2012.02.10
UPDATE 8:45 AM, 2/11: Blustery winds for all, snowflakes for most, white ground for many, multiple inches for few
HIGH WIND WARNING THIS AFTERNOO AND TONIGHT FOR ROANOKE AND SEVERAL COUNTIES TO WEST (Updated 8:45 AM, 2/11)
UP DATE 8:45 AM: Strong northwest winds behind an Arctic cold front will kick in later today, gusting up to 60 mph in some spots. Those winds will also cause snow squalls to develop as they blow up and over the Appalachians. The greatest threat of 2-plus-inch accumulations will be along and west of I-77 and the Virginia-West Virginia border, though some of the taller ridges just east of those areas also often get some accumulation. Snow showers may dust much of the New River Valley with an inch or less, and some off and on flurries with a possibly a few briefly heavier squalls are possible around the Roanoke Valley. With 60 mph gusts, it will be hard to keep at least few flakes from blowing into the Roanoke area and perhaps even eastward from snow showers to the west. END UPDATE
This is what goes for a “snow event” in the winter of 2011-12 … a disturbance triggering light rain that will become snow with the passage of an Arctic cold front overnight, then a long period of upslope snow bands Saturday (even into Sunday morning) as those cold northwest winds climb up and over the mountains. The simple formula is that the higher up and farther west you are relative to Roanoke, the better your chances of seeing at least a white ground. The National Weather Service in Blacksburg updated its snow forecast map this afternoon to show a 1-inch line cutting into western Roanoke County, east of Blacksburg and down to Galax or so, with a light purple area of possible less-than-1-inch amounts extended way east into the Piedmont and Southside. The final lines for what snow does end up accumulating will not look anything close to this neat, with the streaky, spotty nature of both the upper-level energy and the upslope bands. Most locations in Southwest Virginia will see some snow overnight and Saturday morning, and many especially west of the Blue Ridge will see some stick. Barring something unforeseen, you’ll have to go into West Virginia or west of Interstate 77 in Virginia (or above 3,000 feet just east of those areas) to see amounts top 3 inches — I wouldn’t be surprised if Snowshoe or Quinwood in eastern West Virginia got a foot before the snow squalls slow down on Sunday.
The weekend will be windy and cold — a string of counties on the Blue Ridge south of Roanoke are under a high wind watch for possible 50-plus gusts. A low pressure area tightening offshore will help in accelerating those winds. Temperatures across most of the area will be in the teens by Sunday morning.
There still appears to be another shot at some light snow or wintry mix late Monday into Tuesday as some Gulf of Mexico moisture runs over the slowly departing cold air mass. Moisture appears to be limited for that situation, and cold air will be marginal — par for the course in ’11-’12.
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Goodness, it feels chilly out there. Down to 42 F and it still looks like snow. I remember a couple Valentine’s Days during 1983-85 when we had several inches of snow. I also remember a winter or two in 1977-79 when there was a major ice storm and the trees along I 81 between Christiansburg and Roanoke looked like a battle zone with trees downed. February 20 was also memorable for a snow storm – about 10 inches or more but I can’t remember the year. So I guess there is still hope for a decent “snow” this winter.
I have the radio on and waiting to hear our Great Weather Leader Kevin impart his knowledge to the masses.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 10, 2012 @ 4:12 pm
Temperatures did not rise to forecasted highs over much of the area today. That means they have that much less to fall tonight.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 4:17 pm
I’ll take whatever we can get. They have us painted between 1-2″ of snow…which could double our total for the year if it verifies. I hope we get a surprise…
Comment by Other John — February 10, 2012 @ 4:24 pm
Gosh, I feel weak from the shock!! The Captain just made an historic comment at the end of the previous blog!! He just presented the facts!!! Hip-hip-hooray!! And thank you, CGQ, TYVM! By the way, according to my wife, there was a MASSIVE snowstorm …. at least in Northern Virginia …. on Presidents’ Day weekend in 1979. Occurred on a Saturday night. She left the Fairfax County area of Alexandria (about 3 miles south of Old Town) in early evening, saw a concert in the town of Fairfax, and came out about 10:30PM to find 4 inches of snow on her car (luckily she had a big ol’ Ford Granada with new tires, all that weight being pretty good in snow) and had a hairy commute home. The side road where she lived was in pretty bad shape, so she just got her momentum up and cruised right into the driveway as far as she could go. The next morning she went to the front door to open it and get the Sunday paper, but she couldn’t budge the door at all. She went out through a side door and found out why. Three feet of heavy snow had formed one big drift against the front door!! (Needless to say, there was no Sunday paper delivered ….)
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 10, 2012 @ 5:06 pm
And by thanks, Captain, I and most everyone else here is grateful for calling our attention to that Presidents’ Day possibility. It would have a much better chance of happening if that B-N-W-E NAO would cooperate. Hey, Captain, did you see my comments about the NAO on late morning on Wednesday (Feb. 7)? I had you in mind when I posted that stuff …. If you do look at it, I hope that you get a kick out of it.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 10, 2012 @ 5:11 pm
Wouldn’t surprise me if a weather advisory was posted for our area later.
Comment by wdbrand — February 10, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
Jared (previous thread) – don’t get your hopes up for the 2″-4″ in Giles unless you are heading up to Mountain Lake. It seems, in the past, that upslope related WWA’s in the NRV do not usually pan out. Like KM mentioned, to see significant snow in VA in an upslope event you need to be west of I-77 (Tazewell, Smyth, Grayson counties) We are heading up to Whitetop, VA on Saturday to get into the deep stuff!
Comment by Blacksburg Mike — February 10, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
I would agree with Mike that the 2-4 probably won’t be countywide in Giles. Even the weather service’s snowfall map only has the 2 line bisecting Giles county.
