MARCH 30, 2007: FLOODING IS NATION'S LEADER IN WEATHER RELATED FATALITIES

Did you know flooding has overtaken lightning as the nation's leader in weather related fatalities? Heavy rain can turn tranquil waters into an instrument of death.

General river flooding usually occurs most often in the winter months as heavy rain combines with snow melt. However, flash flooding can result due to ice jams on rivers and streams.

Flash floods are most common in the warm season of the year when thunderstorms drop large amounts of rain in a short period of time. Hilly and mountainous terrain are especially prone to flash floods.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery. Source: National Weather Service.

MARCH 29, 2007: NEW FUJITA SCALE

The government has for the first time changed its system of categorizing tornadoes after learning that much weaker winds than previously thought can create the most powerful funnel clouds that disintegrate homes and turn cars into missiles. The National Weather Service has made changes to the Fujita Scale, a three-decade-old system of ranking a tornado’s strength, to align wind speeds more closely with actual damage.

The change was introduced at the American Meteorological Society meeting in Atlanta. However, the new system will not fully go into effect until February 2007, giving weather scientists time to adjust to it.

Under the old system, created in 1971, an F-5 tornado — considered the most powerful of tornadoes — was capable of destroying a typical frame house, with wind speeds estimated at 261 mph to 318 mph. Since then, engineering studies have shown that much slower winds could cause the same damage.

Under the new system, an F-5 tornado — which can disintegrate a strong frame house after lifting it off its foundation or badly damage reinforced concrete buildings — has wind speeds of at least 200 mph.

Because the new system still uses actual tornado damage to estimate wind speeds, officials said it is not likely that the new system’s lower wind speed rating for the F-5 tornado will result in more tornadoes being classified with the nation’s top tornado rating.

The old system rated tornadoes only based on damage to homes. The new system classifies tornadoes based on damage to 18 other types of structures, including trees, mobile homes and other types of buildings.

You can see the changes for yourself by going to New Fujita Scale

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 28, 2007: SEVERE WEATER AWARENESS WEEK

Tornado Safety Tips Whether practicing in a tornado drill or sheltering during a warning, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness encourages Ohioans to DUCK!

D - Go DOWN to the lowest level

U - Get UNDER something

C - COVER your head

K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed

Take responsibility for your safety and be prepared before a watch or warning is issued. Meet with household members to develop a disaster plan to respond to tornado watches and warnings. Conduct regular tornado drills. When a tornado watch is issued, review your plan – don't wait for the watch to become a warning.

Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.

Despite Doppler radar, tornadoes can sometimes occur without any warning, allowing very little time to act. It is important to know the basics of tornado safety. Know the difference between tornado watches and tornado warnings. Tune into Severe Weather Team 9 and WTOV Weather Plus for severe weather updates.

If you are a person with special needs, register your name and address with your local emergency management agency, police and fire departments before any natural or man-made disaster.

NOAA Weather Radio has available an alerting tool for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Some weather radio receivers can be connected to an existing home security system, much the same as a doorbell, smoke detector or other sensor.

The safest place to be during a tornado is a basement. If the building has no basement or cellar, go to a small room (a bathroom or closet) on the lowest level of the structure, away from windows and as close to the center of the building as possible.

Be aware of emergency shelter plans in stores, offices and schools. If no specific shelter has been identified, move to the building's lowest level. Try to avoid areas with large glass windows, large rooms and wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.

If you're outside, in a car or mobile home, go immediately to the lowest level of a nearby sturdy building. Sturdy buildings are the safest structures to be in when tornadoes threaten. Winds from tornadoes can blow large objects, including cars and mobile homes, hundreds of feet away. If there is no building nearby, lie flat in a low spot. Use your arms and hands to protect your head. It is not safe to seek shelter under highway overpasses and bridges.

Today’s Weather Quiz If you see a flash of lightning and hear a clap of thunder 5 seconds later, how far away is the storm?

A. 1 mile

B. 5 miles

C. 10 miles

A. 1 mile, you divide the number of seconds between the lightning and thunder by five.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 27, 2007: UNITED STATES WINTER TEMPERATURE NEAR AVERAGE GLOBAL DECEMBER-FEBRUARY TEMPERATURE WARMEST ON RECORD

The December 2006-February 2007 U.S. winter season had an overall temperature that was near average, according to scientists at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. Precipitation was above average in much of the center of the nation, while large sections of the East, Southeast, and West were drier than average. The global average temperature was the warmest on record for the December-February period.

