Main threats
No significant threats in sight.
Summary
There’s more on the latest tornado research in the News section at the bottom of this blog.
It looks like we’re going to squeeze out another nice day! Look for lots of sunshine, with clouds drifting by from time to time. Those clouds will eventually thicken up and bring us some showers tomorrow. Some of you may even see a shower tonight, especially north of I-40.
Thursday looks unsettled, with shower and t-storm chances throughout the day. Nothing looks too heavy or severe at this point, and that’s always a good thing! Those showers will linger into Thursday night and Friday morning, before conditions improve after lunchtime Friday.
Saturday is looking good and Sunday isn’t looking half bad. We will have to watch for a shower or storm during the afternoon or evening but, overall, it’s not looking like a bad weekend at all.
Another rain chance may sneak in here Monday night (nothing too heavy) and again on Tuesday. Just some more spring showers and t-showers. I still can’t see any clear signals of widespread severe weather affecting us anytime soon. Let’s hope it stays that way!
WeatherTAP WeatherFACT
Meteorology means “in the sky” and “study”, coming from the Greek words “meteoros” and “logia”.
Records
It was on this day in 1975 that an F-2 tornado touched down in Mayland, in the western end of Cumberland County. The tornado was on the ground for two miles. Though it’s path was short, it claimed the life of one person and injured four others.
According to storm reports, the tornado touched down twice. Two mobile homes and a brick home were destroyed. The fatality and injuries occurred in mobile homes. Numerous trees were twisted and broken.
The NWS seriously considered giving this tornado a higher F-scale rating, due to the destruction of the brick home. Some still say this tornado should have been given an F-3 rating because of this (I tend to agree with that).
Almanac
Yesterday’s record high: 85 (1967)
Yesterday’s record low: 23 (1986)
Today’s record high: 84 (1965)
Today’s record low: 29 (1986)
Today’s sunset: 7:21
Tomorrow sunrise: 5:54
Today’s day length: 13 hrs 26 mins 55 secs
Tomorrow’s day length: 13 hrs 28 mins 57 secs
One year ago today
It was a nice day! The high reached 67 degrees, after a warm morning low of 57. A trace of precip fell.
Astronomy
Sky viewing conditions tonight: GOOD TO POOR
Moon phase: Waning Gibbous, 73% illumination
Moon rise (new section!): 12:28 a.m.
What to look for in the night sky tonight
If skies cooperate, Orion the hunter can be clearly seen low in the west as darkness falls. The constellation sets at around 9:30. The sky chart below has an arrow pointed to Orion. This sky chart is the sky at around 7:00 p.m. tonight. Again, hopefully the skies cooperate and it won’t be too cloudy.
News
This research is the result of a new study and is a tornado vulnerability index by county. It includes a mean tornado intensity (with frequency factored in), mobile home %, population density (people/km^2) and income statistics to calculate vulnerability. As expected, the Southeast is more vulnerable than any other region of the country. We get a lot of bad storms (plenty of warm, humid air) and we have a lot of folks in mobile homes.
I zoomed in a bit so you can see our area better. I circled the Cumberland Plateau. Cumberland County is right in the middle. As you can see, the Cumberland Plateau is quite vulnerable. In fact, it’s one of the more vulnerable areas in Tennessee. That’s why it is so important to always pay attention to the forecast, especially this time of year.
You all keep me in mind this morning at 10:00 a.m. That is when I will be meeting my mentee from Kids on the Rise. He’s a first grader from Stone Elementary. I’m nervous and excited, but I’m sure this will be an incredible opportunity. Wish me luck!
You all have a great day!
