Late December Coastal Storm

I wanted to blog a little about the coastal storm we had earlier this month on December 20 - 21. The storm was caused by a low pressure which developed over the area and brought us some rain. Here on Skidaway Island, we saw just over 1.75" of rain. The National Weather Service didn't add our total to the map; but we did send them our report for the island.

The graphic below shows the astronomical rain total the international airport received over seven inches of rain while here on the island, we saw under two inches. Notice the very high wind justs which were measured by various observations.



I also want to add the forecast for Christmas Day: we will see some showers and a few thunderstorms as the Christmas day progresses. I don't think it will be a complete washout. We might see a little under one inch in some areas; otherwise, we should see under one half inch.

Rain for Christmas Day?

It looks like we should see some rain showers during the evening hours of Christmas day; hopefully, the rain will stay offshore until the nighttime hours. Here is what I think is going to happen: A low pressure is going to develop off the coast of Georgia. This low should travel up the coast moving away from the area toward the north.

Here is the 6Z 12/25 image from the 12Z NAM run. It looks like this low won't be very strong. It should just bring us some small rainfall amounts. In most areas, we should get a quarter of an inch.



On the other hand, the GFS 12Z run suggests the low will be a much broader low pressure system. This would mean that the low isn't as strong which would usually result in less rainfall.

So for all of you that ask: Are we going to have a white Christmas?

The answer is unfortunately 'no'. We most likely will not see frozen precipitation.

Hello Everyone. Welcome back! We are going to start posting blog updates once again on this blog for weather occurring on Skidaway Island. Be sure to bookmark the blog as we will keep you updated with the latest information.

If you haven't noticed, our weather station wind readings are not reporting because we are currently working with the Landings Association Public Works department to reposition our anemometer, or wind measuring device.

We hope to have this equipment up and running by late January or early February of next year. This equipment will help us receive more accurate wind observations. These in turn help the National Weather Service and other agencies with their forecasts, etc. If you would like to read more about this read the full press release below.

Press Release

Refer to Our Website for the Lastest Information:

Please refer to our website at:

http://www.myskidawayisland.com/weather/index.html

All the latest weather information will be located there. As of today, the latest weather information will be posted on our website not here. We have done this to ensure that you get the latest weather information when you need it in an organized fashion.

Thank You!

Heat Advisory in Effect for Today until 7 PM - 8/5 7 AM

332 am EDT Mon Aug 6 2007

...Heat advisory remains in effect from 11 am this morning to
7 PM EDT this evening...

High temperatures today will be in the mid to upper 90s away
from the immediate coast. The heat combined with high levels of
humidity will result in heat index values in the 108 to 112 degree
range for several hours today...mainly during the afternoon.
Even at the beaches the heat index will reach near 105 degrees for
at least a few hours.

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is
expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible.

Similar conditions are expected throughout most of the upcoming
week...with the potential for additional heat advisories or
possibly even an excessive heat warning by mid week.

During the hot and humid weather you are urged drink enough water
to remain hydrated. If you can stay in an air conditioned room.
Stay out of the sunshine as much as possible. Check up on the
very Young...the elderly and those that are ill.

Also remember your pets. They need a shady and cool location...as
well as plenty of fresh drinking water. Never leave an animal
inside a parked car...even with thew windows rolled down.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio all hazards for the latest
information from your National Weather Service in Charleston.

Rain for Today! & Tropical Outlook - 8/3 7:19 AM EDT

We are going to see that rain chance stay with us for the next few days through Sunday. This is all because of a stationary front that is moving northward from northern Florida. This, in combination, with a weak low pressure area in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, will give us a chance of rain through the weekend.

The rain has started to come down this morning. It started around 5:30 AM ET and has continued for the past few hours. It has stopped raining as of 7:15 AM ET. We will see the chances of rain get higher as we go through the afternoon hours. The biggest chance of rain today will be for the areas that are east of Interstate 95. Then, by tomorrow, we will see the chance of rain overspread the whole area. This will give us some much needed rain as we still do need rain to get rid of our deficit.

The chance of rain will diminish by Monday and we'll see highs in the mid ninties inland. On the islands, by the beginning of next week, we will see highs in the upper eighties. The nighttime lows will be in the lower seventies.

Tropical Outlook

The tropical wave that was in the eastern Caribbean has significantly weakened overnight. From the start, I really didn't think that this wave was going to be any concern. However, I kept monitoring it for further signs of development. At this time, the convection around the low really hasn't flared up this morning as it did yesterday. If it had, we might have seen a tropical depression out of the wave; but, we didn't.

As of this morning (8-3-07), none of the major computer forecast guidance are suggesting any type of development from this wave. Furthermore, the models are rather smart in saying this because of all of the dry air that is in the Caribbean. If the wave were to develop, this dry air would have acted as a stability zone that would have made it very hard for it to further develop before it were torn apart.

There are no other areas of concern as of this morning. Some of the models are indicating some activity later next week. However, I do not expect any major tropical development as the same models that forecasted the wave above to strengthen, are forecasting other waves to strengthen next week.

Here is a look at where this tropical wave is now headed as told by the computer forecast models:


If there is any more tropical developments that occur in the Atlantic basin we will be sure to tell you about it.

Have a great weekend!

A Few Showers This Morning

There are some showers that are developing and moving onshore from the ocean south of Skidaway Island. Most of those showers will stay south of us. However, we are do have a slight chance of some showers this morning. The chance will also be with us tonight with the biggest chance of rain this evening will be east of Interstate 95. None of those showers will be severe or strong in nature. The only chance of rain are showers, which means that lightning will not be associated with them.

Just a recap, we received 3.89" of rain on the day we saw some flooding. Other areas around Savannah received anywhere from 2" of rain to 4" of rain.

