2023 Weather Thread

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:36 pm

The threat for severe weather has decreased some tomorrow as this seems like it will be more of a rain/thunder type event rather than stronger storms. That doesn't mean there won't be any strong/severe storms but right now it's not looking like anything widespread.

Still looking like possibly our first flakes of snow this coming weekend...

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pm

Snow?!?

Post by **Brad** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm

Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?

Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:40 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm
Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?
Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....

I didn’t move back to Omaha until 2001/2002.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:27 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm
Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?
Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....

Yeah that storm was crazy. I lost power for 4 days..and the damage that storm did to trees was tragic…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 3:53 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 7:27 pm
Brad wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm
Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?
Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....
Yeah that storm was crazy. I lost power for 4 days..and the damage that storm did to trees was tragic…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It was a different time for sure. I was just a kid, I remember our power was out about 5 days, school was out all week IIRC, standard time had already started, it certainly wasn't as warm as it was today, and the Huskers won the national championship that year. Oh the good ol days lol. We had a giant branch fall down and me and my friends made a haunted house out of it.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 4:19 am

This storm really stands out as one of Omaha's worst. We got lucky our power came back on Sunday evening but some neighbors lost power all week when the power lines were knocked away from the house. I was out of town that weekend and drove back to Omaha Sunday afternoon, the closer I got to Omaha the worse the tree damage was. I think It was a surprise storm and wasn't really predicted by the weather service. Conditions set up just right that the rain changed over to a slushy heavy snow, due to a mild fall many trees still had a lot of leaves on them. I had two trees that just split apart and some others had very little damage.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:34 pm

The 00z ECMWF is showing some minor snow accumulations across much of our area this weekend (though Omaha is depicted to be on the southern edge currently). Considering the timing of the potential snow (overnight Saturday), I wouldn't be surprised at all if we wake up on Sunday and see some snow on the ground. However, the ground is warm yet so even though it will fall at night, at least some will probably still melt as it falls.

Currently I'm expecting just a dusting for most people but up to an inch or 2 for some (if it actually snows which looks fairly likely at this point). It should be the type of snow that will only remain for a few hours in the morning and then melt by the afternoon I'm sure.

Depicted snow accumulations based on the 00z ECMWF are shown below. For reference, depicted snow totals with forecast models are almost always overdone - typically you have to divide what's shown by ~1/2 to get a better idea of what to expect. And of course things can still quickly change.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 1:53 pm

For what it's worth, my guess at our first snowfall that I made on October 6th will end up relatively accurate (though we may see some accumulation so not 100% accurate if that ends up happening). It would be just pure luck if it happens obviously because it's impossible to know that far out.

My guess/prediction:
https://www.eomahaforums.com/viewtopic. ... 64#p381764

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:02 pm

i mean, holy cow man you almost nailed it right on the head

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:56 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm
Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?
Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....

I had just moved to Omaha a couple months before this storm.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 1:42 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 3:29 pm
Coyote wrote: Mon Oct 23, 2023 2:47 pmSnow?!?
Wednesday and Thursday is the 26th anniversary of the October 97 Snow Storm....

Children in Omaha were pleasantly surprised 1997 storm didn't ruin their Halloween

Children in 1997 were left frightened, thinking their Halloween would be canceled because of the storm that crippled the city.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 7:33 pm

Snow/mix this weekend may start as early as late morning or early Saturday afternoon in parts of the area. Still some questions remain though. One of the biggest of which is the amount of dry air in place in our area and how quickly/if the dry air is overcome. Right now, most places will just see probably some light snow/flurries but if the dry air can be overcome more, than a dusting/minor accumulations in some places is still possible - especially if any heavier burst of snow fall after dark Saturday night into Sunday morning.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 1:52 pm

I am pretty sure earlier this week the local weather all predicted at least 1-2 in of rain for Omaha, now it looks as if we may hardly get anything. Its just been foggy and misting but not amounting to much. 2nd time in the last 3 weeks they have been that far off.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:28 pm

Sounds like it could be a hit or a miss. WOWT and KETV both think it could be a dusting, or up to 2". NWS is saying less than a tenth of an inch. But I think it's pretty much a lock we'll see something, so everybody keep a close eye on the precipitation. If we see anything of the frozen variety, bet is on. I put my bet after November 1st, but I think that bet is very much in jeopardy. It'll be by the skin of my teeth if it doesn't freezing drizzle, sleet, groppel, or snow this weekend.