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rnk/emer/emer.php
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 5:21 pm
SNOW, SNOW, SNOW……….Yeah!
Ok, it’s time to confess. I only pretended to be a snow hater beginning in November to see how those in that group were treated. First there was the 1947 book and movie titled “Gentleman’s Agreement” where a writer pretended to be Jewish so he could firsthand feel the antisemitism of the 1940′s in New York. He found out all right. Then in 1959, John Howard Griffen made himself black with medical injections and shaved his head so that he could see how it was to live as a black man in the south at that time. The book was, “Black Like Me”. What a revelation he got.
Kevin wondered and maybe suspected what was up when I did this, saying there was something wrong…..like Missouri going to the SEC. Doug, thanks for being almost my lone support group. There definately are less warm fuzzies given to the snow haters on this blog. I’m going to be a moderate for now on……….neither a lover nor a hater be. As Joe Bastardi used to say at the close of each video………”Enjoy the weather, because it’s the only weather you’ve got”.
Comment by Rick in Wytheville — February 10, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
Got my fingers crossed over here in Narrows that were on the high side of the 2″ line. Not holding my breath though – we’ve been disappointed over here so many times before. After the snow covering we had on Wednesday, I’m feeling that there’s hope though…
Comment by Tayree — February 10, 2012 @ 6:14 pm
The high wind watch for late Saturday now includes all of the Roanoke and New River valleys, the counties north and south along the Blue Ridge and westward. 60 mph gusts possible.
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rnk/emer/emer.php
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 6:21 pm
Good job Kevin on the radio. I did get to listen to you this afternoon.
Yes, we are under the high wind warning – I think it will be too windy to have any snow stick but the wind might help the snow come across the mountains – maybe?
Brought in more locust logs to help hold the fire through the night this weekend. Not looking forward to the high wind though. I can handle most any type of weather but not the high wind.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 10, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
With the temps held down by lack of sun today, when and if the precip starts if it’s early. wouldn’t evap cooling drop them enough to have snow start earlier and during the right temp range?
Comment by wdbrand — February 10, 2012 @ 6:41 pm
Clouds did hold temps down quite a bit today, and evaporative cooling may help snow get started a little earlier tonight in some places.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 6:45 pm
Out of all the ‘storms’ we’ve had this year so far, this is probably the only time I feel reasonably comfortable with the idea that accumulating snow will occur. As long as we get enough to cover the grass and make it look wintry, I think I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Comment by Other John — February 10, 2012 @ 6:55 pm
Cold this morning,low 23.Made it to 43 today a bit under the high they were calling for.Back down to 37 now with some light rain falling.Hope all you snow lovers down there in southwestern Va.get some snow tonight you deserve it.Just checked the temp at Hot Springs its down to 30.Kevin how much snow do you think will fall at Ingalls Fild tonight?
Comment by Mike in Marshall — February 10, 2012 @ 7:15 pm
Hey Kevin: DT hints at a possible President’s Day winter storm for the region. Are you intrigued by the possibilities enough to start a “snow watch?”
Comment by I'm in DC — February 10, 2012 @ 7:23 pm
Not til it gets within 5-7 days or so and still looks reasonable. I’m still more interested in Mon night-Tues overrunning. Looked a little more moist on 18Z GFS
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 7:31 pm
I would guess about 2-3 inches at Ingalls Field, on the mountain above Hot Springs, by Saturday PM. They’re often a little east of best snows
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
Kevin,I need to go back to school and learn to spell!Lol! I was trying to spell Ingalls Field,in my last comment!
Comment by Mike in Marshall — February 10, 2012 @ 7:44 pm
Let’s hold back on the President’s day talk. The Euro has put out so many fantasy storms this year, and none have come to pass. Let’s remember the 12z Euro had this “fantasy low” 2 days ago all the way up in NW Minnesota.
Comment by ice storm lover — February 10, 2012 @ 7:54 pm
No need to follow the blog anymore. Kevin pretty much summarizes the weather on public radio on Fridays now.
Comment by Mark in Pulaski — February 10, 2012 @ 8:39 pm
But I’m only on 1 day a week on radio … and as you can see the weather can change twice a day each of the other 6 days …
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 8:46 pm
Kevin, you should be on the radio only on the days that end in “y”. love the blog been here for nearly three years…don’t post much but I love it!!!! c’mon snow! we have got to have at least one big snow storm before end of winter. I’m praying for that early march dump that we haven’t seen in many years!
Comment by Scott Patrick — February 10, 2012 @ 9:00 pm
Radar showing echoes over Roanoke/NRV now, but I suspect a lot of that is virga. Anyone seeing anything?
Light snow at Bluefield and Lewisburg in WVa now.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 9:19 pm
Postman G…
Saw the NAO comments from Weds. Loved it! And thanks for the compliments. Seems that everybody’s predictions this winter have gone down the tubes. It just seems odd that out of nowhere comes this weirdness about President’s Day. Wonder if your wife will be able to open the door this coming President’s Day for the paper? Karma is some strange stuff I tell ya.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 9:26 pm
Light snow currently falling in Rural Retreat.
Comment by Peter — February 10, 2012 @ 9:32 pm
The radar presentation of tonight’s system is certainly not impressive — but then, I really didn’t expect to be impressed.
http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 9:32 pm
Not impressive unless you are in Florida. That’s liquid sunshine falling right there. Jim Cantore mentioned earlier on TWC that FL was in serious drought conditions. This ought to help out.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 9:35 pm
Good point, Quagmire. I’m focusing too hard on our dot on the map.
Actually — the eastern Kentucky radar shows a pretty solid area of precipitation moving our way — some of that will dry up, but more and more of it should hit the surface as the night progresses, increasingly more snow than rain.
