Watches, Warnings & Advisories for Sunflower Co.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Disaster Preps: Week 1

We'll start this series of disaster preparedness weekly shopping lists off with a few extra items from the grocery store:

(Note: Items marked with a * should be purchased for each person in your household)

Weekly Purchases:
  • 1 gallon of water*
  • 1 small jar peanut butter*
  • 1 large can juice*
  • 1 can meat* (this could be chili, tamales, spaghetti, stew, etc)
  • Hand-operated can opener
  • Instant coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks
  • Permanent marking pen
  • Pet food if needed
  • Baby supplies (diapers, baby food) if needed
Concerning bottled water: 1 case of water (24 count, 16oz bottles) contains 3 total gallons of water, enough for three people for one day.

Action Items for the week:
  • Develop a family disaster plan.  You can find more information about family plans at www.ready.gov
  • Date each perishable food item using the permanent marking pen

Preview for next week - a quick trip to the hardware section or store

Friday, June 29, 2012

International Space Station visible over Mississippi: 29 June 2012

The International Space Station will be visible over Mississippi on June 29, 2012.  Depending on  your location, your viewing times may vary by a few seconds from the times listed below.  Additionally, your local horizon (trees, buildings, etc) may influence your viewing times.  Times are listed in 24-hour format, therefore 20h20m = 8:20pm local time.  The times and information were retrieved from www.calsky.com

North Mississippi:
Appears      20h20m52s   4.8mag  az:307.7° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h26m05s  -3.3mag  az:226.4° SW   h:49.3°
 distance: 513.2km  height above Earth: 397.4km  elevation of Sun: -3°  angular velocity: 0.84°/s
Disappears   20h30m44s  -1.1mag  az:145.8° SE   h:2.4°


Central Mississippi:
Appears      20h21m06s   3.8mag  az:312.5° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h26m22s  -3.9mag  az:226.0° SW   h:73.4°
 distance: 413.4km  height above Earth: 397.4km  elevation of Sun: -4°  angular velocity: 1.04°/s
Disappears   20h30m44s  -1.3mag  az:139.9° SE   h:3.8°


South Mississippi:
Appears      20h21m38s   3.4mag  az:315.0° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h26m55s  -4.1mag  az:226.7° SW   h:84.2°
 distance: 399.2km  height above Earth: 397.2km  elevation of Sun: -5°  angular velocity: 1.08°/s
Disappears   20h30m44s  -1.6mag  az:138.5° SE   h:6.5°

Disaster Preps: Small Steps

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to post weekly family disaster preparedness lists of simple purchases that you can make for your family.  None of these items are expensive, and can be purchased during your regular shopping.  There will be a total of 24 weekly lists.  Some items, such as certain food goods, will be repetitive.  You'll slowly build a stock of shelf-stable food items that will give your family about four days worth of food, along with an assortment of hardware items useful in emergencies.

Earlier this year, I posted an entry about a useful tool for gathering your family's critical information into a single document.  Let me encourage you to revisit that entry, and consider your need for creating a customized family disaster plan.  Although it is the middle of summer, we'll have our fall severe weather season coming soon, followed by winter and its risk of snow and ice.

As we present each week's list, check your house for supplies you may already have on-hand.  Consider how and where you will store these supplies.  Meet with your family to begin an emergency plan, and explain why you're preparing, and how and when for them to react to emergencies.  Discuss with them about when and where to evacuate, if necessary.

Family emergency preparedness isn't a one-time effort; it is a mindset.  Alarming  your family members is not the goal of this series.  We hope to educate and encourage you.

I hope you find this series of posts useful, and your comments are welcome.  There will be a new list posted every Saturday morning!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Weekend Heat & Fire Dangers

The weekend promises to be very hot and dry across Mississippi, and officials are urging caution when outdoors and celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks.