We are tracking the showers on Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler Radar and will keep you informed.

An Astounding Rain Total of a little under 4 Inches

We received an astounding amount of rain in the past few hours. Currently, the official rainfall total on Skidaway Island is a little under 4" of rain. We are still receiving the rain so we could get even more.

Right now, we are under a Flood Watch. This just means that poorly drained areas will mostly likely have some shallow flooding. This type of advisory is only issued when there is a minimal threat to life or property. However, heavy flooding can and probably will occur in poorly drained areas. Therefore, be careful while driving as a vehicle can be swept away in only two feet of moving water. A person can be swept away in only six inches of water.

We will keep you updated on the situation that is occurring. We will also post a Tropical Update in about an hour with the latest information from the tropics.

Getting Much need Rain!

In the past thirty minutes, we have received 0.30" of rain (and counting), which is great. We really need it. However, there is very frequent lightning occurring with these thunderstorms. Please stay indoors and away from windows. There are no warning that have been issued as of yet. The only exception is a Special Marine Warning from the Savannah River Entrance to Edisto Beach out 20 Nautical Miles.

Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms

Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms are going to be moving into the area. Some could be thunderstorms with heavy rain and deadly cloud to ground lightning. We will keep you informed. In the past five minutes, we received 0.02" of rain on the island. The image below shows what we are monitoring:

Threat for Severe Weather Today

We have a chance of some showers and thunderstorms. Some of which could be severe. Be be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions as showers and thunderstorms approach. Some of these thunderstorms could become severe with cloud-to-ground lightning, small hail, very heavy rain, and high winds.

Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. We will be monitoring the weather situation to keep you informed. Below is a picture of what we are tracking right now:

Severe Threat Ended for Today

The severe threat has ended for today. The severe thunderstorms have died down because of a lose of daytime heating. Therefore, we will mostly likely see just some rumbles of thunder and maybe a few stray showers. Otherwise, it is looking like a mostly quiet night with temperatures dropping down into the lower seventies because of the cloud cover.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Tattnal County...

We have a situation developing. Thunderstorms are developing along a line extending from 5 miles south of Vidialia to 6 miles south of Hinesville. These storms could be enhanced by a severe thunderstorm's outflow boundary. Therefore, we could see some more severe thunderstorms.

There is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Tattnal County until 7:45 pm.

Here is a pictures of the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler. This is what we are monitoring:

No Showers Around... Yet.

We are not seeing any showers and thunderstorms yet. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon.

It is an absolutely wonderful day to go boating. Temperatures are going to be reaching in the lower eighties through the evening, so it is going to be great. Winds are pretty much calm. At the Savannah International Airport, the winds are around 5 mph out of the west. Enjoy this while you can.

Throughout the afternoons this week, we will see that chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of those cold be rather strong with frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and very heavy downpours.

We will be monitoring in storms that develop and we'll keep you informed. The image below shows what we are tracking one the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler Radar:

Severe Threat Again Today

We have that severe threat again today. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are going to develop this afternoon. Some of which could be strong and some very isolated storms could be severe with very heavy rain, large hail, high winds, and deadly cloud to ground lightning. Stay tuned to the Skidaway Island Weather Center Blog and the Skidaway Island Weather Center website for the latest weather information.

We will keep you up to date with the latest weather information.

Severe Threat Ended for Today

The severe threat has ended today. We will mostly likely see the rain continue through about 8PM. After that, the rain will die off until tomorrow afternoon when we will see some more thunderstorms. It will not be as severe though, which is a good thing since we really need that rain.

Today on the island, we officially received 1.09" of rain from our weather station. Hopefully, we can get some more of that rain tomorrow. At one point this afternoon, we had a rain rate of 65" per hour. That is some serious heavy rainfall!

If you heard about the funnel cloud, we did indeed have a funnel cloud. It wasn't officially a tornado because no damage was reported and there was no touchdown. Furthermore, it was reported by the public and the emergency manager didn't confirm the existence of the funnel cloud. Also, there was no Tornado Warning. The National Weather Service didn't think it was that big of a threat in the scheme of things... very high winds, cloud to ground lightning, and small hail.

Strong Thunderstorms Going to Impact Chatham County

There is a strong thunderstorm that is going to affect Chatham County. Get in a sturdy shelter immediately. There is dangerous lightning occurring almost constantly with this storm.

Refer to below posts for current warnings

Here is an image of what we are monitoring in the Skidaway Island Weather Center. We will keep you updated with the latest weather information.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Jasper County until 315 PM EDT

WUUS52 KCHS 281821
SVRCHS
SCC053-281915-
/O.NEW.KCHS.SV.W.0175.070728T1821Z-070728T1915Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
221 PM EDT SAT JUL 28 2007

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
JASPER COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA...

* UNTIL 315 PM EDT

* AT 221 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
EBENEZER...OR ABOUT 11 MILES EAST OF SPRINGFIELD...MOVING SOUTHEAST
AT 10 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THE STORM INCLUDE...
EBENEZER...
PURYSBURGH...
HARDEEVILLE...
JASPER...PRITCHARD...

BE ALERT FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AS STORMS APPROACH.
SEEK SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER ONLY...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN CHARLESTON TOLL FREE AT 1-888-383-2024.

LAT...LON 3204 8094 3210 8099 3207 8106 3212 8112
3219 8111 3224 8116 3228 8112 3234 8113
3237 8118 3251 8122 3235 8092 3229 8094
3229 8100 3222 8101 3217 8095 3213 8096
3213 8091 3204 8089
TIME...MOT...LOC 1821Z 295DEG 11KT 3242 8120

$$

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Beaufort County until 3 PM EDT

WUUS52 KCHS 281820
SVRCHS
SCC013-281900-
/O.NEW.KCHS.SV.W.0174.070728T1820Z-070728T1900Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
220 PM EDT SAT JUL 28 2007

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
BEAUFORT COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA...

