First of all, yes, the post time is correct. I am very obviously pulling a late night (started this post at 5:02am), so I figured I'd put my time to good use. And, no, Karl, it's not because I'm excited about what I'm posting about... it's because I just set up an awesome playlist and I want to listen to all of it...

Great reason, huh?

------[Now, if you'll join me in boarding my original train of thought...]------

I have the reputation of being the Fox Toledo storm chaser (Heather Miller's a close second). Now, in reality, when we get nasty storms, most (if not all) of our crews are sent out to chase 'em. I just tend to get a little into it.

I've been obsessed with weather for a long time. As a kid, my mom, brother and I would sit on the front porch to watch storms go by. Sure, I don't recommend it now, but it was a great experience for me.

As soon as I got my hands on a camera, I started recording those storms -- whether they were truly exciting or not. I took a lot of heat for it in elementary school and junior high, heck, even into high school (especially from my friend Megan and my entire science class from sophomore year). Not only was I the news geek, I was also the weather nerd. Go figure, right?

But hey, apparently it all paid off... I mean, now I get paid to do what I used to get made fun of for. Works for me. Anyway, I'm usually keeping an eye out days in advance for those times that it's worth me packing up my stuff to head to the station (scheduled or not).

Though instead of just the usual station camera and accessories, I also bring my personal camera, tripod, police scanner, laptop and my entire "survival" kit from my personal car (some first-aid supplies, rain gear [for me and my camera], all of my FTN jackets, a lot of maps, bungee cords, tapes and pads of paper).

And to make it all complete, I usually throw on a WeatherBug hat Tamara Berg gave me (she's too cool to wear it, she claims) after she picked it up at a weather conference. You know, just for that final touch. After all, we do have the Stormtracker WeatherNet (which is part of WeatherBug)... gotta promote the tools.

So, in summary, I'm a dork. And I dork out a news Jeep whenever it gets stormy.

But as soon as I get out of the parking garage, the dork-ishness dies down just a bit in my mind (Karl and others would beg to differ). I guess it would be more accurate to say that the dorkiness is worth it...? I don't think I'm gonna win this one.

Regardless, being a trained National Weather Service spotter for years, it's my job to look for specific severe weather threats. It's not just for our viewers, but for everyone in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. When I see something dangerous, I not only report it (usually live on the phone) on Fox Toledo, but I also pass it along to the NWS office (either in Cleveland, Detroit or Northern Indiana depending on the county I'm in).

So as I look at the latest update from the Storm Prediction Center that has our area in a "Slight-Risk" category, I'm just wishing I was off work Saturday. Chances are, not much'll happen... but if it does, I'll be wearing my suit and tie, already at work. No chance of going all-out and, worse yet, no WeatherBug hat.

But I think I'll get over it.

By the way, Simon and Garfunkel's "Cloudy" just popped up on my playlist. Awesome timing.

Oh yeah, and scroll down on my blog to check out my only fully-documented storm chase. My friend Dan Adams (Sentinel-Tribune Story | Dan's Blog) and I worked on that chase and editing the YouTube clip. Had he not gone on a cross-country trip to produce his own documentary while trying to win an air guitar championship, we would have probably done several more this summer.

Alright, I'm off to bed... now that the sun's starting to come up. Sheesh.



Next week: "Excessive use of ellipses and parentheses: The Barrett Andrews Story"

It's that time of year when severe weather prompts weathercasters to cut-in to programming. Thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding keep us busy during this time of year.

But how much is too much?

As a weathercaster, I have a duty and responsibility to alert you when severe weather is threatening your county. If several counties in our viewing area are bracing for storms... you can bet we will be on the air for a long time to talk you through it.

Most people say they don't like it when we cut-in to programming because it interrupts their shows. I understand it's a drawback to miss a show for periods of time because of the weather. But if a weather alert can save just one life because people listened and took shelter...than that's what matters.

Every local station has their own protocol for how they handle severe weather cut-ins. Here at Fox we like to prepare you and not scare you.

So next time you see a severe weather alert remember it's not to annoy you, it's to protect you and potentially save your life.

Hopefully you had a wonderful 4th of July and enjoyed some summer fun activities.

When I think about summerm, I think about all of the fun outdoor activities. When you think about it, we really only have about 3 months out of the year to enjoy them.

My favorite outdoor activities include running, rollerblading and golfing. If I had a convertible, I'd be driving with the top down every chance I could.

Ice cream is my other summer weakness. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. My favorite place to get it from is Maggie Moo's!

In Northwest Ohio we have soo many great places to enjoy the outdoors. Here's a few of my favorite:

• Wildwood Metorpark-great trails for running/walking.
• Pace Setter Park-Catch me in the OH/MI 4mile run there every summer.
• South Toledo Golf Club- great people, great course, lots of classes taught to improve your game.
• Maumee Bay Park-Volleyball, trails, camping, swimming, slides....and soo much more!
• Stoney Ridge Golf Club-great golf scramble for the goodwill organization held there every year.
• Toledo Zoo-Tons of summer events and a great place to take friends and family who visit.

