What dictates a hurricane’s strength?
There are many ways to categorize a hurricane. The storm’s central pressure is one way. The height of its storm surge is another. How much rain it drops is another. And, of course, the strength of its wind is another. But what causes a hurricane to strengthen or weaken? The answer is simple enough, but multifaceted.
Storm Surge: What is it? And what types of hurricanes create the most devastating and deadly surge?
When a hurricane threatens the United States, a lot of attention is focused on the path and the wind speed. Storm surge can be just as important to monitor, because it can quickly cause extreme destruction and death.
What’s a hurricane tip you wish you had learned sooner?
Whether you’ve experienced a bad storm yourself, or maybe it was your friends or relatives who had to survive the ordeal, it’s better to ask these questions before we’re in the midst of a disaster: Have you ever received advice about how to prepare for a hurricane that really stuck with you?
RECORD BROKEN: 2020 breaks record for most named storms in a tropical season
ROANOKE, Va. – The Atlantic hurricane season traditionally ends on November 30th, and this is usually the time of year when we see tropical activity dwindling. That’s the 29th named storm of the season, which breaks the record of 28 set back in 2005. Subtropical Storm #Theta has formed in the subtropical Atlantic - the record-setting 29th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic #hurricane season to date. List of storm names using the Greek alphabet in 2020Iota (if it were to form) would make the 30th named storm during the 2020 season. Even though the 2020 season has broken the record for most named storms, it’s important to note that the 2005 season was more intense.
Moisture from Eta to provide another soaking rain in our area
Dew point trends for the next four daysThis is when moisture from Eta meets up with a front coming in from the west. Rain may start light in the morning Wednesday, but it will become heavy at times in the afternoon and evening as the front sits nearby. FutureTracker showing moisture from Eta and a cold frontOur rainfall forecast indicates that most of the area will see 1-3″ of rain between Wednesday and Thursday. If the front stalls over the area, however, we’ll see continuing rounds of heavy rain throughout the day Thursday too. That would add to rain totals and the flood threat.
T-shirt time! Longest November warm streak since ‘05 taking shape
ROANOKE, Va. – For the past several days, including Thursday, we’ve gone through the confusing combination of chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. High temperatures in the Roanoke Valley will be at or above 70° through Sunday and possibly into next week. The last time we had six straight days of 70° warmth in November was back in 2005. Last six day streak of 70°+ warmth in November2005 was an extremely active tropical season, which can also be said about the 2020 season. The storm will be sandwiched between high pressure off the East Coast and low pressure to the west, causing it to meander somewhere near Florida through next week.
60s, 70s prevail as Eta avoids our area...for now
In fact, Wednesday afternoon’s temperatures will be well into the 60s under a sun-kissed sky. Eta made landfall over Nicaragua Tuesday as a Category 4 storm and has since weakened over land. High pressure, which keeps us warm and calm, will suppress Eta to the south. What's guiding Eta through Monday, 11/9/2020The farther west that happens, the wetter we’ll be (probably later next week). Stay tuned for updates, but know that we don’t expect any impacts from the storm for at least the next 5-7 days.
Temperatures go above average at home; Eta pummels Central America
Wind speed and direction for Tuesday, 11/3/2020This breeze out of the west will help to warm things up. Temperatures later this week into next week will stay above average as a result. What we're tracking throughout the weekMeanwhile, a devastating situation is unfolding in parts of Central America (especially Nicaragua and Honduras). As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, its central wind speed went up by 80 mph in a span of 24 hours. This will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge and flooding along with landslides.
Zeta to bring potential for flooding, damaging wind to parts of the area
ROANOKE, Va. – Zeta made landfall Wednesday as a strong Category 2 hurricane and has been racing through the Deep South ever since. Therefore, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the southern half of our region. Tropical storm warning in effect for the southern half of our viewing area ThursdayIn addition to the threat for localized flooding, there’s the potential for wind gusts to reach 50 mph between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in these locations. An additional 1-2″+ is expected from the storm, which could lead to flooding of creeks, streams, poor drainage and low-lying areas. FutureTracker - midday ThursdayAfter about 12 p.m., we’ll watch for some segments of high wind gusts and possible rotation (especially in Southside).
Be weather aware! Zeta to move directly over our area as a tropical depression Thursday
ROANOKE, Va. – Prior to Zeta, our weather remains fairly calm Wednesday. FutureTracker - Wednesday eveningPreceding Zeta, we’ll see a batch of heavy rain overnight into early Thursday morning. FutureTracker - early Thursday morningAs Zeta races up the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, our weather deteriorates with tropical rain moving in after 9 or 10 in the morning Thursday. FutureTracker - Thursday afternoonWhen all is said and done, most of the area is looking to accumulate 1-3 inches of rain. Layman Family Farms trick-or-treat eventColder air lags behind a bit, but makes its way into the area in time for Halloween.