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=jkl&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 9:36 pm
Latest NAM shows a moderate band of precip pushing through in the early morning hours. If that is snow, could be heavy for a bit. If it’s real …
http://tinyurl.com/6pxvjo3
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 9:41 pm
Just started snowing in Sinking Creek, Craig Co, elevation 2400′.
Keep up the great work Kevin! We really enjoy your weather interpretation.
Comment by D. Means — February 10, 2012 @ 9:45 pm
The precip moving through now is NOT important. The WWA’s and WSW’s are in effect for the intense lake effect upslope that will develop mid morning Saturday through Sunday early morning. That is when the accum’s will happen (again, west of I-77, VA/WV border areas only). By the way, our high temp on Saturday will occur at 12:01am…..not sure why the NWS is showing the temp rising (even a few degrees) on Saturday….ain’t gonna happen west of the blue ridge.
Comment by Blacksburg Mike — February 10, 2012 @ 9:50 pm
Here are some links with facts and history of President’s Day Snowstorms:
check out the photos from Northern VA here:
http://www.weatherbook.com/snow2003.html
Scroll down to see the “Eye” photo:
http://ldctstormchaser.blogspot.com/2011/10/presidents-day-snowstorm-of-1979.html
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 9:56 pm
Kevin, I do believe you might be getting excited about this snow event
I certainly know that I am!
Comment by Shanon "Nurse Snow" — February 10, 2012 @ 9:58 pm
Mike: If Roanoke is going to get ANY accumulation, even a dusting, it will come from the upper disturbance in the morning, not the upslope. Blacksburg could get a little from each. You’re right about the stuff farther west. But I am also focusing on what can snow a little here in the ‘Noke, where a tenth of an inch would be 20 percent of the season total to date, and therefore of some significance.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 9:58 pm
Kevin…
from your Jackson, KY radar loop, notice the banding in eastern KY at the end of the loop? The vortex is starting to wind up.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 9:59 pm
DopplerCarol, I noticed my bird feeders were almost empty when I got home today and the suet feeder completely empty. I went out and refilled everything for my little feathered friends, gotta keep them fed!
I’m going to venture outside within the next 30 minutes and will update if there is any snow falling.
Comment by Shanon "Nurse Snow" — February 10, 2012 @ 10:01 pm
I’m interested in weather in general, Nurse Snow. Not sure I can get too excited about a marginal upper low/upslope snow event, at least not as far east as where I am. (Would love to witness this in Snowshoe or Whitetop, but won’t have that opportunity this time.)
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
I think you probably live about 5-6 miles from me. I think I am in the middle of you and Mr. Griggs. I’m hoping to see some snow here, it will make my youngest child very happy! I grew up closer to Whitetop, I can only imagine how beautiful it will be there in the morning!
Comment by Shanon "Nurse Snow" — February 10, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
Light snow falling in WV even though radar says not much there.
Rain/Snow mix in Hokieburg with all snow for Marion, Wise, Abingdon, Hot Springs and Winchester.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 10:19 pm
At 38 degrees here in Fairlawn right now, I’m not expecting to see anything fall from the sky.
Comment by Lee from NRV — February 10, 2012 @ 10:19 pm
It was 40 degrees at my house Wednesday morning with big snowflakes plopping down. Probably a very thin layer of above-freezing temps that morning and my house was right on the edge of it. (150 feet lower down the hillside it was all rain)
Getting some reports of rain/snow mix in NRV area.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 10:23 pm
Very light misty rain outside my house right now. Enough that everything is getting wet and it is getting colder.
Comment by Shanon "Nurse Snow" — February 10, 2012 @ 10:24 pm
Latest NWS forecast discussion: Snow entering from eastern Kentucky expected to dry up some as coastal low zaps energy after midnight. Additional upper-level energy from Tennessee, followed by upslope flow to provide more snow later, mostly north and west of Roanoke.
http://tinyurl.com/bklt8v
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
Quags, you are welcome. Right now I am feeling kinda glum. I am reminded of what I consider a famous movie quote, by James Earl Jones playing Admiral Greer in (at least I think it was in …) “Clear and Present Danger.” “Jack, your word is who you are …”
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 10, 2012 @ 10:32 pm
Whose site is this? Anyone? Awesome site!
http://www.weatherroanoke.com/
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 10:34 pm
off to sleep…goodnight everybody!
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 10, 2012 @ 10:46 pm
“Good night, David.” “Good night, Chet …. and good night from NBC News.” There is a couplet of famous lines from more than 40 years ago ….
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 10, 2012 @ 11:02 pm
… “Good night, John Boy” … “Good night, Mary Ellen” … gotta throw in a Waltons line living in Virginia
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 11:04 pm
Roanoke is still 43 degrees — it may snow in the early AM when it gets more like 35-38 but I’m guessing not much of it will stick in the city.
I’ve been expecting a trace for Roanoke on this one, officially, so not a surprise.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 10, 2012 @ 11:05 pm
If it does snow, it’ll be while I’m asleep so I’m ready to give up on this one. Next event still appears to be Monday-Tuesday. NAM will be coming in range by tomorrow afternoon, and as of tonight, had a pretty good moisture field with it. 0z GFS running now.
Comment by Roa10 — February 10, 2012 @ 11:11 pm
Cnetral Academy has two frogs known to predict weather. Typically, these frogs will burrow under the mulch/dirt in cage when it’s going to snow. As of this afternoon, one frog had burrowed down in the cage. It’s a sign of snow! Unfortunately, I’m praying it happens Monday and not Tuesday. I have to drive to Cincinnati on Tuesday and don’t want to think about 64 in West Virginia in the snow!
Comment by Snow Lover in Botetourt — February 11, 2012 @ 12:53 am
Good Saturday Morning to everyone out there in WeatherLand. We had a very light dusting of snow over night. It collected on the bare spots in the yard and on the deck. It was 31 just awhile ago and the wind is lightly blowing. I see a flake or two floating around out there and then I can see the moon as the clouds blow by.
