Thankful to be back on Weather Journal
I’ve had almost no computer access for 2 weeks, and I’ve been following weather only at a distance by occasional television reports, including Hurricane Ida’s amazing transformation to a nor’easter the week of November 9. But I’m back for Thanksgiving, and for most of the winter ahead, though it might take me a bit to get back in the weather groove after a couple of weeks primarily dedicated to helping my mother start to clear out a family home of four decades in Arkansas, following my father’s passing in October.
What I do know is this: We’ve had lots of cutting-off low-pressure systems moving very slowly because the jet stream has been stuck to the north, in a mainly west-to-east flow, and hasn’t become deeply involved in our weather pattern yet. So we haven’t seen any shivering blasts of Arctic air yet, nor have we seen the more vigorous cold-season type storm systems yet (a hurricane transforming into a nor’easter doesn’t quite cut it ont that score).
But we do have a cold front moving through on Thanksgiving that will trigger some upslope-type snow showers, mainly west of Roanoke … though perhaps we get a flake or two into the Roanoke Valley early on Black Friday.
It’s been a personally challenging fall for me and my family, and both struggle and joy continue into the winter of 09-10. But it’s nice to be back on the weather blog, and I’m very thankful for everyone who has followed Weather Journal in print and online the past 7 years.
November 24, 2009 - 11:56 PM
RSS feed 
Yea! Kevin’s back!!!
Done the clean out duty myself…an interesting mix of emotions comes with the job…sort of like the ones associated with the weather!
WELCOME BACK-We are thankful to have you back. Have a great Thanksgiving -Now lets get this winter started and get some SNOW!
Welcome back, sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
Welcome back Kevin. I hope you and your family are doing well and I wish you all the best this winter season as you move forward.
Speaking of Ida, we got just over 3 inches at our house, but some family of mine reported nearly 8 inches down in Virginia Beach, and they got some pretty bad flooding down that way. Schools were closed for 2 days because of it.
It definitely looks like Black Friday could be a white Friday for a few folks. The forecast keeps shifting from all rain to a mix of rain and snow showers, so while a few flakes will probably fly, I doubt it accumulates to anything notable with the warm ground temps. Maybe a dusting if any heavy bands bleed over in the overnight hours, but that would be about the most I’d expect on this side of the WV state line.
Welcome back, Kevin. I appreciate your efforts. Thanks.
Welcome back Kevin. It’s good to see your postings again. I missed seeing what you have to say about our weather!
I’m sure it’s been a very trying time for your family. My husband lost his father back in May and he also went to his Mother’s to help clean out some things..there is still plenty left to do. I pray that God’s peace be with you and your family. I haven’t personally lost a parent..but even the thought of being without one of them is beyond my imaginings. I’m so sorry that you’ve experienced and are experiencing such pain. God bless you!
Glad to have you back. You and your family have been in my thoughts.
Appreciate all you do for us weather junkies.