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Severe thunderstorms again today, Arthur a ‘Cane

Severe thunderstorms rocked the NY/NJ area on Wednesday evening, owing to rich tropical moisture and strong atmospheric instability. Behind storms of that nature, typically, the airmass becomes less humid, cooler and drier. Thursday will be atypical in that sense, as tropical moisture will actually increase once again. Rising dew points and humidity values will continue — and temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s are expected again by early afternoon. And, again, an approaching mid level disturbance is expected to aid in the development of strong to severe thunderstorms by afternoon.

Storms will progress from southwest to northeast, initially forming in Pennsylvania and making their way through New Jersey. As was the case on Wednesday dangerous lightning, flash flooding, strong winds and small hail are all possible in strong to severe thunderstorms that do develop. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for much of the region, and the Storm Prediction Center has placed the area in a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms through this evening.

Todays Day 1 Outlook from the Storm Prediction Center showing a Slight Risk near our area.

Todays Day 1 Outlook from the Storm Prediction Center showing a Slight Risk near our area.

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One year ago today: A storm chase to remember

Last spring, between May 22-30, a few of my storm chasing buddies and I went storm chasing in the Great Plains. Exactly one year ago today, we saw an EF4 wedge tornado in Bennington, Kansas. The sights we saw last year were unbelievable, and I figured I would share some of my favorite shots from last year’s trip. All of the photos posted are from myself and Jenny Kafka. For more of Jenny’s photos, you can visit jennykafta.com.

May 25, 2013 — South Dakota.

May 25, 2014. (Doug Simonian)

May 25, 2013. (Doug Simonian)

May 25, 2013. (Doug Simonian)

May 25, 2013. (Doug Simonian)

May 25, 2013. (Jenny Kafka) For more of Jenny's photos, you can visit jennykafka.com.

May 25, 2013. (Jenny Kafka) For more of Jenny’s photos, you can visit jennykafta.com

May 25, 2013. (Jenny Kafka)

May 25, 2013. (Jenny Kafka)

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Spring Wx Awareness: Severe storms, and SPC

Each year, as the atmospheric pattern begins to undergo a transition and wavelengths begin to change, the threat for strong to severe thunderstorms becomes a focus of the meteorological community in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Spring, in fact, marks the beginning of “Severe Weather” season in our area — which generally has been known to begin on May 1st. There are obviously severe thunderstorm events outside of that date, but in general the most consistent potential for organized severe storms begins in May and ends in August or September.

Interestingly enough, severe thunderstorms feature some terminology and atmospheric interactions which can be very confusing not only to interpret as meteorologists, but to understand on the public level. Knowing the basics of how organized thunderstorm events develop, and how forecasters attempt to predict and quantify their potential, will help to make things a little less confusing when severe weather season comes around this year.

Thunderstorms can dump tremendous amounts of rain over small areas in a brief period of time.

Thunderstorms can dump tremendous amounts of rain over small areas in a brief period of time.

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