2024 Weather Thread

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:42 pm

Snowing good in Old Mill. I sure miss the sunshine and 60's I was enjoying in Vegas earlier this week!

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:01 pm

And now the fun begins! Just got an alert on my phone for sudden snow squalls. Glad I’m already at home!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:15 pm

Ehh, I don't think something like this warrants an emergency alert. Not like a tornado where you have to act quick.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:22 pm

Yeah, I don't get the snow squall warning. It's like being in a severe thunderstorm and getting an additional warning for heavy rain. Thanks, captain obvious.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:51 pm

They issue them mostly for people traveling on the interstate - it’s used as an attempt to prevent the massive multi-vehicle pile up accidents you can sometimes have due to visibility that goes to near zero in a matter of seconds as a result of a band of very heavy snow (hence the warning on phones, radio, etc like a tornado).

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 7:50 pm

I drove over interstate 80 on the 108th st bridge around 5:30 this afternoon. It was pretty eerie with the wind and blowing snow. Traffic was crawling. I was glad I wasn’t in that mess. This must of been the snow squall. To me it looked almost like a blizzard. It’s been a rough past 10 days with this winter weather. Another deep freeze the next few days then we seem to get into a milder pattern. Hopefully this stretch will be the worst of our winter.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:54 pm

stormchaser wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:51 pm They issue them mostly for people traveling on the interstate - it’s used as an attempt to prevent the massive multi-vehicle pile up accidents you can sometimes have due to visibility that goes to near zero in a matter of seconds as a result of a band of very heavy snow (hence the warning on phones, radio, etc like a tornado).

Yeah and then when people go to check what the fuss is about, they get in a wreck lol.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:28 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:54 pm
stormchaser wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:51 pm They issue them mostly for people traveling on the interstate - it’s used as an attempt to prevent the massive multi-vehicle pile up accidents you can sometimes have due to visibility that goes to near zero in a matter of seconds as a result of a band of very heavy snow (hence the warning on phones, radio, etc like a tornado).
Yeah and then when people go to check what the fuss is about, they get in a wreck lol.

lol - unfortunately some probably but only so much you can do too

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:07 am

so if I am recalling this correctly, we had about 3" on Christmas, 6" on Tuesday of last week, an inch or two on Wednesday of last week, around 10" on Thur/Fri, and about 3" yesterday. If my memory is any good, that puts us at around 23-24" for the season so far, right?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:09 am

I'm not sure pushing an emergency alert in a major metro right at the start of rush hour prevents problems or creates them.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:19 am

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:12 am

ChadJK wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:09 am I'm not sure pushing an emergency alert in a major metro right at the start of rush hour prevents problems or creates them.

The alert is not just for the metro area.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:14 am

nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:12 am The alert is not just for the metro area.

Fair point, but they can control who it's pushed to.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:17 am

What are Snow Squall Warnings?

Meteorologist Bill Rentschler explains what snow squalls and snow squall warning are.

Post by **nebugeater** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:32 am

ChadJK wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:14 am
nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:12 am The alert is not just for the metro area.
Fair point, but they can control who it's pushed to.

I understand your point, but it was/is not really that disruptive. For every complaint that "we got the alert", if the metro was left out there would be complaints of "why weren't we alerted"

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:50 am

nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:32 am
ChadJK wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:14 am
nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:12 am The alert is not just for the metro area.
Fair point, but they can control who it's pushed to.
I understand your point, but it was/is not really that disruptive. For every complaint that "we got the alert", if the metro was left out there would be complaints of "why weren't we alerted"

I guess I don't really understand what harm it does? In fact - not only do I personally believe it does no harm, I think its hugely beneficial in most cases. It lets people know that conditions in the warned area are going to quickly deteriorate.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:59 am

nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:32 am
ChadJK wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:14 am
nebugeater wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:12 am The alert is not just for the metro area.
Fair point, but they can control who it's pushed to.
I understand your point, but it was/is not really that disruptive. For every complaint that "we got the alert", if the metro was left out there would be complaints of "why weren't we alerted"

I was out when I got it. Of course it was windy and visibility was minimal, like no duh, I'm out in it. So my thought is if the point is to alert drivers of dangerous conditions, then it might be counterintuitive. The alert did break my focus for a moment, I didn't check my phone until I reached my destination, but a lot of people immediately react to their phones.