First, information regarding high heat indices through the weekend:

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
446 AM CDT THU JUN 28 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI...
NORTHEAST LOUISIANA...AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

INCREASING HEAT WILL BE EVIDENT TODAY WITH HIGHS ACROSS THE REGION
MAINLY EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 98 TO 101 DEGREES IN THE AFTERNOON WITH
HEAT INDEXES FROM 100 TO 104. ALTHOUGH HEAT ADVISORIES ARE NOT
REQUIRED AT THIS POINT...THOSE PLANNING ON A GREAT DEAL OF OUTDOOR
ACTIVITY SHOULD TAKE TRY TO TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF
NON-ALCOHOLIC FLUIDS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

HOT DAYS WITH GRADUALLY INCREASING HUMIDITY WILL PERSIST FRIDAY
THROUGH AT LEAST THIS WEEKEND. TEMPERATURES WILL LIKELY TOP OUT NEAR
OR A LITTLE ABOVE 100 DEGREES IN MANY LOCATIONS OVER THIS PERIOD.
MAXIMUM HEAT INDEX VALUES WILL RANGE FROM 102 TO 107 DEGREES IN THE
MIDDAY TO AFTERNOON HOURS WITH LOW TEMPERATURES MAINLY IN THE LOWER
70S ONLY PROVIDING A LITTLE LATE NIGHT RESPITE FROM THE PERVASIVE
HEAT. HEAT ADVISORIES COULD BE REQUIRED IN PORTIONS OF THE ARKLAMISS
BY FRIDAY...LASTING THROUGH THE WEEKEND.
 
 


Finally, information regarding fire dangers in Mississippi and urging caution when using fireworks:

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
129 PM CDT THU JUN 28 2012

...HIGH FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH 
THE WEEKEND AND INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK...

ACCORDING TO AREA FORESTRY COMMISSIONS AND THE US FOREST SERVICE, 
RECENT DRY CONDITIONS HAVE MADE OUTDOOR BURNING INCREASINGLY 
HAZARDOUS. IN SOME LOCATIONS...CONDITIONS ARE SUCH THAT A SPARK FROM
EQUIPMENT, THE HEAT FROM A CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OR ANY HEAT SOURCE
COULD START A GRASS OR BRUSH FIRE. LOCAL BURN BANS HAVE BEEN
INCREASING ACROSS ARKANSAS...LOUISIANA...AND MISSISSIPPI.

FIRES PLACE AREA FORESTRY COMMISSIONS, FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND OTHER 
FIRE CONTROL AGENCIES IN LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS, AND CAN 
ENDANGER COMMUNITIES. PLEASE USE CAUTION WITH FIREWORKS AS WE GO
INTO INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEK...AND HELP PREVENT FOREST AND GRASS FIRES.
THE DRY WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO LAST THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND INTO
EARLY NEXT WEEK...AND MORE BURN BANS ARE ANTICIPATED.

AREA FORESTRY COMMISSIONS AND THE US FOREST SERVICE URGE THE PUBLIC
TO COMPLY WITH ANY BURN BANS AND REFRAIN FROM OUTDOOR BURNING. IN
AREAS NOT UNDER BURN BANS...BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS IF YOU MUST
BURN...AND BE ALERT FOR BURN BAN ISSUANCES. WHEN BARBECUING, TAKE THE
UTMOST CARE. DO NOT DUMP ASHES UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THEY ARE
COMPLETELY OUT. LIVE COALS CAN BURN FOR AS LONG AS ONE OR TWO DAYS
AFTER BEING USED.

You can research the latest information regarding outdoor fire safety and burn bans by visiting the Mississippi Forestry Commission website.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

International Space Station visible over Mississippi: 27 June 2012

The International Space Station will be visible over Mississippi on June 27, 2012.  Depending on  your location, your viewing times may vary by a few seconds from the times listed below.  Additionally, your local horizon (trees, buildings, etc) may influence your viewing times.  Times are listed in 24-hour format, therefore 20h32m = 8:32pm local time.  The times and information were retrieved from www.calsky.com

North Mississippi:
Appears      20h32m05s   3.5mag  az:316.2° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h37m20s  -3.8mag  az: 41.0° NE   h:56.9°
 distance: 468.6km  height above Earth: 397.6km  elevation of Sun: -5°  angular velocity: 0.91°/s
Disappears   20h41m06s  -1.6mag  az:123.0° ESE  h:6.6°


Central Mississippi:
Appears      20h32m24s   2.8mag  az:321.4° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h37m35s  -3.2mag  az: 40.8° NE   h:38.2°
 distance: 614.7km  height above Earth: 397.5km  elevation of Sun: -6°  angular velocity: 0.70°/s
Disappears   20h41m06s  -1.7mag  az:114.2° ESE  h:7.3°


South Mississippi:
Appears      20h32m59s   2.5mag  az:324.8° NW   horizon
Culmination  20h38m07s  -3.0mag  az: 41.7° NE   h:32.7°
 distance: 690.6km  height above Earth: 397.4km  elevation of Sun: -8°  angular velocity: 0.62°/s
Disappears   20h41m06s  -1.9mag  az:108.5° ESE  h:9.9°

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

International Space Station visible over Mississippi: 26 June 2012

For most of Mississippi, the International Space Station will be visible this evening.  Your viewing times may vary by a few seconds, depending on your location.  The following times were generated by www.calsky.com.