* UNTIL 300 PM EDT

* AT 219 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
BLUFFTON...OR ABOUT 8 MILES SOUTHWEST OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND...
MOVING SOUTH AT 5 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THE STORM INCLUDE...
BLUFFTON...HILTON HEAD ISLAND...
FOREST BEACH...

BE ALERT FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AS STORMS APPROACH.
SEEK SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER ONLY...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN CHARLESTON TOLL FREE AT 1-888-383-2024.

LAT...LON 3208 8091 3210 8089 3211 8091 3213 8091
3224 8095 3229 8076 3228 8072 3222 8066
3214 8073 3206 8090
TIME...MOT...LOC 1820Z 000DEG 7KT 3217 8087

$$

New Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Effingham County until 3PM EDT

WUUS52 KCHS 281757
SVRCHS
GAC103-281900-
/O.NEW.KCHS.SV.W.0172.070728T1757Z-070728T1900Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
157 PM EDT SAT JUL 28 2007

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
EFFINGHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...

* UNTIL 300 PM EDT

* AT 157 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
GUYTON...OR ABOUT OVER SPRINGFIELD...MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 5 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THE STORM INCLUDE...
GUYTON...SPRINGFIELD...
PINEORA...
MARLOW...
STILLWELL...
RINCON...

BE ALERT FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AS STORMS APPROACH.
SEEK SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER ONLY...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN CHARLESTON TOLL FREE AT 1-888-383-2024.

LAT...LON 3223 8144 3232 8146 3238 8152 3246 8148
3240 8118 3237 8118 3234 8113 3230 8112
3224 8116 3223 8115 3224 8120 3217 8129
TIME...MOT...LOC 1757Z 294DEG 7KT 3234 8142

$$

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For Effinham and Bryan County

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
EFFINGHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...
BRYAN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...

* UNTIL 200 PM EDT

* AT 120 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
BLITCHTON...OR ABOUT 11 MILES NORTHEAST OF PEMBROKE...MOVING
SOUTHEAST AT 5 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN OR NEAR THE PATH OF THE STORM INCLUDE...
MARLOW...PINEORA...
BLITCHTON...
ELLABELL...
EDEN...
MELDRIM...

BE ALERT FOR RAPIDLY CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AS STORMS APPROACH.
SEEK SHELTER IN A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER ONLY...PLEASE CONTACT THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN CHARLESTON TOLL FREE AT 1-888-383-2024.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Just Issed

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued until 8 PM EDT for the Skidaway Island Area. The below text highlights all of the watch information:

urgent - immediate broadcast requested
Severe Thunderstorm Watch number 599
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1250 PM EDT Sat Jul 28 2007

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of

northern Florida
southeast Georgia
Southern South Carolina
coastal waters

Effective this Saturday afternoon and evening from 1250 PM until
800 PM EDT.

Hail to 2 inches in diameter...thunderstorm wind gusts to 70
mph...and dangerous lightning are possible in these areas.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch area is approximately along and 75
statute miles either side of a line from 40 miles north northwest
of Savannah Georgia to 45 miles south southeast of Ocala Florida.
For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch
outline update (wous64 kwns wou9).

Remember...a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally
do produce tornadoes.

Other watch information...continue...ww 558...

Discussion...axis of strong to locally extreme instability will fuel
intense tstm development across these areas this afternoon. Storm
coverage and duration may be enhanced/sustained by large scale
diffluent flow aloft associated with decaying MCS/MCV tracking sewd
from GA. Several robust storms/multicell clusters and storm
interactions should increase the potential for large hail and
damaging winds.

Aviation...a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft
to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60
knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm
motion vector 34015.


...Carbin/imy

Expires:290000 gmt
;323,0801 283,0804 284,0831 325,0824

Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms

There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms today. Please be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions as it is looking like we could have a few strong to severe thunderstorms in the area today between 2 PM and 10 PM. Here is the image from the Storm Prediction Center's Website:

There is a 15% chance of the severe thunderstorms that develop could produce damaging winds in excess of 58 miles an hours and hail greater than 3/4" in diameter. There is also a 2% chance of a tornado somewhere in SE Georgia. In the scheme of things, I don't think there will be a prevalent threat of tornadoes later today on the islands. A 2% chance of a tornado is high in the overall aspect of the forecasts that the SPC puts out. Here is the tornado probability graphic that was issued with the 1258Z forecast:

Just remember to keep informed, turn your NOAA weather radios on and listen for warnings and watches that may be issued. We will be sure to keep you informed on this blog immediately if watches or warning are issued for our area.

Another quick note, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. So don't go outside and play golf or ride your bike if you hear thunder because you are at risk when you do so. Lightning can strike even when the sky above you is perfectly blue.

Storms Firing Up Once Again Today!

Storms are going to fire up and are already starting to do so. We will keep you informed. The below image is an image of what we are tracking:

Ealier, Funnel Cloud Reported off Hilton Head Island

Earlier today, a train weather spotter reported a funnel cloud right off of Hilton Head Island. A tornado warning was issued because of the trained spotter's report. The below image was taken on the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler, right before the storm was about to affect the Hilton Head Island area:

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Expired for Chatham County

The Severe Thunderstorm has been allowed to expire. None-the-less, we will continue to monitor the situation. Below is an image of Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler Radar, it is what we are monitoring:

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Chatham County, GA until 4:45 PM

400 PM EDT Thu Jul 26 2007

The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Chatham County in southeast Georgia...

