I went running before work today through the Museum District and The Fan, and was reminded of how great a variety of weather we get each year in Richmond. It's the next to last day in December, and the high was nearly 60 degrees with lots of sunshine. Four days from now, we'll be lucky to hit 35, and the wind chill will stay below freezing. I came to the River City in 2007, and was told by several of my colleagues in Plains that the experience of being a chief meteorologist would be good, but that I would soon become bored with the weather. They were half right. I witnessed some wild weather in my 8 years of working in Tornado Alley, the stuff that gives you nightmares, and while we don't see the extremes here in The Commonwealth, we see a greater sampling of weather types than most areas in the country. In 2011, we had a couple of minor snows, several tornado outbreaks, a hurricane, an earthquake, and a good mix of hot and cold days. Then you throw in days like today, and I have nothing to complain about. I'm married with three small children now, and the quiet days are as exciting for me now as the big weather events. I feel fortunate to be here.
A few notes on the weather over the next week: the disturbance tonight will bring little more than a few showers to the area, and no wintry weather. The cold blast is still on schedule to arrive Monday and stay in place through late Wednesday. There continues to be a signal for a disturbance to move through the area on Thursday, possibly bringing the area a few flurries or snow showers, but nothing to write home about. The storm track will become more meridional "north/south" over the next two weeks, which should result in more temperature swings and perhaps a storm system in there as well. Nothing points to any key storm at this time, but as time goes on, a storm will eventually show itself. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend, and make a resolution this year to better your life and those around you. I'm going to refrain from blogging over the weekend, but I'll be back at it on Monday. In the meantime, I'll post quick updates on my FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages. Hope to see you there. -Zach
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tracking the Cold & Chances for Snow
I awoke this morning to the rumbling of an idling oil truck in the alley behind my home, perhaps a sign that the word has spread that colder days are ahead and it's time to fill up. The deep trough that will dig into the eastern U.S early next week will bring an air mass with a real bite into the region. It's likely that much of central and northern Virginia will see highs remaining in the upper 30s, which isn't at all unusual for the first week of January, but an abrupt change from the relatively mild fall and winter we have seen to this point. The overnight lows during this period will fall into the upper teens and low 20s. As I mentioned in my post from yesterday, the chance for snow with this pattern change appears slim to none, with only a slight chance of seeing a quick burst of light snow early Monday. If you're scheduled to be at work that day, you'll be working. We'll have another possibility for snow later in the week that looks pretty interesting. Both the GFS and Euro operational models are indicating the presence of an upper-level wave that will dive south out of the upper Midwest and move just south of Virginia on Thursday. This isn't an ideal setup by any stretch for snow, but it's the type of scenario that can become more favorable with time. You'll note my confidence in seeing anything isn't very high by the 20% chance I have in my 7-day forecast. I'll peruse the model suites again this evening and track the movements of birds and small rodents in the morning. Check back for another update tomorrow, and if you haven't already done so, click here to drop by my facebook page and click the "like" button. Have a great Friday. -Zach
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
To Snow or Not to Snow...
That is the question, and it appears as though we'll be left high and dry. The Euro model must have finally awakened from its post-holiday leaded-eggnog stupor, because as quickly as one can say La Nina, the computerized pundit reversed its thinking on next week's nor'easter. Even more disappointing to snow lovers, is the strong agreement of all the medium range models of a deep and cold trough digging into the eastern half of the nation January 2nd-4th. Cold is good, yes, but not cold AND dry, and it appears as though that is what we will likely be dealing with. It was fun while it lasted, but big swings like this are very common, as I touched on in my blog entries from the past couple of days. The image below indicates the Euro model from yesterday morning (12z) and just below that image is the GFS model from the same time. The solutions are completely different, with a nor'easter indicated by the Euro, and a dry and cool setup shown by the GFS.
The next two images show the same two models 24 hours later (12z this morning), and while both have shifted considerably, they now are in very good agreement. The big u-shaped area over the eastern U.S. is the deep trough, which this time of year translates to a very cold and dry air mass. The shades of yellow, orange, and red within the trough highlight areas of vorticity, and the vorticity pattern is relatively smooth throughout the trough, with very little concentrated maxima. A strong and isolated vorticity maximum, also called a short wave, upper-level disturbance, or vort max, is often necessary to bring our region snow. A strong vort max can create snow through lift directly attributed to the disturbance, and can also result in surface cyclogenesis that strengthens into a nor'easter. The latter was the solution the Euro was teasing us with over the past couple of days, but now neither scenario appears possible without a concentrated upper disturbance.
