Howard Bernstein's Blog

Storm Summary 12-8-11

HowardBernstein — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:09:00 GMT

Thursday December 8, 2011

While we did not get even the minor accumulations that I forecast from Wednesday's storm north and west of DC, we did get the prolific rains. There were flood warnings at times and even a few road closures Thursday morning could be blamed on high water. In fact it was a record setter at the 3 major airports. At Dulles, 2.14” of rain was recorded, BWI measured 2.38” and the 3.1” at Reagan National wasn't just a daily record, but it was the wettest day in December ever recorded with records dating back to the 1870s!

Some snow was reported in the mountains well west of Washington. In Oakland, MD in Garrett county, 10.5” fell. In Grant county, WV, Bayard picked up 5.3”. In Preston County, WV, Terra Alta had 9” of snow.

Winds were also a BIG problem Wednesday night. Flint, MD, in Frederick county measured a 56 mph gust. Winds gusted to 51 mph at the Patuxent River naval Air Station in southern MD and Reagan National had a gust to 39 mph.

High pressure builds in by this afternoon, so the morning winds will slacken quite a bit after lunch.

Brush Fire in Southern Virginia Brings Smoky Smell Close to D.C.

HowardBernstein — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:55:00 GMT

The Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina is a beautiful wildlife refuge. Unfortunately, there has been a brush fire burning there for the past 5 days. Winds from the south and southeast have brought the smoky smell as far north as Charles County, MD this Tuesday morning (8/9/2011).

Charles County Department of Emergency Services has issued the following statement:

http://www.charlescounty.org/apps/workgroups/publicview/viewNotices.jsp?IDvalue=14986

Triple Digit Heat On The Way--This could be one of the hottest weeks in a long time!

HowardBernstein — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:38:00 GMT

It’ s really hot out there and it’s only going to get hotter. The last time Washington D.C. felt consecutive triple digit temperatures was July 6-7, 2010, both days reached 102ºF. The record for consecutive triple digit days is four and was set July 19-22, 1930. Interestingly enough, we are facing a possibility of hitting triple digits for three days this week (July 18-22, 2011). To read more scorching records for the Washington D.C. area check out this article by Ian Sean Livingston.

HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT:

FEELING THE THREAT

The temperature in a vehicle with all of the windows and doors closed can reach over 200 degrees in a very short time, if it’s a very hot day; therefore, it’s extremely imperative that you don’t leave children or pets in the car for even a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that no one is exempt from heat dangers; however, the elderly, children, and those with preexisting ailments are at a higher risk.

TAKE ACTION

I figured out early that it takes active action to stay comfortable and cool. It was a blistering summer’s day, 106º to be exact, the kind where touching your steering wheel could actually cause an accident. I was living in Oklahoma City and playing softball in this sweltering heat. Rather than overheating, I knew he needed to do something more. I grabbed two jugs of ice water before I left my house, one for drinking and one for my head. After every 1/2 inning, I took ice water and poured it on top of my head, then I put on my hat. While I continued to play softball my body was using the ice water to regulate my temperature. Other guys were not as aggressive with staying cool and a few got some heat stress. I was fine. The essence of the story is, do not wait until your dehydrated, panting, and out of breath before you take action. Be ACTIVE not PASSIVE!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Eat Light Meals
Stay Hydrated
Wear Light Colored Clothing
Stay In Places That Have A/C
Avoid strenuous activities

More Summer Heat Is Coming-Things You Should Know

HowardBernstein — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:46:00 GMT

The following article was written by Somara Theodore. She is a student at Penn State studying meteorology and one of our summer interns. Enjoy!

The Number 1 weather-related killer: HEAT??

When you think of weather related injuries and fatalities, which anomalies come to mind? Personally my mind would quickly recall the unfortunate events that occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina that hit the Gulf's coast in 2005 or maybe the 1993 Mississippi River flood which took the second highest ranking for costliest floods in the USA. But how many of us, would consider tidal waves of HEAT as a prime culprit. Take a look at the figure below. This graph illustrates the 2010 statistics for weather related fatalities. The ten year average for Hurricanes was 116 fatalities, flood fatalities peaked at a 103 in 2010. Heat however, was responsible for 138 fatalities in the year 2010 alone.

“The U.S. Natural Hazard Statistics provide statistical information on fatalities, injuries and damages caused by weather related hazards. These statistics are compiled by the Office of Services and the National Climatic Data Center from information contained in Storm Data, a report comprising data from NWS forecast offices in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.”
- http://www.weather.gov/om/hazstats.shtml

What exactly is a Heat Wave?

