Couple Braves Hermine and Visits the Nota Republic!

Despite cloudy skies and moderate temperatures, we set out to head south towards the threat of Hermine and spend part of our Labor Day weekend in the Nota Republic.

The skies looked a tad intimidating but our spirits were not dampened.  We checked the forecast and felt it offered us a window to make it happen.

Our spirits never dampened as we headed out, until we got there.  While I was aware that this was primarily a business trip, I still hoped a chance to visit a remote land would afford some photo ops and maybe even an exotic meal or two.  

A few years back, my trip to the Dominican Republic was just wonderful.  This year's trip to the Nota Republic was in comparison, a disappointment.

While the people from both republics were very friendly and accommodating, the overall impact of the Dominican was far superior.   However, our entire trip to the Nota Republic only cost us 5 dollars, plus 35 cents for gas.  I guess it's true.  You get what you pay for.

The best photo ops occurred on our way home, at Lowes.  Here we see the weather control system they use to keep the bad weather out and let the good weather in.  Here in the business we refer to this as an Atmospheric Scrubber.

As we headed back north, skies cleared and we reflected on our time at the Nota Republic - definitely worth it for business but not exactly a "destination", especially when tropical weather threatens.  

The good news is you do not need to worry about travel insurance, as the costs are so reasonable.

Reptile Concerns Accompany Jonas

Winter storm Jonas is ramping up to become the event of the year in the Mid-Atlantic.  Granted blockbuster status earlier this week, and added honorary Jonas brother credentials, the storm has all the makings of a "celebrity to be".

However, it's not all smiles and sunshine.  The National Weather Service has issued a Lizard Warning from Friday through Sunday.  

It seems the cold temperatures and snow would be dangerous for these cold blooded species.  We asked Art Beckman, herpetologist from the Philadelphia Zoo why he felt a lizard warning was issued and not a snake warning.  He explained,"while this IS an unusual warning, I can only imagine it's the legs and toes issues.  Lizards have legs and toes.  They are much more susceptible to frostbite and winter related set backs.  Snakes are all core, and the core is the last part of the body to be affected."

Signs that your reptile may be suffering and need a warm rock and sun would be a loss of color, irritated look, and deformed toes, as the above example illustrates.

As people prepare for the weather, we sent our staff photographer out this morning and he was able to visit about 35 grocery stores in the area, and photograph what we believe are the last of the milk, bread and eggs that our region will see until late Monday.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated as Jonas makes its way into the area.

Chester County in the Bulls-eye? Some Models Say Yes!

Chester County residents are bracing for what could be the biggest snow event of the season, making recent events look like trivial dustings...which they were.  This weekend things are in place for a winter storm to be named later to develop and ravage the mid-atlantic before heading up the east coast and developing into a Nor'Easter.

We at the Insider know it is hard to really take a winter storm seriously until it has a name.  But don't be lulled into complacency by the anonymity of this little low pressure devil.

As things set up, the two most reliable weather models show slightly different forecasts, but both spell significant snow for our region.

Sally, the US GFS Weather Model had this to say:

"Well, so far it's been like, uh, pretty mild, but now it's cold, and when that happens the rain we normally get freezes and becomes snow.  And I drew this map and I say the bulls-eye is like right here, to the west of philly."

Sally is predicting a total of 2-3 feet for our area, the highest of any place on the east coast.

Other models feel that the storm will be a little stronger to the south and west.

Ulf, our European model had this to say:

"Vee sink zee storm shall be more strong a bit to zee lower states.  Eet is in ziss areas zat zee totals will exceed 90 cm, or as you say 3 ft."

Even Ulf feels Chester County could see 12-18 inches.  Avongrove Schools have already scheduled an inservice day on Monday, so students can sled their way to stores and get any bread or eggs that their parents forgot to get Thursday.  "We consulted the Farmer's Almanac last year and knew we were in for a doozy," said Ernie Sneed, head of transportation.

Winter Squall Alice Rocks Chester County

Our first significant weather event whipped up yesterday afternoon and into the night. The warm generous Mother Nature that had cared for us this winter season turned her back on us, and then released her wrath.

This was the scene as temperatures plummeted from the low 40s into the lower 40s and finally dipped into the 30s causing many a resident to zipper their coat.

In the evening it worsened as flakes fell from the sky in rapid succession.  We had our top reporters out on the road, and we can report that visibility was slightly decreased by the intensity of what some are dubbing the squall of the century.  However, in a press conference, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has announced he will call it the squaw of the century.

The squall forced many to use their wipers and defrosters if they braved the conditions. 

Dave Renz reported that many braved the storm to get salt...not sidewalk salt, as much as table salt. Others in the area prepared for the event by buying bread and milk.  Clearly those seeking these sources of processed food and salt on a winter evening are addicted to the poisons that have become staples in the upside down US diet, and should probably read our health blog, Newtritarian.