Zeta likely to have more of an impact on us than previous storms
Hourly planner for Tuesday, 10/27/2020We’ll be warmer Wednesday, with Zeta making landfall along the Gulf Coast during the evening. Some pockets may be heavy, but we don’t expect any strong winds at this time. FutureTracker - early Thursday morningWhere Zeta differs from the six previous storms we’ve dealt with is that it will be moving quickly. This means high wind gusts will be a threat between Noon and 6 p.m. Thursday, in addition to tropical downpours. FutureTracker - early Thursday eveningOnce Zeta moves to the east, the wind will stay strong through Friday even though much of the day will be dry.
Tropical Storm Warning issued for parts of Virginia with Zeta expected to make landfall Wednesday evening
ROANOKE, Va. – 5 p.m. Wednesday updateA Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for many along and south of U.S. 460. Hurricane Zeta has continued to gain strength this afternoon and it’s now a category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph. 5 a.m. Tuesday updateZeta made its first landfall along the Yucatan Peninsula and is now emerging into the Gulf of Mexico as a strong tropical storm. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been posted in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and western Cuba ahead of the storm’s arrival. On the forecast track, Zeta will move into the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall late Wednesday along the Gulf Coast.
Winds and rain whip Yucatan resorts as Hurricane Zeta nears
Clouds gather over Playa Gaviota Azul as Tropical Storm Zeta approaches Cancun, Mexico, early Monday morning, Oct. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Victor Ruiz Garcia)MIAMI – Hurricane Zeta lashed Mexico's Caribbean coast resorts around Tulum with high winds and rain Monday night as it headed toward the Yucatan Peninsula and then a possible landfall on the central U.S. Gulf Coast at midweek. It was the second time this month that boat captain Francisco Sosa Rosado had to perform the same maneuver, after Hurricane Delta hit the resort in early October. Trees felled by Hurricane Delta barely three weeks earlier still littered parts of Cancun, stacked along roadsides and in parks. There was also a Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005, but that year had 28 storms because meteorologists later went back and found they missed one, which then became an “unnamed named storm."
Delta departs; two fronts reinforce autumnal air throughout the week
ROANOKE, Va. – Following our sixth round of tropical remnants this season, we’ll gradually see some changes throughout the week that lead to more favorable fall weather. Other parts of the area are seeing some fog and mist as well, thanks to the moisture that Delta has brought. Only a few showers are expected throughout the day as the remnants of Delta depart to the east. Lows by Wednesday morning fall into the 40s, thanks to the drier air, clearer sky and calmer wind. If you had fall activities planned this past weekend that fell through, this coming weekend looks much better for them!
Get our app! Clouds, rain from Hurricane Delta gradually move through our area
ROANOKE, Va. – For the sixth time in two months, we’ll be on the receiving end of remnant tropical rain. After starting around 45-50° Friday morning, temperatures in the afternoon rise into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Rain first thing Sunday morning will mainly be confined to areas west of the Parkway. As the remnants of Delta inch closer, however, we expect rain to increase from west to east throughout the day Sunday. What we're tracking by Sunday eveningThis rain will be heavy at times, thanks to the tropical nature of what we’re dealing with.
Can we retire a Greek hurricane name? Delta made us wonder.
Louisiana residents who are still recovering from the devastation of a powerful hurricane less than two months ago braced for another hit as Hurricane Delta steamed north through the Gulf on Thursday after swiping Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Associated Press reported. “They do not retire Greek alphabet storm names -- at least so far,” Gross said. The last time we went through all the letters of the alphabet and moved on to the Greek alphabet was 2005. In 2005, a record-breaking year of devastating hurricanes, we made it through six Greek letters. The Committee also agreed that it was not practical to retire into hurricane history a letter in the Greek alphabet.
Bright & warm before Delta’s remnants bring rain at times this weekend
ROANOKE, Va. – A stretch of bright, sunny days continues into Thursday, thanks to high pressure being in control of our weather. Forecast high temperatures for Thursday, 10/8/2020Clouds increase Friday ahead of Hurricane Delta, as the storm makes landfall in Louisiana. There will likely be a break before rain turns more widespread Saturday night and Sunday. Weekend plans for Friday, 10/9/2020, through Sunday, 10/11/2020Come Saturday, Delta will still be well to our south and west. What We're Tracking by midday SaturdayWe expect the heaviest and most widespread rain with Delta to come Sunday.