We could certainly see a return to more of a pattern conducive for snow, but the current consistency of the most reliable suite of models makes any big change very unlikely. 'Tis the season for model flip-flopping and looking ahead for our first snow with great anticipation. I'll continue to track this situation closely and will have updates on any potential for another one headed this way. Check back again tomorrow for another update. -Zach
The next two images show the same two models 24 hours later (12z this morning), and while both have shifted considerably, they now are in very good agreement. The big u-shaped area over the eastern U.S. is the deep trough, which this time of year translates to a very cold and dry air mass. The shades of yellow, orange, and red within the trough highlight areas of vorticity, and the vorticity pattern is relatively smooth throughout the trough, with very little concentrated maxima. A strong and isolated vorticity maximum, also called a short wave, upper-level disturbance, or vort max, is often necessary to bring our region snow. A strong vort max can create snow through lift directly attributed to the disturbance, and can also result in surface cyclogenesis that strengthens into a nor'easter. The latter was the solution the Euro was teasing us with over the past couple of days, but now neither scenario appears possible without a concentrated upper disturbance.
We could certainly see a return to more of a pattern conducive for snow, but the current consistency of the most reliable suite of models makes any big change very unlikely. 'Tis the season for model flip-flopping and looking ahead for our first snow with great anticipation. I'll continue to track this situation closely and will have updates on any potential for another one headed this way. Check back again tomorrow for another update. -Zach
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Our Potential for Snow: Part 2
The possibilities for what happens next week still range from sunny and mild to a heavy snow, with one medium range model staying bullish on developing a Nor'easter for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. I'm big on consistency when it comes to longer term forecasting, but each model seems consistent in its own way. The GFS continues to show nothing, while the Euro is going gangbusters. The Euro is many times the big winner in medium range solutions, but I've seen it be consistently wrong on a system before. So with a good measure of cautiousness, and a heck of a lot of optimism, I'll put forth my expectations for next week based only on what the Euro is showing. After all, what's the fun of blogging about a non-event? Yesterday I mentioned the possibility of a big snow, citing the pattern change the Euro was depicting. There has been a change between yesterday's model run, and the runs from last night and this morning. That change?...colder and snowier to put it succinctly. The 500 mb low is slower and farther south and the surface low develops a little farther offshore. The overall amount (QPF) of moisture has increased, and more of that moisture falls into an air mass supportive of snow. So for you snow lovers, it continues to look better and better for a decent snow in the Jan 3-4 time frame. The next run of the Euro will begin a little after midnight. Check back here for my analysis. -Zach
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tracking Richmond's First Chance of Snow
It looks fairly certain we'll finish up December 2011 without a trace of snow, something we haven't seen since 2006. The pattern looks like it could finally make a big shift in early January, bringing much colder air, and possibly the first snowflakes of the season to the area. The various models solutions continue to hint at both colder and snowier weather for the area during the period of January 2nd-7th. Model reliability is typically poor that far ahead, and there have been many departures from the cold solution over the past couple of days. What has drawn my eye has been the persistent signal of a deep and very cold trough digging into the eastern U.S. in response to a negative shift in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The European Model has been pretty consistent over the past few runs will the colder air, while the GFS has flip-flopped a couple of times and can't seem to settle on a particular pattern for early January. Most recently, and perhaps the most alarming, is the loose agreement of a full-blown Nor'easter on January 5th. We'll certainly see some changes in the solutions over the next few days, and what is there today, could very easily be gone tomorrow. From the signals I've seen over the past several days though, winter could finally make an appearance during the first week of 2012. Check back for another update. -Zach
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Last Total Lunar Eclipse Until 2014 On Saturday Morning
The last Total Lunar Eclipse until 2014 will occur this Saturday morning, favoring viewers all along the Pacific Rim, including the Western U.S. However, those of us on the East Coast will not be able to see this eclipse because our moonset time is before the eclipse begins. The first hints of the "red shadow" will not be visible until 7:45 AM EST. 
(Click here to see a map of where the eclipse will be visible in the World).
