Think COOL This Week!

April Snow? Not Likely But It's Happened Here.

                                                       (Google generic image)

      April 13, 1957

 Salisbury Times (April 13, 1957)

Once Again We're The Envy Of Our Neighbors To The North!

 It's Late March On The Lower Eastern Shore..

Cool Mention For Satterfield

A Washington Post article names WBOC's Dan Satterfield as one of the nation's 7 coolest TV meteorologists.

Article:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/11/01/standing-out-in-the-crowd-here-are-7-of-the-nations-coolest-tv-meteorologists/

Worcester County Sheriff's Office / Tropical Storm Andrea

 

From:Worcester County Sheriff's Office

As Tropical Storm Andrea makes it way towards the Eastern Shore, The Worcester County Sheriff's office is encouraging people to take precautions before the severe weather is upon us.
 
Please check you exterior for loose items as estimated winds could exceed 40 mph at times.
 
We are expecting a significant amount of rain with estimates as high as 5-6 inches.
 
For our local folks, most of you should be familiar with the roads that normally flood. Take precaution if you approach high water if you are driving. We will have extra patrol deputies out beginning Friday afternoon until the storm passes our area.

For those who have to work, please consider calling your home or someone that you know before you leave from work and allow an extra amount of time to get to your destination.

We encourage you to use the major routes as the county back roads are a concern for us for downed trees and wires that are difficult to see in the dark. A major concern is always coastal flooding.
 
For those who are in these coastal areas, you can expect some high water during the tide changes.
 
Our deputies will be patrolling these areas and will assist anyone in need.

The expected brunt of the storm will occur during the evening hours during Friday. This time table is somewhat flexible since this storm may increase or decrease in size while over landfall. As usual, if you do not need to be out, please stay indoors.
 
We will do our best to post road closures or hazardous conditions as they happen on this page and local media. Please be safe and smart in your travels.

U. S. Coast Guard Warns Mariners

Coast Guard warns mariners of the danger of approaching Tropical Storm Andrea

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coast Guard encourages boaters to stay off the water Friday due to the approach of Tropical Storm Andrea and the storms impact on on the coastal Carolina area.

Adverse weather effects generated by a tropical storm or hurricane can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. Recreational boaters and members of the maritime industry who fall outside of the direct path of the storm are advised to be cognizant of dangerous weather conditions and appropriate precautions to stay safe and minimize damage.

North Carolina boaters, including those in Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sound and connecting waterways, are urged to secure their vessels and any emergency positioning indicator radio beacons. Those who heed the warnings of the Coast Guard and local law enforcement authorities will keep themselves and first responders out of danger.

Boaters should take the precautions necessary to ensure their personal safety due to strong, gusting winds associated with the outer weather bands of tropical storms. Heavy seas, significant rain and damaging winds may accompany and present serious dangers to boaters. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies may be degraded as the storm approaches.

Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds. When in doubt, check in advance with the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center or with a local Coast Guard station.

Here are a few tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels:

•If local authorities issue an evacuation notice, take heed and know the evacuation routes.

•Secure electronic position indicating radio beacons.  If unsecured, EPIRBS can break free from a boat and trigger an emergency signal to the Coast Guard.

•Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat when a tropical system is approaching.

•Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing a vessel. Marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise mariners on the best methods for securing a boat.

•Ensure boating gear is properly stowed or tied down to avoid causing unnecessary searches by the Coast Guard and other first responders. Life jackets, life rafts and small non-powered vessels are some examples of boating equipment often found adrift following severe weather.

•Take action now. The effects of a tropical system can be felt well in advance of the storm itself and can prevent the safe completion of preparations.
After the storm passes, check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Boat owners should not place themselves in danger in order to survey damage.

•Do not try to reach a boat that has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available.

•Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.

•Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe.

There's Nothing Like A Rainbow...........

......at the end of a trying day.

"This proves that there is, indeed, a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!  Our very own Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company!"

                              -Councilman Rob Clarke-

 

Thanks Rob!

Multiple Tornados Reportedly Touch Down Today on Eastern Shore

Photo/Stuart Mills: Near Saxis, Va. today.

Another tornado has reportedly touched down in Accomack County. At 1:52 PM, local law enforcement officers reported a tornado touched down on Rosecottage Rd in Onley. The road was blocked off by Virginia State Police on Wednesday afternoon.

There were also reports of confirmed water spout reported in the Guilford area and an unconfirmed water spout near the Wachapreague/Quinby area.