Note the time is in 24-hour format.  These times begin at 9:25pm.  Generally, you'll see the station rise in the northwest and move high overhead to the southeast until it disappears behind Earth's shadow. 

For North Mississippi:

Appears      21h25m50s   3.7mag  az:312.1° NW   horizon
Culmination  21h31m06s  -4.2mag  az:224.9° SW   h:77.9°
 distance: 406.2km  height above Earth: 397.6km  elevation of Sun: -14°  angular velocity: 1.05°/s
Disappears   21h32m41s  -3.2mag  az:142.1° SE   h:27.1°


For Central Mississippi:

Appears      21h26m07s   3.5mag  az:314.0° NW   horizon
Culmination  21h31m23s  -4.2mag  az:225.2° SW   h:87.0°
 distance: 398.0km  height above Earth: 397.6km  elevation of Sun: -15°  angular velocity: 1.07°/s
Disappears   21h32m41s  -3.6mag  az:137.5° SE   h:33.2°


For South Mississippi:

Appears      21h26m39s   3.1mag  az:316.6° NW   horizon
Culmination  21h31m56s  -4.3mag  az: 46.0° NE   h:81.4°
 distance: 401.8km  height above Earth: 397.5km  elevation of Sun: -17°  angular velocity: 1.05°/s
Disappears   21h32m41s  -4.1mag  az:125.8° SE   h:49.2°


Tropical Storm Debby: 10am 26 June 2012

We will continue posting updates on Tropical Storm Debby until the storm no longer represents a hazard in the Gulf of Mexico.

BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY ADVISORY NUMBER  13
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL042012
1100 AM EDT TUE JUN 26 2012

...DEBBY SLOWLY WEAKENING BUT FLOODING THREAT CONTINUES
ACROSS FLORIDA AND SOUTHERN GEORGIA...


SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...28.9N 84.2W
ABOUT 70 MI...110 KM W OF CEDAR KEY FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...E OR 90 DEGREES AT 3 MPH...6 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...993 MB...29.32 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

NONE.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE FLORIDA GULF COAST FROM MEXICO BEACH TO ENGLEWOOD

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE.


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 84.2 WEST. DEBBY IS
MOVING TOWARD THE EAST NEAR 3 MPH...6 KM/H. AN EASTWARD OR EAST-
NORTHEASTWARD MOTION WITH SOME INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS
EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS...AND THE CENTER OF DEBBY
SHOULD BE MOVING ACROSS NORTH-CENTRAL FLORIDA TOMORROW.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 40 MPH...65
KM/H...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO WEAKEN TO A TROPICAL
DEPRESSION OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.

TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 205 MILES...335
KM...MAINLY TO THE SOUTHEAST OF THE CENTER.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 993 MB...29.32 INCHES.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE OVER PORTIONS OF
THE FLORIDA GULF COAST TODAY.

STORM SURGE...EVEN THOUGH DEBBY CONTINUES TO SLOWLY WEAKEN...COASTAL
FLOODING WILL CONTINUE DURING THE NEXT DAY OR TWO DUE TO PERSISTENT
ONSHORE WINDS.  THE COMBINATION OF A STORM SURGE AND THE TIDE WILL
CAUSE NORMALLY DRY AREAS NEAR THE COAST TO BE FLOODED BY RISING
WATERS DURING THE NEXT HIGH TIDE LATER TODAY. THE WATER COULD REACH
THE FOLLOWING DEPTHS ABOVE GROUND...

APALACHEE BAY AND THE NATURE COAST...2 TO 4 FT
SOUTH OF THE NATURE COAST INCLUDING TAMPA BAY...1 TO 3 FT

THE DEEPEST WATER WILL OCCUR ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST IN AREAS OF
ONSHORE FLOW.  SURGE-RELATED FLOODING DEPENDS ON THE RELATIVE
TIMING OF THE SURGE AND THE TIDAL CYCLE...AND CAN VARY GREATLY OVER
SHORT DISTANCES.  FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.