* until 445 PM EDT

* at 359 PM EDT...National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a
severe thunderstorm capable of producing penny size hail...and
damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located near
White Bluff...or about 7 miles southwest of Savannah...moving south
at 5 mph.

* Some locations in or near the path of the storm include...
Burroughs...
White Bluff...
Windsor Forest...
Vernonburg...

This thunderstorm is capable of producing very heavy rain...which may
flood roads...ditches and low-lying areas. Avoid flood prone areas
and do not drive into places where water covers the Road.

To report severe weather only...please contact the National Weather
Service in Charleston toll free at 1-888-383-2024.

Thunderstorms Developing Around the Area

Thunderstorms are starting to fire up around the area. We are monitoring the situation and will keep you information with the latest information. Furthermore, the sea breeze front that is coming off the ocean may enhance the thunderstorm activity later this afternoon as daytime heating occurs and is the strongest.

Below is an image of what we are tracking on the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler Radar:

Today's Forecast

We will see temperatures in the mid eighties on the island, and in the upper eighties west of Interstate 95. The chance of rain will be mainly this afternoon at about 30%. The biggest chance for those scattered thunderstorms, however, will be tommorrow and then on Saturday.

We got some much need rain yesterday. On the island, we officially received 0.48" of rain. At the International Airport, they received alittle over one inch of rain.

In the tropics, no tropical development is expected within the next 24 - 48 hours.

We got some much needed rain today!

Today we got some much appreciated rain today. Officially, our weather station on the island got 0.48" of rain. This is about a half an inch less than what the airport received, alittle over 1".

Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed across the region. Because of little to no organized upper air movement, we have seen these showers move very iratically throughout the area.

Tommorrow is looking like a carbon copy of today. Temperatures will be mid eighties on the island, upper eighties inland and that chance of showers and thunderstorms will stay with us throughout the week into the weekend.

There was alot of lightning out there today, while golfers were playing golf. Remember that if you can here thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. To get the latest weather information go to our website, http://www.skidawayweather.com/ and receive the latest live radar images.

Tropical Outlook

The tropical Atlantic is looking all quiet. I, as well as the National Hurricane Center, do not expect any tropical cyclone development within the next 48 hours.

The Humidity is Back!

The humidity is certainly back today. This morning, we had a low on the island of 74°F on the island with a dewpoint of 73°F. Remember, the higher the dewpoint, the more humid it feels outside. During the sumer, we usually get dewpoints in the upper sixties to lower seventies in the morning, which gives us that humidity all the time.

Today's high temperature will be around 89°F so will be below average; but with all the humidity, it will feel relatively hot.

We do see a few showers off the coast and a few inland showers on the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler. With the abundant moisture in the atmosphere, we will see that chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the daytime hours. Below is an image of what we are monitoring:

New Record Low for Savannah Intl Airport

This morning, the Savannah International Airport had a record low temperature that was set at 64°F. This temperature breaks the previous record of 66°F set back in 1963.

The official text is below:

945 am EDT Tue Jul 24 2008

...Record low temperature set at Savannah Airport...

A record low temperature of 64 degrees was set at Savannah Airport
this morning. This breaks the old record of 66 set in 1963...

Nice Weather!

For the next few days, we are going to have some great less humid weather for at least another day. That humidity should come back with a bang by mid week when we'll see humidity values that will be very high.

Anvil Shaped Thunderstorm

Local Doppler (Live & On Your Side) and the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler showed an anvil shaped thunderstorm in 3-D mode. This three dimensional mode can help us look at thunderstorms in a true "real shape" perspective. We can see hail cores before they impact the ground or before a tornado touches down. In addition, we get weather warnings (including Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm, and Flashflood Warnings) atleast 10 seconds before NOAA Weather Radios are sent the warnings. And in a severe weather situation, 10 seconds can save lives. This helps us keep you ahead of the storm.

Anyway, here are pictures from Local Doppler (Live & On Your Side) radar. Notice how the cloud looks like an anvil. This is a classic characteristic of a thunderstorm, more commonly a severe thunderstorm.

Fire on Wassaw Island

Yesterday afternoon, the forestry service on Wassaw Island reported a fire on Wassaw Island. This fire was most likely started by lightning from yesterday's storms. You can see it here on the Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler Radar Image:

Pictures from the fire:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Cancelled

The severe thunderstorm Watch was cancelled yesterday at 10 PM EDT.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch #548

Like I said earlier, severe thunderstorm is a possibility. Therefore, we are now under severe thunderstorm watch 548 until 10 PM EDT...



URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 548
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
300 PM EDT FRI JUL 20 2007

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF:

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

CENTRAL AND EASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

COASTAL WATERS

EFFECTIVE THIS FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 300 PM UNTIL 1000 PM EDT.

HAIL TO 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 50 STATUTE MILES EITHER SIDE OF A LINE FROM 55 MILES WEST OF SAVANNAH GEORGIA TO 15 MILES NORTH NORTHWEST OF MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).

REMEMBER...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN AND OCCASIONALLY DO PRODUCE TORNADOES.

Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms for Today

The image above shows the areas that are under a Slight risk of severe thunderstorms. These areas include the Skidaway Island area and most of eastern Georgia. Notice that the slight risk is delineated by a green line encircling the areas that have that risk. The risk extends from eastern Georiga, all of South Carolina, and most of extreme eastern North Carolina.

Most TV weather people are saying that we won't see that chance of rain very high for this afternoon; however, I think otherwise. I do think that we will see some rain even a couple of showers and thunderstorms. And those thunderstorms that develop may be strong to severe.