In Richmond, the moon sets Saturday morning at 7:12 AM, about the time the Sun rises at 7:13 AM. So even if we could see some of that initial shadow being cast by the Earth onto the Moon, it will be nearly impossible to see because of the Dawn.
On the West Coast, though, the Moon will enter "totality" of the eclipse at 6:05 AM PST (which is 9:05 AM EST, well after we can't see the Moon anymore on the East Coast). West Coasters will see a pre-sunrise eclipse of beautiful proportions. Atmospheric scientist Richard Keen of the University of Colorado predicts, "I expect this eclipse to be bright orange, or even copper-colored, with a possible hint of turquoise at the edge." The reason why these colors hue the Moon from our perspective here on Earth is because of our own stratosphere. As the Moon's light is scattered through the Earth's atmosphere back to our eyes, the light waves that "survive" the scattering are reddish.
Watch this NASA video to learn more:
Because we will miss watching the eclipse on the East Coast, you can click here to watch this animation demonstrating what it will look like to our western neighbors.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
(Click here to see a map of where the eclipse will be visible in the World).
In Richmond, the moon sets Saturday morning at 7:12 AM, about the time the Sun rises at 7:13 AM. So even if we could see some of that initial shadow being cast by the Earth onto the Moon, it will be nearly impossible to see because of the Dawn.
On the West Coast, though, the Moon will enter "totality" of the eclipse at 6:05 AM PST (which is 9:05 AM EST, well after we can't see the Moon anymore on the East Coast). West Coasters will see a pre-sunrise eclipse of beautiful proportions. Atmospheric scientist Richard Keen of the University of Colorado predicts, "I expect this eclipse to be bright orange, or even copper-colored, with a possible hint of turquoise at the edge." The reason why these colors hue the Moon from our perspective here on Earth is because of our own stratosphere. As the Moon's light is scattered through the Earth's atmosphere back to our eyes, the light waves that "survive" the scattering are reddish.
Watch this NASA video to learn more:
Because we will miss watching the eclipse on the East Coast, you can click here to watch this animation demonstrating what it will look like to our western neighbors.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Update on rain and snow Wednesday in Virginia
A slow-moving storm system will finally clear the eastern U.S. by Thursday morning. This Wednesday morning, though, rain continues to track northeast through the western and northern parts of our state, producing some flooding problems in low-lying areas and along creeks and streams. Storm total rainfall should range one to two inches in this part of Virginia, which is why a Flood Watch will remain in effect until 7PM.
For the southeastern half of Virginia, rain totals will remain an inch or less, with the lowest totals at just a quarter-inch in Hampton Roads.
As the surface cold front sweeps southeast this afternoon and evening, much colder air will surge into the region behind it. Winds will shift to the northwest behind the front, with deep, cold air reaching western Virginia before the precipitation ends. This will change the rain to snow, allowing for as much as three to six inches of snowfall accumulation in elevations above 1500 feet! Therefore, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for that part of Virginia through tonight.
It still looks like the rain will end in central Virginia before the deepest, cold air can settle into the region. There will be a tiny window of opportunity between 10 PM to just after Midnight for the ending rain to briefly change over to snow. Nothing will stick, though, as both air and ground temperatures will still be well above freezing in central Virginia, and remain above freezing into Thursday morning. Here's one forecast demonstrating what snow may fall, but likely not all of this will end up sticking (except in the higher elevations of western VA):
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm!
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
For the southeastern half of Virginia, rain totals will remain an inch or less, with the lowest totals at just a quarter-inch in Hampton Roads.
As the surface cold front sweeps southeast this afternoon and evening, much colder air will surge into the region behind it. Winds will shift to the northwest behind the front, with deep, cold air reaching western Virginia before the precipitation ends. This will change the rain to snow, allowing for as much as three to six inches of snowfall accumulation in elevations above 1500 feet! Therefore, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for that part of Virginia through tonight.
It still looks like the rain will end in central Virginia before the deepest, cold air can settle into the region. There will be a tiny window of opportunity between 10 PM to just after Midnight for the ending rain to briefly change over to snow. Nothing will stick, though, as both air and ground temperatures will still be well above freezing in central Virginia, and remain above freezing into Thursday morning. Here's one forecast demonstrating what snow may fall, but likely not all of this will end up sticking (except in the higher elevations of western VA):
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm!