U.S. Temperature Highlights The winter temperature for the contiguous United States (based on preliminary data) was 33.6°F (0.9°C). The 20th century average is 33.0°F (0.6°C). Statewide temperatures were warmer than average from Florida to Maine and from Michigan to Montana. Cooler-than-average temperatures occurred in the southern Plains and areas of the Southwest.

The 11th warmest December on record occurred in 2006.

Upper-level wind patterns brought unusually cold weather to the southern Plains and much of the West in January. Snow and ice extended as far south as Arizona, southern California and south Texas. More typical winter conditions finally arrived in the eastern United States by late January and a period of colder-than-normal temperatures persisted through President's Day weekend.

February was 1.8°F (0.9°C) below the 20th century average of 34.7°F (1.5°C), placing it in the top third coldest Februarys in the 113-year record for the contiguous U.S. Thirty-six states in the eastern two-thirds of the nation were cooler than average, while Texas and the eleven states of the West were near average to warmer-than-average.

The warmer-than-average winter temperatures in the Midwest and East helped reduce residential energy needs for the nation. Using the Residential Energy Demand Temperature Index (REDTI - an index developed at NOAA to relate energy usage to climate), the nation's residential energy demand was approximately three percent lower than what would have occurred under average climate conditions for the season.

Seasonal energy demand would have been even lower, if not for February's colder temperatures. For the month, temperature-related residential energy demand was approximately six percent higher than what would have occurred under average climate conditions for February.

For Alaska, both February (1.4° F/0.8°C) and winter (1.6° F/0.9°C) were warmer than average, but far from the record warmth of 2003 and 2001, respectively.

U.S. Precipitation Highlights Winter precipitation was above average from the Upper Midwest to New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.

Several snow storms hit the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast in February. One storm struck the Mid-Atlantic and New England Feb. 14 and 15, and brought more than 20 inches of snow to widespread sections of the interior Northeast. This event was preceded by a 10-day lake effect storm that dumped more than 100 inches of snow on New York's Tug Hill Plateau. A total of 141 inches was reported at Redfield in Oswego County.

Winter storms struck the Upper Midwest in late February and early March. Heavy snowfall, with record-breaking amounts, occurred from Feb. 23 through March 2. Beneficial snows fell in the Sierras of California and the Great Basin Ranges in late February and early March, but the overall winter remained much drier than average. For all but the Northern Cascades and the Front Range of the Rockies in Colorado and New Mexico, seasonal snowpack was below average at the end of February. Winter was drier than average from the Deep South to Kentucky, the Mid-Atlantic, and along the Northeast Seaboard states. Much of the West was also drier than average. For February, precipitation was below average in the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest regions.

At the end of February, water-year precipitation in Los Angeles was the lowest on record, less than 25 percent of normal. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 25 percent of the continental U.S. was in moderate-to-exceptional drought at the end of February. The most severe conditions were in southwest Texas, northern Minnesota, Wyoming and the western High Plains.

Global Highlights The combined global land and ocean surface temperature was the sixth warmest on record in February, but a record warm January helped push the winter (December-February) to its highest value since records began in 1880 (1.30°F/0.72°C above the 20th century mean). El Niño conditions contributed to the season's record warmth, but the episode rapidly weakened in February, as ocean temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific cooled more than 0.5°F/0.3°C and were near average for the month.

Separately, the global December-February land-surface temperature was the warmest on record, while the ocean-surface temperature tied for second warmest in the 128-year period of record, approximately 0.1°F (0.06°C) cooler than the record established during the very strong El Niño episode of 1997-1998.

During the past century, global surface temperatures have increased at a rate near 0.11º F (0.06º C) per decade, but the rate of increase has been three times larger since 1976, or 0.32ºF (0.18ºC) per decade, with some of the largest temperature increases occurring in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

Today’s Weather Quiz Which one is not a real town?

A. Hailstone, UT

B. Frostproof, FL

C. Snowflake, AZ

D. Weathervane, VT

D. Weathervane, VT

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 26, 2007: ALLERGY SEASON

Spring has sprung! Time to sneeze, that’s right it’s also the start of allergy season. Pollens and molds first appear with the spring thaw and remain through early fall. In the Upper Ohio Valley region trees pollinate first from March through Mid June. Grasses pollinate second beginning in late May through July. Weeds pollinate last from late summer to early fall. While mold spores are always present, they increase with the humidity.

Pollen counts are provided through the cooperation of the Ohio Valley Medical Center and East Ohio Regional Hospital department of Pathology. You can catch the allergy report on News 9 Midday and News 9 Live at Five.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 22, 2007: HUMAN BAROMETER?