It didn't bother me, it just didn't seem necessary. Especially if there's no such thing as snow squall watch they could have issued earlier in the day. Its just not as important as say if there's a tornado warning in the middle of the night.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:20 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:59 am It didn't bother me, it just didn't seem necessary. Especially if there's no such thing as snow squall watch they could have issued earlier in the day. Its just not as important as say if there's a tornado warning in the middle of the night.

I feel like to an extent people are missing the point. The below radar animation is an example from one of the warned areas yesterday (from west of Lincoln).

This area went from relatively light snow to near zero visibility extremely quickly. If you were caught out on the road/interstate and this was unwarned and came through, it could easily cause a large chain reaction car accident (which actually did happen yesterday not far from Columbus I believe). The warning allowed people to know things were likely going to deteriorate quickly and to be prepared for it. Sure it wasn't a line that was going to last very long (just like a line of thunderstorms), but long enough to potentially cause some serious problems.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:39 pm

When my phone went off yesterday I did take a glance at the KETV radar and didn't really see anything as defined as the line you posted in that animation, which led to my skepticism of the squall alert in general. Is there a similar loop from the Omaha area that shows the impetus for the squall warning? I feel demonstrating this would help the greater understanding that I at least would appreciate.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:55 pm

Well I'm not gonna try to force my point of view. I just know it's been a while since I've gotten a warning like that and yesterday didn't seem to warrant it. Presumably no harm, it didn't bother me, but I do see how it could be a distraction to a point it actually could cause said accident that's intended to be avoided. Especially since it was in the heart of rush hour in the middle of a snow squall. If you were out, it was common sense, if you were at home, you likely physically would refuse to leave shelter, also common sense. It just didn't seem helpful in a way compared to a tornado warning where you actually need to take life preserving action

I'm done.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:03 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:39 pm When my phone went off yesterday I did take a glance at the KETV radar and didn't really see anything as defined as the line you posted in that animation, which led to my skepticism of the squall alert in general. Is there a similar loop from the Omaha area that shows the impetus for the squall warning? I feel demonstrating this would help the greater understanding that I at least would appreciate.

Yep, no problem. It's definitely not as pronounced or as sharp of a line as the other loop (it was more pronounced initially by Fremont when it was first issued) but I think this combined with the timing of rush hour was why they went ahead and issued it for our area - especially since it had already caused a 20+ vehicle accident over by Columbus.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:16 pm

I think in the end, in my neck of the woods- the 120th to 132nd and West Center area, we got about 3 inches..

And I’d never, EVER heard of a “Snow Squall” until it popped up as a notification on my phone yesterday about 4:30-5pm..

Stormchaser, I’d think those are more common in the Great Lakes region and pretty rare for Eastern Nebraska?…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:18 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:39 pm I did take a glance at the KETV radar and didn't really see anything as defined

The Radar Scope app is only $10 (one time payment) and worth every single penny! Stormchaser uses the pro which requires payment every year.

I can't recommend the Radar Scope app enough for anyone with interest in weather. Lest cartoonish, more detailed. Access to all the radar modes. Built in GPS. And more.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:20 pm

Nice, thanks. In the warmer weather events we are used to the 60mph+ winds or 1" hail being triggers for the warning boxes. What are the metrics/qualifiers for such a squall warning?

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:20 pm

Brad wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:18 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 12:39 pm I did take a glance at the KETV radar and didn't really see anything as defined
The Radar Scope app is only $10 (one time payment) and worth every single penny! Stormchaser uses the pro which requires payment every year.

I can't recommend the Radar Scope app enough for anyone with interest in weather. Lest cartoonish, more detailed. Access to all the radar modes. Built in GPS. And more.

I'd definitely consider that.

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:07 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:16 pm Stormchaser, I’d think those are more common in the Great Lakes region and pretty rare for Eastern Nebraska?…

Correct, more common with lake effect snow I'm sure but going forward, they probably won't be all that rare (they are just relatively new so most areas haven't seen them issued yet)...

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:19 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:20 pm Nice, thanks. In the warmer weather events we are used to the 60mph+ winds or 1" hail being triggers for the warning boxes. What are the metrics/qualifiers for such a squall warning?

The main criteria (from what I can find anyway) are the following:

- Visibility reduced to less than a quarter of a mile due to a band of intense snowfall.
- The band of intense snowfall is expected to last for less 30-60 minutes.
- Significant travel impacts expected in the warned area.
- Potential for "flash freeze" where the temp drops rapidly (similar to yesterday where wet areas on roads quickly turned to ice).