RAINFALL...DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL RAIN
ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES OVER NORTHERN FLORIDA AND EXTREME
SOUTHEASTERN GEORGIA DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ISOLATED STORM
TOTAL AMOUNTS OF 25 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN NORTHERN FLORIDA.

TORNADOES...ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE FLORIDA
PENINSULA TODAY.
 
 
***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Monday, June 25, 2012

Tropical Storm Debby: 4pm 25 June 2012

BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY ADVISORY NUMBER  10
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL042012
400 PM CDT MON JUN 25 2012

...FLOOD THREAT TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT DAY OR TWO...


SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...29.3N 85.1W
ABOUT 30 MI...45 KM SSW OF APALACHICOLA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...993 MB...29.32 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

NONE.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE FLORIDA GULF COAST FROM DESTIN TO ENGLEWOOD

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE. 


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
DEBBY IS A LARGE TROPICAL CYCLONE...WITH STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY
RAINS OCCURRING AT LARGE DISTANCES FROM THE CENTER.  

AT 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 29.3 NORTH...LONGITUDE 85.1 WEST. DEBBY IS
MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHEAST NEAR 5 MPH...7 KM/H. A SLOW MOTION
TOWARD THE NORTHEAST OR EAST-NORTHEAST IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT
COUPLE OF DAYS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 45 MPH...75 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48
HOURS. 

TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 230 MILES...370 KM
MAINLY TO THE SOUTHEAST OF THE CENTER.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 993 MB...29.32 INCHES.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE OVER PORTIONS OF
THE FLORIDA GULF COAST TONIGHT AND TUESDAY.

STORM SURGE...ALTHOUGH DEBBY HAS WEAKENED SOME TODAY...COASTAL
FLOODING IS NOT YET DIMINISHING. THE COMBINATION OF A STORM SURGE
AND THE TIDE WILL CAUSE NORMALLY DRY AREAS NEAR THE COAST TO BE
FLOODED BY RISING WATERS. THE WATER COULD REACH THE FOLLOWING
DEPTHS ABOVE GROUND AT THE TIME OF THE NEXT HIGH TIDE THIS
EVENING...

APALACHEE BAY TO WACCASASSA BAY...3 TO 5 FT
FLORIDA WEST COAST SOUTH OF WACCASASSA BAY...1 TO 3 FT

THE DEEPEST WATER WILL OCCUR ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST IN AREAS OF
ONSHORE FLOW.  SURGE-RELATED FLOODING DEPENDS ON THE RELATIVE
TIMING OF THE SURGE AND THE TIDAL CYCLE...AND CAN VARY GREATLY OVER
SHORT DISTANCES.  FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.

RAINFALL...DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL
RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS...6 TO 12 INCHES
ACROSS NORTHERN FLORIDA...4 TO 8 INCHES ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA AND
EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN GEORGIA...AND 3 TO 5 INCHES IN SOUTH FLORIDA
AND EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA.  ISOLATED STORM TOTAL
AMOUNTS OF 25 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN NORTH FLORIDA.

TORNADOES...A FEW TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE TODAY ACROSS THE EASTERN
FLORIDA PANHANDLE...THE FLORIDA PENINSULA...AND SOUTHERN GEORGIA.

 
 



***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Tropical Storm Debbie: 4:00pm 24 June 2012

BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY ADVISORY NUMBER   6
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL042012
400 PM CDT SUN JUN 24 2012

...THREAT TO LOUISIANA LESSENS...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS
DISCONTINUED...


SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...28.4N 85.8W
ABOUT 205 MI...330 KM ESE OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
ABOUT 100 MI...165 KM SSW OF APALACHICOLA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...60 MPH...95 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 3 MPH...6 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...993 MB...29.32 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH HAS BEEN EXTENDED SOUTHWARD ALONG THE WEST
COAST OF FLORIDA TO ENGLEWOOD.

THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FROM THE MOUTH OF THE PEARL RIVER
WESTWARD TO MORGAN CITY HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER EASTWARD TO THE SUWANNEE RIVER
RIVER FLORIDA

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* SOUTH OF THE SUWANNEE RIVER TO ENGLEWOOD FLORIDA

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE LATER TODAY.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE. 