Today’s Weather Quiz Debra sent in this question: “Is it low pressure or high pressure that causes my bones to ache?”

Many might think it's an old wives' tale, but according to doctors who specialize in chronic pain, patients say they can literally feel the weather in their bones. When the barometric pressure goes down, some people see their pain go up. Arthritis goes into overdrive right before a storm hits.

Despite a lack of a proven scientific connection between weather changes and the onset of aches and pains, doctors who specialize in chronic pain can't dismiss the notion. A study was done in 1960, in the study, 12 patients were placed in a chamber in which the barometric pressure and humidity were adjusted. Eleven of the participants had a reaction to the changing conditions. When the pressure became low and the humidity was high, patients sensed their joint pain a lot more.

Some doctors believe that people are simply less likely to feel the pain on days when it's warm and sunny. They think the warm weather makes you feel better and if you have a little ache and it's warm, it doesn't seem as bad.

People with joint injuries, previously broken bones and multiple sclerosis also report a proficiency at "armchair meteorology."

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 21, 2007: WATER FACTS

The Sun's energy evaporates water from the ocean, then falls as rain on land, and then runs into rivers and back to the oceans. This cycle has been going on for billions of years.

Every day, about 30 trillion gallons of water falls on land (136 trillion liters). At that rate, a volume of water the same size as all the world's oceans passes through the atmosphere every three thousand years.

However, not all water recycles that quickly. Some of the deepest currents can move near the ocean bottom for thousands of years before returning to the surface, and water can be stored in ice caps or underground for millennia. The oceans hold the greatest volume of water on the planet. Only a tiny fraction of Earth's water is fresh, and most of that is locked up in polar ice.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 20, 2007: HAPPY VERNAL EQUINOX!

At 8:07 EDT the sun’s direct rays will impinge on the equator and we will officially welcome in the new season of spring. Vernal (spring) Equinox, can you stand a raw egg on its end? This has to be one of the silliest misconceptions around, and it never seems to die.

The Earth's spin axis is tilted with respect to its orbital plane. This is what causes the seasons. When the Earth's axis points towards the Sun, it is summer for that hemisphere. When the Earth's axis points away, you get winter. Midway between these two times, in spring and autumn, the spin axis of the Earth points 90 degrees away from the Sun. Note that this happens twice a year, in spring and autumn. If you can stand an egg on its end on the Spring Equinox, surely you can on the Autumnal Equinox as well! Yet this always seems to get overlooked. That should be your first indication that something fishy is going on. Also note that the Vernal Equinox is actually ushering autumn in the southern hemisphere.

So on the first day of spring, the Earth's axis happens to be pointing perpendicularly to the direction of the Sun. Although it might seem like a special event, all it really means is that day and night have about the same length: 12 hours each, more or less. As far as gravity goes, there isn't anything special about this time.

Today’s Weather Quiz Brian Warmuth sent in this question: “Which city has more days of rain and cloud cover?”

A. Seattle, WA

B. Wheeling, WV

C. Bangor, ME

B. Wheeling, WV with 153 days with rain a year followed by Seattle, WA with 150 days and Bangor, ME with 129 days. Believe it or not Hilo, HI averages 278 days with some rain!

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 19, 2007: FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 18, 2007: NATIONAL FLOOD SAFETY WEEK

This week is National Flood Safety Week. Most of the Ohio Valley has experienced some heavy rain and minor flooding already this season, but its always a good idea to have a plan in place and review every year.

Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult person off his or her feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and seek shelter on higher ground.

Flash flood waters move very quickly and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground.

Just two feet of moving water can float and carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks. You can protect yourself best by being prepared and having time to act.

Before a Flood -Check with your local floodplain administrator to determine if you live in a flood-prone area -Consider installing check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains -Plan and practice an evacuation route -Have disaster supplies on hand -Develop an emergency communication plan -Make sure all family members know how to respond in case of a flood

For more information, log onto www.weathersafety.ohio.gov. This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 14, 2007: SKYWARN CLASS SCHEDULE
SKYWARN is a group of trained severe weather spotters that report directly to the National Weather Service. Year after year, reports from SKYWARN observers have assisted the NWS in issuing timely warnings based on REAL-TIME reports. The ground truth reports from SKYWARN spotters are a vital link in using advanced radar data and meteorological skills to carry out our mission. Their observations also provide us with information in compiling documentation of severe weather events and verification of warnings. These reports become part of the Untited States Storm Data publication, which is used by researchers and also provides climatological data on a wide variety of unusual weather phenomenom, including statistics on death, injuries, and property and crop damage. Interested in becoming a SKYWARN spotter? Check out the list of upcoming training sessions:

