2011 Hurricane / Tropical Data for Atlantic

via unisys.com

Individual Storm Summary

Winds in knots, pressure in millibars,
category is based on Saffir-Simpson scale.

#	Name	Date	Wind	Pres	Cat
1	Tropical Storm ARLENE	29 JUN-01 JUL	55	993	-
2	Tropical Storm BRET	17-22 JUL	55	996	-
3	Tropical Storm CINDY	20-22 JUL	50	1000	-
4	Tropical Storm DON	27-30 JUL	45	998	-
5	Tropical Storm EMILY	01-07 AUG	45		-
6	Tropical Storm FRANKLIN	12-13 AUG	40	1004	-
7	Tropical Storm GERT	14-16 AUG	50	1000	-
8	Tropical Storm HARVEY	19-22 AUG	50	994	-
9	Hurricane-3 IRENE	20-29 AUG	105	942	3
10	Tropical Depression TEN	25-26 AUG	30	1007	-
11	Tropical Storm JOSE	28-29 AUG	40	1007	-
12	Hurricane-4 KATIA	29 AUG-10 SEP	115		4
13	Tropical Storm LEE	02-05 SEP	50	986	-
14	Hurricane-1 MARIA	06-16 SEP	70	979	1
15	Tropical Storm NATE	07-11 SEP	60	994	-
16	Hurricane-4 OPHELIA	21 SEP-03 OCT	120	940	4
17	Hurricane-1 PHILIPPE	24 SEP-08 OCT	80	976	1
18	Hurricane-2 RINA	23-28 OCT	95	966	2
19	Tropical Storm SEAN	08-11 NOV	55	983	-

via NOAA

The 2011 Hurricane Season in 4.5 minutes

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30 and produced a total of 19 tropical storms of which seven became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. This level of activity matched NOAA's predictions and continues the trend of active hurricane seasons that began in 1995.

Surprisingly, none of the first eight tropical storms reached hurricane status, a record since reliable reports started in 1851. Hurricane Irene's effects in the Caribbean and the United States led to 43 deaths and accounted for the bulk of this season's damage at $7.3 billion. Irene was the first landfalling hurricane in New Jersey in 108 years. Hurricane Katia had far-reaching effects causing severe weather in Northern Ireland and Scotland and power blackouts as far east as Saint Petersburg in Russia. Tropical Storm Lee caused major flooding in Pennsylvania, New York and into the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The strongest storm of the season was Ophelia, which reached category four strength in the Atlantic Ocean east of Bermuda.

An integral part of NOAA's ability to monitor and predict hurricane formation and movement is the data that is provided by the GOES satellite, with its visible imagery, infrared sensors, and sounding capabilities. This animations merges both the visible and infrared imagery taken by the GOES East (GOES-13) satellite every 30 minutes over the Northern Hemisphere from June 1 -- November 28, 2011.




_______

Active 2011 hurricane season breaks 'Hurricane Amnesia'

Irene the first hurricane to hit U.S. in three years; Northeast reminded it’s also vulnerable

November 28, 2011

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Wednesday, having produced a total of 19 tropical storms of which seven became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. This level of activity matched NOAA’s predictions and continues the trend of active hurricane seasons that began in 1995.

The 19 tropical storms represent the third-highest total (tied with 1887, 1995, and 2010) since records began in 1851 and is well above the average of 11. However, the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes is only slightly above the average of six and two, respectively. This year’s totals include a post-storm upgrade of Tropical Storm Nate to hurricane status, and the addition of a short-lived, unnamed tropical storm that formed in early September between Bermuda and Nova Scotia. This unnamed storm, along with several other weak, short-lived named storms, could have gone undetected without modern satellite technology.

Irene was the lone hurricane to hit the United States in 2011, and the first one to do so since Ike struck southeast Texas in 2008. Irene was also the most significant tropical cyclone to strike the Northeast since Hurricane Bob in 1991.

“Irene broke the ‘hurricane amnesia’ that can develop when so much time lapses between landfalling storms,” said Jack Hayes, Ph.D., director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “This season is a reminder that storms can hit any part of our coast and that all regions need to be prepared each and every season.”

As far as landfalling major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 with top winds of 111mph and greater) are concerned, the lull continues. 2011 marks a record six straight years without one hitting the United States. The last one to do so was Wilma in 2005. Nonetheless, wind is not the only threat with tropical systems as proven by Irene and Lee, which caused deadly and destructive flooding. On average, more than half of the fatalities related to tropical systems are due to flooding. continue reading http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111128_endofhurricaneseason_2011.html

North Georgia / Alabama winter precipation November 28-29 2011

Final Update: 10:00 PM 11/30/2011

The event was much as I anticipated.

Locally, reports of rain snow mix, snow showers in areas of north Harris county. Snow in north Georgia and Alabama 1-2 inches and less.

