Day: September 23, 2011

Wicked Winds and Thunder?

11:00 pm – just received from my SLO Co weatherman
“An upper-level low pressure system spinning off the coast of Southern California is drifting northeastward and steering subtropical moisture in a counterclockwise fashion over San Luis Obispo County tonight.

Thunderstorms developed in eastern regions of San Luis Obispo County this evening and are now spreading throughout our area tonight with numerous lightning strikes reported.
Please see http://www.sloweather.com/lightning.htm
This thunderstorm activity will continue through early Saturday morning.  

Because of the dry air in place and limited moisture accompanying
these storms, dry lighting is possible. Gusty winds near thunderstorms
can also add to the fire danger. However, brief periods of rain and hail are also possible.  

The upper-level low responsible for this activity will move to the east later on Saturday, leaving behind mostly dry and clear skies. For your safety, stay inside during electrical storms.

9:45 pm – Couldn’t tell for sure, but it was either the rumble of thunder, or the falling of a tree in the forest, although my thunder phobic dog has been hiding for an hour, and her hearing is better than mine. The wicked winds have my other three on edge. Going to be a long night. Have some interesting shots of the clouds, but reception not good enough to upload tonight. Will try tomorrow.

Reminders

First, the Art from here and there, a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center is this Sunday at 2:00 pm at Ventana. A reliable source says a Barbara Spring piece has been added to the available art!

Second, the photo contest for the BigSurKate header photo ends at Midnight (or by the time I check my email in the morning.

Third, and last, Los Padres National Forest is increasing staffing on all districts, including Monterey, bringing in teams and equipment from other forests in anticipation of possible dry lightning. A source in Paso already reported the build up of thunderheads moving in a NW direction towed us earlier this afternoon. Pay attention, and report any smoke sightings immediately!

Have a great and safe weekend.