The Tropics Awake!

After yawning through much of October in the Tropics, finally a system has organized. Unfortunately, this one could mean bad news for Central America, which is especially prone to potentially deadly mudslides and flash flooding. Tropical Depression 11 formed this morning, and may strengthen to Tropical Storm Ida by tonight. But it's usually not the winds that cause the most damage in this part of the world. It's the torrential rainfall. TD 11 is expected to track over eastern Nicaragua and Honduras. Wednesday morning's motion is to the northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds at 35mph.

As it does so, rainfall amounts should rise up to nearly two feet. Such a large amount of rain in a short time onto hilly/mountainous terrain can wash away faces of mountainsides, taking whatever is in its path. Often, that includes homes and the people residing there. In the valleys, flash flooding can occur in a matter of hours. Tropical systems of any strength in Central America can wreak havoc, even if the storm never reaches hurricane strength.

Fall Foliage Update

As many of you have noticed, Fall Colors have been in full swing in Central Virgina over the past couple of weeks. Of course, different types of trees peak at varying times, so some trees have already peaked and dropped their leaves, while others are just getting started this week.

Leaf drop will continue to accelerate over the next couple of weeks, but it appears that this Fall's colors have been right within range for average peak times.

Lows This Morning

Many parts of Central Virginia were in the 30's this Wednesday morning, but we have yet to see our first widespread freeze. A light freeze may be in store for Saturday morning, though.

Here are some of the low temperatures recorded this morning in the area:

Staunton 28
Charlottesville 30
Farmville 31
Lynchburg 32
Danville 32
Hanover 33
Petersburg 34
Purdy 34
Fredericksburg 35
Locust Grove 37
Richmond 37
Newland 39
South Hill 40
Williamsburg 41

The places that froze this morning have already experienced a prior freeze this season. The lowest temperature so far at Richmond International Airport this Fall has been 35 degrees on October 20. It does appear that our coldest morning of the season will likely occur Saturday morning with a low expected near-freezing.