End
____________

Update: 9:00 AM EST 11/27/2011

I'm not going to change anything from previous [Below] at this time. Still looking at a chance of sleet mixing in with rain at times or a snow flurry or two in the local area.

Best chance of seeing any winter precipitation, early Tuesday.

Things could change between now and Tuesday and likely will with such a dynamic system as this. Will we get a surprise ?

End
____________

An interesting set up coming this week. I toyed with this over on my Facebook page earlier this week.

Northern Alabama and Northern Georgia may see some accumulating winter precipitation.

Pretty sure from looking at models, any precipitation that falls in central Georgia Saturday into Sunday will be liquid. Models vary Late Sunday night into Monday and further into the coming week.

Should the slower and deepening model solutions come into play, we may be looking at some frozen type of precipitation in the northern tiers of Alabama and Georgia Monday night, and with enough wrap around moisture from the cut off low which is expected to form may see wintery precipitation into Tuesday morning.

I'm not looking for anything to fall in the frozen category in the local area. Should the cut off low position itself further south, slow to a crawl and allow the colder air further south to interact with abundant moisture which is expected, there is a slim chance of seeing some flurries or sleet in the local area. If anything frozen does fall locally accumulation is not expected as ground temperatures are still quite warm. This all depends on the specific track of the low in question.

On a wetter note: We will be picking up some much needed rain if nothing else. Winter doesn't officially begin until December 22. The first week of December looks interesting as well.

I'll have an update Saturday or Sunday at the latest.

Here's some model runs in no particular order:

18zgfs

15zsref

18znam

12zeuro

Tornado in Troup County Georgia November 22 2011 ????

I'm not able to confirm a tornado in Troup or Heard county around 6:00 PM EST November 22 2011. I have looked at various reporting services and none of them have any reports of a tornado touching down.

There was a tornado warning issued:

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
607 PM EST TUE NOV 22 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PEACHTREE CITY HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN HEARD COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA
NORTHERN TROUP COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA

* UNTIL 645 PM EST

* AT 604 PM EST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 12 MILES WEST OF
LAGRANGE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

* OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
HOGANSVILLE AND CORINTH.

I tweeted it, as well as posted it on my facebook page 'Cataula GA Weather Alerts':

Cataula GA Weather Alerts
SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR 50 MPH WINDS IN TROUP AND HEARD COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM EST #gawx
Like · · Share · 19 hours ago via TweetDeck ·

Cataula GA Weather Alerts
TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN HEARD COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA NORTHERN TROUP COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA UNTIL 645 PM EST #gawx
Like · · Share · 19 hours ago via TweetDeck

I also have a radar screenshot of the warned area from a friend:

And this report from a local media outlet wltz.com - TV38:

NWS: Tornado touches down in Troup County

Troup Co. GA- According to the National Weather Service a tornado has touched down in Troup County, Georgia near the Wares Cross Road.

The National Weather Service says that their Doppler radar indicates that the storm touched down at 6:27 PM and is moving northeast at 30 miles per hour.

Other locations included in the National Weather Service's tornado warning for northern Troup County include, Hogansville, Hillcrest, Harrisonville and Corinth.

The tornado warning expired at 6:45 PM.

I'm guessing this was nothing more than a radar indicated tornado, as I have not found any reports of the tornado touching down or damage reports other than the one you see above form WLTZ TV 38. I'm also guessing that the person who wrote the above and the person who posted it dont know what the heck they're talking about. I believe they misinterpreted the information.

If you have any information or are able to verify a tornado touching down in Troup county, please share in the comment section below or contact me [see top left sidebar].

See related: Isolated Strong to Severe Storms still on tack for Tuesday 11/22

Isolated Strong to Severe Storms still on tack for Tuesday 11/22..

..through the overnight hours into Wednesday 11/23.

Anytime Tuesday after 12 PM through Wednesday 7 AM the potential for isolated severe weather will be present. From Bufkit soundings, here are the time frames I see the best chances of seeing severe weather in the Local Area Tuesday into Wednesday:

Per NAM : time frame for best chance of seeing severe will be 11 AM - 12 PM EST Tuesday to about 8-9 PM EST, and from 12-1 AM EST Wednesday to around 7 AM EST.

Per GFS : time frame for best chance of seeing severe will be 3-4 PM EST Tuesday to about 6-7 PM EST, and 1-2 AM EST Wednesday to around 4-5 AM EST.


Many National Weather Service offices continue to mention the 'threat of isolated severe to strong storms' in Georgia, Alabama, the panhandle of Florida, South & North Carolina.

The biggest threat still remains 'strong thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, and possibly a Tornado' or two.

Here's the latest from the Storm Prediction Center for Tuesday 7 AM EST through Wednesday 7 AM EST... I left out the technical jargon..