Heat waves can last from one day to several weeks. This hot weather event is deemed a heat wave once temperature values reach greater than 90 ºF. During the warmer months, stagnant high pressure systems along with the absence of a few other ingredients like rain and clouds, can fuel a wave of sweltering heat. Unofficially here in the Washington region, we define a ‘Heat Wave’ as 3 or more consecutive days where the temperature reaches at least 90ºF.

Who’s at Risk?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Although all heat-related deaths are preventable, climate change will bring increased heat waves and heat stress to the U.S., and is likely to cause increased illness and death, particularly in cities that are unprepared.”

The elderly and young children are the most at risk. Those who have pre-existing health conditions, you could also be exposed to an increased risk. Heat related deaths are often indicative of a lack of air-conditioning, uses of certain medication, and even just living alone.

Take Action!

Stay cool and money wise by keeping the A/C at about 76º F.
KEEP yourself hydrated, and drink plenty of water. Do not leave young children in a car. If your neighbor is an elder, kindly check in every so often. Avoid doing strenuous activities during extreme heat. You could also wear looser clothing and stay away from darker colors.

For those living in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C., get the latest heat wave notifications and updates from the WUSA9.com website or check out the NWS national weather alerts. Ultimately heat wave- related deaths are 100% preventable. Don’t underestimate what you can’t see. Stay safe and Stay cool, Keep out the Heat!

It Looks to be a busy Hurricane Season

HowardBernstein — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:03:00 GMT

NOAA hurricane outlook indicates an above-normal Atlantic season

The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service.
Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:
·

12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:

6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:

3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

"The United States was fortunate last year. Winds steered most of the season’s tropical storms and all hurricanes away from our coastlines," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "However we can’t count on luck to get us through this season. We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook."

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.

Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer-than-average.

La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate later this month or in June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.

"In addition to multiple climate factors, seasonal climate models also indicate an above-normal season is likely, and even suggest we could see activity comparable to some of the active seasons since 1995," said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential.

"The tornadoes that devastated the South and the large amount of flooding we’ve seen this spring should serve as a reminder that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. As we move into this hurricane season it’s important to remember that FEMA is just part of an emergency management team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal governments, the private sector and most importantly the public," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

"Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes. Visit

ready.gov to learn more. And if you’re a small business owner, visit http://www.ready.gov/business to ensure that your business is prepared for a disaster," added Fugate.

Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.

Next week, May 22-28, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at

http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. It operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Visit us online at

weather.gov and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/US.National.Weather.Service.gov.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us online at

NOAA.gov and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.

Let's Get Some Better Flood Reporting

HowardBernstein — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The flooding of the Mississippi River around Memphis, TN has gotten lots of press coverage lately. The images out of Memphis have been heart breaking.
.
The reporting has also been incomplete. Correspondents are reporting that the river will crest at 48.0 feet. But what does that mean? Will the water be 48 feet deep? Or is this 48 feet above mean sea level?

Let me try and explain. Each gauge along the river has a zero point that is determined by the local conditions. There is no universal here. 10 feet in New Orleans has a completely different meaning than 10 feet in St. Louis.

Now, back to the 48 feet crest. Again, I need something to compare it against. In this case, knowing the 'Flood Stage' at that gauge where the measurement was taken would give me a sense of how bad this may be. The United States Geological Survey defines Flood Stage as: The stage at which overflow of the natural streambanks begins to cause damage in the reach in which the elevation is measured. Flood stages for each USGS gauging station are usually provided by the National Weather Service. In Memphis, Flood Stage is 34.0 feet. That means the Mississippi River is 14.0 feet above Flood Stage. That sounds pretty bad. By knowing the topography of the region, hydrologists are then able to forecast what areas will be flooded and by how much.

From the Associated press:Forecaster Joe Lowery of the National Weather Service office in Memphis said it looks like the river is starting to level out and could crest as soon as Monday night, at or near 48 feet (14.63 meters). Forecasters had previously predicted the crest would come Tuesday.

Memphis residents have been abandoning low-lying homes for days as the dangerously surging river threatened to crest just shy of the 48.7-foot (14.84-meter) record, set by a devastating 1937 flood.

This is the Sunday night Flood Bulletin from The National Weather Service:

ARC035-077-MSC033-143-TNC157-100211-
/O.CON.KMEG.FL.W.0038.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
/MEMT1.3.ER.110426T2330Z.110510T0000Z.000000T0000Z.UU/
912 PM CDT SUN MAY 8 2011

