Rukavina's Extreme Weather and Climate Blog

Keeping an eye on the potential for light icing Monday afternoon and evening. Saturday PM Update: The going forecast from the previous update still looks pretty accurate. I took a screenshot of the projected freezing rain totals expected according to the computer model which lines up well with what we have been seeing for a couple of days. There has been a little more of Western Kentucky included in the chance of the light icing but other than that, see below for other graphics. 12Z SAT NAM MODEL RUN - FROM EARL BARKER SNOW Friday PM Update: For a few days now, computer models have been indicating that cold air will spill into the northern half of the Local 6 area Monday throughout the day before moisture leaves the area. Temperatures will begin in the 40's during the morning then drop to near freezing by mid to late afternoon. Areas in Western Kentucky along the Ohio River north into Southern Illinois and most of Southeast Missouri will most likely see the arrival of ...

Poconos, PA - Jennifer Rukavina  It's Nature's grand finale display of color and the most photographed time of year, FALL! Whether you are driving around the Local 6 area or traveling to other beautiful regions of our country, we want you to share the photos you take of Fall, harvest, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the celebrations that go along with them.  Below are the ways you can share your photos and don't forget to share where you took them! Post to Facebook on any of the following pages Jennifer Rukavina Fan Page Tori Shaw Fan Page WPSD Weather Authority Fan Page Post to Twitter @JRukavinaWPSD @TShawWPSD @WPSDWeather #WPSDWx  #FallPhoto Email me! Poconos, PA - Jennifer Rukavina

Monday is a Weather Authority Alert Day Monday AM Update: The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded most of the Local 6 area to s MODERATE RISK for severe weather today. Please take time to review severe weather and tornado safety today and be alert to quickly changing weather conditions.  Sunday PM Update: Only small changes have appeared in the computer forecasts concerning timing but the threat for damaging winds/tornadoes remains in place as a very strong storm system barrels across the region Monday.  Several rounds of storms and heavy rain will be possible starting late tonight and early Monday morning. Strong to severe storms will become more likely during the afternoon hours into the early evening Monday. This will require preparedness for not only at home but at school/work as well. Here is the latest forecast outlook from the Storm Prediction Center tonight: Be sure to stay alert to quickly changing weather conditions throughout the day Monday and also ...

March 4th Update During the newscast at 10pm this evening, I showcased the final stats that will go into the record book for Winter 2014. The following video shows that the Paducah area ranked 10th in both "coldest and "snowiest". The winter of 1978 was the benchmark for both and has reminded many of this winter's brutal cold and active weather pattern. Thanks to Climate Central for the specialized graphics! February 13th Update Data collected by Jennifer Rukavina from the Paducah National Weather and the Kentucky Mesonet February 11th Update Meteorological Winter technically runs from Dec-Jan-Feb. We are closing in on the end of this season and wanted to give you a preliminary look at how December and January temperatures ranked across Western Kentucky. December temperatures averaged out to pretty close to normal (compared to Barkley Regional data). January temperatures finished up being well below normal. To track the differe...

Sat Afternoon Update:  New winter weather alerts that into effect tonight. Start wrapping up preparations!  Fri PM Update: Confidence continues to grow and point toward the winter storm threat of icing. Winter Storm WATCHES were issued by the National Weather Service this morning and afternoon including all of the Local 6 area now. The timing below still looks fairly in-line with the forecast that we have been showing for a couple of days. Here is a closer look at ice accumulation totals and the impact index of ice. Be sure to continue your preparations tomorrow before the winter storm really moves in on Sunday and look for additional updates here. There may be a few small changes but the weather models have been pretty locked in on the Ohio River counties for higher totals for several cycles now. In addition to ice accumulation, snow and sleet will also accumulate making for an icy mix on roadways. While sleet and snowfall will be a secondary concern to the i...

Did you know that the Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the Unites States and nearly 20% of all insurance claims due to flooding come from moderate to low risk areas? We've seen this happen in our own communities as recently as 2011 when collectively the Ohio, Mississippi, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Clarks Rivers experienced "100 yr" floods. Even areas that had never seen major flooding were inundated by an overly active winter rainy season that did not relent while transitioning into Spring. We are entering a delicate time of the year where Winter transitions to spring and several factors can play a part in our flooding risk. Snow melt, spring thaw, heavy rains, and even ice jams (rarely) can contribute to the cause. To evaluate exactly what your risks are where you live (here in the Local 6 area or elsewhere) check out this interactive panel below. In general the Local 6 area is prone to flooding from the Spring thaw and heavy thunderstorms. Snowfall becom...