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Thunderstorms and Heavy Rains Across Portions of the Central and Eastern US; Heat Expands to Portions of the East

Widespread showers and thunderstorms, some severe, may produce heavy downpours and flash flooding across much of the eastern and central U.S. Dangerous heat will continue in the Pacific Northwest and expand across portions of the East. Deep tropical moisture and associated thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding across portions of Florida into the central Gulf Coast. Read More >

Bill Meck, chief meteorologist at WLEX in Lexington, participated in our Partners Operational Weather Simulation (POWS) program at NWS Louisville on Tuesday, January 31. The training, conducted on our Weather Event Simulator (WES), is designed to give our partners a firsthand experience of what it is like to be responsible for issuing potentially life-saving warnings as the radar analyst for a past severe weather event. After each major hazardous weather event in our area, we archive the data so that we can train on the event later.

After a briefing to discuss the environmental setting, current radar trends, WES knobology, and how to issue a warning, Bill was on his own to analyze data and issue warnings for severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes as needed. The simulation included receiving reports as thunderstorms raced through the area, similar to real time on the day of the event.

In the images below, Bill Meck analyzes radar data on the WES while NWS Louisville Science and Operations Officer Ted Funk monitors his progress. In Bill's words, “I have a whole new appreciation for the work and information that go into keeping people safe."

We hope more of our TV friends from Lexington, Bowling Green, Evansville, and Louisville, as well as other NWS partners, take advantage of this exciting opportunity!

John Belski and Ryan Sharp at the WES John Belski and Ryan Sharp at the WES Tiffany Savona and Ryan Sharp at the WES