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT MEMPHIS
* UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
* AT 8 PM SUNDAY THE STAGE WAS 47.7 FEET.
* MAJOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST.
* MAXIMUM FORECAST STAGE OF 48.0 FEET TUESDAY MAY 10.
* FLOOD STAGE IS 34.0 FEET.
* THE RIVER IS ABOVE FLOOD STAGE AND WILL CONTINUE RISING TO NEAR
48.0 FEET BY TUESDAY MAY 10. THEN...THE RIVER WILL BEGIN FALLING
VERY SLOWLY.
* AT 46.0 FEET...THE SOUTH END OF TOM LEE PARK BEGINS TO FLOOD. RIVERSIDE
DRIVE AT BEALE STREET IS BEGINNING TO FLOOD.
* AT 47.0 FEET...NORTH EVACUATION ROAD FROM HARBORTOWN IS UNDER WATER.
DWELLINGS ON THE NORTH END OF THE MEMPHIS HARBOR ARE BEGINNING TO FLOOD.
* AT 48.0 FEET...RIVERSIDE DRIVE IN MEMPHIS AND TOM LEE PARK ARE
FLOODED

So, for every reporter only giving the crest and nothing else, shame on you. It's your job to make that number clear and understandable for your audience.

16 Confirmed Tornadoes Across The Area Last Week

HowardBernstein — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:38:00 GMT

The national Weather Service that covers the DC and Baltimore region, located in Sterling,Virginia, has just release the following information about the tornado outbreak from last week. In all, 16 tornadoes were confrimed. Most were EF-0 or EF-1, but there was 1 storm in the Shenandah Valley that was classified an EF-2 storm.

FUJITA SCALE			DERIVED EF SCALE		OPERATIONAL EF SCALE
F Number	Fastest 1/4-mile (mph)	3 Second Gust (mph)	EF Number	3 Second Gust (mph)	EF Number	3 Second Gust (mph)
0	40-72	45-78	0	65-85	0	65-85
1	73-112	79-117	1	86-109	1	86-110
2	113-157	118-161	2	110-137	2	111-135
3	158-207	162-209	3	138-167	3	136-165
4	208-260	210-261	4	168-199	4	166-200
5	261-318	262-317	5	200-234	5	Over 200

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ENHANCED F-SCALE WINDS: The Enhanced F-scale still is a set of wind estimates (not measurements) based on damage. Its uses three-second gusts estimated at the point of damage based on a judgment of 8 levels of damage to the 28 indicators listed below. These estimates vary with height and exposure. Important: The 3 second gust is not the same wind as in standard surface observations. Standard measurements are taken by weather stations in open exposures, using a directly measured, "one minute mile" speed.

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT  
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC  
900 PM EDT WED MAY 4 2011  
   
..UPDATE TO ADD TORNADOES IN ALLEGANY  
CALVERT AND MONTGOMERY   
COUNTIES MD AND PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY VA...  
   
..SIXTEEN TORNADOES CONFIRMED DURING 27-28 APRIL THUNDERSTORMS  
   
..ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE  
  
   
........................MARYLAND...........................  
  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR TOWN CREEK MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...2 MI NORTH OF TOWN CREEK IN ALLEGANY COUNTY MARYLAND  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...1:27 AM TO 1:28 AM EDT  
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0  
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...80 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...75 YARDS   
LENGTH...0.5 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.555N / 78.540W  
ENDING LAT/LON...39.562N / 78.535W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
THE TORNADO BEGAN ON A WOODED HILLSIDE JUST SOUTH OF THE 23200 BLOCK   
OF PACK HORSE ROAD. DAMAGE ALONG THE PATH LENGTH WAS LARGELY TO   
TREES. NUMEROUS TREES WERE UPROOTED ALONG THE HILLSIDE. A LARGE   
TREE THREE FEET IN DIAMETER PARTIALLY FELL ON A RESIDENCE ON PACK   
HORSE RD...CAUSING DAMAGE TO ONE WALL AND A PORTION OF THE ROOF. THE   
TORNADO DAMAGE EXTENDED NORTH FROM PACK HORSE ROAD INTO A WOODED   
AREA EVIDENT BY MORE UPROOTED TREES. FARTHER ALONG THE PATH...DAMAGE   
TO TREES OCCURRED BEHIND A RESIDENCE ON MANIFORD RD SE ADJACENT TO   
THE BOUNDARY OF GREEN RIDGE STATE FOREST. AT THIS POINT THE DAMAGE   
PATH ENDED. THE DAMAGE PATH EXTENDED INTO A HEAVILY FORESTED   
INACCESSIBLE AREA THAT WAS NOT SURVEYED. THIS TORNADO HAS BEEN RATED   
EF-0 WITH MAXIMUM WINDS ESTIMATED AT 80 MPH.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN GREEN RIDGE MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...3 MI NORTHWEST OF GREEN RIDGE IN ALLEGANY COUNTY MARYLAND   
DATE...APRIL 28 2011  
ESTIMATED TIME...1:35 AM TO 1:35AM EDT  
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0  
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...80 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...75 YARDS   
LENGTH...0.1 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.601N / 78.479W  
ENDING LAT/LON...39.602N / 78.477W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A BRIEF TORNADO OCCURRED IN GREEN RIDGE STATE FOREST. DAMAGE WAS   
FOUND ALONG A SWITCHBACK ON MERTENS RD BETWEEN STAFFORD AND EAST   
VALLEY ROADS. NUMEROUS TREES WERE UPROOTED AND/OR TOPPED IN A SMALL   
AREA OF MERTENS ROAD. TREE CANOPIES SHOWED EVIDENCE OF CONVERGENT   
FLOW NEAR THE DAMAGE TRACK. THIS TORNADO HAS BEEN RATED EF-0 WITH   
MAX WINDS ESTIMATED AT 80 MPH AND A WIDTH OF 75 YARDS. THE TOUCHDOWN   
TIME IS BASED UPON RADAR. DUE TO THE REMOTE AND RUGGED NATURE OF THE   
TERRAIN...THE DAMAGE TRACK COULD POSSIBLY EXTEND FARTHER ALONG   
EITHER END OF THE PATH.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR HAMPSTEAD MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...WESTERN BALTIMORE COUNTY...2 MILES EAST OF HAMPSTEAD  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...8:09 AM TO 8:11 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...65 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS   
LENGTH...1.1 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.609N / 76.830W   
ENDING LAT/LON...39.614N / 76.810W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-0 TORNADO   
TRACKED FROM NEAR THE CARROLL COUNTY LINE IN BALTIMORE COUNTY ALONG   
MT CARMEL ROAD FOR 1.1 MILES. THE TORNADO SNAPPED AND UPROOTED   
SEVERAL TREES AND DOWNED LARGE BRANCHES. THE STORM TRACKED ACROSS   
MARSHALL MILL ROAD.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN LUSBY MD  
  