Field reporter Brian Holden captured the fall out in the southern corner of the county.

The folks in this neighborhood were mostly waiting it out before tackling the remnants of the Squall of 2016.  "We'll have time in the morning to deal with this mess," said Bob Castaldi.

All Chester County Schools are scheduled to be opening on time thanks to the efforts of the communities to clear the streets from the storm's dastardly doings.  However, keep your eyes on the skies... We have a feeling many of you may not be risking a frigid commute on Monday.

Until next storm, be safe and be warm.

Chester County Dreams of Wet Christmas

Christmas 2015 was one for the ages as old man spring reared his ugly head and blasted the region with mild temperatures and warm rain.

While the warm temperature was a blessing for many in the region who have lost weight reading the Insider Inc.'s health blog, "Newtritarian", it created some problems for Santa as he moved through the region.

Just south of the Poconos, our Weather Insider Santa Tracker picked up this troubled Santa at dawn.  However, within a short time some friendly elves in the Warm Weather Troubleshooting Division airlifted in a solution, and in a flash Santa was on his way again.

Santa was able to make his remaining stops in Chester County using this 2 wheleled sleigh, before ditching it when it ran out of gas as he crossed into Jersey.

This unusual Subtropic blast, referred to in serious weather circles as "La Piñata" gets its name from the warm temperatures associated with Cinco de Mayo and the way water dumps from the sky as if a giant Piñata has been bashed over our region.

Santa was able to deal with the warm weather and unusual amounts of water in style - here he is finishing up deliveries along the Black Horse Pike in nearby NJ, humming the beach boy classic "Little St. Nick" and making the most of this year's unusual circumstances.

We at the Insider would encourage you to be safe this holiday season. Check in on elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure none are in danger of heat stroke, and make sure they are staying hydrated.

La Piñata is expected to influence the region for at least a few more weeks.  We will have more updates when our weather models have new information.

Our current model seems to really have no idea what to expect.

Fall Storm Arnold Ravages Chesco!!!

Fall Storm Arnold Ravages ChesCo!

October 18 was a day to be remembered in the annals of weather lore.  Fall Storm Arnold sprung up out of nowhere and sprinkled water, wind, rain and chilly air on unsuspecting victims from Downingtown to Landenberg.

SCC Correspondent Kathleen Anderson reported back on her experience this afternoon.  "It was cold.  Much colder than yesterday.  And the leaves were being blown right off the trees.  Old Man Fall was really rearing his ugly head today."

Weather watchers reported a hail storm in Downingtown that showered baby pea sized hail down on them for minutes on end.  In the Southwestern portion of the county cold driving rain was observed by Insider staff.  It was a day better spent indoors.  "It snowed on my friend's horse," said an exasperated Sarah Renz.  "This is NOT what I asked for on my birthday."

At this point ALL CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS remain OPEN.  Despite the sub 40 degree temps, schools are braving the weather to go on with business as usual.

Winter Storm Thor Roars Through Early March

Winter Storm Thor is being called the "Winter Lion of March©."  By me.  And now by you.

The storm has already created the largest snow-nut of the season, and it's not done yet.

We all saw this one coming, so there was no reason to hype any forecasts or predictions.  What we couldn't predict was just what kind of impact The Winter Lion © would have.

We at the Weather Insider were forced to do the unimaginable.

Yes, the sheer volume of snow forced us to sleep late and put off reporting for several hours.

The deep snow almost overwhelmed local electric power shovels.  However, persistent efforts eventually allowed snow throwers and the human spirit to prevail.

Perhaps most impressive was the fact that school closings in the area were almost unanimously agreed upon as appropriate. 

 

Jeb Pyle, long time West Grove resident commented, "Now THIS is what I call snow.  All year long they've talked a good game, but finally they had a reason to close school. A flake here, a flake there, 2 hour delays... Gimme a break ... In MY day that would have been a joke. We had no problem getting to school with our sleighs and snow shoes. This generation is soft.  And school taxes are too high, too."

Local citizens are not the only ones thrilled to have a true weather event to talk about.  Meteorologists are thrilled too.  "It's great!  Finally we got it right!  I would say out low point was when the national discussion turned from storm totals and real feel temperatures to llamas and dress colors.  It's good to be back to talking about the weather," shared a local meteorologist who wanted to remain anonymous for reasons we have yet to figure out.

We have almost doubled seasonal snowfall totals at this point, and according to gr8 4caster™ there is more to come for the next 4-5 hours.  As satellite images show, very little progress has been made, as the storm crawls from west to east.  

Local weather watcher Santi Pizzini found this out the hard way - she was hoping spring was around the corner, but woke to this message on her computer screen:

Meanwhile, our crack team of meteorologists have been scouring maps trying to puzzle out when relief will be in sight.

While the picture is clearing up in the west, the east is still a big muddled mystery.   We will have more as things clear up!  Stay warm and happy weather watching!