STORMS WILL LIKELY BE ONGOING ALONG AND JUST AHEAD OF THE FRONT EARLY TUESDAY FROM SERN TX INTO THE LOWER MS VALLEY WITH QLCS [Quasi Linear Convective Systems] THE DOMINANT MODE AND ISOLATED DAMAGING WIND THE MAIN THREAT. ACTIVITY WILL REMAIN EMBEDDED WITHIN 45+ KT EFFECTIVE SHEAR AS IT CONTINUES EWD...AND STORMS MAY UNDERGO SOME STRENGTHENING AS THE DOWNSTREAM WARM SECTOR DESTABILIZES. POTENTIAL WILL EXIST FOR EMBEDDED SUPERCELLS AND LEWP/BOW STRUCTURES WITH A CONTINUING THREAT FOR ISOLATED DAMAGING WIND...BUT TORNADOES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE. THE BEST SHEAR/INSTABILITY PARAMETER SPACE IS EXPECTED IN THE CORRIDOR FROM THE LOWER MS VALLEY INTO THE TN VALLEY AREA. ISOLATED SEVERE THREAT MAY SPREAD EWD INTO NRN GA AND SC OVERNIGHT.

Here's the latest Convective Outlook Graphic for Tuesday 11/22/2011. The local area in now included in the 15% probability for isolated severe storms. Yesterday, we were in a 5% area.

____________________

via the NWS Peachtree City, GA Covering the local area and areas to our north and east..

MAIN CONCERN IS THE INCREASING POTENTIAL FOR STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS THAT ARE LIKELY TO BE ONGOING ALONG AND AHEAD OF THE ASSOCIATED COLD FRONT AS IT MOVES ACROSS ALABAMA TUESDAY AFTERNOON. WITH THE FORECAST AREA DEEP IN THE WARM SECTOR... EXPECT MID-UPPER 60 DEWPOINTS AND DAYTIME HIGHS IN THE UPPER 70S TO PRODUCE 500-1000 CAPE INTO TUESDAY EVENING WHEN STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN PUSHING INTO NW AND WEST CENTRAL GA. THESE CAPE VALUES COUPLED WITH HIGH LOW LEVEL SHEER AND HELICITY FROM STRONG VEERING LOW LEVEL WINDS SUGGEST ALABAMA STORMS WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THEIR STRENGTH AS THEY PUSH INTO GA. AT THIS TIME IT APPEARS SUPERCELLS AND BOWING STRUCTURES AHEAD AND EMBEDDED WITHIN A SQUALL LINE WILL BRING A MAIN THREAT OF ISOLATED DAMAGING WIND. HOWEVER...ISOLATED TORNADOES COULD ALSO BE POSSIBLE. SPC HAS RECENTLY INCREASED THE SLIGHT RISK AREA TO INCLUDE AREAS GENERALLY ALONG AND NORTH OF A COLUMBUS TO MACON TO WASHINGTON LINE. BEST GUESS ON SEVERE THREAT TIMING IS NW AND WEST CENTRAL GA BETWEEN 6 PM AND 10 PM...THEN AREAS FURTHER EAST BETWEEN 10 PM AND 3 AM EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING. EXPECT STORMS TO BE WEAKENING BELOW SEVERE LIMITS BY 3-4 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING IF NOT SOONER...ALTHOUGH CONVECTION WILL BE ONGOING ACROSS CENTRAL GA THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT... WHICH IS NOT PROGGED TO PUSH EAST OF THE AREA UNTIL EARLY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. BEHIND THE FRONT...HIGH PRESSURE AND A MUCH DRIER/COOLER AIR MASS WILL CLEAR CONDITIONS FOR MOST AREAS BY WEDNESDAY EVENING. AS FOR TEMPS...WENT WITH A MAV AND MET BLEND THROUGH THE PERIOD WITH EXPECTED NEAR OR NEW RECORD HIGHS ON TUESDAY.

____________________

via the NWS Birmingham, AL covering areas to our West including Lee & Russell Counties, Auburn / Opelika and Phenix City Alabama....

THE NAM SHOWS THE CONVECTIVE LINE ACCELERATING EASTWARD TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND THE LINE SHOULD REACH THE NW COUNTIES BETWEEN 3 AND 6 PM. WITH AN ERODING UPPER CAP TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND STRENGTHENING SHEAR PROFILES ACROSS WEST ALABAMA...THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY OF DISCRETE SUPERCELLS DEVELOPING AHEAD OF THE MAIN SQUALL LINE. ANOTHER AREA THAT WILL NEED TO BE MONITORED FOR SEVERE THREAT WILL BE EAST ALABAMA TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE NAM MODEL IS SHOWING AN AREA OF CONVECTION DEVELOPING ACROSS THIS AREA. SHEAR VALUES ARE WEAKER ACROSS THIS AREA...BUT THIS AREA WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT CAPE AND INSTABILITY FOR LOCALIZED STRONG STORMS.