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Monday, December 5, 2011
Rain/Snow Mix Possible Early Thursday
This definitely won't be one to write home about, but enough cold air could arrive in central and western Virginia early enough Thursday morning to change rain to snow or a rain/snow mix before ending. While it looks like a good bet for snow across northern and western Virginia, our chances of seeing anything in the metro are much lower. Above is one model depiction of accumulated snowfall. I agree with the totals across northern and western Virginia, but surface temperatures will be far too warm (37-42 degrees) across central sections for the snow to stick. For reference, the pinks are a trace to 2", cyan 2-3", yellow 3-4", and on up. At least we have a chance to see a little wet snow if nothing else. The forecast atmospheric temperature profile (sounding) in the metro area Thursday around sunrise is favorable for snow to fall while in the process of melting, if there is still rain falling at that time. There's a good chance most, if not all ,of the rain will move northeast of the area by sunrise Thursday, so most of us will miss seeing whatever happens. I'll have another update on this tomorrow. Have a great Tuesday! ZD
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
2011 Tropical Season Ends Today
The third most active tropical season on record ends today, November 30th. This 2011 season featured 19 tropical systems, which ties with three other seasons (1887, 1995, and 2010) for the number three spot. The most active tropical season on record is 2005. Records of tropical activity date back to 1851 for the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf basins.
Out of the 19 tropical systems, seven were hurricanes with at least 74 mph winds or stronger. Hurricane Irene was the first hurricane to make a direct U.S. landfall in three years (Hurricane Ike hit southeast Texas in 2008). Irene first made landfall in North Carolina, dashing the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina before hugging eastern Virginia's coastline and producing widespread wind and flooding damage in the Commonwealth. Irene continued into New England, becoming the most significant tropical cyclone to affect the northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991.
The best news out of this season was that no major hurricanes made U.S. landfall, which marks our sixth straight year without any landfalling major hurricanes in the country! Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was the last one.
Not all of the tropical systems received names. Highlighted in yellow are the names used this season:
There was also one system called Tropical Depression Ten, which never made it to Tropical Storm strength (which is when it would have received a name). That is how we get up to 19 tropical cyclones this year, even though only 18 names were used from the list. Tropical Storm Sean was our last named system to occur in early November.
This above-average tropical season may result in part because of better satellite technology available than in earlier years to better investigate systems in the open waters too far away from hurricane hunter aircraft or other reliable sampling techniques. This allowed tropical meteorologists to better asses systems and categorize them.
An average tropical season in the Atlantic Basin has approximately 11 tropical systems, 6 of which become hurricanes, 2-3 of which become major hurricanes. Here's a look at an average season's progression, peaking September 10th:
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Out of the 19 tropical systems, seven were hurricanes with at least 74 mph winds or stronger. Hurricane Irene was the first hurricane to make a direct U.S. landfall in three years (Hurricane Ike hit southeast Texas in 2008). Irene first made landfall in North Carolina, dashing the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina before hugging eastern Virginia's coastline and producing widespread wind and flooding damage in the Commonwealth. Irene continued into New England, becoming the most significant tropical cyclone to affect the northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991.
The best news out of this season was that no major hurricanes made U.S. landfall, which marks our sixth straight year without any landfalling major hurricanes in the country! Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was the last one.
Not all of the tropical systems received names. Highlighted in yellow are the names used this season:
There was also one system called Tropical Depression Ten, which never made it to Tropical Storm strength (which is when it would have received a name). That is how we get up to 19 tropical cyclones this year, even though only 18 names were used from the list. Tropical Storm Sean was our last named system to occur in early November.
This above-average tropical season may result in part because of better satellite technology available than in earlier years to better investigate systems in the open waters too far away from hurricane hunter aircraft or other reliable sampling techniques. This allowed tropical meteorologists to better asses systems and categorize them.
An average tropical season in the Atlantic Basin has approximately 11 tropical systems, 6 of which become hurricanes, 2-3 of which become major hurricanes. Here's a look at an average season's progression, peaking September 10th:
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Severe storms possible Wednesday
Rounds of rain will continue to track northeast through central Virginia, producing heavy downpours at times. However the worst of this storm system is yet to come. Late this afternoon into this evening a cold front will move into central Virginia, producing a line of strong thunderstorms with heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning. The primary threat with any severe thunderstorms ahead of this cold front will be damaging straight line wind gusts of 60-70 mph. However, this is also a slim chance for isolated, brief tornadoes in the yellow highlighted area on this map.