Stay warm everyone – Please remember to bring your pets in at night over the weekend.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 11, 2012 @ 7:35 am
Is this another bust? Its 7:45 am here in Giles and just spiting snow with very little wind! Not even a skif of snow. Have things gone wrong in the atmosphere again? We usually get a inch or two from strong upslopes, which was being forecasted. Oh, and its still a tad above freezing, not what I would call artic air?
Comment by jared french — February 11, 2012 @ 7:48 am
Don’t know if it’s a bust for you Jared, but the bulk of upslope won’t kick in til afternoon and overnight with the strong NW wind behind cold front, which appears to be a little late.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 7:57 am
Latest NWS forecast map shows less than 1″ in Giles. Still confused why the NWS posts WWA’s for Giles in these upslope events. Again, go west young man. The counties west of I-77 will have full fledged blizzard conditions this afternoon. WE are heading to western Grayson above today……have snow, will travel! Expecting about 6″ by Sunday morning at the 4,500′ line.
Comment by Blacksburg Mike — February 11, 2012 @ 8:17 am
About 1.5 inches on ground in Monterey. Probably 3 inches 10 mikes west on big Allegheny mountain. Looks like another little shot coming in from WV in the next few hours. All in all- nothing for Highland. This winter has been bizarre. Working outside and driving fence posts on farm in FEB!!
Comment by Highlander — February 11, 2012 @ 8:18 am
Flurries outside my window in south Roanoke County this morning. About what I expected here.
Mountain Lake will probably get a few inches in Giles Co.
Thanks for commenting, Highlander! Would love to hear more reports from your neck of the woods.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 8:43 am
Batten down the hatches…
and get your clothes off the line.
Gonna be howlin there this eve..
around 20-21z or 1-2pm local the winds will
be sceaming out of the Northwest.
Good old Roanoke Feb weather..Like
the planets tilt meant it to be.
Wear your ear flaps..youre gonna need them
this evening. No casual strolls beneath the
chestnut oaks.
Comment by Joe — February 11, 2012 @ 9:13 am
Had a fairly couple of heavy bands move
through Chicago yesterday evening.
Several cancelled flights…and a few
had to land elsewhere for fuel.
ATC delays were well into the 2 hour range.
Stong unfavorable winds.
Comment by Joe — February 11, 2012 @ 9:16 am
See a coating on Bent Mt. and Poor Mt. as well as Fort Lewis Mt. west of Glenvar. Nothing here on da Knob and I had to look awful close to see any on the top of da Knob. Snow levels seemed to be 22/2300′. Jest never made it off the mountain before it changed to rain. 35* now.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 9:18 am
Highlander..what part of the county?
I used to live just west of Vanderpool..
many eons ago
Comment by Joe — February 11, 2012 @ 9:23 am
Welcome Highlander! Great to hear reports from one of the most unique micro-climates in Virginia. I have spent time hiking on Big Allegheny Mtn., right on the VA/WV border along route 601, incredibly beautiful area. Keep us informed from up there!
Comment by Blacksburg Mike — February 11, 2012 @ 9:29 am
Hi Highlander, nice to see someone on here from Monterey.I always wonder how much snow you guys up there get.Monterey seems to be colder and snowier than anyone else in Va,most of the time.Low here this morning 31 with half an inch of snow last night.Light snow falling again,temp at 33.Going down to visit my parents in Manassas today,they probaly received all rain down there.Very hard to get snow east of Bull Run Mountain sometimes.Everyone have a great weekend!
Comment by Mike in Marshall — February 11, 2012 @ 9:32 am
I agree with what Kevin posted an hour ago, Highlander! I too would like to see someone make posts from Highland County. In most winters I would HATE to be a letter carrier who had to deliver door-to-door in your county (of course, I bet all residence mailboxes there are at curbside, unless you have a few apartment buildings). But I would “give my eyeteeth” to be able to deliver there in summer. I wonder if you average 10 degrees cooler than Roanoke city in summertime. Even in midsummer I bet your lows are typically in the 50s (even low 50s?) and highs no worse than 85 or so on the hottest days. I bet after a cold front comes through, lows can be in the 40s.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 9:45 am
Well, unless we get a sustained period of upslope snows where I’m at later today, we won’t see any accumulations here. We’re in a nice snow shower right now, but the temps are still above freezing and it’s melting on contact, after getting just a few spits of rain yesterday. So much for feeling good about this one…yet another under-performer, even though there wasn’t much forecast to begin. Looks like the west-facing slopes of WV are getting a good bit though.
I’m ready to put this winter out of its misery. Pitchers and catchers report soon…bring on spring.
Comment by Other John — February 11, 2012 @ 9:50 am
YeeHaw!! Whiteout here in Giles now! Heading up to Mt. Lake now to see whats up!
Comment by jared french — February 11, 2012 @ 10:24 am
This squall coming into Roanoke Valley
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 10:44 am
Looks like snow mixed with hail…? I’m southwest Roanoke County. Sun was shining like 5 minutes ago! Weird!
Comment by Riley — February 11, 2012 @ 10:48 am
Kevin, I noticed we were in a high wind warning today? Do you forsee the winds being as strong as that day in February a couple years ago? I cant remember the exact date, except that it was on a Sunday….
Comment by Flutie — February 11, 2012 @ 10:51 am
Snow grains are what I’m seeing. Snow that has partially melted and refrozen. Starting to look more like regular snow now. I’m actually walking on a 1500 ridgetop near my house now.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 10:57 am
Snowing in Bonsack area of Roanoke County (1250′). It is 40 degrees outside!!
Comment by Paul — February 11, 2012 @ 10:57 am
Snow coming down hard in SW Roanoke County. Just what I was hoping for and very pretty.
