Hurricane Earl is packing winds near 140 mph as it blows its way toward North Carolina on Thursday. The Eastern Seaboard up to Maine is on alert for a Labor Day weekend pounding by waves, gales and rain.

UPDATE: Hurricane lowered to Category 2.

STORMPULSE Hurricane Earl Tracking Map | NOAA CONE

Reports Watches, and Warnings Thursday 8 EDT

NEW YORK
Tropical Storm Watch
HURRICANE EARL LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
644 PM EDT THU SEP 2 2010

…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE EARL EXPECTED TO PASS EAST OF THE
AREA…BUT IMPACTS WILL STILL BE FELT…

.AREAS AFFECTED…
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK…
NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY…SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT AND ADJACENT
COASTAL WATERS. [Follow New York link above for latest]

**********************

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Hurricane Warning
Statement as of 8:00 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

Bogue-Inlet-NC 34.63n 77.13w
NC/VA-border 36.55n 75.87w

555 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

… Hurricane Warning remains in effect…

… New information…
updated wind probabilities… winds… and shelter information.

… Precautionary/preparedness actions…
precautionary/preparedness actions…

There is a mandatory evacuation order for residents and visitors
to Ocracoke.

There is a mandatory evacuation for all visitors throughout Dare County… and
for residents and visitors for south Nags Head and Hatteras
Island. In addition… residents along the ocean front are advised
to relocate due to coastal flooding and ocean overwash that will
occur. [Follow Cape Hatteras link above for latest]

****************

Washington D.C.

Coastal Flood Advisory
Statement as of 3:33 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

… Coastal Flood Advisory now in effect until 6 am EDT Friday…
… Coastal Flood Watch is cancelled…

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
cancelled the coastal Flood Watch. The coastal Flood Advisory is
now in effect until 6 am EDT Friday.

Southeast winds and lowering pressure in association with
Hurricane Earl will allow water levels to increase to 1 to 2 feet
above normal by tonight. These departures are expected to produce
minor tidal flooding during times of high tide tonight.

******************

Boston, Massachusetts

Tropical Storm Watch
Statement as of 8:00 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

Hull-MA 42.30n 70.91w
Eastport-ME 44.92n 67.05w

612 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

… Tropical storm watch remains in effect…

…

… Probability of tropical storm/hurricane conditions…
the chance for hurricane conditions at this time is very small.
Also… the chance for tropical storm conditions at this time is
up to 56 percent. Tropical storm conditions are most likely to
begin Friday evening.

**************

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Watch
Statement as of 8:00 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

NC/VA-border 36.55n 75.87w
Sandy-Hook-NJ 40.46n 74.00w

800 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

NC/VA-border 36.55n 75.87w
Cape-Henlopen-de 38.78n 75.09w

536 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

… Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect…
… Hurricane Watch remains in effect…

… Precautionary/preparedness actions…
precautionary/preparedness actions…

…

… Probability of tropical storm/hurricane conditions…
the chance for hurricane conditions at this time is very small.
Also… the chance for tropical storm conditions at this time is
up to 75 percent. This represents a general steady trend since the
last forecast.

*************

Norfolk, Virginia

Tropical Storm Warning, Hurricane Watch
Statement as of 8:00 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

NC/VA-border 36.55n 75.87w
Sandy-Hook-NJ 40.46n 74.00w

800 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

NC/VA-border 36.55n 75.87w
Cape-Henlopen-de 38.78n 75.09w

536 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

… Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect…
… Hurricane Watch remains in effect…

… Precautionary/preparedness actions…
precautionary/preparedness actions…

Final actions to protect life and property should be completed
before conditions deteriorate. Cover windows and doors with
shutters or plywood. Move patio furniture and other loose outdoor
objects inside. Brace all exterior doors… including garage
doors.