After looking at the models, I infered that most of the trustworthy models are indicating we will see some rain. The one variable that they are not in agreement is when the showers/thunderstorms will develop. They will mostly likely develop late this afternoon, mainly between 6 pm and 9 pm. If you have any outdoors plans for this evening, I would keep a close eye on the weather as a cold front moves through later this afternoon and this evening. One good tool to have to keep track of the weather is a NOAA Weather Radio. This can alert you when severe weather is near your location.

The good side to this chance of rain is we will see a very nice end of the weekend and beginning of next week with low humidities. Stay tuned to the Skidaway Island Weather Center and our blog for the latest weather information.

Today's Forecast

We are starting to see some showers build in from the west from Birmingham, AL to following I-16 and then down towards Savannah, GA. These showers, in combination with daytime heating and very high humidities, will result in a slight chance of thunderstorms later this afternoon. Another factor is if we have very high temperatures and heat index values. If they get above 110°F for a long period of time, we could see some thunderstorms pop up along the sea breeze boundary. However, the biggest chance of rain will be tommorrow, Friday, and then on Saturday.

Saturday is looking like the biggest chance of strong thunderstorms to develop because of the abundant moisture in the atmosphere and high CAPE values.

In the tropics, everything is looking very quiet. The one exception is the tropical wave that is going through the lesser Antilles. This has literally no chance for development because of high shear values. Otherwise, there is no immediate threat of tropical development.

The Rest of the Week Forecast & Weather Radios

For the rest of the week, we will see a slight chance of rain on Thursday and Friday, about a 30%. The biggest chance of showers and thunderstorms will be this Saturday, and it is looking like we could see a thunderstorm outbreak. Maybe a few strong to severe thunderstorms could develop on Saturday and could become severe with large hail and damaging winds.

This is a perfect time to get your NOAA Weather All-Hazard Radio. This radio can give you life saving weather warning information and alerts when severe weather threatens. You can buy a weather radio at any area Publix grocery store around Chatham county. The radios cost about $29 and it on sale from the regular price of $49. If you have any questions about purchasing a weather radio, don't hesistate to email us at weatherradios@myskidawayisland.com .

We will keep an eye on the rain situation over the next few days. We will tell you if the forecast models change from now until then. We will also keep you informed minute-by-minute on this blog if severe weather threatens anytime this week.

If you have a story that you would like us to talk about on our blog, tell us by emailing us at stories@myskidawayisland.com .

Tracking Storms...

We are tracking storms. Here is a live feed from the Skidaway Island SkyTracker Radar:

The Rest of the Week

Today, 7-18-07, we will see a mix of sun and clouds that are going to be dominating the weather. However, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. While others are saying otherwise, I think that we are going to see some scattered showers develope later today. With combination of daytime heating and moisture, we could see a heavy downpour or two later this afternoon.

As it stands right now, we will not see the severe weather that we saw last weekend. However, there is the possibility of a few strong thunderstorms that have the potential to produce high winds between 30 and 40 mph. This doesn't reach severe limits; therefore, we won't see any severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Throughout the rest of the week, mainly Wednesday through Sunday, we will see the chance of rain. This should stay with us through the upcoming weekend. Temperatures will stay in the lower ninties inland and upper eighties along the coast. We could even see an inland locating see a 95°F reading later this week.

The heat index will not be as high of a threat as it was last week. Temperatures and humidities are not expected to combine and create a hazardous situation outside with the heat. Never-the-less, we will see heat indicies getting into the 100°F range. So, just be sure to drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated drinks and stay in the shade as much as possible if you are going to be outside.

In the tropics, we see no immediate threat of tropical development. Everything looks very quiet on both satellite and the models.

Wow! No Rain...

Amazingly, we didn't see that rain that all weather people around here were talking about that was going to happen. We are seeing right now, as of 6:46 pm edt, some showers that extend from west of Statesboro down to Metter, over toward Vidalia.

This should continue to move toward the east and will probably follow I-16. But, it shouldn't reach the Savannah because the sea breeze boundary didn't develop or interact with the thunderstorms. There still is a chance of a heavy downpour or two during the next 2 - 4 hours. That, in combination with the sea breeze boundary that didn't develop, will not give us a very good chance of rain, right now it is only about a 20 - 30% chance. We do need the rain, but we probably won't get it today.

Today's Forecast

Hello Everyone!

We got some much needed rain yesterday as a cold front helped enhance our chance of rain. We got an official total of 0.84" of rain on the island. That really helped our defecit greatly.

Today will most likely be a carbon copy of yesterday. We will see a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. If you are doing anything this morning you are alright. You'll just have to deal with alittle fog and humidity "here and there" around the island.

A chance of strong to severe thunderstorms once again is in the forecast. The main threat will be damaging wind gusts with a secondary threat (and a very small threat) of severe hail.

Chance of Severe Wind (Percentage of Chance)

Be sure to keep those NOAA All Hazards Weather Radios on and on 'Alert' mode so you can be alerted if/when severe weather strikes.

Rain Rain Stay Today

We got some much needed rainfall from this rain event today. There was a severe thunderstorm warning that was issued for the Chatham County area. That expired at 5 PM and we had just some steady rain and a few lightning strikes.

Right now, as of 6 PM we are under a Flood Advisory, not a warning. The flood adivsory means that we will have some shallow flooding of low lying roads. This is an advisory that is not life threatning by any means. Just be careful and don't drive into flooded roadways as you need only two feet of water to float your car. You only need 6" of rain to be swept away with running water.

We'll keep you posted. If you have any pictures of the weather, email them to us at weather@myskidawayisland.com and we will feature them in our blog.