Comment by Roa10 — February 11, 2012 @ 10:58 am
A dusting this morning in Rural Retreat. The winds are starting to pick up now.
Comment by Peter — February 11, 2012 @ 11:02 am
Heavy batch of virga moving thru. Ground is white and starting to collect on the road edges. 36,5* at 10:55 AM and 32.5 at 11:00 AM. Wind at 26 mph +. Mini blizzard.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 11:06 am
Morning all!
Let the upslope begin! The front as of 11:00 AM is on a NE-SW line from Harrisburg, PA to Charlotte & right over Lynchburg moving east. Temps are starting to drop. Most of WV now in the low to mid 20s and going down hill. Jared French should now be in Blizzard land in Giles. Reports from Snowshoe are it’s white-out conditions with 5″ and still snowing hard.
Update for 12Z GFS up shortly…
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 11:12 am
Whiteout now in Bonsack area (1250′)…wind blowing 10-15mph steady. Now sticking to deck but temp still hanging on to 38 degrees, although the cold air is just over the mountains heading this way…Intellicast has a great temperature map to look at.
Comment by Paul — February 11, 2012 @ 11:24 am
In 30 minutes temp dropped 6 degrees in Bonsack…now 34 and snow starting to stick to exposed surfaces.
Comment by Paul — February 11, 2012 @ 11:30 am
Winds are starting to howl up here on the ridge. Had several bands of snow showers go through – some heavier than others. Wind blew it all away. Currently 33 and the sun is trying to peak through the clouds.
Yes Joe, looks like I better not hang my clothes out on the line – they might end up at the Outer Banks. We have already battened down the hatches. Got a good fire in the woodstoves and a pot of soup cooking. Homemade bread later with the soup.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 11, 2012 @ 11:34 am
Fred’s on Beech Mtn., NC reporting 4″ of snow already! Areas web cams confirm this. Intersting to note that heavy snow is being reported in that area, but nothing showing on radar. Kevin or Quagmire: I believe that in these upslope situations, that can happen, heavy snow occuring in places like Grayson County, TN/NC border areas, but nothing showing on radar. Can you explain why that is (something to do with snow forming “under” the radar beam I think)? We are heading to Whitetop now!
Comment by Blacksburg Mike — February 11, 2012 @ 11:38 am
Reporting in from Mini Ball Hill, just north of Mt. Lake! 19 degrees with best guess of 2-3 inches! Dusting down at the house in Pembroke.
Comment by jared french — February 11, 2012 @ 12:02 pm
The Blacksburg radar site on the mountain in Floyd County does overshoot low-topped upslope snow bands down that way. It also doesn’t pick up a near-surface layer or two on scans for rotation in thunderstorms. The radar has to be located on a mountain so it doesn’t get blocked by other mountains (though it is partially blocked by Poor Mountain to the NNW, the beam sometimes disappears just west of Salem and northward) but being located that high does mean it sometimes doesn’t catch a few lower scans farther away.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 12:04 pm
Flutie: Back to your question about wind. This will not be the equivalent of the Feb. 10, 2008, wind event. Th is one has a tightening pressure gradient and cross-terrain flow over the Appalachians. That will put winds in the 25-40 mph range with 60 gusts possible generally along the Blue Ridge and west, maybe higher on some of the tallest ridges. Ts he 2008 event had an added factor of daytime warming mixing a surface layer of air into a higher layer with strong winds, bringing those to the surface. It was a major wind event across all of Blacksburg’s forecast area even into WVa and NC. This one is a more typical winter cold front/terrain event. We just haven’t had many like it this winter.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 12:08 pm
Why is the weather service saying our highest chance for snow is tonight? The front has gone through, wouldnt it lose most of its punch by tonight?
Comment by jared french — February 11, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
My ridgetop walk was well-timed for snow squalls (snow pellets or graupel along with regular snow flakes). It accumulated briefly on the ridge top (1500-1600 feet) but was already melting again once it passed. Just a little white in shaded areas down at house level, 1350-1400 feet.
That was a pretty spectacular squall for Roanoke in an upslope situation. Had to have some upper-level enhancement to make it here that strongly.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 12:17 pm
12Z GFS update:
From Allan Huffman’s model page:
http://raleighwx.americanwx.com/models/gfs/12zgfs850mbTSLPp06GFSLoop.html
Of note, the Valentine’s Day possible event is looking more & more weaker, don’t expect much from it. The President’s Day potential event is still showing up even though the 0Z Euro said blah to this event. Still, it lurks. We’ll see what the 12Z models say about that.
Hokieburg Mike…
Snow is usually lighter and harder to pick up on radar especially with upslope conditions & its low level trajectories. It has nothing to do with the snow forming below the radar beam so to speak. The snow actually forms over the mountains where much of the radar signal is reflected back to the Doppler. In upslope conditions such as this, the available moisture is in the lowest levels of the atmosphere. As the wind field is perpendicular to the Mountains, the higher terrain squeezes all the moisture out of the clouds as the moisture moves over the mountains. Snow usually doesn’t reflect back very well and upslope conditions are very localized in nature. Look at the Charleston, WV radar look at how it picks up the snow showers. Make sense?
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 12:17 pm
Anything that stuck here had to come from my neighbor. The wind here blew it so hard, it couldn’t hit the ground. Also debated soup, but settled on trout cakes, fried oysters, cole slaw and hush puppies.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 12:28 pm
Jared: NW flow picks up overnight, will grab some more Great Lakes moisture and throw it over the mountains. Also some disturbances in the flow to enhance snow squalls form time to time.
