Early Prediction For The Hurricane Season

Submitted by Chesley McNeil, Meteorologist

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012, 1:07pm

Early Prediction For The Hurricane Season

Early forecast on the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season are average at best! Bill Read, the director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, unveiled his forecast this week stating that we will likely see average storm activity with sea surface temperatures forecast to be cooler than last year.

Read did not make any specific forecasts on the number of hurricanes he expected but he did say preliminary reports suggest water temperatures could be less conducive this year for hurricane formation.

On average, the Atlantic hurricane season brings around 12 tropical storms, with 6 of those strengthening into hurricanes. 2011 saw 19 tropical storms, with seven growing into hurricanes, including three major ones.

Irene was the only hurricane to hit the United States in 2011 and the first since Hurricane Ike struck southeastern Texas in 2008.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st.

Bill Read--U.S. National Hurricane Center

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Tornado Warning is Scary Stuff

Submitted by Mike Francis, Chief Meteorologist

Monday, March 5th, 2012, 10:27pm

Tornado Warning

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Atlanta Weather | Cooler Air This Week

Submitted by Mike Francis, Chief Meteorologist

Monday, March 5th, 2012, 6:12pm

Short Term

Freeze Warning in effect for tonight. If you don't like the weather in Georegia just wait 10 minutes and it will change! Such is the case again tonight! With totally clear skies and winds becoming light from the north we are going to get very cold tonight. Lows overnight in the metro area will be dipping into the lower 30's with some upper 20's in the forecast for some of the rural areas. Tomrrow will be very sunny and beautiful! Highs will still be on the cool side with afternoon temps making it into the mid to upper 50's.

Mid Week

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Tornadoes hit Haralson, Paulding, Cobb counties

Submitted by 11Alive on Monday, March 5th, 2:01 pm

ATLANTA (WXIA) -- National Weather Service officials said preliminary investigations of storm damage indicate an EF-3 tornado touched down in Paulding and Haralson counties, and an EF-1 touched down in Cobb County Friday night.

STORM PHOTOS | The aftermath

In Haralson County, the twister touched down along Bethlehem Church Road, where a repair shop was destroyed and trees knocked down. Also on Bethlehem Church Road, a mobile home was pushed off of its foundation. A church steeple was blown off on Mount Zion East Road, and along U.S. 27 near Harpers Creek Road, numerous trees and telephone poles were knocked down.

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Protect Your Plants Tonight

Submitted by Chesley McNeil, Meteorologist

Monday, March 5th, 2012, 12:49pm

ATLANTA -- Winds will calm down this evening with clear skies and temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s. Due to the late season low temperatures, the National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for metro Atlanta from 9 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A Freeze Warning means that nighttime temps could threaten outdoor plants. With temperatures as warm as they have been lately, many of you have already begun to plant for spring. If not protected, your outdoor plants may be destroyed along with other early spring growth.

The plants most vulnerable to frost are soft woods, actively growing bloomers, and potted plants.

There are a few ways your can keep your plants safe:

The best way, if possible, is to bring your plant inside for the night.

Many people mistakenly use plastic to protect plants from frost. While this can be effective, it is a practice that some expert gardeners warn against.

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Cold And Windy

Submitted by Chesley McNeil, Meteorologist

Monday, March 5th, 2012, 8:30am

Chilly start to the day with temps in the 40s and winds. A weak cold front will move across the area today. No rain (or snow) associated with the front, but it will increase our winds. A Wind Advisory will remain in effect through 8pm.
Winds will diminish quickly tonight and temperature will fall into the 20s and 30s prompting a freeze warning. The Freeze Warning will last until 9am Tuesday.
Temps will get back to the low 60s by Wednesday.

Long Term:

Temps will hit the 70s by Friday, but the chance for showers and thunderstorms will also return. For now it looks like the rain will be in the forecast through the upcoming weekend.