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.4 NORTH...LONGITUDE 85.8 WEST. DEBBY IS
MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHEAST NEAR 3 MPH...6 KM/H. NO SIGNIFICANT
MOTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE COUPLE OF DAYS...BUT THIS FORECAST
CONTINUES TO BE UNCERTAIN. 

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH...95 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  SOME SLIGHT STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT 48
HOURS. 

TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 200 MILES...325 KM
FROM THE CENTER.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 993 MB...29.32 INCHES.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE ALREADY NEAR OR OVER PORTIONS
OF THE NORTHEAST GULF COAST AND ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE REMAINDER
OF THE WARNING AREA BY TONIGHT...MAKING OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS
DIFFICULT OR DANGEROUS.

STORM SURGE...THE COMBINATION OF A STORM SURGE AND THE TIDE WILL
CAUSE NORMALLY DRY AREAS NEAR THE COAST TO BE FLOODED BY RISING
WATERS. THE WATER COULD REACH THE FOLLOWING DEPTHS ABOVE GROUND AT
THE TIMES OF HIGH TIDE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS...

APALACHEE BAY...4 TO 6 FT
FLORIDA WEST COAST SOUTH OF APALACHEE BAY...2 TO 4 FT
COASTAL MISSISSIPPI EASTWARD TO APALACHEE BAY...2 TO 4 FT
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA...1 TO 3 FT

THE DEEPEST WATER WILL OCCUR ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST IN AREAS OF
ONSHORE FLOW.  SURGE-RELATED FLOODING DEPENDS ON THE RELATIVE
TIMING OF THE SURGE AND THE TIDAL CYCLE...AND CAN VARY GREATLY OVER
SHORT DISTANCES. FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE.

RAINFALL...DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF
5 TO 10 INCHES OVER MUCH OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE...NORTHERN
FLORIDA...CENTRAL FLORIDA AND SOUTHEASTERN GEORGIA...WITH ISOLATED
MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 15 TO 20 INCHES POSSIBLE. GIVEN THE RECENT HEAVY
RAINFALL AND WET SOIL CONDITIONS...THESE ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS WILL
EXACERBATE THE FLOODING THREAT ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHERN FLORIDA
AND SOUTHERN ALABAMA.

TOTAL RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED OVER COASTAL
ALABAMA...MISSISSIPPI...SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AND SOUTH FLORIDA...
WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF 6 INCHES POSSIBLE.

TORNADOES...A FEW ARE POSSIBLE OVER WEST AND CENTRAL FLORIDA
PENINSULA TONIGHT
 
 



***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Tropical Storm Debby: 10AM 24 June 2012

Information below regarding Tropical Storm Debby, graphics follow statement

BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM DEBBY ADVISORY NUMBER   5
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL042012
1000 AM CDT SUN JUN 24 2012

...DEBBY PRODUCING TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS ALONG
PORTIONS OF THE NORTHEAST GULF COAST...

SUMMARY OF 1000 AM CDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...28.0N 86.2W
ABOUT 190 MI...310 KM ESE OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
ABOUT 140 MI...220 KM SSW OF APALACHICOLA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...60 MPH...95 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 40 DEGREES AT 6 MPH...9 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...994 MB...29.35 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN EXTENDED EASTWARD ALONG THE
NORTHWEST COAST OF FLORIDA TO THE SUWANNEE RIVER.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED SOUTH OF THE SUWANNEE RIVER
TO ANCLOTE KEY.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE COAST OF LOUISIANA FROM THE MOUTH OF THE PEARL RIVER WESTWARD
TO MORGAN CITY...NOT INCLUDING THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS OR LAKE
PONTCHARTRAIN
* THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER EASTWARD TO THE SUWANNEE RIVER
RIVER FLORIDA

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* SOUTH OF THE SUWANNEE RIVER TO ANCLOTE KEY FLORIDA

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN 36 HOURS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN 12 TO 24 HOURS.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY
YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE. 


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 1000 AM CDT...1500 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS
LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 28.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 86.2 WEST. DEBBY IS
MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHEAST NEAR 6 MPH...9 KM/H...BUT LITTLE MOTION
IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 12 TO 24 HOURS. A GRADUAL TURN TOWARD
THE WEST IS FORECAST THEREAFTER. THE FORECAST TRACK WILL KEEP THE
CENTER OF DEBBY MEANDERING OVER THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO DURING
THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH...95 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  SOME SLIGHT STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT 48
HOURS. 

TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 200 MILES...325 KM
FROM THE CENTER MAINLY TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE CENTER.  BALD
POINT IN THE FLORIDA BIG BEND RECENTLY REPORTED SUSTAINED WINDS OF
52 MPH...84 KM/H.

THE LATEST ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE FROM A RECONNAISSANCE
AIRCRAFT WAS 994 MB...29.35 INCHES.


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND...TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE ALREADY NEAR OR OVER PORTIONS
OF THE NORTHEAST GULF COAST AND ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE REMAINDER
OF THE WARNING AREA BY TONIGHT...MAKING OUTSIDE PREPARATIONS
DIFFICULT OR DANGEROUS.

STORM SURGE...THE COMBINATION OF A STORM SURGE AND THE TIDE WILL
CAUSE NORMALLY DRY AREAS NEAR THE COAST TO BE FLOODED BY RISING
WATERS. THE WATER COULD REACH THE FOLLOWING DEPTHS ABOVE GROUND IF
THE PEAK SURGE OCCURS AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE...

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA EASTWARD THROUGH APALACHEE BAY...3 TO 5 FT
FLORIDA WEST COAST SOUTH OF APALACHEE BAY...1 TO 3 FT
SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA...1 TO 3 FT

THE DEEPEST WATER WILL OCCUR ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST IN AREAS OF
ONSHORE FLOW.  SURGE-RELATED FLOODING DEPENDS ON THE RELATIVE
TIMING OF THE SURGE AND THE TIDAL CYCLE...AND CAN VARY GREATLY OVER
SHORT DISTANCES.  FOR INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE
SEE PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE. 

RAINFALL...DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO
10 INCHES ALONG THE IMMEDIATE GULF COAST FROM SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
TO THE CENTRAL WEST COAST OF FLORIDA...WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM
AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE. GIVEN THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL AND
WET SOIL CONDITIONS...THESE ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS WILL EXACERBATE THE
FLASH FLOOD THREAT ACROSS PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN GULF
COAST.

TORNADOES...ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF THE
WEST-CENTRAL AND SOUTHWESTERN FLORIDA PENINSULA TODAY.
 


 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Hot Week Ahead - 18 June 2012

With summer officially beginning on June 20, it appears we'll see high heat indices this week.  Please check the weather each morning, and be very cautious when working outside.  Below, you'll find an overview showing anticipated temperatures and heat indices through Saturday, June 23.  Further down, there are links and information for summertime heat safety information.

Use EXTREME CAUTION when working outdoors this week.  Hydrate before going to work, take regular breaks, wear loose clothing, and drink plenty of water.  Caffeinated drinks, sodas, and alcoholic beverages will dehydrate you, and should not be used as a source for hydration. Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and do not hesitate to call 911.

Anticipated High Temperature & Heat Index for the Indianola, MS area:

Monday, June 18 - High 90, Heat Index 94
Tuesday, June 19 - High 90, Heat Index 93
Wednesday, June 20 - High 92, Heat Index 96
Thursday, June 21 - High 94, Heat Index 98
Friday, June 22 - High 96, Heat Index 104
Saturday, June 23 - High 97, Heat Index 106




The National Weather Service has published a heat safety information page at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml

Another source of good information can be found at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's www.ready.gov page for extreme heat emergencies.

***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

FCC Proposes Fine for Indianola, MS broadcast station

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a fine of $14,000 against Debut Broadcasting Mississippi for their Indianola, MS broadcast operations on WNLA-AM 1380, for operating in excess of stipulated power limits after sunset.  The station has 30 days to appeal.

You can read the FCC's Notice of Apparent Liability at this link: www.fcc.gov/document/debut-broadcasting-mississippi-inc

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Storm Video & Pic from 11 June 2012

This video was taken just after 6:30pm, June 12, 2012 as the storm front passed over the north side of Indianola, MS.  The quality isn't great, but it captures 40+ mph sustained winds with 50-60mph gusts.

 

This picture was taken in our neighborhood, about 400 yards from our house.
 