Quag: I’m starting to back off that Valentine’s Day thing too. Both moisture and temps are marginal, and Gulf Coast storms may rob what moisture there would be. Not nearly the moisture flow or cold-air damming you’d see with a solid overrunning event.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 12:31 pm
Hokieburg Mike:
Another thing to add about Radar and upslope events:
Notice on the Charleston WV loop that it picks up the bands nicely. That because the terrain near CRW is not a mountainous as in Dopplerville. Pittsburgh, PA is the same way. These 2 sites pick up the lake effect snow much better do to 1-more moisture before the snow hits the mountains & 2-somewhat flatter terrain to where the radar can pick the snow and no reflected mountain shadows.
Here’s the Charleston WV radar loop:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?product=NCR&rid=rlx&loop=yes
Pittsburgh, PA radar loop:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?product=NCR&rid=pbz&loop=yes
Dopplerville’s radar loop:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?product=NCR&rid=fcx&loop=yes
Notice the difference? Location, location, location and there’s more mountains around D’ville than in CRW or PIT. Maybe it has something to with Carol’s clothesline and chimney….mmmmmmm Hope that helps.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 12:42 pm
Dt posted about the 6Z GFS and said it shows the Presidents day storm nicley! He must really think this is going to happen, he hasnt gotten this excited about a storm chance this winter. Can anyone tell me what exactly is differnt with this storm chances then the others this winter to have him jumping on it so much?
Comment by Jared French — February 11, 2012 @ 12:48 pm
I think my husband must have orchestrated the snow here in Roanoke. There’s been enough blowing around to make me squack with joy, yet nothing accumulating that he’d have to clean up!
Comment by Blossom — February 11, 2012 @ 12:50 pm
Any reports from Pearisburg area, Giles County? The latest forecase has them in a 2 inch accumulation range.
Comment by Iceman69 — February 11, 2012 @ 1:16 pm
Capt – (#89) ooops sorry about my clothesline and the 2 chimneys.
Thanks for the chuckle this afternoon.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 11, 2012 @ 1:24 pm
Two and a quarter inches here in Rural Retreat. Snow still falling. Less than 1/10 mile of visibility in this squall.
Comment by Peter — February 11, 2012 @ 2:03 pm
Aaaahhhh yes Highland County, I used grow to ginormous sizes up there.
Some buddies had a lease on some some hunting property near Bolar/Trimble area off Big Valley Rd. Just absolutely beautiful country.
And the must stunning view of the stars at night with no man-made light around
Comment by Frosty the Snowman — February 11, 2012 @ 2:14 pm
Doug: I thought you might comment back to me after my 5:46pm post yesterday.
Comment by Rick in Wytheville — February 11, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
The visibility looking ENE from my house has varied from 35 miles early this AM, to 1/4 mile in an intense little snow band, and now it is back to practically max. Can make out the Peaks of O clearly, and can see Apple Orchard Mntn, but only can identify it because I know where it is on the horizon. Cannot make out the white building on top of it. Well, I just looked again and now I can see it. Visibility at least 40 miles this “hot second” in peek-a-boo sunny conditions. Neighbor who has a similar Toyota to mine was out doing errands about 1 PM, and said that he too had the temp drop 5 degrees (from 39 to 34) in 5 minutes, as someone earlier posted here. In the Cave Spring Corners neighborhood.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 2:35 pm
Rick, what would you like me to say? It was nice of you to say that I was your “lone support group.” Have you looked at all the comments from after 9 PM last night?
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 2:38 pm
Sunny in Pulaski. No snow on the ground. Nada, zip, zilch.
Comment by Mark in Pulaski — February 11, 2012 @ 2:41 pm
THUNDERSNOW IN GOOCHLAND at 2:47 PM!!!!
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/gmap.php?map=akq
Temp went from 42 to 36 in a matter of minutes. Winds now very strong out of the NW 21 gusting to 32 mph. Pretty heavy snow squall here now.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 2:55 pm
By the way, I plan to make a possibly lengthy comment after this event calms down, probably on a new thread, probably tomorrow. About the historical significance of the NAO during the winter of 2009-2010. Pretty amazing fact, if any of you might be interested.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 2:56 pm
Doug, I’m looking forward to it. Too bad the NAO this year is not as negative or west based.
So much for our little thundersnow. Blue skies to the west. Quick 1/2-3/4″ accumulation on elevated surfaces. North of where I am in Mineral, I understand they got alot more snow with more lightning & thunder.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 3:05 pm
Doug: Yep, looked at the comments……….everyone pretty fired up about the snow that didn’t quite happen. Too bad. I’m still expecting an area wide snow in early March.
Comment by Rick in Wytheville — February 11, 2012 @ 3:34 pm
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
333 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012
VAZ062>064-070>074-082-083-112115-
CAROLINE VA-CHARLES CITY VA-CHESTERFIELD VA-ESSEX VA-GOOCHLAND
VA-HANOVER VA-HENRICO VA-KING AND QUEEN VA-KING WILLIAM VA-NEW KENT
VA-
333 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012
…MIXED RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS WITH EMBEDDED THUNDERSNOW SHOWERS
MOVING ACROSS CENTRAL VIRGINIA…
AT 329 PM EST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
A LINE OF MIXED RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS WITH EMBEDDED THUNDERSNOW
SHOWERS FROM GUINEA TO BON AIR…MOVING EAST AT 20 MPH. THE
PRECIPITATION WILL BE NEAR…
MEADOWBROOK AROUND 335 PM EST…
GUINEA AROUND 340 PM EST…
WOODFORD AROUND 345 PM EST…
VILLBORO AROUND 350 PM EST…
RICHMOND HEIGHTS AROUND 355 PM EST…
MONTROSE AROUND 400 PM EST…
EXPECT WIND GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH AND A BURST OF WET SNOW IN THE
HEAVIEST SHOWER. TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN ABOVE FREEZING…SO ANY
ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE LIGHT AND QUICKLY MELT ONCE THE STORM ENDS
AND THE SUN COMES OUT.