LOCATION...LUSBY IN CALVERT COUNTY MD   
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...11:41 AM TO 11:43 PM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...70 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS  
LENGTH...1.8 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.366N / 76.465W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.380N / 76.439W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-0 TORNADO   
TRACKED BRIEFLY FROM NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF HILLTOP ROAD AND   
COSTER ROAD TO THE INTERSECTION OF SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD AND   
SWEETWATER ROAD. SIX INSTANCES OF DAMAGE WERE NOTED ALONG THE   
PATH...INCLUDING APPROXIMATELY A DOZEN TREES THAT WERE UPROOTED...   
ALONG WITH LARGE BRANCHES DOWNED.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN WESTMINSTER MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...WESTMINSTER IN CARROLL COUNTY MD  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011  
ESTIMATED TIME...7:46 AM TO 7:47 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...65 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS   
LENGTH...0.6 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.568N / 76.988W   
ENDING LAT/LON...39.577N / 76.984W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-0 TORNADO   
TRACKED ACROSS EASTERN PORTIONS OF WESTMINSTER. THE TORNADO UPROOTED   
AND SNAPPED SEVERAL TREES AND DOWNED LARGE BRANCHES. THE STORM   
TRACKED FROM NEAR OLD WESTMINSTER PIKE ACROSS RALPH AND CENTER   
STREETS BEFORE LIFTING AS IT CROSSED ROUTE 97.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR POOLESVILLE MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...NORTH OF POOLESVILLE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY MD  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011  
ESTIMATED TIME...6:45 AM TO 6:47 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...65 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS   
LENGTH...0.8 MILES  
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.152N / 77.420W   
ENDING LAT/LON...39.158N / 77.408W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A SHORT DAMAGE PATH NORTH OF POOLESVILLE MARYLAND WAS DETERMINED BY   
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GROUND SURVEY. SPOTTY TREE DAMAGE WAS   
OBSERVED ALONG THE TRACK ON BEALLSVILLE ROAD...ELGIN ROAD AND   
JERUSALEM ROAD. A TRAMPOLINE WAS LOFTED AND DEPOSITED ATOP A POWER   
POLE...WITH ADJACENT DAMAGE TO A FENCE AND SMALL TREE.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR CAMP SPRINGS MD  
  
LOCATION...ANDREWS AFB AND CAMP SPRINGS IN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY MD  
DATE...APRIL 27 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...7:16 PM TO 7:17 PM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...70 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...100 YARDS  
LENGTH...0.8 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.810N / 76.902W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.813N / 76.889W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-0 TORNADO   
TRACKED BRIEFLY FROM A WOODED AREA JUST SOUTHWEST OF THE   
INTERSECTION OF AUTH ROAD AND ALLENTOWN ROAD ONTO ANDREWS AIR FORCE   
BASE. NUMEROUS TREES WERE UPROOTED AND SNAPPED. THE TORNADO ALSO   
PRODUCED SOME ROOFING AND SIDING DAMAGE.