Comply with any evacuation orders issued for your area. If you
live in a Mobile home… leave it for more substantial shelter. If
your home is vulnerable to high winds… or you live in a surge
zone or any location prone to flooding… evacuate to a designated
shelter or ride out the storm in the sturdy home of family or
friends outside of evacuation zones.

… Probability of tropical storm/hurricane conditions…
the chance for hurricane conditions at this time is very small.
Also… the chance for tropical storm conditions at this time is
up to 75 percent. This represents a general steady trend since the
last forecast.

*****************

Nantucket, Massachussetts

Hurricane Warning
Statement as of 8:00 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

Nantucket 41.27n 70.04w
Marthas-Vineyard 41.38n 70.63w

612 PM EDT Thu Sep 2 2010

… Hurricane Warning remains in effect…

… New information…
updated all sections.

… Precautionary/preparedness actions…
precautionary/preparedness actions…

Make the final preparations to protect life and property. Rush to
completion the hardening of your home or business by closing
shutters and bracing garage doors.

If evacuating… leave as soon as possible. Guard against being
stuck out on roadways when dangerous winds and heavy rains
arrive. Again… do not stay in a Mobile or manufactured home.
Remember… pets are not allowed in most official shelters… so
check ahead with your intended shelter.

If staying in a home… turn the refrigerator to maximum cold and
keep it closed. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small
appliances. Fill the bathtub with water in case the tap water
becomes unavailable after the storm. This is for cleaning and
Flushing purposes. Do not drink it.

… Probability of tropical storm/hurricane conditions…
the chance for hurricane conditions at this time is up to
24 percent. Also… the chance for tropical storm conditions at
this time is up to 83 percent.

… Winds…
sustained hurricane force winds around 75 mph are expected across
Cape Cod and islands. However… the highest probability of
hurricane force winds are expected at Nantucket where gusts up to
90 mph are possible. For the rest of the Massachusetts and Rhode
Island coastline… tropical storm force winds of 40 to 60 mph are
expected… with the strongest winds closest to the Cape Cod canal.
In this area wind gusts to hurricane force are possible. The
period of strongest winds should occur from around 8 PM Friday
into the predawn hours and then diminish toward Saturday morning.
Given trees remain fully leaved combined with heavy rainfall…
winds of this magnitude will easily be capable of Downing or
uprooting trees… especially across Cape Cod and the islands.
Therefore expect at least scattered power outages across Cape Cod
and Nantucket.

… Storm surge and storm tide…
with the present track projection and timing… storm surge
flooding is not a major concern along the Massachusetts coast. A
storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is possible along Nantucket Harbor…
the east side of Chatham… and the northeast facing coastline of
Martha/S Vineyard around the time of the Friday evening high tide.

Although a low risk at this time… more serious coastal flooding
could occur Friday night in Wellfleet and Provincetown Harbor…
if Earl should track farther west and pass very near the Outer
Cape. However this closer track is not expected at this time.

… Inland flooding…
the axis of heaviest rainfall is expected across far southeast
Massachusetts including the cape and islands. 2 to 4 inches of
rain are possible… with isolated amounts up to 6 inches. Much of
this rain may fall in a 6 hour period late Friday into Friday
night… which would be enough to produce urban and poor drainage
flooding along with areas of minor small stream flooding. The
axis of heaviest rainfall is track dependent and could shift
depending on the eventual track of Earl.

… Rip currents…
high surf and dangerous rip currents will continue into Friday
across the southeast Massachusetts shoreline. This includes Cape
Cod… Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard. The worst of these dangerous
beach conditions will be Friday as Hurricane Earl makes its
closest approach to southern New England. Earl will exit into the
Canadian Maritimes Saturday… however the southern New England
ocean waters will remain very turbulent into the weekend despite
improving weather conditions. Therefore expect high surf and
dangerous rip currents to persist into at least Saturday and then
slowly easing Sunday and especially Monday. Beach-goers should
check with local beach patrols and lifeguards before entering the
water. Swimming restrictions are likely with possible beach
closures Friday and possibly into Saturday. The most dangerous
surf conditions are expected at south and east facing ocean
exposed beaches.