Ample moisture is in place, as well as some modest instability to encourage storm intensification ahead of the cold front.
Aside from the severe threats, heavy rain could lead to ponding on the roads and flooding of poorly drained areas and low-lying spots. Rain totals could climb as high as an inch to two inches in a broad swath of central Virginia! Rain should taper off from west to east during the first half of Thursday as this storm system moves farther offshore. It will be much cooler behind the cold front, with highs Thursday and Friday in the 50s. Seasonably cold mornings and cool afternoons will persist through the weekend with surface high pressure in the region.
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Ample moisture is in place, as well as some modest instability to encourage storm intensification ahead of the cold front.
Aside from the severe threats, heavy rain could lead to ponding on the roads and flooding of poorly drained areas and low-lying spots. Rain totals could climb as high as an inch to two inches in a broad swath of central Virginia! Rain should taper off from west to east during the first half of Thursday as this storm system moves farther offshore. It will be much cooler behind the cold front, with highs Thursday and Friday in the 50s. Seasonably cold mornings and cool afternoons will persist through the weekend with surface high pressure in the region.
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Dense fog descends Wednesday morning
Dense fog descended across much of central Virginia this morning, with the areal coverage and density even worse than in previous mornings this week. Skies were clear overnight with calm conditions, allowing the fog to redevelop. Visibilities are still being significantly reduced in spots as of 9 a.m., even down to near zero. As a result of this risk, there is a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10 AM for all of central and eastern Virginia. The counties and cities affected are highlighted in grey on this map:
Fog should begin to mix out and dissipate by late-morning. This fog is not only confined to low-lying, agricultural, or marine regions. It is widespread and can be suddenly very dense. Please allow extra distance between you and surrounding vehicles. Slow down. Reduce distractions (like the radio, using your cell phone, etc.) and turn on your headlights to their low-beam setting. Please also be aware that overnight construction is ongoing in some places where the thick fog is also occurring.
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Fog should begin to mix out and dissipate by late-morning. This fog is not only confined to low-lying, agricultural, or marine regions. It is widespread and can be suddenly very dense. Please allow extra distance between you and surrounding vehicles. Slow down. Reduce distractions (like the radio, using your cell phone, etc.) and turn on your headlights to their low-beam setting. Please also be aware that overnight construction is ongoing in some places where the thick fog is also occurring.
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Look East after sunset for a Moon-Jupiter meeting
With clear skies this evening, go outside after sunset (it happens early at 5:05PM) and look East. The Full Moon will be bright in the sky a mere ten degrees apart from the brilliant planet Jupiter (it's the next brightest light in the sky; you can't mistake it). Here's a sky map to orient yourself on where to look (notice some of the surrounding constellations of interest):
(Map: Spaceweather.com)
Also worthy of noting is the Near Earth Asteroid "2005 YU55" that will safely pass by Earth this evening at 6:28 PM EST. The aircraft carrier-sized asteroid will be relatively close to the Earth at a mere 201,697 miles away, which is closer than the Moon's distance from Earth. However, astronomers are confident of the asteroid's track safely away from any Earth impact. Unfortunately for us, we won't be able to see the asteroid with the naked eye, or even with most standard backyard telescopes. The big research telescopes will be trained on the asteroid, though, collecting valuable scientific research for asteroid astronomers to analyze.
The last time an asteroid passed this close to earth was in 1976 when "2010 XC15" zoomed quietly by, unnoticed at the time by astronomers. Astronomers are currently monitoring approximately 1250 Near Earth Asteroids, including one that will be in our neighborhood December 26, 2011. That asteroid is a tiny 262 feet wide, and will be almost three times as far away from us as is the Moon.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
(Map: Spaceweather.com)
Also worthy of noting is the Near Earth Asteroid "2005 YU55" that will safely pass by Earth this evening at 6:28 PM EST. The aircraft carrier-sized asteroid will be relatively close to the Earth at a mere 201,697 miles away, which is closer than the Moon's distance from Earth. However, astronomers are confident of the asteroid's track safely away from any Earth impact. Unfortunately for us, we won't be able to see the asteroid with the naked eye, or even with most standard backyard telescopes. The big research telescopes will be trained on the asteroid, though, collecting valuable scientific research for asteroid astronomers to analyze.
