saw the end of a tornado that same day!!!) With the Atlantic Basin 2009 Hurricane season just around the corner (it starts on Monday), it is important that people start to get their hurricane minds on and start preparing for the inevitable, a significant chance of hurricanes over the coming months. Today's focus is in the forecast process. One advantage of hurricanes over tornadoes or flash floods, lightning, earthquakes... is the advance notice that people are offered (generally) with hurricanes. Technology has allowed for warnings to be in place well ahead of hurricanes, so that attempts can be made and time is allowed to secure structures... but most importantly to evacuate people and save lives. Homes can be replaced. Material possessions can be replaced, but lives... lives cannot, and can be spared thanks to forecasting and advanced warnings by the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Prediction Center, with regard to hurricanes.

Part of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) Tropical Prediction Center (TPC) is to save lives and protect property by issuing watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics.

This is accomplished through many ways...
1. OBSERVATION
2. ANALYSIS
3. MODEL GUIDANCE AND INTERPRETATION
4. COORDINATION WITHIN THE NWS
5. PRODUCT GENERATION
6. PRODUCT DISSEMINATION
7. COORDINATION WITH CUSTOMERS

The NHC-TPC do a great job of forecasting, and keeping a watchful eye on the Atlantic Basin for us... As you can see, that low pressure system I wrote about yesterday is still churning off the NC coast and has actually picked up some shower activity.A special tropical outlook has been issued by the National Hurricane Center- Tropical Prediction Center, which indicates:

THIS SYSTEM STILL HAS SOME POTENTIAL (≤ 30% chance) TO BECOME A TROPICAL CYCLONE OVER THE NEXT 12-24 HOURS BUT IS NOT EXPECTED TO THREATEN ANY LAND AREAS.

Aside from that, locally just to my west, including much of Alabama and parts of Georgia and north of those areas, there exists a slight risk for severe weather. It's actually relatively late in the season for this neck of the woods, but I am sure, storm chasers, Alabama Mike and Alabama John don't mind.SPC outlook
It looks like the big show in town is coming up next week though... lots of chatter going up about June 5 & 6 in the alley, where models are spouting out information that is leading some to believe there might be a tornado-fest. I guess we'll see. I know those guys are chomping at the bit, having been through a May like this.

1:00PM: Well, what do you know... THE NHC-TPC, at 11AM, issued a public advisory for Tropical Depression 1, which is the first tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Basin for 2009, and arriving on the scene 5 days ahead of the season.

THE DEPRESSION IS NOT EXPECTED TO THREATEN ANY LAND AREAS. THE DEPRESSION IS FORECAST TO BECOME A TROPICAL STORM OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO...

Looks like we've got the birth of Tropical Storm Ana.Have a great day!
~Dewdrop

Nothing tropical to see here...

An area of low pressure of the coast of the Carolinas shows little chance of development into a tropical cyclone. Looks like it'll get into cooler waters too soon before it can get going. The Air Force Reconnaissance mission that was previously scheduled has been cancelled. Doesn't look like this is our Ana.

THERE IS A LOW CHANCE... LESS THAN 30 PERCENT... OF THIS SYSTEM BECOMING A TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

~Dew

Having a wild time!!!

So, onto my summary of Memorial Day... what a day! I gathered up Mini-Dew and her 3 friends and we were off to Wild Adventures, a local amusement and water park. The girls had a great time riding on the various rides, and I followed them around, occasionally riding to fill a spot where one or more didn't want to ride something. The weather started out perfectly, blue skies, fair weather cumulus sparingly scattered amongst the sky,... but I knew the forecast and the summer-like pattern of regular afternoon thunderstorms, so I kept a watchful eye on the sky, as the field of cumulus build into towers and started to really fill in the sky, heavy with nimbus. As that occurred, I warned the girls that if they wanted to get over to the water park and ride the new Wahee Cyclone (seriously, a weather related water park ride!!! Honestly, I wanted to ride it!) ... then, we would need to head on over to the water park portion of the park before the storms arrived. ... "just one more ride on black foot falls????"... "just one more time on the bridge...???"... so, by the time we got over to the water park, it looked like this, and the first lightning came while the girls were in line for the Wahee Cyclone. The bottom fell out and lightning strikes were blazing all around us... the specific cell impacting us had pea sized hail potential according to Jay and Alabama Mike, and the lightning strikes were 15 in 30 minutes... or about 2 in five minutes... In the above shot, the lifeguards are establishing a 6 foot perimeter around the water, while the one lifeguard is not so wisely standing in the water... during a thunderstorm... bottom right.No matter what kind of pull I had (Rick works first aid in the water park, and was actually working at that time...), we couldn't get them to open the water park for the 20 remaining after the lightning clearance, so the girls missed their shot at trying out the Wahee Cyclone, and so did I. Mini-Dew actually gave Rick "the hand" for not having more pull. They did open the rest of the park though, and the girls were content to keep riding the rides. Though he couldn't get the water park to open back up for us, he was instrumental in hanger procurement. Thanks, Rick. You helped my wonderful groom tremendously.