Next Hurricane?, Severe Weather Threat, & Today's Foreacast

Today's Forecast

Today we will mostly likely see showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Right now (as of 8:39 am), there are some showers up toward Charleston, SC. They will continue to bring a lightning show to the residents of Coastal Charleston county.

There are also a few showers streaming toward the north around the area. So, there is a chance of an isolated shower throughout the morning hours. But, mainly on the island, we will see not rain until this afternoon with daytime heating.

Today's forecast is calling for scattered showers and thunderstorms by the afternoon at around a 60% chance. Today's high will be in the mid - upper eighties on the island and lower ninties inland, mainly west of I-95.

We could also have some isolated strong to severe thunderstorms around the area. So, be sure to stay tuned to the Skidaway Island Weather Center for the latest information.

Hail Percentage
The picture below depicts the percentage chance of severe hail. (>3/4" in diameter)

Wind Percentage

The picture below depicts the percentage chace of severe wind. (>58 mph)

Also, remember to buy a NOAA Weather Radio as they come in handy during severe weather and hurricane events.

Hurricane Outlook

We might have our next hurricane of the season. Some of the long range models, well, one of the long range models the Candian Model is showing that a strong low pressure will devlop in the bahamas later this coming week, around mid week.

At this time, only one model is showing this to develop, the CMC, like I said above. The picture below shows the model run image 132 hours out:



Models out this long usually aren't very reliable. But, the Canadian model was the only model to pick up Tropical Storm Berry before any other model did.

Today's Weather Synopsis

UPDATE: The sea breeze boundary is developing and is creating isloated heavy downpours around the area. This, in combination with daytime heating, should continue for the next several hours. Stay tuned to the Skidaway Island Weather Center Blog for more information... We are tracking the storms. The image below shows what we are tracking right now:

Today we had fairly active weather to our south as a frontal boundary, in combination with daytime heating, caused showers to develop in Parts of Florida and southern Georgia. Most of the forecast models weren't showing that the precipitation would come this far north. It is to our south right now but some of the activity may get as far north as Hinesville before it fizzles out because of lose of energy, namely daytime heating. Below is a picture that shows the precipitation from radar site KTLH in Tallahassee, FL.

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/4974/07130701kd7.png

On the image are the radar echos, current temperatures, county advisories, and lightning data from the United States Precision Lightning Network. All of this information is displayed on our Live! Skidaway Island Pinpoint Doppler that is avaible to be viewed on our website at http://www.myskidawayisland.com/weather/ . On there, you will see a regional radar map as well as the local Pinpoint Doppler radar image.

Today will not be as hot as the post two days. Pleasant air is behind the stationary front that is stalled just north of our area. That pleasant air most likely will not reach our area this weekend. Nor will it reach us next week. This weekend however we will see a high chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly in the afternoon. That frontal boundary that is stalled today will move southward and then stall again over right about Jacksonville, FL. This will give us that chance of rain that I talked about above.

Forecast for this Weekend & Tropical Outlook

Hello Everyone,

Your forecast for this weekend is looking very wet. The only good news is that temperatures around the area will be in the upper eighties inland and mid-lower eighties on the island. But, you probably won't be able to tell a difference due to the fact that humidity will be on the rise as a front will be a trigger for showers and thunderstorms mainly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Atlantic Basin isn't looking that active at all. We are seeing a tropical disturbance that is just west of the Azores. None of the models are indicating any tropical development from this disturbance. The models aren't even consistent on its development into a tropical wave. It will continue to move into an area that is unfavorable for development.

Otherwise, there are no signs of tropical development during the next 24 to 48 hours.

Severe Weather Yesterday

We didn't get any severe weather yesterday on the island itself. Even though, there were many Local Storm Reports that reported anything from Lightning damage to rainfall accumulation to waterspouts to tornadoes to high winds. The area saw almost everything yesterday.

Unfortunately, the island only got 0.02" of rain. We sure do need the rain, but we did not get it yesterday.

Today, we will see a high in the upper eighties to the lower ninties. There is not a heat advisory in effect; however, you can still be impacted by the effects of heat. So, please drink plenty of water and NOT soda or other caffeinated drinks as they dehydrate you.

Also, there is no chance of severe weather or rain for that matter; but, we could see a sea-breeze shower. I highly doubt we will see a rain shower. It is a possibility however.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch #509

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area:





SEL9 URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 509
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK

400 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2007

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA SOUTHERN NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL AND EASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

EFFECTIVE THIS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 400 PM UNTIL 900 PM EDT. HAIL TO 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS. THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 40 MILES WEST NORTHWEST OF SAVANNAH GEORGIA TO 45 MILES SOUTHEAST OF FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE THE ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

REMEMBER...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN AND OCCASIONALLY DO PRODUCE TORNADOES. DISCUSSION...ORGANIZED MULTICELL CLUSTER IS DEVELOPING NEAR THE GA/SC BORDER...AND THIS CONVECTION WILL LIKELY INCREASE IN COVERAGE THE NEXT FEW HOURS THROUGH STORM MERGERS. HOT SURFACE TEMPERATURES AND STEEP LOW-LEVEL LAPSE RATES IN ADVANCE OF THIS CONVECTION...ALONG WITH BACKGROUND FLOW OF 30-40 KT IN THE LOW TO MID LEVELS...SHOULD SUPPORT A THREAT FOR DAMAGING DOWNBURST WINDS AND MARGINALLY SEVERE HAIL ACROSS SE GA/SC AND PERHAPS INTO SRN NC THIS EVENING. THE SEVERE STORM THREAT MAY ALSO INCREASE JUST INLAND FROM THE COAST LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS CONVECTION INTERACTS WITH THE SEA BREEZE FRONT.

