Latest Eastern Winter Storm

[B Ozanne]

That was interesting. We ended up with 15-20" of new snow last night! As much as the previous two big storms this season, and I have officially run out of places to put it.

I agree with Dave, that band that setup around midnight was very impressive. I live on a 1/3 acre lot and there were times I could not see across my property. I hope to post some photos this evening.

 

[jshields]

wow, 19" reported in new york city, and philadelphia received 17"!! i was watching the snow last night and saw on the hourly reports at one point Central Park received .35" of liquid precip in one hour while it was falling as heavy snow. i'm sure the liquid ratios were low and i'm not sure how accurate that reporting station is, but that would be between 3-4" in one hour if it were at 8:1 to 10: ratio!! we had a nice little storm move through here in omaha last weekend that dumped 7" in a little under 4 hours and i thought that was some intense rates!!

 

[B Ozanne]

NWS in Upton, NY has a special weather statement out for heavy snow on roofs and decks. They are actually recommending people clear them if possible with 10-30" on the ground containing 3-5" of liquid water. I agree with the recommendation, but it seems like an off area for the NWS to get into

 

[Chris Vagasky]

National Weather Service Mission Statement

" The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community. "

That recommendation is no different than them making a recommendation to secure loose patio furniture during a high wind event, or recommending that you seek shelter during a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. That falls under their mission of protecting life and property. Though, I suppose it goes against their mission of enhancing the national economy, because more collapsed roofs means more money to Home Depot and construction companies...

 

[B Ozanne]

National Weather Service Mission Statement

" The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community. "

That recommendation is no different than them making a recommendation to secure loose patio furniture during a high wind event, or recommending that you seek shelter during a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. That falls under their mission of protecting life and property. Though, I suppose it goes against their mission of enhancing the national economy, because more collapsed roofs means more money to Home Depot and construction companies...

...less money to insurance companies, it's a wash.

Just seemed odd to me as that was the only point of the special weather statement. Especially since they are recommending something with such a high probability of injury if done carelessly. I was shoveling snow off some of my lower flat roofs on Friday. My wife was a little concerned, but I told her not to worry as it's only a 3-4' drop with all the snow piles around.