Today, March 14, Tuscarawas County, OH 630PM Emergency Operations Center

2295 Reiser Ave SE

New Philadelphia, OH

Wednesday, April 4

630PM

Tri-County

Jefferson County, OH

Hancock, WV

Brooke, WV Emergency Operations Center

300 Airport Road

Steubenville, OH

Thursday, April 12, 2007, 6:30 pm

Guernsey County, OH

Emergency Management

Office 627

Wheeling Ave

Cambridge, OH

Today’s Weather Quiz How often does it reach 80 degrees during the month of March?

A. once every 5 years

B. once every 8 years

C. once every 13 years

B. once every 8 years, but we’re long overdue as the last 80 degree day around here occurred in 1990 on this date.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 13, 2007: REMEMBERING THE SUPERSTORM OF 1993

Do you remember what you were doing 14 years ago on this date? You were probably beginning to dig out of the 2 feet of snow that fell on top of us. The Blizzard of March 13, 1993 was one of those once in a lifetime storms. It was as powerful as a hurricane, but a whole lot colder!

SNOW

Mt. Mitchell, NC 52"

Syracuse, NY 43"

High Knob, VA 40"

Halcott Center, NY 40"

Latrobe, PA 36"

Albany, NY 27"

Pittsburgh, PA 24"

Beckley, WV 31"

Kancanagus, NH 28"

Chattanooga, TN 20"

Wilmington, DE 14"

Birmingham, AL 13"

New York City, NY 11"

WIND GUST Dry Tortugas 109 mph

Flattop Mountain, NC 101 mph

Peconic (Long Island), NY 93 mph

Key West of Lake Okeechobee, FL 74 mph

New York City (LaGuardia), NY 68 mph

LOW PRESSURE RECORDS Newark, NJ 28.42"

Wilmington, DE 28.44"

Richmond, VA 28.51"

Augusta, GA 28.94"

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 12, 2007: MARCH MADNESS

No I’m not blogging about how to fill out your bracket, that’s bracketology, this is meteorology’s version of March Madness! We will see the mercury skyrocket to 70 degrees tomorrow afternoon. When was the last 70 degree day? How about 105 days ago on October 30, 2006. But in typical March fashion, the warm spell is just a tease. Colder weather and yes even a few snowflakes are in the forecast by St. Patrick’s Day. Where’s the luck of the Irish when you need it?

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 11, 2007: ANOTHER WARMING TREND BEFORE A COOL DOWN!

Above average temps are returning to the Ohio Valley, with highs Monday near 60 degrees and Tuesday will be even warmer. Dry and sunny too so enjoy this warm spell because by the end of the week, a strong cold front will be cooling us down. We'll be in the 30's and low 40's again for the high temperature. We could even have some snowflakes flying!

But at least we know the cold spell will be short-lived because Spring is now only 9 days away. At 7:07 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, we officially welcome Spring! So think happy thoughts of Spring!

And enjoy the extra hour of daylight. Sunset now around 7:26 p.m. This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 10, 2007: FRIDAY WAS 24 DEGREES WARMER THAN PREVIOUS DAY!

It's hard to believe just Wednesday many of us were shoveling snow and braving the cold once again! Two days later we hit a high of 61 degrees! (As the saying goes, "weather's always changing!") That temperature is more typical of mid-April, but do enjoy! Warm temps will be staying a while longer.

The normal high right now is 48 degrees. The record high temperature for Friday is 76 degrees, which was set back in 1974.

Although Spring is still 10 days away, we finally get to feel some warmth. Some rain around on Saturday but then more sunshine for Sunday and temps will soar once again next week, possibly hitting that 60 degree mark once again. Have you heard the birds singing recently? It's a wonderful, promising time of year!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 9, 2007: IS SEATTLE SUNNIER THAN THE OHIO VALLEY?

Another sun filled day which is sort of rare for this area. Yuma, Arizona leads the pack with a yearly average of 242 days with straight sunshine. Seattle, Washington, the rain capitol of the United States actually sees 72 days with sunny skies. So where does this region rank? The Ohio Valley will typically see 59 days a year with sunshine, that’s bad news for convertible owners. It could be worse, Cold Bay, Alaska sees just 10 days a year of blue skies!