AVIATION...A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT TO 1.5 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND GUSTS TO 60 KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26035. ...THOMPSON
SEL9

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH NUMBER 509
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
400 PM EDT WED JUL 11 2007

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
SOUTHERN NORTH CAROLINA
CENTRAL AND EASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

EFFECTIVE THIS WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING FROM 400 PM UNTIL
900 PM EDT.

HAIL TO 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER...THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 70
MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 60
STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 40 MILES WEST
NORTHWEST OF SAVANNAH GEORGIA TO 45 MILES SOUTHEAST OF
FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE
WATCH SEE THE ASSOCIATED WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

REMEMBER...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH MEANS CONDITIONS ARE
FAVORABLE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH
AREA. PERSONS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND LISTEN FOR LATER STATEMENTS
AND POSSIBLE WARNINGS. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAN AND OCCASIONALLY
DO PRODUCE TORNADOES.

DISCUSSION...ORGANIZED MULTICELL CLUSTER IS DEVELOPING NEAR THE
GA/SC BORDER...AND THIS CONVECTION WILL LIKELY INCREASE IN COVERAGE
THE NEXT FEW HOURS THROUGH STORM MERGERS. HOT SURFACE TEMPERATURES
AND STEEP LOW-LEVEL LAPSE RATES IN ADVANCE OF THIS
CONVECTION...ALONG WITH BACKGROUND FLOW OF 30-40 KT IN THE LOW TO
MID LEVELS...SHOULD SUPPORT A THREAT FOR DAMAGING DOWNBURST WINDS
AND MARGINALLY SEVERE HAIL ACROSS SE GA/SC AND PERHAPS INTO SRN NC
THIS EVENING. THE SEVERE STORM THREAT MAY ALSO INCREASE JUST INLAND
FROM THE COAST LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS CONVECTION INTERACTS WITH THE
SEA BREEZE FRONT.

AVIATION...A FEW SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT
TO 1.5 INCHES. EXTREME TURBULENCE AND SURFACE WIND GUSTS TO 60
KNOTS. A FEW CUMULONIMBI WITH MAXIMUM TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM
MOTION VECTOR 26035.


...THOMPSON
Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. WOUS64 KWNS 111959

Hurricane & Weather Outlook

In our area, high pressure is dominating the weather that is going to affect us later today and the rest of this week; but with daytime heating and sea breeze boundary, we could see a pop up shower and thunderstorm initiating later this afternoon, probably after 3 PM.

It looks to be a very quiet week in the tropics. There is nothing of any concern in the Atlantic. While in the Eastern Pacific, we have a tropical depression, 4-E. Details are below:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep4+shtml/143524.shtml?5day#contents

Around the country, we are continueing to see the flash flooding in parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Elsewhere, we see an upper level low that is spinning its way to the east just north of Minnesota. This, in combination with daytime heating, will allow for some severe weather to fire up later today in parts of the Midwest including the states of Wisconsin, all of Michigan, Northern Illinois, and northwestern Indiana. There is also a severe weather threat in the flood ravaged areas of TX and OK. The synoptic map below shows the current weather around the country.

Hot & Humid

That is the title for this week. Today, we will see highs well into the eighties, if not lower ninties. Heat indicies will be in the one hundreds for today and most of the week. Keep in mind, the forecasted high heat indicies are no criteria for a Heat Advisory to be issued. However, with the daytime highs getting as high as they are forecasted to be, we could see a stray heat index value of 105°F - 110°F.

The rain will stay in the forecast for most of this week. The exception though will be on Wednesday and Thursday when we will see a slighter chance of rain than any of the other days this week.

Right now, there is nothing of any real concern in the tropics. We will keep you advised of any tropical troubles that develop.

New Weather Website Design

Hello All!

We are proud to announce the newly designed Skidaway Island Weather Center. We have been working hard to make the site the best that it can be and have launched new exciting areas of the site. One of which is our Hurricane Center.

The hurricane center, once finished, will feature visible satellite imagery as well as information regarding current storm information. We will also show a current water temperature image for the Atlantic to help you see how warm the waters of the Atlantic are. As you know, hurricanes thrive on the ocean water's warmth to survive.

In addition to that, we have more areas to choose from. Some include severe weather center and our new forecast center.

Hot & Humid

We are getting back into the groove of summer with highs in the lower to mid ninties and lows in the seventies. The humidity should stay with us through at least the beginning of next week.

Independence Day

It looks like it is going to be a great fourth of July. Temperatures today should reach the lower eighties on the beaches and the mid to upper eighties inland, mainly west of I-16. There is a very low chance of rain today. So, that should give us a mix of sunshine and clouds throughout the day. It should be unseasonably nice today, low humidities and high winds will give us a nice and less humid day. This is rather uncommon for this time of year around Savannah.

Winds will be swift out of the east at 20 to 30 miles per hour. This should give us that chance of rip currents along the coast today. If you are at the beach and in the water, be aware of where lifeguards are located and swim near them, as they will help you if you are caught in a rip current.

Remember, if you would like us to write about something on our blog, email us at weather@myskidawayisland.com .

Rip Currents Reported Around the Area

Already we have seen a few rip currents around the area. They have been reported on various beaches across the coastal empire and the low country. Here are the storm reports that have been pouring into the Skidaway Island Weather Center throughout the afternoon. Stay safe out there.

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON
357 PM EDT TUE JUL 03 2007

..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY... ...LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
0930 AM RIP CURRENTS 6 ENE SULLIVANS ISLAND 32.80N 79.75W
LOCAL SURF SHOP REPORTS SEVERAL RIP CURRENTS ON ISLE OF PALMS.

1200 PM RIP CURRENTS SAPELO ISLAND 31.40N 81.28W NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE SYSTEM EMPLOYEE REPORTS A FEW RIP CURRENTS...STRONG LONG SHORE CURRENT AND 4 FOOT BREAKERS.