Some small but intense thunderstorms moved over northern Accomack County starting at about 11:30 AM and continued across the Northern Eastern Shore bringing isolated but intense rains to areas north of Bloxom, including Miona. As of 12:10 the areas or rain were moving East and Northeast over Atlantic, Greenbackville, Chincoteague and into Maryland.

Heavy rains were reported in the Withams, Bullbegger area, Miona and over much of Northern Accomack County.

Northampton County remained mostly rain free.

Source:

HEATWAVE Again Today!!

HOT AGAIN TODAY!

 Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself against heat-related illnesses:

- Keep cool in an air-conditioned area. Take a cool shower or a bath. Consider a trip to the mall or a local library or visit a friend with air conditioning. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the number of heat-related illnesses.

- When temperatures reach the upper 90s or above, a fan may not prevent heat-related illness.

- Drink plenty of fluids (2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.) To replace salt and minerals lost from sweating, drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or when you have to work outside. However, talk to your doctor first if you're on a fluid-restricted diet or medications, or on a low-salt diet.

- Avoid sunburn and wear light clothing. Sunburn limits your body's ability to keep itself cool and causes loss of body fluids. Use sunscreen with a higher SPF. Lighter-weight clothing that is loose fitting and light colored is more comfortable during extreme temperatures. Use a hat to keep the head cool.

- Give your body a break as the heat wave can be stressful on your body. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.
Never leave children or pets in cars.

- Temperatures inside a car with can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

- Use the "buddy system" if you're working outside. If youre working outside and suffer a heat-related illness, you could become confused or could lose consciousness. Therefore, Make sure someone else knows of you plans.

For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the Virginia Department of Healths website at

www.vdh.virginia.gov

PLEASE DO NOT forget about your pets!!

What have you been doing to stay cool during the heatwave?

Do you have any cool ways to keep animals confortable that you can share?

Near Death Experience For Trucker On CBBT

Andy Fox

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL, (WAVY) - Two tractor trailers toppled on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) during Tuesday's line of storms. The driver of the tractor trailer left dangling over the bridge spoke to WAVY.com about the scary experience.

Rob Roll has been a trucker 27 years, driving three million miles. That last mile on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was nearly his last.

Did he think it was the end? "Yea, I thought it was. I thought I was going in the water," Roll said standing in front of his totaled tractor trailer in the back lot of Tidewater Express in Hampton.

He had good reason to think he was going in the water because he was teetering on the rail with a long fall below.

It began as he was traveling through the bridge-tunnel toll on the Eastern Shore headed to Virginia Beach.

"I have a weather alert on my CB, and I heard from the National Weather Service there were thunderstorms and I was a mile from the toll bridge...they give you areas that are going to be bad, and they said at 5:15 p.m. Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and it was only 4:25 p.m.," Roll said. He thought he could make it.

At 4:27 p.m. Roll went through the toll. "I said to the kid who was giving the height permit, 'Am I going to get across?' and he said, 'The storm's a long ways away yet,'" Roll remembered.

Roll said, "I start going across and everything is clear. I could see the City of Norfolk [Virginia Beach] and it was crystal clear. When I get on the second island and the second bridge, it was a wall of white like a building was coming across the water and it was coming fast."

It was coming fast all over Hampton Roads, and at 4:34 p.m., another truck overturned. About the same time Roll noticed an alert on the bridge tunnel.

"The police called an alert which changed the lights from green to yellow. I got yellow flashing lights, but I was too far beyond that, and I was trying to get to the tunnel where I'd be safe," Roll added.

Roll didn't make it. At 4:42 p.m. Roll said he found himself in a bad place.

"The first gust moved my truck to the left. The second head on gust shook the truck. The third gust sent me into the rail...the whole event took 30 seconds....I don't really remember anything because it was happening so quickly...Now, I'm stuck. I know I'm in a bad spot, and I'm still on the bridge. I know I'm okay, I'm not in the water, I'm stuck, and all I can see is a guard rail out through he window and that's all I can see," Roll remembered.

Concerns were racing through Roll's mind as he waited for help. "I'm thinking, okay, is this going to catch on fire? I got diesel fuel on board," he said.

At 4:45 p.m. Roll got his regular call from his wife back in New York.

"I said I had a wreck, rolled on one side, and I have to get back in touch with you because I don't know what's going on yet," Roll said.