Wednesday offers a dose of late summer days prior to Delta’s remnant rain
ROANOKE, Va. – Tuesday’s warmth may have only been an appetizer to Wednesday’s full course of warm, late summer-like air. Forecast high temperatures for Wednesday, 10/7/2020This isn’t record-breaking, but it is about 10° above average by early October’s standards. We’ll stay warm Thursday with temperatures coming down a bit Friday, as clouds from Delta begin to drift northward. Just this year alone, we’ve seen rain from five different tropical systems. Rain from tropical systems in our area this year
Delta weakens to a post-tropical cyclone
5:00 a.m. Sunday UpdateROANOKE, Va. – The National Hurricane Center says Delta has become a post-tropical cyclone, but it’s still a heavy rainfall threat. 5:00 p.m. Friday UpdateHurricane Delta is expected to make landfall on the southwestern Louisiana coast within the next few hours. Delta is expected to bring hurricane conditions and life-threatening storm surge to portions of the northern gulf coast on Friday. 11:00 p.m. Wednesday UpdateAs of 11 p.m., Hurricane Delta has maximum sustained winds near 90 mph with higher gusts. 5 p.m. Tuesday UpdateCategory 4 Hurricane Delta continues to strengthen as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula.
Warming trend begins as Delta strengthens in the Caribbean
ROANOKE, Va. – It may not feel like it Tuesday morning, but we’re at the beginning of a warming trend. Hourly planner for Tuesday, 10/06/2020Come Wednesday, a wind coming west down the mountains will pick up speed. What we're tracking for Thursday, 10/8/2020During this time, Hurricane Delta will likely be a Category 3 storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Delta is forecast to become the 7th landfalling storm along the Gulf Coast and 10th on U.S. soil this season. Tropical headlines for Hurricane Delta as of 3 a.m. 10/6/2020Major flooding, at the moment, is unlikely for our area.
Get Him to the Greek! Alpha, Beta both form
ROANOKE, Va. – 5 p.m. UpdateTropical Depression 22 is now Tropical Storm Beta in the Gulf of Mexico. Beta will likely form Friday as well in the Gulf of Mexico. Friday Morning UpdateJust a day after Sally’s remnants dumped rain on our region, the Atlantic hurricane season strikes again. Tropical Storm Wilfred forms in the open AtlanticThis is the last name on the list for the 2020 season. 2020 hurricane namesIt’s remarkable to run out of names, but it’s especially remarkable considering hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30th.
Sally’s leftovers trending more north, could mean more rain for some of us
Flooding is a possibility for areas south of U.S. 460, especially as you get closer to the North Carolina-Virginia line. This is where we could pick up a few inches of rain through early Friday morning. Showers start out scattered on the very outer edges of Sally early Thursday morning. After 8 or 9 a.m., we’ll notice the rain from the storm gradually shifting from south to north. The farther south and east you go, however, the rain can start to add up.
Sally dumping feet of rain on parts of Gulf Coast; remnant rain expected here
ROANOKE, Va. – The eye wall of Hurricane Sally continues to lash the Alabama Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle Wednesday morning, with reports of 12-18″ of rain already. Life-threatening flooding and extreme wind are both ongoing and expected to continue in these areas throughout the day Wednesday. The higher rain totals will be closer to the storm, so for us that means areas south of U.S. 460. The farther north you go, the lesser rain totals will be. Forecast rain totals for Thursday and early Friday due to the remnants of SallyThe front that meets up with Sally will push the storm east.
A taste of fall weather arrives just one week early
Forecast lows for the morning of 9/16/2020We’ll be back in the 70s by Wednesday with a few more high level clouds streaming in off of Hurricane Sally . Where that meeting happens ultimately determines how much rain we get later this week. FutureTracker - Friday afternoon when Sally and a cold front could meet upThe farther south it happens, the less rain we see. Tracking Sally this Thursday and FridayRegardless, this front is going to take Sally out to sea in time for the weekend. We’re talking highs in the 60s and lower 70s and nighttime lows in the 40s and lower 50s.
Sally takes aim at the Gulf Coast; two names left for hurricane season
ROANOKE, Va. – 8 a.m. Monday UpdateThe historic pace of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season continues, with four named storms in the Atlantic as of 8 a.m. Monday. Sally formed over the weekend and is slowly strengthening over warm Gulf waters. Tracking Sally - 9/14/2020Nothing is around to pull Sally north, so the storm will meander around the Gulf Coast for a few days. #hurricane pic.twitter.com/SAnhkoHKs5 — Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 14, 2020With that, we’re now two names away from running out of names for the Atlantic hurricane season. Storm names used up as of 9/14/2020Once we use those names up, we will switch over to the Greek alphabet.