VEERING AND WEAKENING LOW LEVEL WINDS BY SUNSET TUESDAY WILL LIKELY END THE THREAT OF PRE-SQUALL LINE SUPERCELLS WITH THE FOCUS FOR BOWING LINE SEGMENTS ALONG THE SQUALL LINE. DESPITE LOSS OF HEATING AND WEAKENING LOW LEVEL CONVERGENCE...STRONG FORCING AHEAD OF SURFACE FRONT AND SUFFICIENT BULK SHEAR WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR THE CONTINUED THREAT OF DAMAGING WINDS THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

____________________

NWS Tallahassee, FL covering areas to our south including southwest Georgia, southwest Alabama and parts of the Florida panhandle and Big Bend area...

A COLD FRONT IS FORECAST TO CROSS THE REGION ON WEDNESDAY. THE FRONT WILL BE PRECEDED BY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. ORGANIZED SEVERE CONVECTION IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AHEAD OF THE FRONT ON TUESDAY WHILE IT IS STILL WEST OF THE AREA. BY THE TIME THE STORMS REACH OUR FORECAST AREA...SOME WEAKENING IS LIKELY AS THEY WILL BE ARRIVING OVERNIGHT. NEVERTHELESS...SUFFICIENT INSTABILITY AND SHEAR WILL BE PRESENT TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISOLATED STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS AFTER MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT. STRONG STRAIGHT LINE WINDS APPEAR TO BE THE PRIMARY THREAT.

This was a follow up post on Potential Severe Weather Thanksgiving Week 2011 posted Sunday, November 20, 2011.

Potential Severe Weather Thanksgiving Week 2011

Disclaimer: I'm not trying to scare anyone, especially in light of the severe weather we had in the local area last week. I am only giving you a heads up as to what is expected to occur in areas west of us, and could possibly move into the local area. I am NOT a Professional Meteorologists

While the level of severe weather is yet to be determined for the local area, areas to our west may be in line for strong storms and possibly a few tornadoes.

Much like the weather pattern of last week where we saw tornadoes pass through the local area, the same setup is once again expected to occur.

At this time [10:17 PM 11/20/2011] I'm not looking for anything more than a few thunderstorms in the local area, as the frontal boundary and associated surface low should remain to our west. Another reason is due to the system moving through the local area during late evening and overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday. This should allow it to weaken, However this could change as the timing of the system is still in question.

Here's the current graphic from the Storm Prediction Center for 7 AM EST Tuesday 11/22 through 7 AM EST Wednesday 11/23. Pay attention to the area outlined in Brown. The local area is included in this 5% area for potentially severe weather.

Why do I point out the above 5% potential ? Because on Wednesday November 16, the day the tornado passed through Harris County, the local area was also included in a 5% severe probability, seen below.

This is not saying we will see any severe weather this week, only that the potential is there at this time.


In the lead up to the severe weather and tornadoes of November 16, I gave you a heads up on November 15. Also in that post was mentioned, "THE NEXT SIGNIFICANT THREAT OF SHRA/TSRA COMES AROUND THANKSGIVING.". Well, after this system in mid week passes by, the next one will come in and move through the local area over the coming weekend bringing another shot of rain. It's to early to tell at this time if any severe weather will accompany it.

Pictures: Harris County Georgia Tornado on November 16 2011

A NWS survey team determined that an EF-2 tornado tracked across Harris County the afternoon of Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The peak wind speeds were estimated at 125 mph, mainly around the Hamilton, GA area. The tornado originated in Alabama, crossing the Georgia border near Lake Harding. The tornado then traveled 26 miles across Harris County, ending at the Harris/Talbot County line near the town of Shiloh. The average width was estimated at 1/2 mile.

Worrisome Observations: Harris County GA Tornado on November 16 2011

While reading this article Harris County High School teacher Austin Shepherd hailed as ‘hero’ for helping students to shelter as tornado sweeps through Hamilton, I see some troubling facts. From the article:

A tornado that swept through Hamilton, Ga., left teachers little time to react Wednesday. But when the power went out and the panels started peeling off the workshop at Harris County High School, Austin Shepherd sprang into action.

When the winds finally calmed, Harris County Schools Superintendent Craig G. Dowling credited faculty for helping students reach safe shelter in the school’s hallway, and he had particular praise for Shepherd, a teacher of 20 years who grabbed hold of a few students who appeared to be in harm’s way.

What I find troubling is the fact this teacher and students were not already in a safe place. The storm that caused this tornado was 'warned' at approximately 1:11 PM Nov 16th 2011. Also in the article is mention that the storm hit the school during the "fourth block shop class":

Shepherd, 51, had just taken roll in his fourth block shop class when students noticed a drastic change in the weather.

The winds shifted and the rain began blowing sideways.

“We didn’t really have a lot of warning,” Shepherd said.

What time that was, I have no idea. Do you know what time 'fourth block shop class' started ?