  
   
..EF-1 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN BRETON BAY MARYLAND  
  
LOCATION...BRETON BAY IN SAINT MARYS COUNTY MD   
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...11:25 AM TO 11:29 AM EDT  
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-1   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...90 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS   
LENGTH...3.3 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.263N / 76.666W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.294N / 76.618W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY SAINT MARYS COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT   
AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER WITH RADAR AND   
EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-1 TORNADO TRACKED ACROSS   
BRETON BAY IN SAINT MARYS COUNTY MARYLAND. THE TORNADO SNAPPED AND   
UPROOTED NUMEROUS LARGE TREES AND CAUSED SOME HOME ROOFING AND   
SIDING DAMAGE. IT ALSO BLEW A CINDER BLOCK WALL OUT FROM A STORAGE   
SHED AND DAMAGED ITS ROOF. THE TORNADO PASSED OVER CAMP CALVERT.

  
   
............................VIRGINIA...........................  
  
   
..EF-1 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR STAUNTON VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...CHURCHVILLE IN AUGUSTA COUNTY VA  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...2:31 AM TO 2:36 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-1   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...100 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...150 YARDS  
LENGTH...4.0 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.179N / 79.215W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.225N / 79.170W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY AUGUSTA COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND   
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS   
REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-1 TORNADO TRACKED FROM CHRISTIAN TO   
CHURCHVILLE VIRGINIA...5 MILES NORTHWEST OF STAUNTON. THE TORNADO   
SNAPPED AND UPROOTED NUMEROUS LARGE TREES...DAMAGED SEVERAL HOMES...   
REMOVED ROOFING ON MULTIPLE RESIDENCES AND DESTROYED SEVERAL   
OUTBUILDINGS.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED IN RESTON VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...RESTON IN FAIRFAX COUNTY VIRGINIA  
DATE...APRIL 27 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...11:25 PM TO 11:28 PM EDT  
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0  
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...80 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...75 YARDS   
LENGTH...1.1 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.952N / 77.345W  
ENDING LAT/LON...38.963N / 77.331W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
DAMAGE ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE PATH WAS PRIMARILY TO TREES. THE   
TORNADO BEGAN IN A PARKING LOT ALONG SUNSET HILLS ROAD...WHERE SMALL   
LIMBS WERE SNAPPED FROM A HARDWOOD TREE...AND A LARGE LIMB WAS   
SNAPPED FROM A SOFTWOOD TREE. IT CROSSED SUNSET HILLS ROAD AND   
ENTERED THE HIDDEN CREEK COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE...WHERE IT   
INTENSIFIED AND UPROOTED OR SNAPPED SEVERAL HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD   
TREES. THE TORNADO WEAKENED SLIGHTLY AS IT CROSSED NORTH SHORE DRIVE   
AND WEDGE ROAD...WHERE A FEW TREES WERE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. A FEW   
HOMES APPEARED TO SUFFER MINOR DAMAGE FROM FALLEN TREES. AS IT   
CROSSED WIEHLE AVENUE...THE TORNADO INTENSIFIED AGAIN...SNAPPING OR   
UPROOTING NUMEROUS TREES ADJACENT TO TALL OAKS VILLAGE CENTER BEFORE   
WEAKENING RAPIDLY. THIS TORNADO HAS BEEN RATED EF-0. ADDITIONAL   
REPORTED DAMAGE NORTHEAST OF THE LISTED END POINT WILL BE   
EXAMINED...AND THIS REPORT MAY BE UPDATED.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED NEAR MIDDLETOWN VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...JUST NORTHEAST OF STRASBURG VA IN SHENANDOAH COUNTY TO  
JUST NORTH OF MIDDLETOWN VA IN FREDERICK COUNTY  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011  
ESTIMATED TIME...3:45 AM TO 3:49 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...70 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...175 YARDS   
LENGTH...4.3 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...39.001N / 78.336W   
ENDING LAT/LON...39.046N / 78.281W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-0 TORNADO   
TRACKED FROM NORTHEAST OF STRASBURG TO THE WEST SIDE OF MIDDLETOWN.   
THE TORNADO UPROOTED AND SNAPPED SEVERAL TREES..UNROOFED A POLE   
BARN...AND REMOVED SEVERAL SHINGLES FROM A HOUSE. THE TORNADO   
CROSSED INTERSTATE 81 AND ROUTE 11.