GET THE LATEST REPORT, WARNINGS AND WATCHES FROM THE LINKS TO EACH CITY (AND SEARCH OTHER CITIES ON THOSE LANDING PAGES)

Video of storm that pounded Chicago, Elmhurst, Hillside, Westchester and other western suburbs especially hard Friday, as viewed from Payton Hill in Arlington Heights. Elmhurst and Westchester are on the horizon when the camera is panned left-center.

Video of intense electrical storm and rain storm that hit Chicago, Elmhurst and Westchester especially hard Friday night. By 11:30 p.m. underpasses were flooded, some as high as car roof tops in Elmhurst. Video shows intense cloud-to-ground lightning in the storm viewed from Payton Hill in northwest suburban Arlington Heights. About 7 inches of rain fell near O’Hare International Airport. Cloud-to-ground lightning visible is about 16 to 20 miles away to the south-southeast.

View Chicago Storm 7.23.2010 in a larger map
Google map of viewing vantage point and viewing field toward Elmhurst and Westchester.

iPhone screen shot about 11:30 pm. Friday, July 23, 2010, of storms in a line from Indiana to Iowa — passing Chicagoland just south of O’Hare International Airport and drifting north.

Airbus A380 at Farnborough Airshow 2010 Monday, July 20, 2010.

Farnborough International Airshow
The Farnborough International Airshow is a seven-day international trade fair for the aerospace business which is held biennially in Hampshire, England. The airshow is organised by Farnborough International Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of British aerospace industry’s body the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) to demonstrate both civilian and military aircraft to potential customers and investors. It (along with the Paris Air Show) is an important event for the aerospace industry particularly for the announcement of new developments and orders.

There are four indoor exhibition halls and an outdoor aircraft static display. Demonstrations flights and a flying display are held each day of the show. On the last two days the general public are admitted, and some non-commercial items are added to the static and flying displays. Since 1996, the show has had its own official radio station operated by the staff and students of near-by Farnborough College of Technology. In 2004 there were more than 1,300 exhibitors and 150,000 trade visitors.

Initially an annual event, in 1962 the air show changed to its present biennial format. The second change was that it became an international event with exhibitors from all over the world, the exception, until recently, being those countries from behind the Iron Curtain. It is currently held at Farnborough Airfield in mid July in every even numbered year, alternating with the Paris Air Show and is therefore held in the same years as the Berlin Air Show (ILA).

The Farnborough Airshow has its origins in the annual RAF Airshow at Hendon (1920–1937) and was established by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC), which had been founded in 1916. The SBAC held a small exhibition at Hendon on 27 June 1932 as the show-piece for the British aircraft industry, at which 35 aircraft were exhibited by 16 companies. With a break for World War II the show recommenced at Radlett (the site of Handley Page’s airfield) in 1946 and was held there until 1948 when the show moved to its present location of Farnborough home of the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Hampshire, approximately 30 miles south west of central London. The headquarters of the UK’s principal aerospace firm, BAE Systems, is also in Farnborough.

Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. The largest passenger airliner in the world, the A380 made its maiden flight on 27 April 2005 from Toulouse, France, and made its first commercial flight on 25 October 2007 from Singapore to Sydney with Singapore Airlines. The aircraft was known as the Airbus A3XX during much of its development phase, but the nickname Superjumbo has since become associated with it.

The A380′s upper deck extends along the entire length of the fuselage, and its width is equivalent to that of a widebody aircraft. This allows for an A380-800′s cabin with 5,146 square feet (478.1 m2) of floor space; 49% more floor space than the next-largest airliner, the Boeing 747-400 with 3,453 square feet (320.8 m2), and provides seating for 525 people in a typical three-class configuration or up to 853 people in all-economy class configurations. The postponed freighter version, the A380-800F, is offered as one of the largest freight aircraft, with a payload capacity exceeded only by the Antonov An-225. The A380-800 has a design range of 15,200 km (8,200 nmi), sufficient to fly from New York to Hong Kong for example, and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (about 900 km/h or 560 mph at cruising altitude).

