Coastal Threats for the East and Gulf; Record Warmth for the Central U.S.

Persistent onshore flow across the Southeast and portions of the mid-Atlantic will keep the risk of rip currents through the weekend. Rainfall could be locally heavy across Florida, especially along the eastern shoreline. Meanwhile, record warmth for portions of the Plains and Midwest with elevated fire concerns. For the west, a trough will keep the pattern unsettled with wet conditions. Read More >

A Spring Snowstorm For The Record Books

On May 10, 1990, eastern Wisconsin experienced its latest snowstorm on record. The snow was very wet and heavy, and unfortunately it occurred when most trees and other plants had just leafed out for the new season. As a result, thousands of trees and tree branches came down under the weight of the heavy snow. Many power-lines snapped as the trees/branches came down.

Below is a rough plot of the snow amounts along with a 6-inch contour line.

Below is a Storm Data event narrative for the snowstorm. Click on the image for a larger version.

For the meteorology wonks out there...

Below are maps at 850/700/500mb at 7 PM May 9th, 1 AM May 10th and 7 AM May 10th. Clearly, this was an energetic system that was deepening rapidly. We have a saying in the office, "Upper low, look out below."