  
   
..EF-0 TORNADO CONFIRMED SOUTHEAST OF TRIANGLE VA  
  
LOCATION...SOUTHEAST OF TRIANGLE VA NEAR THE STAFFORD COUNTY LINE  
DATE...APRIL 27 2011  
ESTIMATED TIME...6:16 PM TO 6:22 PM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-0   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...UNKNOWN   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...UNKNOWN   
LENGTH...2.5 MILES  
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.519N / 77.335W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.539N / 78.296W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A TORNADO WAS OBSERVED BY A WEATHER OBSERVER AT QUANTICO AND WAS   
SEEN BY SEVERAL OTHER OBSERVERS AT A DISTANCE. ALTHOUGH A FUNNEL   
CLOUD WAS NOT IN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND DURING THE ENTIRE   
TORNADO...DEBRIS WAS LOFTED AND CIRCULATED BENEATH A PENDANT FUNNEL   
UNTIL IT DISSIPATED. THE PATH WAS DETERMINED BY TRIANGULATION FROM   
MULTIPLE VANTAGE POINTS AND RADAR DATA. THE TORNADO WAS LOCATED IN   
REMOTE WOODED PORTIONS OF QUANTICO AIR FORCE BASE...SO ANY POTENTIAL   
DAMAGE INDICATORS WERE INACCESSIBLE. THE TORNADO IS ASSIGNED A   
RATING OF EF-0 LACKING ANY DAMAGE REPORTS...BUT A MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH   
AND WIND SPEED ARE INDETERMINATE PENDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

  
   
..EF-1 TORNADO CONFIRMED JUST WEST OF MANASSAS VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...NOKESVILLE AND BRISTOW IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY VIRGINIA   
DATE...APRIL 27 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME... 10:47 PM EDT TO 11:01 PM EDT  
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-1  
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...90 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...125 YARDS  
LENGTH...5.2 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.667N / 77.584W  
ENDING LAT/LON...38.735N / 77.547W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR INFORMATION AND EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS CONFIRMED THAT AN   
EF-1 TORNADO TRACKED FROM THE CEDAR RUN PLANTATION AREA OF   
NOKESVILLE TO BRISTOW...JUST WEST OF THE CITY OF MANASSAS. THE   
TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR WARRENTON ROAD AND CARRIAGE FORD ROAD AND    
PROCEEDED NORTHEASTWARD...WHERE IT SNAPPED OR UPROOTED NUMEROUS   
TREES ALONG CARRIAGE FORD ROAD...ADEN ROAD AND GARMAN DRIVE. SIDING   
AND SHINGLES WERE REMOVED FROM SEVERAL HOMES IN THIS AREA...AND   
WINDOW SEALS WERE REMOVED ALONG A WEST-FACING WALL ON ONE HOUSE.   
HORSE RUN-INS AND SHEDS ALSO WERE DAMAGED...AND GARAGE DOORS WERE   
BLOWN IN ON A DETACHED GARAGE. THE CIRCULATION WEAKENED AS IT   
CROSSED COLVIN LANE AND CURVED NORTHWARD THROUGH THE NEW BRISTOW   
VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD AND INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING AREA.   
TREE...SHINGLE AND SIDING DAMAGE WAS NOTED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE   
TORNADO DAMAGED A FENCE...SOME SIGNS AND SMALL TREES IN THE PARKING   
LOT OF THE SHOPPING CENTER. THE FINAL DAMAGE OCCURRED AS THE TORNADO   
CROSSED LINTON HALL ROAD AND SNAPPED A FEW TREES AS IT DIMINISHED.

  
   
..EF-1 TORNADO CONFIRMED JUST NORTH OF HARRISONBURG VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...LINVILLE IN ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VA  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...3:01 AM TO 3:02 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-1   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...90 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...50 YARDS  
LENGTH...0.9 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.502N / 78.838W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.511N / 78.827W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-1 TORNADO   
TRACKED OVER A RURAL AREA NEAR LINVILLE VIRGINIA. OVER A TRACK THAT   
WAS NEARLY A MILE LONG...THE TORNADO UPROOTED AND SNAPPED NUMEROUS   
LARGE TREES ALONG A HORSE FARM AND SURROUNDING AREA. THE TORNADO   
CROSSED IRISH PATH... INDIAN RIDGE LANE... AND MELROSE ROAD.

  
   
..EF-1 TORNADO CONFIRMED JUST SOUTHEAST OF HARRISONBURG VIRGINIA  
  
LOCATION...KEEZLETOWN IN ROCKINGHAM COUNTY VA  
DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...3:55 AM TO 3:58 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-1   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...90 MPH   
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...150 YARDS  
LENGTH...2.7 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.388N / 78.865W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.416N / 78.832W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...NONE  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT AN EF-1 TORNADO   
TRACKED JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE CITY OF HARRISONBURG ALONG BOYER ROAD.   
THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN ALONG OSCEOLA SPRINGS ROAD CAUSING TREE   
DAMAGE...THEN PROCEEDED NORTHEAST TO BOYER ROAD. THE TORNADO   
UPROOTED AND SNAPPED NUMEROUS LARGE TREES... UPROOTED MOST OF A   
PERSONAL APPLE ORCHARD...CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO TWO HOMES BY   
LIFTING THEIR ROOFS...DAMAGED TWO BARN ROOFS...KNOCKED DOWN   
GRAVESTONES...DESTROYED A METAL SHED...AND MOVED A LIVESTOCK TRAILER   
SEVERAL FEET. THE STORM CROSSED US ROUTE 33 AND LIFTED WHEN IT   
REACHED THE RIDGE ADJACENT TO IT.