Hazardous Weather Outlook - 12 June 2012

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
526 AM CDT TUE JUN 12 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EXTREME SOUTHEAST
ARKANSAS...NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND WESTERN CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

SOME STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR THIS MORNING...MAINLY
OVER EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS AND NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AS WELL AS NORTHWEST
MISSISSIPPI. THE PRIMARY RISK WILL BE WIND GUSTS OF 60 MPH AND
QUARTER SIZED HAIL. A WEAK SURFACE FRONT WILL ENTER THE REGION FOR
THIS AFTERNOON. IF THE AIRMASS CAN RECOVER IT WILL PROVIDE A FOCUS
FOR A FEW STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS FOR THIS AFTERNOON INTO EARLY THIS EVENING
WITH THE SAME ABOVE RISKS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

THE PROBABILITY OF WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER WILL BE LOW.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER
OPERATIONS...MAY BE NEEDED FOR TODAY.
 


***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Monday, June 11, 2012

Severe Thunderstorm Watch #375




















 
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
   SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 375
   NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
   520 PM CDT MON JUN 11 2012
   
   THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A
   SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF 
   
          PARTS OF NORTHWEST AND WEST CENTRAL ALABAMA
          EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
          NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
          CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI
   
   EFFECTIVE THIS MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 520 PM UNTIL
   1000 PM CDT.
   
   HAIL TO 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70
   MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.
   
   THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 60
   STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 70 MILES SOUTHWEST
   OF GREENVILLE MISSISSIPPI TO 40 MILES NORTHEAST OF TUSCALOOSA
   ALABAMA.  FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE
   ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU5).
   
   REMEMBER...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE
   FAVORABLE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH
   AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
   THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS
   AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN AND OCCASIONALLY
   DO PRODUCE TORNADOES.
   
   OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 373...WW 374...
   
   DISCUSSION...MCS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE SEWD FROM AR/NRN MS TOWARD NW
   AL AND CENTRAL MS/NE LA.  SURFACE TEMPERATURES NEAR 90 F AND
   DEWPOINTS AOA 70 F WILL MAINTAIN STRONG INSTABILITY AND CONTINUED
   DOWNSTREAM PROPAGATION OF THE STORMS ON A WELL-DEVELOPED COLD POOL. 
   SCATTERED DAMAGING WINDS AND MARGINALLY SEVERE HAIL WILL BE THE MAIN
   THREATS THROUGH LATE EVENING.
   
   AVIATION...A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT
   TO 1.5 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND GUSTS TO 60
   KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM
   MOTION VECTOR 33030.

***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Hazardous Weather Outlook, 11 June 2012

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
1027 AM CDT MON JUN 11 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS AND
PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI NORTH OF
INTERSTATE TWENTY.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND
EARLY EVENING. THESE STORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR DAMAGING
WIND GUSTS FROM 70 TO 80 MPH. LARGE QUARTER SIZE HAIL WILL ALSO BE
POSSIBLE.

A VERY UNSTABLE AIR MASS WILL DEVELOP OVER THE REGION TODAY. THIS
WILL PROVIDE A VERY SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
DEVELOPMENT WHEN STRONG WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH STORMS CURRENTLY
ONGOING OVER SOUTHERN MISSOURI PLOW INTO THE REGION THIS AFTERNOON.
THE RESULTING LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS WILL PUSH TO THE SOUTH
ACROSS THE ARKLAMISS DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE RISK
OF SEVERE STORMS SHOULD END OVER SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS AND NORTH
MISSISSIPPI SHORTLY AFTER SUNSET.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

THERE WILL BE A CHANCE OF STRONG...POSSIBLY SEVERE...THUNDERSTORM
DEVELOPMENT TUESDAY WHEN A FRONTAL BOUNDARY DROPS INTO THE REGION.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 60 MPH AND QUARTER SIZED HAIL WILL BE
POSSIBLE. LOCALLY HEAVY DOWNPOURS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER
OPERATIONS MAY BE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.
 


***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Storms possible Tuesday, 12 June 2012

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
149 PM CDT SUN JUN 10 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI...
NORTHEAST LOUISIANA...AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT AND MONDAY

A FEW STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN NOT BE RULED OUT FOR MONDAY
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THE PRIMARY SEVERE WEATHER RISK BEING
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 60 MPH.