Tracking two shots of fall air this week; Sally to bring rain too
As a front clears the area, humidity levels will gradually drop throughout the day. Humidity levels drop midweek and rise later onWe’ll start in the 50s again Wednesday with moisture levels increasing late Wednesday into Thursday. This comes as we track Tropical Storm Sally, which will likely become a hurricane Monday. Sunday's 11 p.m. track for Tropical Storm SallySally will weaken considerably before having any impact on us Thursday and Friday. The farther south the storm tracks, the less rain we see late Thursday into Friday.
It’s the peak of hurricane season, and it looks like it...
ROANOKE, Va. – Historically speaking, Sept. 10 is the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. The ocean water is warmer, and this is when more storms typically form off the West Coast of Africa. As storms continue to develop off the West Coast of Africa, however, we will need to keep an eye out. Tropical tracker by next MondayWe’re already on record pace this hurricane season, with only four storm names left on the list. Where we are on the list of storm names as of 9/10/2020Once we run out of names, which looks likely, we shift toward the Greek alphabet.
Powerful storm produces snow, hurricane-force gusts; wildfires rage out west
For parts of the Rockies and Intermountain West, a powerful storm system flipped that upside down. A lone bison stands as a storm packing high winds and snow sweeps through the intermountain West Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Evergreen, Colo. Estimated snow totals reported by various National Weather Service officesWe received this photo of snow near Lander, Wyoming from Keith Trouwborst. Damaging Wind GustsThe wind around this bowling ball of a storm system was powerful at times as well, even for those who werent getting snow. As the wind screamed down the mountains toward Utah, wind gusts ranged from 50-100 mph.
Laura victims may go weeks without power; US deaths reach 15
LAKE CHARLES, La. Simply driving in Lake Charles, a city of 80,000 residents that sustained some of the worst damage, was a feat. “If you come back to Lake Charles to stay, make sure you understand the above reality and are prepared to live in it for many days, probably weeks,” Hunter wrote on Facebook. In the storm’s wake, more than 600,000 homes and businesses were without power in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports. Ira Lyles returned to find that his downtown Lake Charles salon called The Parlor House survived with little damage, but his home was destroyed.
Heat, humidity and storms on tap Friday; Laura’s leftovers arrive Saturday
Until then, we’ll keep the heat and humidity around. The added humidity will make it feel hotter than that prior to any storms. Estimated heat index early Friday afternoonA few storms will fire up after about 2 p.m. near Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Bland Counties. The worst of our weather, therefore, is expected to move from west to east between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday. Just make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather information as storms have the chance to turn strong or severe early on.
When it comes to storms and protecting your home, err on the side of caution: We’ll tell you how
But regardless where you’re located or what types of weather your region regularly experiences, it’s always best to remain vigilant. When it comes to hurricanes and big storms, there’s always so much talk about how to prepare the insides of our homes. Therefore, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, he added. “There’s nothing wrong with being too careful.”So, the next time a big storm’s coming to town, walk around the exterior of your house, your property or your yard. You could even turn this into a project, moving just a few belongings a day, leading up to the storm.
Heat continues the next two days; Lauras leftovers arrive Saturday
Prior to that, its more of the same heat and humidity for us with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s Thursday and Friday. Storms unrelated to Laura will fire up after about 4 p.m. Thursday in parts of Southside and in the Highlands. FutureTracker - late Friday afternoonAs Lauras leftovers combine with a front, well see some showers around Friday night into Saturday morning. Severe weather outlook for SaturdayAs Laura and our front move east, well turn pretty windy at times even through Saturday night. Tracking humidity levels behind LauraWell be around 80-85 Sunday afternoon with lows in the upper 50s and lower 60s by Monday morning.
Laura losing tropical characteristics, gives us rain & storms Saturday
Laura is moving NNE at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. 8:00 p.m. Thursday UpdateTropical Storm Laura continues to produce flooding rainfall over portions of Arkansas. Laura is moving NNE at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. 5:00 p.m. Thursday UpdateLaura has weakened to tropical storm strength with sustained winds of 50 mph, gusting upwards of 65 mph. 11:00 p.m. Wednesday Update“Extremely dangerous” Hurricane Laura is closing in on the northwest Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Short heat wave continues prior to local impacts from Laura
ROANOKE, Va. – Hurricane Laura is in the process of rapid intensification, as it moves through very warm Gulf waters. Tropical tracker for the next few days - LauraFor us, this will mean rain and storms Saturday. Isolated higher totals cannot be ruled out, especially if we get a southeast wind around Laura to move up our mountains. Laura weakens but brings rain and storms to us SaturdayThe main thing we’ll watch out for is localized flooding. It will be breezy at times, but we’ll notice humidity levels tumble behind the storm.