  
  
...EF-2 TORNADO TRAVELS OVER 30 MILES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF   
VA...  
  
LOCATION...FULKS RUN TO ST LUKE VIRGINIA IN ROCKINGHAM/SHENANDOAH   
COUNTIES DATE...APRIL 28 2011   
ESTIMATED TIME...2:12 AM TO 2:35 AM EDT   
MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING...EF-2   
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED...130 MPH  
MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH...400 YARDS  
LENGTH...33.2 MILES   
BEGINNING LAT/LON...38.654N / 78.962W   
ENDING LAT/LON...38.959N / 78.478W  
* FATALITIES...NONE  
* INJURIES...TWO  
  
* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO   
CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT/S/ AND PUBLICATION IN NWS   
STORM DATA.  
   
..SUMMARY  
  
A GROUND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE...TOGETHER   
WITH RADAR AND EYEWITNESS REPORTS DETERMINED THAT A TORNADO WITH   
PEAK WINDS OF 130 MPH TRACKED FOR OVER 30 MILES ACROSS THE NORTHERN   
SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA. THE TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN NEAR FULKS   
RUN VIRGINIA ALONG THE NORTH FORK OF THE SHENANDOAH RIVER AND   
CREATED NEARLY CONTINUOUS DAMAGE ON ITS 33 MILE NORTHEAST PATH...NOT   
LIFTING UNTIL IT GOT TO ST LUKE VIRGINIA JUST WEST OF WOODSTOCK.  
  
ALONG ITS PATH...THE TORNADO TORE OFF ROOFS FROM BARNS AND HOMES...   
SNAPPED AND UPROOTED HUNDREDS OF TREES...DECIMATED A MOBILE HOME...   
PICKED UP A HALF TON PIECE OF INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT AND TOSSED IT 200   
YARDS...AND DESTROYED NUMEROUS SHEDS.   
  
THE WORST OF THE DAMAGE WAS JUST EAST OF ORKNEY SPRINGS...BASYE...   
AND BRYCE RESORT. STARTING IN A REMOTE AREA...AND THEN MOVING ACROSS   
ROUTE 263 INTO THE FORESTED SKI AND HUNT CLUB SUBDIVISION...AND THEN   
INTO A FARMING COMMUNITY...THE TORNADO SNAPPED AND UPROOTED MOST OF   
THE LARGE TREES IN THE FOREST WITHIN ITS PATH. IT THEN LEVELED AN   
ENTIRE AGRICULTURAL CHICKEN BUILDING DOWN TO THE FOUNDATION...   
DAMAGED OTHERS...FLIPPED A PICKUP TRUCK ON ITS SIDE AND THREW   
SEVERAL TRAILERS.   
  
TWO INJURIES WERE REPORTED...AN 82 YEAR OLD FEMALE FROM FLYING   
DEBRIS AND A 26 YEAR OLD WOMAN WITH MINOR INJURIES FROM FALLING   
WHILE ESCAPING.   
    
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE  
BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON FORECAST OFFICE

Weekend Tornadoes Hit The Area

HowardBernstein — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:46:00 GMT

While the deadly tornadoes hit areas south of us, especially North Carolina, there were a few reports of tornadoes that hit in Northern Maryland on Saturday evening.

While there were quite a few reports of wind damage and some hail there are the official reports from the (NWS) National Weather Service in Sterling, VA.

.TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON  
   
.DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE.  
  

  
0736 PM     TORNADO          2 NNE NEW MARKET        39.41N  77.26W  
04/16/2011                   FREDERICK          MD   NWS STORM SURVEY  
  
            TORNADO CONFIRMED EF1. MAX WINDS 90-100 MPH. MAX WIDTH   
            50 YARDS. PATH LENGTH 1 MILE. NUMEROUS TREES UPROOTED.   
            BARNS PARTIALLY DESTROYED. ROOF DAMAGE TO RESIDENCE.  
0738 PM     TORNADO          3 NE NEW MARKET         39.41N  77.24W  
04/16/2011                   FREDERICK          MD   NWS STORM SURVEY  
  
            TORNADO CONFIRMED EF-1. MAX WINDS 90-100 MPH. MAX WIDTH   
            75 YARDS. PATH LENGTH 5 MILES. SEVERAL SMALL BARNS   
            DESTROYED. ROOFS PARTIALLY OFF OF WAREHOUSES. NUMEROUS   
            TREES SNAPPED.  
0743 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 S UNIONVILLE          39.43N  77.18W  
04/16/2011                   FREDERICK          MD   NWS STORM SURVEY  
  
            SEVERAL DOWNED AND SNAPPED TREES NEAR INTERSECTION OF   
            WOODVILLE ROAD AND GLISSANS MILL ROAD.