One guarantee is the temperature. Should be highs in the mid 30's, and lots of wind. It should be pretty shocking going from mid 80's the other day. But I'll prefer it.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:42 pm

KETV this morning predicted nothing for the Omaha area and minimal impact on counties just to the north FWIW…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:54 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:42 pm KETV this morning predicted nothing for the Omaha area and minimal impact on counties just to the north FWIW…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

They might have changed it. At noon they were saying dusting in Omaha and at least 2" in Norfolk. WOWT was saying theres a chance anybody in the viewing area could get a random band of 2".

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 6:31 pm

It would be fun to have the Owls' playoff game happen in the snow, but I guess it's not to be.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 7:11 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 6:31 pm It would be fun to have the Owls' playoff game happen in the snow, but I guess it's not to be.

Saturday, October 28, 4:30 PM
Union Omaha vs. Charlotte Independence at Werner Park. Let it snow!!!

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 9:22 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:54 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 5:42 pm KETV this morning predicted nothing for the Omaha area and minimal impact on counties just to the north FWIW…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
They might have changed it. At noon they were saying dusting in Omaha and at least 2" in Norfolk. WOWT was saying theres a chance anybody in the viewing area could get a random band of 2".

Sounds like they’re spitballing on the likelihood..

Predicting frozen precipitation is hard to do with these cold weather systems from what I’ve learned as an “armchair meteorologist” lol…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Oct 27, 2023 9:51 am

Pretty big change in the weather starting Friday. We've had pretty nice temps lately. This will be a bit of a shock the next few days and into next week.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Oct 27, 2023 12:41 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 9:22 pm Sounds like they’re spitballing on the likelihood..

Predicting frozen precipitation is hard to do with these cold weather systems from what I’ve learned as an “armchair meteorologist” lol…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yeah, it's always particularly difficult this time of year since there are even more variables to consider that make big differences in what happens. For example, its extremely difficult to know how quickly snow will actually accumulate this time of year with the warm surface temps and snow melting as it falls as a result. What rate of snowfall has to occur for the snow to actually accumulate? Factor this in with the fact this system (typical of this time of year) will have smaller bands of heavier snow and then probably much larger areas of light snow/flurries. Trying to figure out exactly where this narrow bands of heavier snow will end up is nearly impossible as sometimes they can be only 10 miles wide (or even less).

Either way, the main band of accumulating snow should stay to our west and north. I still wouldn't be surprised if we ended up with a dusting in the local area - MAYBE slightly more but I'd be surprised if there is enough to accumulate on most roads in town, etc (since they will be especially warm yet) - it would on grassy surfaces/roofs of houses, etc if anything at all.

Unless things change of course. The 12z HRRR which should be available soon should help figure things out a bit more.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Sat Oct 28, 2023 2:30 pm

Saw my first flakes of snow while driving around 6:30 AM this morning near 132nd and Center. It was brief/just flurries though.

Still on track for additional light snow/flurries later today/tonight (with most of it tonight). Dry air may limit the coverage of snow in our area but a dusting up to an inch is possible wherever the narrow band of slightly heavier snow sets up tonight (probably in northwest Omaha but who knows). Then that band should die out as new stuff develops to the south of Omaha so depending on where this happens, parts of Omaha could see no snow at all (especially southern parts of Omaha).

Either way, shouldn’t be a big deal in our area. Several inches of snow is possible in areas to our north today though.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Oct 29, 2023 12:39 pm

A nasty day Saturday, cold temps and a persistent breeze made it seem more like December. Not ready for this yet, looking forward to some 50's.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Sun Oct 29, 2023 12:56 pm

Most of what we will see for snow/flurries fell during the overnight hours last night but even then surfaces were too warm for accumulation.

A few flurries are still possible today but most of the precip going forward should stay south of Omaha.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:45 pm

If the extended forecast is accurate, the weekend ahead looks like beautiful Fall weather with highs in the low 60’s Friday through Sunday..

Not ready to pack the shorts away yet

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:52 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:45 pm If the extended forecast is accurate, the weekend ahead looks like beautiful Fall weather with highs in the low 60’s Friday through Sunday..

Not ready to pack the shorts away yet …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

yes, I agree, just wish that Halloween was as nice.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 1:28 am

skinzfan23 wrote: Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:52 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:45 pm If the extended forecast is accurate, the weekend ahead looks like beautiful Fall weather with highs in the low 60’s Friday through Sunday..

Not ready to pack the shorts away yet …

Ciao..LiO…Peace
yes, I agree, just wish that Halloween was as nice.

Even this afternoon was pleasant, temps probably around 40 but sunny skies and almost no wind made it seem not to bad out.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 2:17 pm

Oooh weee, that wind last night sucked. Very chilly day today.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:02 pm

Nothing too out of the ordinary jumping out on the long range. For the most part, average or even above average temps upcoming for our area.