Leaving the park was actually my favorite part of the day... there was some amazing thunderstorm structure on the horizon. The girls really razzed me about stopping 10,000 times along the way home to shoot that... oh well.Here's a random shot from while we were at the park, which my wonderful groom suggested I share with coke... How about this for a coke commercial... ??
In other news, looks like the guys at the SPC have added an area of slight risk for severe weather to parts of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and a tiny sliver of Illinois. I am sure Vortex2 is all over it!

Have a fab day!
~Dewdrop

Jazzy weather

Well, what a weekend we had. I will start with the first part and cover the latter part in tomorrow's post. I have too much to cover to post both today. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day.

Friday was a continuation of the same we've been seeing. Lots and lots of afternoon showers and thunderstorms... typical summer pattern. Unfortunately, it appears that no one let Ma Nature know where we happen to be in the calendar. At least we are getting some sunshine, just not when we need and want it, but I'll get into that as I discuss the whole weekend.

It started on Friday as I was leaving work and waiting for my wonderful groom to get off of work. I was headed home, but I got terrible distracted by some randomly placed cumulus towers, which I "had" to stop and shoot. Then, when he got off of work, we headed down to a very wet Jacksonville (how timely), where we quickly found the Jazz Festival and found a couple of stages playing some smooth jazz. We enjoyed that under our umbrella for a bit then grabbed some dinner out on the balcony overlooking the St. Johns River at the Jacksonville Landing, where we listened to more of the great music.After happily sleeping in, we headed back to the festival where intermittent rain showers held sound crews hostage and crowds at bay... but not for long. We visited a few of the stages (one in an old church--very cool), but stopped at one stage that seemed like it was just a few young men jamming... and then, the sassy jazz came out, the blaring sax, trumpet, deep bass... I loved it. They were jamming like crazy. Unfortunately, the weather got us locked behind a group of bag chairs and we just stayed there the whole time, with my patchy view through the irritatingly placed scaffolding. Grrr... I still got some decent shots that captured the essence of the music.We reluctantly left that stage to head to the Landing to see what was happening there. On the way to the Jacksonville Landing, we realized just how many people didn't keep away. I can't imagine how packed it would have been in better weather. The Generation Next youth talent show finals were about to start, so we stuck around for that... a 12 year old with an amazingly well trained voice... a 19 year old who could jam on a sax... and a 16 year old who lit up a piano. The pianist won, rightfully so... HE WAS AMAZING!Really amazing...Then, there is me... always keeping a watchful eye to the sky... I loved the reflections of the clouds in this building.We had a great time, and I am a new fan of B & J's coconut 7 layer bar... mmmm...

Aside from that... weather. Well, actually the lack of. We have an abnormally low incident month this May. Rarely do we see a May with such few tornadoes. Of course, it's the year when 100 scientists formed Vortex2, the great tornado hunt in order to carry out severe weather research. They have some serious Dewvoid (weatherlessness in the face of storm chasing) working against them... I feel your pain guys. Looks like Friday is the next shot, and it's not all that impressive of an area. Iowa, Illinois, the Dakotas... not great chase territory. Just to demonstrate... last May, there were 475 confirmed tornadoes... yes, folks, that's May alone. This year's May, with only 6 days left has only 211 tornado reports. When you calculate for over-count... that's only 179 tornadoes, which when compared to 475 puts us way "behind". I wonder if the guys in the field will see anything.

Have a great day!
~Dewdrop