  
0744 PM     TORNADO          3 SE UNIONVILLE         39.44N  77.15W  
04/16/2011                   FREDERICK          MD   NWS STORM SURVEY  
  
            TORNADO CONFIRMED EF-0. MAX WINDS 70-80 MPH. MAX WIDTH   
            50 YARDS. PATH LENGTH 3 MILES. TREES SNAPPED AND   
            SHINGLES REMOVED FROM RESIDENCE. TORNADO ENDED IN   
            CARROLL COUNTY.  

0756 PM     TORNADO          1 SW DEEP RUN           39.68N  77.00W  
04/16/2011                   CARROLL            MD   NWS EMPLOYEE      
  
            TORNADO CONFIRMED EF-0. MAX WINDS 80 MPH. MAX WIDTH 200   
            YARDS. PATH LENGTH 2 MILES. NUMEROUS TREES UPROOTED AND   
            SNAPPED. ONE TREE INTO HOUSE. TWO BARNS PARTIALLY   
            UNROOFED.

The NWS sent a team in the field to examine the damage and that is how these confirmations were made. Later today, they will publish a report about the tornadoes. While it appears that there was a tornado near New Market, another one near Unionville and a third one near Deep Run, there could have been two tornadoes near New Market or one tornado that touched down twice. After looking at archived radar data, the survey team will make a final decision. Whatever the outcome, thankfully it was only property that was damaged, but it should also serve as a reminder that you should have a severe weather plan in place. Do you? Do you even own a storm alert radio? Please take the time to make a plan so that you can reduce the chances of bad things happening to you the next time severe weather strikes the area.

A Stormy Saturday (4/16/11) Ahead

HowardBernstein — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:27:00 GMT

Looks like we're in for a very active Saturday across the Washington Metro region. A major storm system will push across the east coast late Saturday into Sunday while light rain is expected in the morning, heavier rains and even thunderstorms are likely Saturday afternoon into the evening. The best chance for strong storms will be south of Washington.

The potential for heavy rains, in excess of 2" in spots has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Watch West of Washington for Saturday The east facing ridges will help squeeze more rain out of the clouds and you can see how the RPM model below has the highest rain totals in those locations.

Another issue will be the winds. Sustained winds from the southeast of 20 to 30 mph will push water levels up across the west side of the Chesapeake Bay and into the Tidal Potomac where tides can run 2 to 3 feet above normal.

Here are the times of high tide for a few locations from north to south 
on the Chesapeake Bay Saturday afternoon and Saturday night:

HAVRE DE GRACE				9:11 PM 
BOWLEY BAR				6:49 PM 
FORT MCHENRY BALTIMORE			5:58 PM 
ANNAPOLIS U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY		4:28 PM AND 4:58 AM 
CHESAPEAKE BEACH			3:11 PM AND 3:41 AM 
SOLOMONS ISLAND				1:50 AM 
POINT LOOKOUT				1:00 AM 

Now along the Potomac River:
WASHINGTON CHANNEL			7:27 PM 
ALEXANDRIA				7:45 PM 
INDIAN HEAD				7:13 PM 
COLTONS POINT				2:29 AM

March 2011: A Wet March That Could Make a Top 5 At One Local Area Airport

HowardBernstein — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:55:00 GMT

It has been a wet March. As of midnight. DCA (Reagan National) has had 4.36" of rain, IAD (Dulles) has had 4.96" of rain and BWI has also had 4.96" of rain. These totals are well above the averages which run in the 3.5" range.

With more rain tonight, Dulles is in striking distance of 5th place. The top records at Reagan National and BWI are safe.

(DC records start 1871)

1. 8.84" (1891)
2. 8.45" (1994)
3. 7.43" (1953)
4. 7.24" (1884)
5. 6.82" (1993)

(IAD records start 1963)

1. 7.65" (1993)
2. 6.71" (1994)
3. 5.81" (1984)
4. 5.60" (1998)
5. 5.16" (1991)

(Baltimore records back to 1871)

1. 8.64" (1994)
2. 8.12" (1993)
3. 7.94" (1891)
4. 7.59" (1881)
5. 7.20" (1892)

BWI

IAD

DCA