The last time an asteroid passed this close to earth was in 1976 when "2010 XC15" zoomed quietly by, unnoticed at the time by astronomers. Astronomers are currently monitoring approximately 1250 Near Earth Asteroids, including one that will be in our neighborhood December 26, 2011. That asteroid is a tiny 262 feet wide, and will be almost three times as far away from us as is the Moon.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Subtropical Storm Sean developed early Tuesday morning
Our next named system of the 2011 Tropical Season developed early Tuesday morning east of the Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean. Here's the latest color-infrared satellite image of the convection in Sean:
Subtropical Storm Sean will not impact the U.S., but it should track near Bermuda at the end of this week, bringing tropical storm force winds, rain, and rough waves. Here's the official forecast track for Sean from the National Hurricane Center:
So what does it mean to be a "subtropical" storm as opposed to a "tropical" storm? Sean possesses both characteristics of a tropical (warm-core low pressure system) and an extratropical (cold-core low pressure system) cyclone. The low that became Sean in the Atlantic is part of the remnants of a system that tracked through the eastern U.S. last week and stalled off-shore, spinning as a closed low for days. It's a pretty shallow low pressure system, not as deep as a tropical cyclone would be. As you could see in the satellite image above, it also doesn't "look" like a typical circulation associated with a tropical cyclone, being asymmetrical. But because of the convection and gale-force winds and rough waves, it behaves like a tropical cyclone. Therefore, it can only be classified as "subtropical."
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Subtropical Storm Sean will not impact the U.S., but it should track near Bermuda at the end of this week, bringing tropical storm force winds, rain, and rough waves. Here's the official forecast track for Sean from the National Hurricane Center:
So what does it mean to be a "subtropical" storm as opposed to a "tropical" storm? Sean possesses both characteristics of a tropical (warm-core low pressure system) and an extratropical (cold-core low pressure system) cyclone. The low that became Sean in the Atlantic is part of the remnants of a system that tracked through the eastern U.S. last week and stalled off-shore, spinning as a closed low for days. It's a pretty shallow low pressure system, not as deep as a tropical cyclone would be. As you could see in the satellite image above, it also doesn't "look" like a typical circulation associated with a tropical cyclone, being asymmetrical. But because of the convection and gale-force winds and rough waves, it behaves like a tropical cyclone. Therefore, it can only be classified as "subtropical."
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm.
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
Monday, November 7, 2011
Subtropical Storm Sean Developing?
A disturbance between the United States and Bermuda continues to produce very strong winds as it moves slowly westward. The system will eventually turn more northwesterly and then northerly, but will have enough time in a somewhat favorable environment to develop into a subtropical storm. If it does so, it would be called Sean, and the spaghetti plot above shows the collective model tracks over the next 5 days (120 hours). There will not be a threat of wind or rain to the Mid-Atlantic Coast, but rough surf and associated beach erosion will continue until this system moves north later in the week. Hurricane season officially runs until the end of November, so it's not that unusual to still have activity in the Atlantic Basin. -ZD
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Our engineers help keep you ahead of the storm, even if it means encountering the wildlife!
While performing maintenance on our CBS 6 Storm Team Metro Richmond Zoo Skytracker Camera this week, one of our engineers, Henry, encountered some of the wildlife at the camera site! Here is his tale, recounted in great pictures and his own words...
Richmond Zoo Tortoise "on the attack"
Richmond Zoo Tortoise "on the attack"
This one leaves to block the door so I can’t escape!
This one stands off and hisses in the corner:
I try to be nice to this one…
The hissing one comes closer...
Now the hissing one bites the ladder:
I can’t work on the PC until he is done with the ladder!
The hissing one sits by the ladder for 15 minutes. Finally, he leaves! 
Now, I can work on the Skytracker Camera!
Thank you to our engineering staff whose work often goes unnoticed to our CBS 6 viewers. The live cameras that show current conditions in central Virgina are a tremendous asset to us as meteorologists and to you, our viewers. We have our engineers, like Henry, to thank for keeping them operational. Bravo, Henry, for your safe and successful visit to the Metro Richmond Zoo, despite a couple of tortoises who really liked you (or at least your ladder)!
Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm!
--Meteorologist Carrie Rose
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