More info here: https://www.weather.gov/media/safety/Sn ... ll-IBW.pdf

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:21 pm

Chaos Ensues After Snow Squall Hits Eastern & Southeastern Nebraska on Thursday

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:54 pm

stormchaser wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:07 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:16 pm Stormchaser, I’d think those are more common in the Great Lakes region and pretty rare for Eastern Nebraska?…
Correct, more common with lake effect snow I'm sure but going forward, they probably won't be all that rare (they are just relatively new so most areas haven't seen them issued yet)...

Thank you, as always, for the insight

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:26 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:54 pm Thank you, as always, for the insight …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

No problem!

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:41 pm

stormchaser wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:19 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:20 pm Nice, thanks. In the warmer weather events we are used to the 60mph+ winds or 1" hail being triggers for the warning boxes. What are the metrics/qualifiers for such a squall warning?
The main criteria (from what I can find anyway) are the following:

- Visibility reduced to less than a quarter of a mile due to a band of intense snowfall.
- The band of intense snowfall is expected to last for less 30-60 minutes.
- Significant travel impacts expected in the warned area.
- Potential for "flash freeze" where the temp drops rapidly (similar to yesterday where wet areas on roads quickly turned to ice).

More info here: https://www.weather.gov/media/safety/Sn ... ll-IBW.pdf

Appreciate you!

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Fri Jan 19, 2024 6:07 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:41 pm
stormchaser wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:19 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:20 pm Nice, thanks. In the warmer weather events we are used to the 60mph+ winds or 1" hail being triggers for the warning boxes. What are the metrics/qualifiers for such a squall warning?
The main criteria (from what I can find anyway) are the following:

- Visibility reduced to less than a quarter of a mile due to a band of intense snowfall.
- The band of intense snowfall is expected to last for less 30-60 minutes.
- Significant travel impacts expected in the warned area.
- Potential for "flash freeze" where the temp drops rapidly (similar to yesterday where wet areas on roads quickly turned to ice).

More info here: https://www.weather.gov/media/safety/Sn ... ll-IBW.pdf
Appreciate you!

No problem, happy to help!

I also appreciate the info shared here by Busguy, Brad, etc, etc as well. I don’t always have time to provide info and openly admit I’m no expert (I’m self taught) and I’m constantly trying to learn/grow with plenty of others here contributing useful info and discussion too. It makes our online community great IMO!

stormchaser · Post by **stormchaser** » Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:28 pm

Both the 12z GFS and ECMWF forecast models are showing a continued warm up with most (if not all) of our snowpack melting by February 1st and high temps around or slightly above 50 degrees. Maybe our stretch here in January will be the only real "Winter" weather we get this year? Probably not and I'm sure we will get more - but hard to complain at this point.

High temps based on the 12z ECMWF for February 1st (which obviously is a ways out so things can change):

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:40 pm

That would be wild. Time to get the smoker ready!!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:41 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:40 pm That would be wild. Time to get the smoker ready!!

Lol, I smoked a brisket whatever the week after Christmas was. With the exception of the last 2-3 weeks, there really hasn't been an off season at all.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:48 pm

I just hate the inconsistency of the climate the last few years, especially as a gardener. Watch, we had a near record cold start to the year, we'll have a record warm end to winter, then a record cold start to spring with our last freeze happening after mothers day, and then immediate summer.

Obviously not a forecast but that's not far off how it's been the last 3 years or so.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:43 am

Yep, next week looks even warmer with mid to upper 40’s for highs. This slushy snow is going to start melting even faster. It’s going to be a sloppy mess for a while, hopefully will help the drought a little.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:14 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:41 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:40 pm That would be wild. Time to get the smoker ready!!
Lol, I smoked a brisket whatever the week after Christmas was. With the exception of the last 2-3 weeks, there really hasn't been an off season at all.

Usually I smoke all year 'round. Been a lazy cook this year though.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:50 am

I noticed that even overnight last night there was a steady melting with a good amount of water going down my gutters and in the storm drains in the street. Didn't realize it but it's been fairly consistently above freezing, just barely, since about noon on Monday.

Post by **BRoss** » Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:02 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:50 am I noticed that even overnight last night there was a steady melting with a good amount of water going down my gutters and in the storm drains in the street. Didn't realize it but it's been fairly consistently above freezing, just barely, since about noon on Monday.

Yeah, my weather station shows it didn't drop below 33 last night. But it somehow still got to be a sheet of ice out there.