TEMPERATURES ALOFT WILL BEGIN TO WARM MONDAY AS LOW PRESSURE EXITS
THE AREA AND WILL SERVE TO HAMPER THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER
THE AIR MASS WILL DESTABILIZE SIGNIFICANTLY MONDAY AND STORM
DEVELOPMENT TO OUR NORTHWEST MAY BECOME INTENSE ENOUGH TO ADVANCE
INTO THE ARKLAMISS DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY

THERE WILL BE A CHANCE OF STRONG...POSSIBLY SEVERE...THUNDERSTORM
DEVELOPMENT TUESDAY WHEN A FRONTAL BOUNDARY DROPS INTO THE REGION.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 60 MPH AND QUARTER SIZE HAIL WILL BE
POSSIBLE.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER
OPERATIONS MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY AND TUESDAY.
***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Venus Transit Photos, 5 June 2012

Two pics from the early phase of the 5 June 2012 transit of Venus across the solar disk.

Pictures taken at Indianola, MS.  First photo was 22:11 UTC (5:11 pm local).  Second photo was 22:31 UTC (5:31 pm local).  Optical equipment was Brunton binoculars with one side capped, projected onto white copy paper.  Venus is the black dot in the lower right corner.  Four sunspots were visible but didn't show well in the photos. Scattered and building thundershowers prohibited further photography.


Transit of Venus - 5 June 2012

If you've got a passing interest in astronomy, you'll want to take advantage of the last opportunity of our lifetime to see Venus transit the face of the Sun late today.  This event will not happen again until the year 2117.

NOTE: DO NOT look directly at the sun.  You can suffer severe damage to your eyes.  Links below offer suggestions on how to view the event safely.  Here's a good one to start: www.transitofvenus.org/june2012/eye-safety

For people in Mississippi, Venus will touch the edge of the sun starting at 5:04 PM local time, and visibility will continue until sunset.  If you're outside of Mississippi, consult this chart for local times.  Note, the times listed in the link are Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).  22:00hrs UTC = 5:00 PM in the United States.

A good article on the transit can be found at Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transit_of_Venus,_2012

Other useful links:
www.transitofvenus.org
www.skyandtelescope.com

Monday, June 4, 2012

Hazardous Weather Outlook 6/4/12

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
310 PM CDT MON JUN 4 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI AND
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT AND TUESDAY

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF NICKEL TO QUARTER SIZED
HAIL AND WIND GUSTS OF 50 TO 60 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE TONIGHT MOVING
SOUTHEAST FROM THE DELTA REGION. THIS AREA WAS GENERALLY NORTH OF A
HIGHWAY 49 AXIS FROM GREENVILLE TO JACKSON TO LAUREL. LOCALLY HEAVY
RAIN AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE WITH THE STRONGEST
STORMS. MOST OF THE ACTIVITY WILL OCCUR ALONG AND AHEAD OF A COLD
FRONT THAT WILL BE SLOWLY DROPPING INTO THE AREA TUESDAY EVENING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY

THE PROBABILITY FOR WIDESPREAD HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS LOW.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER
OPERATIONS...MAY BE NEEDED TONIGHT AND TUESDAY.

 

***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Storms possible Sun-Wed 6/3-6/12

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
158 PM CDT SUN JUN 3 2012

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI...
NORTHEAST LOUISIANA...AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT AND MONDAY
FOR TONIGHT...A FEW STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE...
GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF THE HIGHWAY 82 CORRIDOR. THESE STORMS
WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR 40-50 MPH WIND GUSTS AND DIME SIZE HAIL.

A FRONT WILL REMAIN PARKED TO OUR NORTH TONIGHT. THE SOUTHERN EDGES
OF THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY THAT DEVELOPS ALONG THIS FRONT MAY WORK INTO
NORTHERN ZONES THIS EVENING AND DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

FOR MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT...WE WILL SEE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FEW STRONG
STORMS MONDAY AFTERNOON. STORMS MONDAY WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR
40-50 MPH WIND GUSTS AND DIME SIZE HAIL. THE AIR MASS WILL GRADUALLY
DESTABILIZE OVER THE REGION AHEAD OF A FRONT THAT WILL MOVE INTO THE
REGION MONDAY NIGHT.

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF DAMAGING WINDS...HAIL AND
LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE ON MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY
ALONG AND AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT DROPPING SLOWLY ACROSS THE REGION. A
FEW STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS WILL POSSIBLE IN THE SOUTH AGAIN
WEDNESDAY.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...
THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER
OPERATIONS MAY BE NEEDED MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.
 
 


***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***