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 3:34 pm
We’ve had whiteout conditions here at Snowshoe today. Snow began about 2:30 yesterday. We got about 4 inches by this morning. It’s been like a blizzard for most of today with gusts well over 40 MPH. We’ve probably added another 4 inches with more to come. Will be so sad to leave this awesome winter wonderland
Comment by Brian — February 11, 2012 @ 3:45 pm
Hopefully my comment gets in before Kevin starts a new thread. Been out in California this week to check on my parents. I posted a comment before I left about the perfect record for snowfall in SWVA whenever I do a wintertime visit back to my hometown in Califorina, which seems to have held true for this trip. There was the dusting earlier this week and now it looks like some accumulation will happen before I return on Monday. Although it likely won’t be a big one that Snowlovers are hungering for, at least there is some snow!
(I don’t think I can post a smiley face with my Mac)
Comment by Indian Valley John — February 11, 2012 @ 3:53 pm
Excellent Quags, your comment at 3:05. Of course, point of view is sometimes everything. I would phrase your 2nd sentence as “Too wonderful (that) the NAO is not as negative or west based.” (I won’t even unintentionally rub it in by adding a LOL ….)
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 3:56 pm
Griggs, lol!
Comment by Captain Glen Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 4:27 pm
3″ in Rural Retreat. Light snowfall. Light wind.
Comment by Peter — February 11, 2012 @ 4:32 pm
Snowing sideways up here on the ridge. Temps are at 19 F and the windchill is 8 F in my back yard. My anemometer is twirling around so fast but it says the wind is only blowing at 13 mph. I think it is going to be a long night up here.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 11, 2012 @ 4:42 pm
O.K hypo question here.
Nothing personal against our friends in Michigan,but if the state of Michigan did not exist and that area was all great lake how would that make or weather different in a clipper/event like today’s? Just curious about how it may be different.
Comment by Roger — February 11, 2012 @ 4:52 pm
you people are so old……..commneting on weather???
Comment by dave t — February 11, 2012 @ 5:04 pm
WOW!!! We have a true miracle here on the RT (really Kevin Myatt’s) Weather Blog!! The founder of Wendy’s, Dave Thomas, who passed away on 1-8-2002, makes a comment from the “hereafter!!” at 5:04 PM. How is it up there in Heaven, David?? We are happy to report that your business has survived the biggest economic downturn in several decades. Judging from your comment, you have been reincarnated …. congrats.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 5:21 pm
Glad to see ya’ll got some snow, now I gotta go.
Viva…Snow Vegas!!
Thank ya, thank ya very much!
Comment by Elvis P in Memphis — February 11, 2012 @ 5:26 pm
A little breezy here on da Knob. High gust so far was 46.3 mph at 17: 21 PM
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
Elvis P = Quagmire (I can see they have same email address
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
You know the song dave t. “Old men sit and talk about the weather, old women sit and talk about old men”.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 5:33 pm
As for weather commenters being “old” per dave t (not Thomas, not Tolleris, I presume) at 5:04 p.m. … nope, I know they range in age from college (maybe even high school) to retirement age.
Now, back to my game of shuffleboard ….
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:34 pm
Roger: If you could turn West Virginia into a Great Lake, that would radically increase snowfall in our part of Virginia. Turning Michigan into another Great Lake would probably just mean Snowshoe gets twice as much and it still dries out coming over the mountains.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:38 pm
WD: Randy Travis, “Forever and Forever, Amen.”
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:42 pm
That’s the one.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 5:53 pm
Blacksburg checks in at 0.1 inch of snow today — pushes the ‘Burg to an even 2 inches for the season.
A trace for Roanoke. The ninth day of a “trace” of snow during this cold season — two of them were for sleet way back in late October. Seasonal snowfall needle remains on 0.4 inch for the ‘Noke.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:53 pm
Quinwood WVa (western Greenbrier County had 7 inches by 1:25 p.m. Projected to get 3-5 additional inches overnight.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — February 11, 2012 @ 5:55 pm
Since it ain’t fittin fer man or beast outside tonight, like a poster mentioned earlier, don’t forget your furry friends tonight. Might just bringem in and letem sleep on the foot of the bed. Looks like at least a one dog night here, maybe two where some of you are.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
You got me Kevin!
Comment by Glen "Elvis Impersonator" Quagmire — February 11, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
Our dear old friend CAPTCHA just got the COLC again. A shame, because it was a nice one. Temp has REALLY DROPPED here, down to 22*!! Luckily my property is very well protected from any wind out of any direction from WNW through N to NE. Doppler Carol and wd, I for one would appreciate it very much if you two would continue to give updates a couple of times tonight and of course especially tomorrow morning. Bulletin: Jay Webb just appeared on “7″ and announced that an hour ago Wintergreen Resort on the Blue Ridge in western Nelson County had a wind gust of 66!! Woodlawn (I assume the one not too far from Radford) had one of 50). And Highlander, enter again and sign in (i.e., “comment”), please. Would love to see what temps and winds and snowfall will be overnight at your location, too. Peter, good to see your comment from Rural Retreat. And I am glad that Brian is getting his wish with a very snowy weekend at Snowshoe. I wonder if he was able to ski, or if it was deemed too dangerous because of the high winds.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 6:07 pm
Temp on the continental divide in Bburg has fallen from 34 around noon to 17 at 6pm. And a few moderate squalls to boot.