Also included with this article at the link above, is a video. In this video Dr. Craig G. Dowling, Superintendent Harris County Schools said this ..I quote;

"Well we were monitoring the weather all afternoon, and as soon as things here started to get really bad, I had one teacher just tell me they, worked with split second precision, and Instantly within just a few seconds students were in the hall and positioned for a tornado drill."

Again, I dont know what time this was, but from the interview I would say it was a little late in getting the students in a safe place. Once the "things here started to get really bad" the storm or tornado was there. The tornado warning was put out for Harris County at 1:11 PM Nov 16th 2011. The students and everyone should have already been in a safe place long before the weather got bad.

This storm / tornado began in the Auburn Opelika area, went across Lake Harding, and continued on through Hamilton. "The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City, Ga., said the storm first hit Auburn, Ala., shortly after 1 p.m. EST and struck Hamilton an hour later." [LINK - ledger-enquirer]

"Student Ivy Martin says just before 2:00, "The power went out and all of a sudden you heard the wind like a train literally coming down from the football field."
Principal Roger Couch praised the response of the students and faculty. "They responded quickly. The students got where they needed to be before, and I mean right before things started crashing."" [LINK - WRBL News 3

"The National Weather Service confirms that damages from Wednesdays storm surge was done by one tornado, a continuous path from Notalsulga, AL to Shiloh, GA. Initial estimates show the storm may have been more than 50 miles long. Tornadoes are rated on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with 0 being the weakest and 5 being the strongest.
While Lee County experienced damage from an EF-0 to an EF-1 tornado the damage was more extensive in Harris County, GA. NWS says Harris County was hit by an EF-2 storm, since the tornado made its way across a river." [LINK - WTVM]

The warning was issued at 1:11 PM Nov 16th 2011. It appears the storm hit just before 2 PM. The Staff at Harris County High School had at least 40 minutes to put a plan into action and get the students in a safe place. It appears from what I can discern from above, that didn't happen. WHY ?

Here are some facts about this storm:

Time: 2011-11-16 18:35 UTC
Event: 2 TORNADO
Source: nws storm survey
Remark: a nws damage assessment team determined than an ef-2 tornado with maximum winds of 125 mph originated in alabama and moved into harris county. the tornado crossed the state line around 135 pm est over lake harding and tracked east northeast into northern parts of hamilton then lifted just east of the harris/talbot county line near the town of shiloh. the total path was 26 miles. two structures were destroyed while 30 structures were damaged...including the school complex.

-----------

000
NOUS42 KFFC 172020
PNSFFC

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
320 PM EST THU NOV 17 2011

...PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...

...EF-2 TORNADO IN HARRIS COUNTY...

EVENT DATE: NOVEMBER 16 2011
ESTIMATED START TIME: 135 PM EST
EVENT TYPE: EF-2 TORNADO
ESTIMATED PEAK WINDS (MPH): 125
EVENT START LOCATION (IN GEORGIA): 32.6970N/-85.1173W
EVENT END LOCATION: 32.8232N/-84.6920W
DAMAGE PATH LENGTH (IN MILES): 26
DAMAGE WIDTH (IN MILES): 1/2 MILE
INJURIES: 2 MINOR INJURIES

A TORNADO ORIGINATING IN ALABAMA MOVED INTO WESTERN GEORGIA AND TRACKED ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. THE TORNADO ENDED AT THE HARRIS/TALBOT COUNTY LINE NEAR THE TOWN OF SHILOH. TWO STRUCTURES WERE DESTROYED WHILE 30 STRUCTURES WERE DAMAGED...INCLUDING THE HARRIS COUNTY SCHOOL COMPLEX WHICH CONTAINS AN ELEMENTARY...MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL AS WELL AS THE 911 CENTER AND AN ANIMAL SHELTER. HUNDREDS OF TREES WERE ALSO SNAPPED OR UPROOTED.

$$



If anyone has any information to add, feel free in the comments section below.

Here are some of my tweets @CataulaGaWX during this situation:

Tornado Warning for Harris and Troup County in GA until 2:00pm EST. #gawx
1:11 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

Harris County GA take shelter NOW. #gawx
1:22 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

TORNADO WARNING for Harris CO and Troup CO GA #gawx
1:24 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

Harris Co, GA and the town of Hamilton GA are next in line for this supercell. Take cover NOW #gawx
1:26 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

Tornado Warned storms heading for Russell Co Al may continue into GA stay aware #gawx #alwx
1:33 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

TORNADO WARNING FOR...NORTHEASTERN HARRIS COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA SOUTHEASTERN MERIWETHER COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA NORTHERN TALBOT COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA WESTERN UPSON COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA* UNTIL 230 PM EST
1:54 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck ·

wtvmweather Tornado Warning for Harris, Meriwether, Talbot, Upson [GA] till 2:30 PM EST
1:57 PM Nov 16th via HootSuite Retweeted by CataulaGaWX