VIDEO: Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flying over Toys “R” Us.

The term “black helicopter” is often used to describe conspiracy theories in general, and is often used jokingly to respond to someone who says something with a tone of conspiracy. For example, when someone makes a statement of paranoia about the government watching or following our every moves, the response might be, “You’ve been seeing ‘Black Helicopters’ again?”

On Tuesday, June 29, 2010 a dark or black helicopter was circling the area west of Golf and Meacham in Schaumburg. The helicopter, which appeared to be a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, also appeared to be doing touch-and-go landings at the Schaumburg Municipal Helipad behind John Barleycorn and Toys “R” Us. No markings were visible on the helicopter.

“Black helicopters” is a term which became popular in the United States militia movement and its associated political circles in the 1990s as a symbol and warning sign of an alleged conspiratorial military takeover of the United States. Rumors would circulate that, for instance, the United Nations patrolled the US with unmarked black helicopters, or that federal agents used black helicopters to enforce wildlife laws. The concept springs from the basic truth that many government agencies and corporations do use helicopters, and that some of these helicopters are dark-colored or black. For instance, dark-colored military helicopters were deployed in the standoff at Ruby Ridge. Earlier tales from the 1970s linked them with UFO conspiracy theories.

The concept of ‘black helicopters’ was first popularized in the early 1990s by Mark Koernke, also known as “Mark from Michigan”, in appearances on Tom Valentine’s radio show and in public speeches which were widely circulated on videocassette, and shortly thereafter by Linda Thompson in her film America Under Siege. In Alex Jones’ film Police State 2000 unmarked black helicopters are shown flying low in surprise urban warfare training missions with Delta Force operators and foreign troops.

Jim Keith wrote two books on the subject: Black Helicopters Over America: Strikeforce for the New World Order (1995), and Black Helicopters II : The End Game Strategy (1998).

Media attention to black helicopters increased in February 1995, when first-term Republican northern Idaho Representative Helen Chenoweth charged that armed federal agents were landing black helicopters on Idaho ranchers’ property to enforce the Endangered Species Act. “I have never seen them,” Chenoweth said in an interview in The New York Times. “But enough people in my district have become concerned that I can’t just ignore it. We do have some proof.” Chenoweth made the charges at a press conference without ever consulting with the Department of the Interior.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which enforces the act, says that they do not own any helicopters nor have ever used them in Idaho. The only green and black military helicopters known to be used in Idaho are used by the National Guard.

The black helicopters theory resonates well with the belief held by some in the militia movement that troops from the United Nations might invade the United States. The John Birch Society published an article in The New American detailing how the existence of the covert aircraft was mostly the product of possible visual errors and a tendency towards overboard caution.

Reported uses of black, dark or unmarked helicopters:
Black helicopters without FAA-required running lights are regularly used by the drug interdiction office of the DEA. In addition, most U.S. Army helicopters (such as the Black Hawk or UH-60 Blackhawk) are finished in a very dark chocolate or olive matte paint.

At least some sightings of black helicopters are very likely to have been helicopters on exercises and/or missions. Some of them are flown by units of the Army National Guard and are actually black (not dark olive or chocolate brown) when seen in ordinary light. The Department of Homeland Security operates a dozen black-and-gold UH-60 Blackhawk under the US Customs Service. The American military does in fact operate helicopters painted in black or dark colors, particularly the Pave Low which is optimized for long-range stealthy insertion and extraction of personnel, including combat search and rescue.

U.S. Army and National Guard helicopters painted olive drab will appear to be black in the reddish light of dawn or dusk, or under other low light conditions during the day when their shadow side is viewed against the sky with the naked eye. The Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment use helicopters primarily painted black.