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

The idea of daylight saving was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin. Daylight Saving Time has been used in the U.S. and in many European countries since World War I. At that time, in an effort to conserve fuel needed to produce electric power. Daylight Saving Time was established in the United States in 1918. After the War ended, the law proved so unpopular that it was repealed in 1919 with a Congressional override of President Wilson's veto. This was because people went to bed and awakened a lot earlier than they do today. Daylight Saving Time became a local option.

In the early 1960s, observance of Daylight Saving Time was quite inconsistent, with a hodgepodge of time observances, and no agreement about when to change clocks. Many business interests were supportive of standardization, the farmers, however, were opposed to such uniformity. State and local governments were a mixed bag, depending on local conditions.

Efforts at standardization were encouraged by a transportation industry organization, the Committee for Time Uniformity. They surveyed the entire nation, through questioning telephone operators as to local time observances, and found the situation was quite confusing. Next, the Committee's goal was a strong supportive story on the front page of the New York Times. Having rallied the general public's support, the Time Uniformity Committee's goal was accomplished, but only after discovering and disclosing that on the 35-mile stretch of highway between Moundsville, W.V., and Steubenville, Ohio, every bus driver and his passengers had to endure seven time changes! Congress decided to step in and end the confusion, and to establish one pattern across the country, the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The Energy Act of 2005 has increased the amount of Daylight Saving Time.

Turn those clocks ahead one hour Saturday night before going to bed. We won’t fall back until the first weekend of November.

For the U.S. and its territories, Daylight Saving Time is NOT observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Arizona.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 8, 2007: NEW WINDPROOF UMBRELLA

You may have heard about it...it's been all over the national news this week. A reinvented umbrella that can withstand gale force winds! And just in time for April showers.

Unfortunately, the new design is not yet available in the U.S. A Dutch company, Senz Technologies, didn't expect its creation to do as well as it has so soon.

For starters, the Senz Umbrella does not look like any other one out there. Aerodynamically styled to "slice its way through all winds," the umbrella resembles a cross between a hang-glider and a spaceship. Complete with an oval-shaped shaft, a handle and extra reinforcing ribs in the frame.

"It all started out of frustration," said its cofounder. "We have all the technology in the world. We can go to the moon and beyond, but we can't create a functional umbrella?!"

The company says the circular shape is the worst shape for an umbrella. Their shape is asymmetrical. The patented construction better distributes pressure thrughout the device so it won't break. And the company says, it added what they call eyesavers, so there won't be any nasty eye poking!

In various U.S. news reports, the umbrella, which costs $67, has proven to withstand the toughest of winds.

Check it out on their website. Google "Senz Umbrella" and decide for yourself!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 8, 2007: SO ARE WE DONE WITH WINTER?

The quick answer is probably not, but warmer weather will start to win the battle. Last year we saw 9 days with at least a trace of snow after March 8th. The last snow of the year fell on April 5th as a half an inch was recorded. In the near term look for high temperatures in the 50's starting tomorrow through next week. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if we reached 60 or better a few days next week. The next cool down will most likely hold off until after St Patrick's Day.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 7, 2007: ARE YOU SURE IT’S NOT JANUARY 7TH?

Temperatures were in the teens this morning and snow continues to fall, it sure doesn’t feel like spring is near. Officially spring will arrive in a little less than 2 weeks, but warmer weather is in our near future. The thermometer should read 50 degrees or better by the weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if we touch 60 degrees or better by next week.

Email your snowfall amounts to weather@wtov.com.
I will try to use the reports on News 9 Midday.

Today’s Weather Quiz The Inuit have many words for snow. Qanik means which type of snow?

A. wet snow

B. powdery snow

C. dirty snow

B. powdery snow

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 6, 2007: MANITOBA MAULERS, SASKATCHEWAN SCREAMERS, AND ALBERTA CLIPPERS

No they aren’t hockey teams in Canada; they’re names of snow storms! Most of us have heard of an Alberta Clipper, if you haven’t you will see one tomorrow. An Alberta Clipper is a storm that originates in the province of Alberta, Canada. These storms are often fast movers, hence the name clipper. Since they are fast movers they tend to drop a few inches of snow in a 6 to 8 hour window before heading off to the east. We will see this tomorrow a snow that starts between 4 and 7 in the morning and ends by early to mid afternoon. The snow will not be a back breaker to shovel as it will be fluffy and light.