Comment by riga — February 11, 2012 @ 6:11 pm
And as far as lettin a dog sleep in the same bed as you, don’t fret about the smell. They’ll get used to it.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 6:14 pm
GREAT COMMENT, WD!!! That is a close copy of my very favorite W.C. Fields movie quote. In the movie short, “The Fatal Glass of Beer,” Fields is up in the Yukon. Several times when he is at the door of his cabin, someone off camera throws laundry detergent in his face as he said in that extremely distinctive style, “T’AINT A FIT NIGHT OUT … FOR MAN NOR BEAST.” That definitely describes tonight for us pampered SW Virginians, and especially this winter.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 6:19 pm
46.3 MPH is the highest so far and now at 18.7*
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 6:26 pm
Mr. Griggs, that is a different world in Highland Co. Years back, the wife and mammy and pappy in law went to Monterey to the maple festival. Was the last of March/first of April or so. Left here around daylight and it was cloudy, 50* and scattered showers. Pap had a huntin cabin just above Williamsville on the Bullpasture River we stayed in. Stopped by, quickly unloaded and built two fires to warmer up some and headed to Monterey so we could catch their pancake and sausage breakfast. Long story short and 4+ inches of snow later, the girls had seen all of the sugar makin they wanted.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
Okay Doug, I will check in every so often and update you. I don’t know if it is because it has gotten dark but the wind sounds like it is blowing even harder. I was wondering if you were out delivering mail today and if you were walking or riding. Rough on mail personnel either way.
Up here in Dopplerville, it is a 4 dog night. They were all excited to come inside. We have one who likes to lay either under the woodstove or right next to it when she comes in. Loved the comment wdbrand about the dogs “getting used to the smell”.
Currently up here on the ridge just before 7 pm, it is 13 F with a windchill of “-1.7″.
Comment by Doppler Carol — February 11, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
Highlander, like Mr. Griggs said, check back in often. Folks here can’t understand what the weather is like up that way. My daddy-in-laws cabin was several miles above Williamsville and below the state camp ground. Set about 100 yards above the Bullpasture and in the middle of the gorge. I’ve stayed and fished there the last of May and can’t remember not building a fire at night. Cabin was on Marshalls place. Sun came up around 11:00 and went down by 4:00, so we didn’t get much heat out of it. Jack and Buddy Marshall. Took Buddy to the airport one time when he was flting out in his plane.
Comment by wdbrand — February 11, 2012 @ 7:10 pm
I have only been in Highland County a couple of times, wd and Highlander, but was really intrigued by it. Thanks for the reminisce … you knows what I mean, wd. I do not consider Highland County to be in SW Virginia, so therefore you are exempt from my “pampered SW Virginians” comment. I am in that group, absolutely. Back when I was young and living in Taxachusetts growing up, even though many of those winters starting in 1958 were very cold and some were very snowy, I can only remember being truly cold a few times. I firmly believe that the human body does acclimate to the recent weather around it. The first really hot and humid day of the summer really wipes me out, quite a bit more than the same weather would later in summer.
Doppler Gal, in a way I got a big break today, but at quite a cost. I was sick overnight last night …. several times …. and did not work today. No fever …. yet, but am dehydrated from you can guess what. I will be even more grateful (as will all my fellow letter carriers will be who have to walk and despise very chilly conditions) that tomorrow is Sunday, and not a delivery day. Tomorrow will be brutally cold and windy (by SW Virginia standards) ALL day, I bet.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 7:54 pm
Gotta love the DGEX model at 192 hours.. heavy heavy snow from NC into Virginia. lmao. I doubt it happens, maybe rain would be more believable.
Comment by Alex — February 11, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
Wicked, terrible wind in Hokieburg just rolling off of Brush Mountain.
Comment by HokieTrax — February 11, 2012 @ 8:01 pm
And wd, I LOL’ed at your comment about the dog and the smell. Mine has had to put up with mine for a long, long time. Tough. He gets to lie around the house and eat and sleep and have all his health concerns taken care of by us humans, while NG and I go out and earn money to buy him dog cookies and dog food. Blondie boy does not like to be picked up …. probably had some really bad experiences as a pup before we got him at about 11 months old. I don’t pick him up much at all, but I didn’t want to hear any complaints from his dog-biscuit-hole when I did. He accepts it now, but it is rare now, too. I have aches that I didn’t have a few years back when both of us were younger and in better shape. And 99.9% of my interactions with him are positive and full of affection. I bet it is the same with most of the dog owners here.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 8:03 pm
It’s never a good thing when the wind speed is a larger number than the temperature. Brrr.
Comment by Jason in Riner — February 11, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
“D” Carol, with a temp of +11 and high winds, even a wind chill of -17.0 (moving the decimal one place over) would not fully account for the full chilling effect, IMHO. The GWCI (“Griggs Wind Chill Index”) would be more like -25 at least, if the winds are truly howling, and I bet they are up there.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 8:38 pm
Just arrived home from Manassas wind was blowing real bad down there temp was 29.Had a brief heavy snow squall in Manassas at about 3:00,the ground was white,but it melted fast.Was 22 here when i got home at 7:30.Had to check the weather station in good ole Monterey Va and its down to 10 degree`s there at 8:00,Ingalls field was down to 7 at 8:00.Kevin is this gonna be the coldest night of the winter so far? Everyone stay warm tonight and i hope you have some adult bevarages tonight! Lol!
Comment by Mike in Marshall — February 11, 2012 @ 8:42 pm
wd, you mentioned the maple sugar episode in Highland County. My brother-in=law did that for a few years in central Mass. (husband of the “Donna Cramer” I have referred to a few times recently). I think he said that the maple sap doesn’t even flow with temps below freezing. Of course, that wouldn’t prevent them from sellin’ what they had already made. It is quite a process full of long hours and lots of effort and water to make a mere one quart of maple sugar. At least using the traditional methods.
Comment by Doug Griggs of SW Roanoke County — February 11, 2012 @ 8:43 pm
Peak gust @ KHLX so far is 51 mph. Current temp on my unofficial thermometer is 13.1º which makes for a sub zero wind chill. Ugh…
Comment by Johnny — February 11, 2012 @ 9:18 pm