Damage reports coming in from Harris County. 911 call center reports damage and Harris county high school reports minor damage. #gawx
2:16 PM Nov 16th via TweetDeck

wtvmweather NWS cancels Tornado Warning for Harris [GA].
2:17 PM Nov 16th via HootSuite Retweeted by CataulaGaWX

Picture of EF-2 Tornado Harris County Georgia on November 16, 2011

Tornado that passed through Harris county Georgia and hit Harris county High School, Harris County 911 call center, and other buildings/houses in the Hamilton Georgia area. - Photo via Nate Wade

Via the NWS Peachtree City, GA

A National Weather Service survey team determined that an EF-2 tornado tracked across Harris County the afternoon of Wednesday, November 16, 2011. The peak wind speeds were estimated at 125 mph, mainly around the Hamilton, GA area. The tornado originated in Alabama, crossing the Georgia border near Lake Harding around 135 PM EST. The tornado then traveled 26 miles across Harris County, ending at the Harris/Talbot County line near the town of Shiloh. The average width was estimated at 1/2 mile. A total of 2 injuries were reported in Harris County due to the tornado.

Two structures were destroyed and 30 structures were damaged, including the Harris County School Complex which contains an elementary, middle and high school. Also damaged was the 911 center and an animal shelter in Hamilton, GA. Hundreds of trees were also snapped or uprooted.

Tornado that passed through the Auburn Alabama area and continued through Harris county Georgia. - Photo taken in Auburn By Stacey McCollough Elmer

RAW VIDEO: Harris Co. High School Damage - Hamilton Georgia - Possible Tornado

Video of storm damage on November 16 2011 in Harris County Georgia.
VIA myfoxatlanta.com

RAW VIDEO: Harris Co. High School Damage: MyFoxATLANTA.com

See related: Unconfirmed Tornado Harris County Georgia, Auburn Alabama - Videos - November 16 2011

Storm Causes Damage Across Harris County Georgia - Video

Storm Causes Damage Across Harris County Georgia on November 16 2011

Storm Causes Damage Across Harris County: MyFoxATLANTA.com

See related: Unconfirmed Tornado Harris County Georgia, Auburn Alabama - Videos - November 16 2011

Unconfirmed Tornado Harris County Georgia, Auburn Alabama - Videos - November 16 2011

At this time [ 9:50 PM 11/16/2011 ], it remains unknown if widespread damage caused by severe storms was caused by Tornadoes. Below are , videos, storm reports and storm tracks from todays severe weather outbreak. I will have more information to post tomorrow.

Via WRBL News 3


Video - Storm damage in Harris County Georgia




via WTVM


Video - Storm damage at Harris County High School




Map of warnings that were issued today across portions of the South as of 6:46 PM EST

Storm Reports

VIA National Weather Service Birmingham, AL
 

1200 PM     TSTM WND DMG     6 E NOTASULGA           32.57N 85.58W
11/16/2011                   LEE                AL   911 CALL CENTER

            POSSIBLE TORNADO. BUILDING BLOWN DOWN.

1207 PM     TSTM WND DMG     1 E AUBURN              32.59N 85.46W
11/16/2011                   LEE                AL   BROADCAST MEDIA

            POSSIBLE TORNADO. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AT TERRACE ACRES
            APARTMENT COMPLEX.

1215 PM     TSTM WND DMG     3 SSE OPELIKA           32.62N 85.36W
11/16/2011                   LEE                AL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            POSSIBLE TORNADO. MAJOR DAMAGE TO TRAILER PARK. TRAILERS
            AND VEHICLES TOTALLY DEMOLISHED.

1215 PM     TSTM WND DMG     2 S OPELIKA             32.62N 85.39W
11/16/2011                   LEE                AL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POSSIBLE TORNADO. MAJOR ROOF DAMAGE TO HOMES, POWER POLES
            SNAPPED, POWER LINES DOWN.

VIA Storm Prediction Center

1836 3 WNW MOUNTAIN HILL HARRIS GA
HARRIS COUNTY 911 RELAYED REPORTS OF NUMEROUS DOWNED TREES IN THE WESTERN PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY. (FFC)

1845 2 NNE MOUNTAIN HILL HARRIS GA
POSSIBLE TORNADO BENT HIGHWAY SIGNS 90 DEGREES AND CAUSED VERY STRONG WINDS. (FFC)

1854 HAMILTON HARRIS GA
AMATUER RADIO RELAYED A REPORT OF DAMAGE TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND CARS IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL. THIS DAMAGE IS POSSIBLY THE RESULT OF A TORNADO. (FFC)

See related post: Georgia / Alabama Severe Weather Possible Wednesday 11/16/2011

Video report: April Fury: 6 Months Later - Tornado Outbreak April 2011

By Derek Kinkade ~ WTVM





You can view more information, videos and images from this Tornado Outbreak on April 27-28 2011 HERE and HERE

Georgia / Alabama Severe Weather Possible Wednesday 11/16/2011

The biggest threat at this time [*9:41 PM EST 11/15/2011*] appears to be damaging straight line winds, hail, and minor flooding in heavier downpours. An isolated tornado can not be ruled out at this time in the two state area.

