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Western PA/Pittsburgh Winter 2021/22 Discussion


meatwad
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There are some really good trends. I am hoping the euro loses the extended dry slot as it and the NAM have been pretty consistent now with it for a bit.

Most mets are saying the mixing issues are likely way overdone...so the dryslot I think is the bigger concern.

Also, I would LOVE to get some wind. Not blizzard level, but 20-30MPH gusts with inch per hour rates or higher will be pretty impressive.

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We can see the problem quite evident on the NAM (among other high-res models):

nam-warmth.thumb.png.5d80cb99012b8a7ff2e56272406650dc.png

Off to the northeast (circled in yellow) is the retreating high pressure.  It's also not particularly strong.  The high pressure I've added (to the northwest) is what we really would prefer to see in this situation, or at least due north in southern Quebec.  Unfortunately, that doesn't exist.  It would act to reinforce the cold air and provide some resistance to counter warm ocean flow in the mid levels.  It could also limit the latitude gains by the low pressure(s).

The NAM is definitely the strongest with this easterly fetch feature, but the RGEM is close there, too.  The other problem is the dryslot, and if the precip cuts off, that would allow for more warm air to seep into the equation.

Now I can't say for sure if the NAM is right on this, and I'm not an expert so I defer to those that are.  However, I'm personally hesitant when I see these features creeping up on the short-term.  This storm definitely has a high bust potential for someone, while for someone else it might over-deliver.  The question simply becomes who is left with each of those outcomes.  We've also seen, when there's little resistance upslope, captured lows get pulled further to the north than expected.  Not that it's guaranteed here, but another possible observation.

It really will come down to nowcasting.  No model is going to have this exactly right.

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1 minute ago, jwilson said:

We can see the problem quite evident on the NAM (among other high-res models):

nam-warmth.thumb.png.5d80cb99012b8a7ff2e56272406650dc.png

Off to the northeast (circled in yellow) is the retreating high pressure.  It's also not particularly strong.  The high pressure I've added (to the northwest) is what we really would prefer to see in this situation, or at least due north in southern Quebec.  Unfortunately, that doesn't exist.  It would act to reinforce the cold air and provide some resistance to counter warm ocean flow in the mid levels.  It could also limit the latitude gains by the low pressure(s).

The NAM is definitely the strongest with this easterly fetch feature, but the RGEM is close there, too.  The other problem is the dryslot, and if the precip cuts off, that would allow for more warm air to seep into the equation.

Now I can't say for sure if the NAM is right on this, and I'm not an expert so I defer to those that are.  However, I'm personally hesitant when I see these features creeping up on the short-term.  This storm definitely has a high bust potential for someone, while for someone else it might over-deliver.  The question simply becomes who is left with each of those outcomes.  We've also seen, when there's little resistance upslope, captured lows get pulled further to the north than expected.  Not that it's guaranteed here, but another possible observation.

It really will come down to nowcasting.  No model is going to have this exactly right.

Thank you for explaining my concerns in far more detail than I ever could.

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URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1233 PM EST Sat Jan 15 2022

OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ007>009-013>016-020>023-029-
031-073>076-WVZ001>004-012-021-509>514-160145-
/O.UPG.KPBZ.WS.A.0001.220116T1800Z-220117T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KPBZ.WS.W.0002.220116T1800Z-220117T1800Z/
Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-
Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Mercer-Venango-Forest-
Lawrence-Butler-Clarion-Jefferson PA-Beaver-Allegheny-Armstrong-
Indiana-Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-Higher Elevations of
Westmoreland-Fayette-Higher Elevations of Fayette-Hancock-Brooke-
Ohio-Marshall-Wetzel-Marion-Monongalia-Ridges of Eastern
Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston-Eastern Preston-
Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker-
Including the cities of Sharon, Parsons, Canonsburg, Thomas, New
Kensington, Punxsutawney, Caldwell, Pittsburgh Metro Area, New
Martinsville, Greensburg, Hendricks, Steubenville, Ligonier,
Indiana, Butler, Beaver Falls, Aliquippa, Bruceton Mills,
Coshocton, Terra Alta, Champion, Hermitage, Coopers Rock, Grove
City, Murrysville, Weirton, St. Clairsville, Rowlesburg,
Tionesta, Carrollton, Kittanning, Woodsfield, Moundsville,
Malvern, Ford City, Morgantown, Ohiopyle, Ambridge, Kingwood,
Hazelton, Cadiz, Oil City, Clarion, Uniontown, Latrobe, Ellwood
City, Monessen, Columbiana, Canaan Valley, East Liverpool, Davis,
Monaca, Wheeling, Wellsburg, Dover, New Castle, Lower Burrell,
Cambridge, Saint George, Donegal, Zanesville, New Philadelphia,
Washington, Waynesburg, Fairmont, Martins Ferry, Salem,
Brookville, Follansbee, and Franklin
1233 PM EST Sat Jan 15 2022

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 1 PM EST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and
  11 inches.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Ohio. Portions of northwest,
  southwest, and western Pennsylvania. Portions of northern and the
  northern panhandle of West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Sunday to 1 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult.
  The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

Dangerous conditions are expected along Interstate 80 for the next
several hours. Remember, `Pull Aside, Stay Alive`.

&&

$$

JL

 

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Just now, MikeB_01 said:


Look at that 31.5 bullseye in Erie


.

Yep lol. Though I would imagine there is a good deal of lake enhancement with that. 

Like I said though 12-18 IMO is a possibility given that 50 minutes NW that is what the euro is spitting out.

The thing is that we still dry slot or come close to it, but the only model showing the really pronounced slot is the NAM so that is encouraging.

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2 minutes ago, Ecanem said:

So I’m really wondering how much snow we’re gonna get here at seven springs.  There’s always a few more inches than the forecasts. I’m wondering we we could go to 1-2 feet 

If Pittsburgh's flirting with a foot, 7 Springs should get there, again barring any dry slotting or mixing issues.

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