Like normal, things can quickly change but for now, if we get precip in the foreseeable future (which hopefully we will), it looks to be warm enough for mostly rain.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:16 am

How drought is affecting Omaha's Christmas tree output

Several metro farmers are feeling the pain of prolonged drought and its effect on the Christmas trees we decorate our homes with each year.

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Sat Nov 04, 2023 4:29 pm

Coyote wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 1:16 am How drought is affecting Omaha's Christmas tree output

Several metro farmers are feeling the pain of prolonged drought and its effect on the Christmas trees we decorate our homes with each year.

Never really understood the point of growing a tree for the sole purpose of cutting it down and displaying it in your home for a month just to throw away afterwards.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Nov 04, 2023 11:56 pm

EricHaley wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 4:29 pm Never really understood the point of growing a tree for the sole purpose of cutting it down and displaying it in your home for a month just to throw away afterwards.

I'm not, and my family that raised me aren't christian or religious in any way, but we always celebrate Christmas. To us it was always about if you're a good kid all year long, you got presents, and if you weren't, you didn't. I'm sure Christmas means many different things to many different people, but by now, even though I live alone and I might only have a few people over while i have a tree, I still have to have a Christmas tree. It's a must. The smell of it, the fun of decorating it and revisiting memories. However, nowadays I only ever buy a 3ft tree and put it on the table. I guess that might be more sustainable and easier to manage. You can just chuck it in the trash bin or burn it.

That did remind me though, I did have a goal to grow my own Christmas tree (Douglas Fir is what I tried) in a pot. But two years in a row they died before they could get going. That's the best way I think people and families should go. Grow one from seedling, and with any luck and nuturing, it'll grow a foot every year. By year 5 it'll be too big to move into the house and then you decide what to do with it. At least it'll have some personal meaning behind it.

Thanks for the reminder, I'm gonna try to grow another one this year.

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 1:08 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 11:56 pm
EricHaley wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 4:29 pm Never really understood the point of growing a tree for the sole purpose of cutting it down and displaying it in your home for a month just to throw away afterwards.
I'm not, and my family that raised me aren't christian or religious in any way, but we always celebrate Christmas. To us it was always about if you're a good kid all year long, you got presents, and if you weren't, you didn't. I'm sure Christmas means many different things to many different people, but by now, even though I live alone and I might only have a few people over while i have a tree, I still have to have a Christmas tree. It's a must. The smell of it, the fun of decorating it and revisiting memories. However, nowadays I only ever buy a 3ft tree and put it on the table. I guess that might be more sustainable and easier to manage. You can just chuck it in the trash bin or burn it.

That did remind me though, I did have a goal to grow my own Christmas tree (Douglas Fir is what I tried) in a pot. But two years in a row they died before they could get going. That's the best way I think people and families should go. Grow one from seedling, and with any luck and nuturing, it'll grow a foot every year. By year 5 it'll be too big to move into the house and then you decide what to do with it. At least it'll have some personal meaning behind it.

Thanks for the reminder, I'm gonna try to grow another one this year.

I’m not anti-Christmas by any means. My ASD/ADHD brain just doesn’t understand it.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 2:12 am

I grew up with fake trees and they were good enough

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 2:41 am

EricHaley wrote: Sun Nov 05, 2023 1:08 am I’m not anti-Christmas by any means. My ASD/ADHD brain just doesn’t understand it.

I'm right there with ya. It doesn't make much sense, it's just been an industry and a tradition for a long time. I'm personally trying to get away from the industry part by growing my own tree. But I have to have a Christmas tree in my house for my personal comfort and happiness. It's just part of the winter ambiance that I love I guess. Even if it's mostly just for me. I think growing one yourself gives it a little more meaning. I havent been successful yet, but I already ordered a seedling to give it another shot.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 11:32 pm

With all of life’s problems I’m not wasting any energy taking sides on the Christmas tree debate. I grew up with real trees. They smelled great for a week or two then they started dropping their needles and created a mess. Artificial trees have no smell but are perfectly shaped and cost a lot less when pro-rated across the 10-15 or more years one typically lasts. You have to have a place to store them for 11 months of the year, which some people just don’t have. Now that we spend Christmas in México we have a couple of 18” porcelain trees and they work just fine.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Nov 06, 2023 6:43 pm

We switched over to fake trees some 30 years ago mainly because we like to keep the tree up a long time, at least a month. With real trees you can't keep them up more than a week or two and then the needles drop and it's a mess.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:15 pm

Back to the weather, I checked the long range forecast and the weather in the Omaha area, at least through the 17th, calls for highs mainly in the 60’s and lows in the upper 30’s/lower 40’s..

Perfect Fall weather to enjoy…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Nov 10, 2023 3:05 am

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