So what’s a Saskatchewan Screamer of a Manitoba Mauler? The same storm except they are named after the province of Canada in which they originate in. Most meteorologists will call them clippers as calling a storm a screamer of a mauler could cause even more panic at area grocery stores. I have to go buy my milk and bread!

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 5, 2007: WHAT HAPPENED TO AN EARLY SPRING?

Just two weeks before the official arrival of Spring, the coldest air of the winter, and snow from an Alberta Clipper are heading this way.

Spring Equinox arrives at 7:07 p.m. Est on March 21, however, winter refuses to give up! Tuesday's high will only be around 24 degrees. That's 23 degrees below normal! And snow is on the way for Wednesday, with 1 to 3 inches possible.

Hopefully, this will be the last winter cold snap. Warmer temperatures are coming Thursday and Friday, with high temperatures reaching 50 degrees! Those of you getting cabin fever, focus on later this week...and enjoy!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 5, 2007: SPRING AHEAD EARLY, BUT WINTER DOESN’T WANT TO LET UP!

Remember the old Jaws movies, “just when you thought it was safe to head back into the water, duna, duna, duna . . .” Well just when you thought it was safe to head out without the winter coat, winter is back! A strong arctic front will charge through the area with gusty winds and a white out or two this afternoon. Temperatures will drop to near 10 degrees by tomorrow morning and wind chills will be at or below zero. If this isn’t enough look for the potential for an accumulating snow this Wednesday.

We do spring ahead this weekend as Daylight Saving Time begins three weeks earlier than last year. On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Act of 2005. This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and end the first Sunday in November. The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress. Congress retains the right to resume the 2005 Daylight Saving Time schedule once the Department of Energy study is complete.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 3, 2007: WE SPRING FORWARD NEXT WEEKEND!

Many viewers have been calling, asking when does daylight savings time begin?

I'm happy to say we turn the clocks ahead Saturday night, March 10th. So make a note...before you head for bed next weekend, spring forward! Although we lose an hour of sleep, the extra sunlight is well worth it! I'm sure you agree!

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 2, 2007: GUSTY WINDS, FLOODING AND SNOW THIS WEEKEND

STRONG GUSTY WINDS AS HIGH AS 45 MPH WERE REPORTED ACROSS THE OHIO VALLEY FRIDAY AFTERNOON. The winds will die down after dark but pick up again Saturday as a Low Pressure System crosses the Great Lakes region. It will turn blustery with a chance of snow showers and flurries Saturday night and Sunday, with highs only in the 30's.

Flood warnings continue for Tuscarawas River at New Philadelphia until Saturday evening and for small streams in Beaver County. The recent rainfall of just over an inch combined with snow melt and warmer temps creating mudslides, water on roadways and creeks and streams to rise.

This is Meteorologist Lisa Montgomery.

MARCH 2, 2007: LUNAR ECLIPSE THIS WEEKEND

A lunar eclipse will occur this Saturday night but clouds will hamper the viewing. By the time the moon rises on Saturday, the total phase of the eclipse will be under way. The moon will be immersed completely in Earth's shadow.

The sun, the Earth and the moon will be in a straight line with the Earth in between the sun and the moon. The total phase of the eclipse starts at 5:44 p.m., but the moon doesn't rise in our area until about 6:09. Total eclipse can be seen from 6:09 to 6:58 Saturday evening. A partial eclipse will take place between 6:58 and 8:11 in the evening.

If you look closely the northern edge of the totally eclipsed moon will be somewhat brighter than the southern part, which is much deeper in the Earth's shadow. Then again that’s if you can see the moon at all as you are more likely to see clouds and snow showers.

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.

MARCH 1, 2007: MARCH ROARS IN LIKE A LION!

Rain, thunder, and reports of hail covering the ground this morning! I heard the roar of the March lion! I guess this means March will go out like a lamb or at least one could only hope. Rainfall amounts will total one inch by early tomorrow morning. Winds will pick up today with some gusts over 30 mph through tonight. One positive about today’s weather, the temperatures, they are expected to skyrocket into the 50’s by this afternoon.

We certainly didn’t see much in the way of warmth in February. Here are the cold hard facts:

Average Monthly Temperature: 20.8 degrees

Departure From Normal: -9.7 degrees

11th Coldest Month On Record

4th Coldest February On Record

Coldest February since 1979

Today’s Weather Quiz The average high for March 1st is 45 degrees, what is the average high for the end of the month?

A. 50 degrees

B. 57 degrees

C. 63 degrees

B. 57 degrees

Email your weather questions toweather@wtov.com.
I'm meteorologist Jeff Oechslein.