Here is the latest from the National Weather Service Peachtree City, GA

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PEACHTREE CITY GA
900 PM EST TUE NOV 15 2011

FIRST ROUND OF SIGNIFICANT PCPN APPEARS TO IMPACT THE CWA DURING THE EARLY MORNING...BUT THE MAIN ROUND OF PCPN WITH TSRA POTENTIAL EXPECTED IN THE 16Z-02Z [12 PM - 10 PM] TIME FRAME. GIVEN PROGGED CAPES NEAR 1000...LIS OF -3...0-3KM SHEAR IN EXCESS OF 200...PWS NEAR 1.5 OR BETTER...AND WELL ABOVE NORMAL TEMPS IN THE 70S TO NEAR 80...THE SEVERE THREAT APPEARS PRETTY SIGNIFICANT. ALL FACETS OF SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE POSSIBLE...EVEN ISOLD TORNADOES.

Caption for above image: A cold front will push through the Tennessee Valley and approach Northwest Georgia Wednesday. Abundant moisture ahead of the front will allow for showers to develop tonight, with isolated thunderstorms possible after midnight in northwest and west central Georgia. A strong upper-level trough will move across the area Wednesday afternoon and evening and combine with above normal moisture levels...moderate instability...and strong shear to produce scattered thunderstorms...a few of which may become severe.

THE NEXT SIGNIFICANT THREAT OF SHRA/TSRA COMES AROUND THANKSGIVING.


Here is the latest from The National Weather Service Birmingham, AL ALL TIMES CENTRAL STANDARD TIME

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
615 PM CST TUE NOV 15 2011

THE COLD FRONT WILL START TO SHIFT SOUTHWARD WEDNESDAY MORNING AS THE SHORTWAVE PULLS TO THE EAST...WITH THE FRONT THROUGH BIRMINGHAM AROUND NOON AND LINGERING IN THE FAR SOUTHEAST AS LATE AS MIDNIGHT. A SLOWER FRONT MEANS ADDITIONAL TIME FOR LOCATIONS SOUTH OF THE BOUNDARY TO HEAT UP...BECOMING INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE. UPPER LEVEL FORCING WILL BE PULLING AWAY FROM THE AREA...BUT FORCING ALONG THE FRONT COUPLED WITH A STRONG WIND PROFILE...WILL BE ENOUGH IN A 80F/60F AIRMASS TO WARRANT A CONTINUED THREAT OF DAMAGING WINDS THROUGH THE EARLY EVENING HOURS.

I will have an update on this severe threat in the morning, November 16 2011.

Should the weather turn severe and watches and warnings are issued, See the ticker at the top of the blog. These ticker alerts are somewhat delayed. The best way to stay updated on the severe weather would be to follow either my Twitter account here - https://twitter.com/CataulaGaWX or my face book page here - http://www.facebook.com/CataulaGaWeatherAlerts

Another Earthquake in Georgia, USA - Magnitude 1.9 - November 13 2011

Two earthquakes in four days in Georgia. The last one happened on November 9 2011, and was a magnitude 2.7

There was also two other earthquakes in Georgia this year. A Magnitude 2.6 Earthquake May 3 2011 and a Magnitude 1.7 Earthquake May 9 2011.

Magnitude 1.9 - GEORGIA, USA 2011 November 13 11:49:09 UTC

Earthquake Details

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

Magnitude 1.9

Date-Time

Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 11:49:09 UTC
Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 06:49:09 AM at epicenter

Location 34.619°N, 85.385°W
Depth 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
Region GEORGIA, USA

Distances

11 km (7 miles) NW (321°) from Trion, GA
14 km (8 miles) SW (223°) from La Fayette, GA
16 km (10 miles) NNW (348°) from Summerville, GA
41 km (26 miles) WSW (246°) from Dalton, GA
49 km (30 miles) SSW (193°) from Chattanooga, TN
132 km (82 miles) NW (317°) from Atlanta, GA

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 1.5 km (0.9 miles); depth +/- 4.6 km (2.9 miles)
Parameters NST= 14, Nph= 18, Dmin=22 km, Rmss=0.14 sec, Gp=119°,
M-type=duration magnitude (Md), Version=A

Source

Southeast U.S. Seismic Network

Event ID se111311a

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Quakes/se111311a.php

Georgia Drought Update - November 13 2011

Much of Georgia still experiencing 'Extreme Drought'.

Not much change in this weeks update from two weeks ago. Since the last report, I picked up 0.15 inches of precipitation in Cataula. Hardly worth mentioning. The outlook for the coming months doesn't show the southeast or Georgia getting much, if any relief. Drought conditions will persist through the coming months and may even become worse. Long range forecast show our area with below or equal chances of rainfall.

