Monday, January 14, 2013

Strong Storm May Strike US in Early February

The Bering Sea is giving good indications that a strong storm may hit the nation in early February.

The above image depicts surface pressure forecast values for Hour 96, roughly the morning of January 16th. The Ocean Prediction Center (OPC), which produced this image, believes this storm system will become unusually strong and reach a minimum pressure reading of 944 millibars. Thanks to the dedicated folks over on the AccuWeather Forums, it has been determined that, when there is a strong storm in the Bering Sea, another strong storm system hits the nation about 18-21 days later.

If we take the date of January 16 and move it out 18 to 21 days, we reach the timeframe of February 3 to February 6th. This is indeed the timeframe I am thinking has potential to hold a rather strong storm for the nation. Considering the polar vortex should be pressing southward and potentially a positive PNA with favorable MJO stages, it would not surprise me to see this system take a track more tuned towards the East Coast- ONLY if a negative NAO is in place. If not, expect a more Ohio Valley/Midwest track.

The potential is there, the strength still has to be determined however. I do not know if any areas will get any precipitation, so please do not ask.

Andrew

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

On Feb 1 snow is forecasted to accumulate along with the two days before that says accuweather.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I found this site! I mean that, I'v said that before & will continue to say it, Thank God for this site! If this storm heads my way I will have enough time (thanks to this site only) to get my dogs kenneled, me in a hotel, as I will not sit thru another storm in the country ever again!
Thank you for all you do Andrew!
bree

Anonymous said...

ok so what am i missing here?
a possible "strong storm" but no snow ??? dont get it
or is it just major cold
anybody know ??????

Andrew said...

Anonymous at 5:06: Those long range forecasts that are very specific can be dangerously unreliable.

Andrew said...

Anonymous at 7:36: I don't know what precipitation will be brought where yet. What I posted is all I know at the moment.

Andrew said...

Bree: Thank you for the kind words! It's people like you that make me love to post!

Anonymous said...

I recently discovered your site and find the information much better than other weather prediction services.

I am getting a real education on weather.

Thanks for this great weather info.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Andrew! This is great! If there is a strom, when do you think the models would startt to be able to pick it up? Around the 26th maybe?

Anonymous said...

There is ridging in the Bering Sea as the system is still off Kamchatka.