0200 PM RIP CURRENTS TYBEE ISLAND 32.00N 80.85W
LIFEGUARDS REPORT SEVERAL RIP CURRENTS WITH 3 RESCUES ON THE SOUTH END OF THE BEACH. 5 TO 7 FOOT BREAKERS AND MINOR EROSION WITH THE LAST HIGH TIDE.

0205 PM HIGH SURF TYBEE ISLAND 32.00N 80.85W
LOCAL SURF SHOP REPORTS 4 TO 5 FOOT BREAKERS.

0205 PM HIGH SURF 10 E SHELLMAN BLUFF 31.57N 81.15W
5 FOOT BREAKERS WITH MINOR EROSION ON SAINT CATHERINES ISLAND.

0231 PM RIP CURRENTS KIAWAH ISLAND 32.61N 80.08W
BEACHWALKER COUNTY PARK LIFEGUARDS REPORT A FEW RIP CURRENTS EARLIER TODAY.

0310 PM RIP CURRENTS KIAWAH ISLAND 32.61N 80.08W BEACHWALKER COUNTY PARK LIFEGUARDS REPORT 4 RIP CURRENTS.

Tropical Outlook & July 4th Forecast

July 4th Forecast

Tomorrow is looking to become a great day for any of those outdoor plans you may have. We will have a high in the lower eighties for tommorrow. We should see a mostly sunny sky with that giving way to a mix of sunshine and clouds in the late afternoon and evening hours. Through the overnight, it is going to be great for the fireworks that will be going off around the area. It will be nice and pleasant and it will be somewhat windy. Low humidites and dewpoints will make it feel unseasonably nice tommorrow.

However, there is a very slight chance of a shower tommorrow in the morning and then in the afternoon. This should, though, be in the morning and early afternoon. The chance should not stay around through the overnight, mainly after 6 p.m.

Also, remember that rip currents are a threat. And, in combination with an onshore flow, there is an elevated risk of these currents. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore and once you are out of the rip current swim back to shore. Also remember NOT to panic when you are caught in one.

Keep in mind that there is a High Surf Advisory for today, July 3, 2007. This expires tonight at 12 Midnight EDT. A High Surf Advisory means that conditions are favorable for high waves at 5 feet and can get as high as 7 feet. It also means there is a risk for beach erosion and rip currents.

The entire text is below:

1037 am EDT Tue Jul 3 2007...High surf advisory in effect until midnight EDT tonight...The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a high surf advisory...which is in effect until midnight EDT tonight.

Unusually strong and persistent east to northeast winds will produce breakers of at least 5 feet along the Georgia coast through atleast this afternoon. Breaker heights near 7 feet are possible...before beginning to lower this evening as wind speeds decrease. A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches inthe advisory area... producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio all hazards...TV...or your localnews source for the latest weather information from the NationalWeather Service. Additional information is also available on theinternet at weather.Gov/chs.

Tropical Outlook


It looks like the area of disturbed weather between South America and Africa has some convection associated with it. It is visible on the infrared satellite image this morning.

The area that I am refering to is the small circle of white in the bottom center of the image. This does have the potential to develop, but, given the dry air around the disturbed area will not let this system develop very quickly. The global forecast models do not suggest that this system will develop into anything of concern. However, it does have the potential to develop very slowly over the next few days. Even then, it won't, most likely, be a threat to the United States.


Elsewhere in the tropics, there are no immediate areas of concern. It is quite calm around the Atlantic.

Remember, if you have anything that you would like us to write about, email us at weather@myskidawayisland.com .

Golf Ball Size Hail on the Island & Tropical Outlook

We had some pretty severe storms yesterday as a frontal boundary came through our area. A trained spotter on the island reported golf ball size hail on the west side of the island between Oakridge and Delegal Creek Marina in The Landings. When this report was sent, The National Weather Service in Charleston issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Chatham county specifically for most of the islands. If you have any pictures of hail, email us at weather@myskidawayisland.com and we will put them on the blog.

Another large weather event that happened yesterday was lightning. While I was out and about, there were many lightning strokes visible on the horizon. We had some lightning damage on Marshwood Golf Course Hole 13. This happens and shows you the dangers of lightning and why you should get inside when you hear thunder. If you have any pictures of this or another lightning event email them to us at weather@myskidawayisland.com .

Here are some pictures of the event:

There was a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for parts of Central and Northern Georgia. But, amazingly, most of the severe weather warnings were issued in Southeast Georgia. There was more severe weather up in Northern Georgia, more severe meaning large hail (>1") and high winds (>65mph).

Forecast

It looks like we will see some thunderstorms today as well, with high temperatures on the island reaching into the lower eighties. Humidities should be rather high though so a heat advisory may be issued later this week. Throughout the beginning of the work week, we should see a chance of rain. That chance will continue through July 4th. But, the chance should diminish quite quickly by Thursday with highs in the lower ninties. Even then, July 4th should be nice with a mix of sun and clouds and only a chance of rain at about 20%.

So, Here is the July 4th Forecast:

Mix of Sun and Clouds
Chance of Rain 20%

High: 88
Low: 73

Hurricane Update

The tropics are looking very quiet throughout the Atlantic. We do see a tropical wave that is way out in the east Atlantic. This, in combination with low wind shear values, could develop into some type of tropical low later this week. Two of the prominent forecast models are forecasting this wave to develop into a tropical low and move toward Puerto Rico. At this point, I have no reason to believe that this will not happen.

Welcome to the Skidaway Island Weather Center's New Blog

Hello Everyone!

This is the new Skidaway Island Weather Center's Blog.