Here's the most recent comparison showing little change November 1 through November 8

Current drought conditions throughout the southeast.

Magnitude 2.7 Earthquake November 09, 2011 GEORGIA, USA

GA EARTHQUAKE Magnitude 2.7
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 at 11:44:34 AM EST

Magnitude 2.7 - GEORGIA, USA
2011 November 09 16:44:34 UTC

Earthquake Details

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.

Magnitude 2.7

Date-Time

Wednesday, November 09, 2011 at 16:44:34 UTC
Wednesday, November 09, 2011 at 11:44:34 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location 34.773°N, 84.982°W
Depth 5.2 km (3.2 miles)
Region GEORGIA, USA

Distances

1 km (1 miles) W (280°) from Dalton, GA
10 km (6 miles) SE (146°) from Tunnel Hill, GA
14 km (9 miles) S (186°) from Varnell, GA
40 km (25 miles) SE (139°) from Chattanooga, TN
125 km (77 miles) NNW (335°) from Atlanta, GA

Location Uncertainty horizontal +/- 0.8 km (0.5 miles); depth +/- 2.2 km (1.4 miles)
Parameters NST= 19, Nph= 28, Dmin=17 km, Rmss=0.1 sec, Gp= 61°,
M-type=duration magnitude (Md), Version=B

Source

Southeast U.S. Seismic Network

Event ID se110911b

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Quakes/se110911b.php

Previous 2011 Georgia Earthquakes:

Magnitude 2.6 Earthquake May 3 2011

Magnitude 1.7 Earthquake May 9 2011

Tropical Storm SEAN

Yesterday I mentioned Subtropical Storm SEAN, which is nothing more than some eye candy, a fish storm, not anticipated to make landfall anywhere in the US. At 2 PM AST November 8 2011, Subtropical Storm SEAN was upgraded to a Tropical Storm with winds of 45 MPH.

Here's the most recent release November 9 2011 :

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR BERMUDA.

TROPICAL STORM SEAN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER   5A
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL192011
700 AM EST WED NOV 09 2011

...SEAN MEANDERING SOUTHWEST OF BERMUDA...


SUMMARY OF 700 AM EST...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...27.8N 70.5W
ABOUT 470 MI...755 KM SW OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 3 MPH...6 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...995 MB...29.38 INCHES

As always, you can check the Tropical Weather Page for current and updated Tropical Weather Information.

Subtropical Storm SEAN

Tropical Weather Page updated. Check for the latest advisories and graphics on Subtropical Storm SEAN.

Subtropical Storm SEAN is not expected to have any impact on the east coast at this time. Subtropical Storm SEAN is the 18^th named storm of the 2011 hurricane season.

Most recent info via National Hurricane Center

AT 700 AM EST...1200 UTC...THE BERMUDA WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A
TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR BERMUDA.

SUMMARY OF 400 AM EST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...27.2N 69.4W
ABOUT 445 MI...720 KM SW OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...45 MPH...75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...STATIONARY
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES
THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

Named Tropical Systems in 2011

• Tropical Storm Arlene
• Tropical Storm Bret
• Tropical Storm Cindy
• Tropical Storm Don
• Tropical Storm Emily
• Tropical Storm Franklin
• Tropical Storm Gert
• Tropical Storm Harvey
• Hurricane Irene
• Tropical Storm Jose
• Hurricane Katia
• Tropical Storm Lee
• Hurricane Maria
• Tropical Storm Nate
• Hurricane Ophelia
• Hurricane Philippe
• Hurricane Rina
• Subtropical Storm SEAN

Map of Named Tropical Systems in 2011

Tipton Oklahoma Tornado 11/7/2011, and more - Video

Reed Timmer and TVN intercept multiple tornadoes in D2 during the November 7 southwest Oklahoma tornadofest. Watch it to the end and see storm chaser Andy Gabrielson roll his vehicle in the outer circulation of the tornado as he tries to get away.

Via tornadovideos.net



More footage from this outbreak from Storm Chasers David Reimer and Connor McCrorey. Mutiple intercepts.

Via TexasStormChasers :

Second Severe Weather Season

Most are aware of severe weather that occurs in the Spring.
Are you aware of the potential for severe weather in the Fall ?

The same ingredients that induce severe weather in the spring also provide for potentially severe weather in the Fall. Usually severe weather in fall spans anywhere from late October to early to middle November, usually. Severe weather can happen anytime during the year. As mentioned, severe weather in the fall happens for the same reason it does in the spring, warm air clashing with colder air as temperature differences across the US become greater.

While the second severe weather season is usually confined to the south and southeast, it has also occurred sporadically in other areas. The second severe weather season may not last as long as the spring, but the storms still cause damage and loss of life.

Here's a couple graphs courtesy The Weather Channel