The U.S. Army regularly conducts both exercises and operational missions in American airspace. Some of these exercises have taken place in densely populated cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Oakland and Washington, D.C. Most operational missions are tasked in narcotics interdiction in the American Southwest and out of Florida and Puerto Rico. By extensive use of IR, Radar, GPS and night vision devices, as well as other classified means, they are able to fly in zero visibility conditions with no running lights. At this high intensity level of operation, training is necessarily almost as dangerous to pilots, other air traffic, and the public as actual combat. Frequent practice is necessary to retain proficiency. Frequent practice results in frequent sightings by concerned members of the public.

The UH-60 entered service with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in June 1979. The U.S. military first used the UH-60 in combat during the invasion of Grenada in 1983, and again in the invasion of Panama in 1989. During the Gulf War in 1991, the UH-60 participated in the largest air assault mission in U.S. Army history with over 300 helicopters involved. In 1993, Black Hawks featured prominently in the assault on Mogadishu in Somalia. Black Hawks also saw action in the Balkans and Haiti in the 1990s. UH-60s continue to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A variation of the UH-60 is the two-tone painted VH-60N, which transports the President of the United States.

At 10:21 UTC on 04/05/2010 one of the final four Space Shuttle missions lifted off for Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Space Shuttle Discovery and her crew of 7 will be bringing Leonardo to the International Space Station for a two week and three EVA stay. This is the HD Ascent video as seen on Spacevidcast in the live HD channel.

Great video of the space shuttle launch on April 5, 2010 — the last pre-dawn space shuttle launch.

Titusville, FL – A video of the space shuttle Discovery, STS-131, was recorded at the William J Menzo Park in Titusville Florida, on April 6, 2010 at 6:2a.m. EST. The last scheduled launch before sunrise.

View World in a larger map
William J Menzo Park in Titusville and Kennedy Space Center.

The National Weather Service at 10:40 a.m. Saturday issued a Frost Advisory for late tonight, early tomorrow morning. The latest day on record to fall to 32°F is May 25, 1992. The latest day to fall below 32°F is May 21, 2002 when the temperature fell to 31°F.

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1040 AM CDT SAT MAY 8 2010

…FROST ADVISORY LATE TONIGHT INTO EARLY SUNDAY MORNING…

.COLD AIR WILL SETTLE OVER NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST
INDIANA TODAY. A LARGE HIGH WILL MOVE INTO CENTRAL ILLINOIS BY
SUNDAY MORNING. THE WIND IS FORECAST TO DECREASE TO LIGHT AND
VARIABLE BY SUNDAY MORNING ACROSS THE REGION. THE SKY IS EXPECTED
TO CLEAR BY MORNING SO FROST IS POSSIBLE WITH SOME ISOLATED
FREEZING TEMPERATURES EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

Here are some low temperatures expected tonight …
Arlington Heights 37°F at 4:00 a.m.
Aurora 35°F at 4:00 a.m.
DeKalb 37°F at 4:00 a.m.
Kankakee 38°F at 4:00 a.m.
Lake Geneva, WI 34°F at 4:00 a.m.
Rockford 36°F at 4:00 a.m.
St. Charles 35°F at 4:00 a.m.
West Chicago 35°F at 4:00 a.m.
Wheeling 37°F at 4:00 a.m.

As of 5:15 a.m. Friday, freezing temperatures have been forecast for the Chicago area overnight Saturday to Sunday. A low temperature of 32°F is forecast for the early morning hours Sunday. Accumulating snow is expected Friday night in upper Wisconsin and upper Michigan.

No Frost Advisory, Warning or Freeze Advisory or Warning has been issued as of Friday morning at 5:15 a.m.

NOTE:
An update has to the design of Arlingtoncards.com/weather improves the efficiency and choices of weather information. Three dropdown menus include multiple views of local weather radar images by suburb, city or midwest region. Also quick choice selections allow stationary or motion radar images.