And the list could keep going and going....

Now, it's your turn to share with me your favorite NW Ohio summer fun places.

I can't wait to check out your posts!

Happy Summer!

 

I know this may be hard to imagine....but think back to our winter. I know I can recall some very snowy conditions, cold below normal temps and ice storms.

 

Now, because our winter was more brutal then normal...I'm thinking our summer won't be as bad.

 

Here's what I'm thinking after reading several weather sources.

 

• Temps will be slightly below normal for most of our area.

   

• Late June through July will be the hottest temps of the summer.

   

• Rainfall totals will be slightly below average.

   

• Stormy weather is expected through much of June and a good chunk of July.

   

• Pollen and ragweed counts will be higher than they've been in previous summers.

   

Whatever your summer plans include...make sure you take some time out to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Of course, don't forget to slather on the sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

One of my favorite things to do is get out to enjoy one of America's Favorite Pastimes....Major League Baseball.

 

As you can see below, my Dad is my favorite Ballpark buddy!

 

 

 

Spring took a break last week. The mild weather will be with us on Monday. By Tuesday the sunshine will be out in full force. This is where we will begin our gradual warm up. The warm up means Spring will return!  

Wednesday temps will be back to normal and into the 60's. Sunshine and warmth will continue through Thursday. Friday expect a slight chance for rain showers.

The weekend is shaping up to be fairly nice. We could see some rain showers on Saturday. By Sunday temps will be warm and sunny!

Picture of an awesome Sunset, taken April 9,2008, in western Defiance County, near Farmer.

 

 

 

 

Blossoming flowers, crystal clear sunshine, and grass.

 

Those are just some of the features I think about when it comes to spring.

 

Many people keep asking me when it will be here.

 

Although I can't predict a long-term forecast... I can say according to the Calendar the Vernal Equinox arrives March 20th at 1:28am.

 

Until then as we sit through about two more weeks of winter...why not start thinking spring!

 

Just opening up the newspaper, I found coupons galore for cleaning supplies. Remember spring cleaning?

 

Spring also means many holidays to enjoy. Starting with Easter, Mothers Day, and then Fathers Day.

 

April Showers bring May flowers.

 

Warmer weather melts away the snow and helps the grass to grow.

 

Last but not least, we can look forward to gradually longer days.

 

What do you enjoy most about spring?  

 

A little bit of relief from the winter blues is headed our way this week.

On Monday, it looks like a warm front out of the mid-west will usher in some warm air and mild temps.

By Tuesday, we will still be hanging onto the mild weather and temps will be into the mid 40's.

Wednesday, it's back to reality as snow will cover the ground and temps will dive into the 20's.

Rounding out your work and school week we will be back to the norm. Expect a wintery mix of snow and rain for Thursday and Friday. Temps will be into the mid to lower 30's.

Enjoy the mild weather while it lasts!

Cold Winter Weather is something we need to get used to at this point in December.

 

Freezing Rain was a cause for concern this weekend. As the temps fell and the rain froze, many plans were spoiled. Cancellations came in from churches, recreational activities and even company Christmas parties.

 

Mother Nature doesn't fool around when it comes to freezing rain falling from the sky. Many people ask how freezing rain forms? Well, here goes my Weather School explanation....

 

Freezing rain is large, supercooled rain drops that are colder than freezing (32 degrees), but still liquid in form. Once these rain drops hit freezing surfaces, they spread out and turn into ice. The ice that you see coats surfaces with a glaze. That glaze could be potentially hazardous on roads, sidewalks, and power lines.

 

So, while it's frustrating to deal with the spoiled plans and slower travel time....remember it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

Besides, what's soo bad about staying warm indoors, sipping hot chocolate and snuggling up with a good book or movie?

 

 

 

Morning traffic is at a crawl.  Fresh snow from the night before.  And the laws of physics don’t apply to me! 

 At least that is what the moron passing me a 50 mph when everyone else is poking along at 20 must be thinking…  

 I wonder how he starts his morning on days like this…  

 Beautiful day!  Fresh snow.  Gourgeous!  Time to leave for work but first let’s do the checklist…

Fog Lights?                                               Check!

4 wheel drive?                                          Check!

ABS brakes?                                             Check!

Front Air Bags?                                         Check!

Side Air Bags?                                           Check!

Electronic Stability Control System?      Check!

Anti-Whiplash headrest?                        Check!

All those safety devices mean nothing when the road is covered with snow and ice and the traffic is motoring along at half your speed.  Newton said it best:

Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.

4 wheel drive, ABS and Air Bags are going to mean nothing when you come up on that patch of ice… 

I am going to have a stack of bumper stickers made that I can place on cars and trucks I come across in the ditch on the side of the road.

“The laws of Physics Don’t Apply to Me.” 

