Strong storm to impact the area this weekend

The first significant storm system in several months will directly impact the area beginning Saturday night and continuing through Monday. In fact, it will likely bring an end to drought conditions which have been present in parts of the area for weeks. Our area has experienced a rather prolonged period of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation which will end with this storm system. A phase in the mid levels of the atmosphere will force the rapid development of a very strong low pressure area off the East Coast. The storm will eventually strengthen and tug inland near the New York City area. Such a track -- with such a strong storm system -- will set the stage for a period of very heavy rain, some wind, and thunderstorms. Pictured right: NAM Model showing the storm system in multiple frames. 500mb vorticity/height on the left, surface pressure and 1000-500 hpa thickness in the middle, and 3 hour precipitation on the right. 


Two rounds of precipitation are expected. The first, late Saturday into Sunday, will be triggered by the cold front passing near the area. The front will slow and stall nearby, so there is the potential for showers and thunderstorms. The sceond round will come with the very strong storm system riding up the front Sunday Night into Monday. This round will feature heavier rain and some potential for strong winds as well. The rain is expected to wrap up on Monday. The potential for some flooding, beach erosion, and very isolated wind damage does exist with this storm. In addition, the Storm Prediction Center has placed our area in a 5% risk for severe thunderstorms (not very high--but noteworthy nevertheless) on Saturday afternoon. Stay with us throughout the weekend for the latest on the system.

Article written by JH. Published April 21st, 2012 at 12:55am. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.