Threat of Severe Weather this Afternoon

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH has just been issued for our region through 8 pm. The forecast is calling for isolated to scattered thunderstorms and severe weather in localized areas across Western and Central Massachusetts and Northwest Connecticut, including damaging winds, hail, heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. There is a secondary threat for an isolated tornado. On the plus side, the severe weather is coming as a cold front swings through the area later today into Monday night. So for the next few days at least, temperatures should dip into the lower 80s, making it much more tolerable.

If you are outside or on the water this afternoon, keep your eye on the sky and be ready to take cover inside.

Amherst on July 16th, Then and Now

Summer afternoon cumulus, Hadley MA - July 16, 2016
Photo by S. Vardatira

On this day in 1879, a disastrous tornado swept across Massachusetts from west to east. Local and regional newspapers called it "the storm of the decade." Two people in Pittsfield were killed, and lightning struck the almshouse in South Amherst as well as many other buildings across town.

I always feel it helps, when lamenting the weather (today's insanely high temps for example) to remember that it could be worse. Although, in truth, extremely hot weather can be just as lethal if you don't have somewhere to cool off. Speaking of cooling off, I just drove past Puffer's Pond and have concluded that at least half the town is parked on State Street. Best approach on foot if you feel called to the water.

Tornado Watch Posted for Western MA (including Amherst)!

View looking west from CT River (Hadley), Photo by S. Vardatira (from July 2015)

TORNADO WATCH just posted for our region through to 10 pm tonight, though the greatest threat is for an isolated tornado for late afternoon and especially this evening across Western MA.

Isolated and widely scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening. A few of the thunderstorms early this evening have the potential to be strong to severe. Damaging wind, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, and heavy rainfall are the primary threats. However large hail and a brief isolated tornado are also possible. Timing of the strongest storms will be 6-9 pm across Western MA. Take appropriate measures and stay tuned for updates.

Hmmm. Can I be done with work in time for a little storm spotting and chasing action? (Always done cautiously and with eye on radar, of course!)