In the words of Earl Pitts “Wake up America!”

And slow down when the weather is bad…

 

Just thinking about it sends a chill up my spine! Snow, yes that's the "S" word I'm talking about.

Monday night a cold front is expected to slice through Northwest Ohio providing us with temps in the 30's and a chance for rain/snow showers.

When I think about snow I remember one of my favorite winter memories...

It happened when I was 9 years old on a cold December day in Northeast Ohio. I have two older brothers who wanted to play in the park which was covered with nearly 2 feet of snow. So we all grabbed our snow suits, hats and gloves and begged our parents to take us to the park.

It was the afternoon and temps were just below freezing. I decided I wanted to make a snowman. I started by creating the bottom layer which was about the size of three basketballs. I left the bottom layer on the side and moved on to the middle half. Before I know it...my brothers had taken my bottom layer and began rolling it even bigger. At first I was upset, than I saw how large and cool the massive snowball looked and jumped in to help make it bigger.

The snowball slowly began to take on lots of park attention. Two more kids jumped in to help. By the time it was finished the snow ball was larger than me (remember, i was 9 at the time). The local newspaper showed up and all of us made the frontpage.

It was a Winter experience that I will never forget. Growing up in the heart of the snowbelt left me with many cold memories. Ones I will share with you all winter long. 

If you have one, be sure to drop me a message!  

Chilly weather has returned to Northwest Ohio. That means we can expect to experience our first freeze of the season.

When temps drop to or below our freezing mark (that's 32 degrees) frost is going to form.

Here's what you can do during a freeze/frost:

• Take tender vegitation inside
• Cover any plants that can't be brought indoors
• Protect you car by putting a piece of cardboard under the wipers for easy removal of frost before your morning commute.

If you have any other suggestions for frost removal. Blog me back!

Lately I have found myself turning to the calander wondering if Fall has arrived yet. Of course, we hit the autumnal equinox September 23rd...but with temps in the 70's it's hard to think Fall.

If you are like me and enjoy the sunshine and warmth than you have no complaints. Recently people have been asking me what our Winter will be like... So I started doing my research. I've read several weather articles and the farmers almanac and came to the conclusion that things are looking rather good for Northwest Ohioans.

It looks like we can expect warmer than normal temperatures and a less snow than last year. However, the farmers almanac says we can expect a "two-faced" winter meaning we will have our good days and our bad days with snow and cold temps.

I'm personally rooting for above average temps and little snow...but the only person deciding our weather fate will be mother nature....and who know's exactly what she has up her sleeves.

Anyone know when the first frost of the season usually appears?  How about the first measueable snow fall?  My favorite time of year is right around the corner...

 

The Autumn Equinox is on September 23rd this year and arrives on Sunday.  It is known by a variety of names, including The Festival of the Flowering Moon (my favorite). 

 

The Fall Equinox is also known as: Alban Elfed, Autumn Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Home, Harvest Tide, Mabon, Night of the Hunter, Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Witch's Thanksgiving, and the first day of autumn.  For the rest of this interesting article, follow this link… 

 

http://www.religioustolerance.org/fall_equinox.htma>

 

 

 

 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the LORD on behalf of all the people affected one way or another by these horrific floods caused by the ridiculous amound of rain we've gotten this past week.  I'm thankful to Him that He sent people to help the flood victims who in many cases lost everything including their relatives.  Things can be replaced, but never people.  May the Lord Jesus Christ be with them and help them get through this.  And may He give us all a break from this rain!

This weekend's beautiful weather is brought to you by the letter H.

As a forecaster, people are always asking me what the letter H on weather maps means. Well, for one it almost will always mean good news for outdoor lovers and it can stay in places for long periods of time.

The H simply means high pressure.

Now, for an explination on how this wonderful weather term works.

High pressure is sinking air that flows in a clockwise motion. When high pressure is active in the Northern hemisphere the sinking air spirals outward while moving clockwise...in turn swinging warm air into our region.

Bright and sunny days with little to no cloud formation will dominate the skies when high pressure moves into an area.

So the next time you see the letter H on a weather map be greatful for all of the sunshine you will see.....and of course don't forget to lather on the sunscreen too!  

With the beautiful weather this weekend, it made it hard to stay indoors. As a weathercaster, I know that weather in Ohio can change quickly and spoil outdoor activites.

This weeknd though was an exceptional one for outdoor lovers like me. 

I spent my Sunday morning at Kelley's Island participating in a 5k race. My friend Lisa and I woke up early and drove to Marblehead, jumped on the ferry and made it to the island in time to register.

Running on the island was amazing! While I didn't achieve a record race time finish, I enjoyed the views of Cedar Point, Lake Erie and Island activities.

Looking up at the sky there wasn't a cloud in sight. Even with SPF 15 on, I still managed to get a little sunburn.

Overall the race was well worth the trip to Kelley's Island. I can't wait to go back and really explore the rest of the island and all of the activities it offers :)