Then the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Police showed up. The officer crawled on top, Rob stood up in the cab, and unlocked the door. The officer opened the door from above, and Rob scampered out.

Thankfully he is not seriously hurt. He was staying at an Oceanfront hotel, but his company is picking him up and taking him back to New York.

Source;  http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/trucker-remembers-near-death-experience

Storms Cause Minor Damage In Local Area

A line of thunderstorms moved through the Eastern Shore at about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon accompanied by high winds and in one area hail.


The storms hit causing two tractor trailers to be overturned on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. One was on the northbound trestle and the other on the southbound lane.


In the Atlantic area heavy winds, and hail and at least one unofficial report of a funnel cloud citing were reported.


Elsewhere there were reports of tree branches down in the Leemont area and one tree that partially obstructed traffic on the road near Drummonds Mill Pond.


The storms passed quickly but stronger storms south of here caused damage in the Tidewater area with power outages and downed trees.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Cause Unknown For The Shaking Last Night

As of this morning the loud BOOM and shake you may have  heard and felt yesterday evening around 7:00 PM still has no explanation.  The same activity that was experienced across the bay was felt here on the Eastern Shore also.

VIRGINIA BEACH

If you felt your home shake around 7:30 Tuesday night, you weren’t alone.

Emergency dispatchers received calls from residents in the North End and near the Oceanfront who reported a shaking sensation. Other areas felt a disturbance, too.

Police investigated but were unable to determine a cause.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield also had no idea what caused it, either.

Mike Rusnak, a meteorologist, said he checked with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center at Wallops

Island on the Eastern Shore, where there was no activity, and the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo., reported no seismic activity in the area.

No stormy weather was in the region.

So for now, the phenomenon remains a mystery.

Source; http://hamptonroads.com/2011/05/shaking-reported-virginia-beach-cause-unknown

State Wide Tornado Drill For Virginia Today

REMINDER- FOR THOSE REGISTERED

Virginians will conduct the annual statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 (today) at 9:45. Throughout the Eastern Shore and the rest of Virginia, emergency services staff, schools and hundreds of other state and county agencies will participate in the drill.

March 15 was designated by Governor McDonnell as Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia. The state will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio, simulating what will be heard during a genuine emergency. That message will be broadcast on radio and tv stations across the Commonwealth.

Virginians are encouraged to use the test as an opportunity to rehearse plans of what to do to protect your family during an actual tornado alert, make sure you have adequate emergency supplies at hand and know where you will go quickly should a tornado approach.

In the past three years 62 tornadoes touched down in Virginia injuring 220 and causing nearly $50 million in property damage, according to the emergency management department.


For more information: www.vaemergency.com
www.shoredailynews.com

Get Ready For SPRING

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. - With parts of the U.S. socked in by snow, the world's most famous groundhog predicts spring is on the way.

"The sky is here. Prepare yourself for spring," according to the prediction Punxsutawney Phil made through his handlers.

Punxsutawney Phil failed to see his shadow, signaling an early spring.

The forecasts are concocted by Phil's handlers, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle.

German tradition holds that if a hibernating animal sees its shadow on Feb. 2 -- the Christian holiday of Candlemas -- winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

Since 1887, Phil has seen his shadow 98 times and hasn't seen it 16 times, including this year. There are no records for the remaining years, though the group has never failed to issue a forecast.

www.wtop.com

Chincoteague Causeway Now Snow Drift Free

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va.- The Chincoteague Causeway has re-opened after it was closed due to high winds and snow drifts from Sunday's winter storm.

Holiday travelers were held up for hours as they tried to drive on the only road that leads to the island.

Chincoteague residents were stuck on the island at the same time.

One family traveled from Delaware and they say they were trapped at the Royal Farms convenience store for nearly four hours. Virginia State Police directed them into the parking lot until the causeway re-opened.

One man on the island said even the snow plow trucks were having a rough time handling the snow drifts and wind.

After the causeway re-opened to traffic on Tuesday morning, motorists were able to reach their holiday vacation destinations and people on the island were able to once again drive to the mainland.

www.wboc.com

One of the most treacherous areas of the Chincoteague Causeway is the area known to locals as the 'Pumphouse Turn'. The high winds and drifting made it difficult for anyone to travel, including those that work on and off Chincoteague.

Virginia National Guard Aids Motorists During Snow Storm

Monday, December 27, 2010

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia National Guard soldiers are assisting Virginia State Police and local emergency response organizations respond to stranded motorists on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

A total of eight soldiers in four Humvees are conducting the support mission on Monday.

According to a Virginia National Guard statement, one adult and two children were transported from a stranded vehicle off Route 13 near Cape Charles to a local hotel around 4:45 a.m. Another three citizens stranded in their car for more than four hours were rescued around 6:30 a.m. in the Onancock area and taken to a local shelter.

The soldiers are also transporting emergency services personnel to work at the local hospital.

In Hampton Roads, Virginia Guard soldiers conducted mounted route patrols Sunday night into Monday morning in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach and assisted several motorists free their cars from being stuck in the snow.

Since early Sunday morning, approximately 100 Virginia National Guard soldiers have been staged and ready to provide support to emergency response organizations in Hampton Roads.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment; 2d Squadron, 183d Cavalry Regiment and 429th Brigade Support Battalion are providing personnel for the operation. Soldiers are staged at the Hampton and Norfolk readiness centers.

Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia Saturday afternoon, a step authorizing state agencies to take precautionary action to prepare for any potential impacts of significant snow accumulation in the region. The declaration authorized the Adjutant General of Virginia to call up those resources he thinks necessary to ensure the Guard can fulfill its mission to provide snow recovery operations.

On Sunday soldiers conducted route reconnaissance patrols in Humvees to assess road conditions in the Hampton Roads area, said Col. Gerald T. Catrett, joint operations officer for the Virginia Guard.

"The key to rapid response for this event is having personnel in place and ready to respond before the snow begins falling in the region," Catrett said. "By calling in soldiers Saturday night while the roads were still clear, we were able to have a force in place and ready to respond Sunday morning.

The Virginia National Guard receives their missions through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to assist state and local emergency response organizations and is not able to respond to direct support requests from the public, Catrett said. "If the snow storm causes any conditions where people need assistance, they should request assistance through their local dispatcher or 911 service, not directly to the Virginia Guard. When appropriate, the request for assistance will be forwarded to us for action," he said.

www.wavy.com

By 3:00 PM 11 Inches of Snow Or More Have Fallen

BELLE HAVEN -- Unofficial totals show 11 inches of snow have fallen in the mid-Va. Shore area by 3 p.m. Sunday.

As much as 14 inches are expected.

The winter storm warning for Northampton and Accomack counties expires at 5 a.m. Monday.

www.delmarvanow.com

Blizzard conditions have just been announced. Please use good judgement and good sense and stay where you are. The police and emergency people are having a rough time out in this weather. Don't jeopardise your life or theirs!

Heavy Snowing To Continue

The heavy snow that started early Sunday morning continues to fall as it begins to pile up.

As of noon, almost 6 inches had fallen and we may see as much as 4 to6 inches more before it all ends overnight.

VDOT is working the main roads including Rt. 13, The Chincoteague Road and the roads leading into the main towns on the Eastern Shore.

The back roads however are unplowed and increasing winds this afternoon and evening as the low pressure moves past could result in serious drifting before morning.

Therefore Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect until 5 AM Monday. Church services were cancelled both Sunday and Sunday evening as motorists were advised to stay off the roads as much as possible.

The Dialysis Center in Nassawadox has closed for the day and they're advising their patients to call Monday morning at 7:30 for a treatment time. They're also asking individuals with big trucks willint to transport patients to and from the Dialysis center to call 442-4966.

Closings for Monday include Mosher Physical, both offices, Accomack Convenience Centers closed til noon, and Cardiac Rehab in Onley and Nassawadox, closed.

www.shoredailynews.com

Issued by The National Weather Service
Wakefield, VA
7:22 pm EST, Sat., Dec. 25, 2010

... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM EST MONDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SUNDAY TO 5 AM EST MONDAY.

* AREAS AFFECTED: THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA... AND THE LOWER MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE.

* PRECIPITATION TYPES: SNOW.

* ACCUMULATION: 8 TO 12 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE WARNED AREA.

* TIMING: ACCUMULATING SNOW IS EXPECTED... MAINLY SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED SUNDAY... FROM LATE MORNING THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS.

* IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD... AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Level One Restrictions On Bridge Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel has placed level one restrictions on it's use.

This means that the following types of vehicles will not be allowed to cross the bridge ... large pick-up's with campers ... towed camping trailers ... house trailers ... anything being towed ... automobiles with car top carriers, luggage racks etc.