The dropdown menus also include satellite images — both stationary and motion — that allow a viewer to quickly see the cloud cover in the area. It’s a great way to see if the day is going to be sunny in the next few hours, or if clouds are covering the area. UV maps, fronts maps, and hourly temperature and precipitation forecasts are also available with a quick, convenient selection from a dropdown menu. Check it out now …

Tornado Watch
WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 113
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
756 PM CDT FRI APR 30 2010
[NO MAJOR RADAR THREAT THROUGH 9:30 PM]

ILC031-043-063-091-105-197-010300-
/O.EXB.KLOT.TO.A.0113.000000T0000Z-100501T0300Z/

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS EXTENDED TORNADO WATCH 113 TO
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING

IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS

LIVINGSTON

IN NORTHEAST ILLINOIS

COOK DUPAGE GRUNDY
KANKAKEE WILL

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF…CHICAGO…JOLIET…KANKAKEE…
MORRIS…PONTIAC AND WHEATON.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO/ROMEOVILLE IL
808 PM CDT FRI APR 30 2010

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE ILLINOIS-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-
DUPAGE-COOK-LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-
IROQUOIS-FORD-LAKE INDIANA-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
808 PM CDT FRI APR 30 2010 /908 PM EDT FRI APR 30 2010/

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS…
NORTHEAST ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

.DAY ONE…TONIGHT.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED:

THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE NORTHEASTWARD ACROSS THE
OUTLOOK AREA THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT. THERE IS A SLIGHT TO
MODERATE RISK THAT SOME OF THESE STORMS COULD BE SEVERE.
DAMAGING STRAIGHT LINE WINDS WILL BE THE GREATEST THREAT FROM
THESE STORMS…THOUGH A FEW TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE.

AREAS AFFECTED AND TIMING:

THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT THE OUTLOOK AREA FROM WEST TO EAST
THIS EVENING THROUGH TONIGHT. WHILE THE THREAT OF SEVERE WEATHER
EXISTS ACROSS THE ENTIRE OUTLOOK AREA…THE HIGHEST
PROBABILITIES OF SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE ACROSS WESTERN PORTIONS
OF THE OUTLOOK AREA THIS EVENING…ESPECIALLY ALONG AND WEST OF
THE INTERSTATE 55 CORRIDOR.

DISCUSSION:

THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ALONG A SLOW MOVING
COLD FRONT AS IT APPROACHES THE AREA TONIGHT.

MODERATE INSTABILITY AND STRONG WINDS ALOFT WILL CREATE
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR A FEW SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS…PRIMARILY IN THE FORM OF LINE AND BOWING
SEGMENTS. HOWEVER…A FEW TORNADOES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

THERE IS A CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY EVENING…WITH
THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY SATURDAY NIGHT. THERE IS A CHANCE THESE
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MAY LINGER INTO EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT ANY SEVERE WEATHER TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO.

&&

COMPLETE FORECAST INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE NWS CHICAGOWEBPAGE …
WEATHER.GOV/CHICAGO

SEVERE WEATHER SUMMARY PAGE …
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hazards/lot

Elk Grove police responded to a tree down in the road that caused an accident with a Ford Escort and a GMC van. The accident occurred on Arlington Heights Road, just north of Higgins Road. No injuries reported.

A large tree branch also down on Plum Grove Road in Palatine.

A wind advisory placed in effect from noon CDT to 7 pm CDT was published by the National Weather Service at 3:26 AM April 29, 2010. Sustained south wind of up to 30 mph and frequent gusts to 40 mph are expected this afternoon. The highest gust speeds are expected to be in the 45 mph to 50 mph range.

Watch as Dryline Media storm chaser Aaron Dooley takes Alec Jones in for his first ever close tornado intercept. Incredible video of intercepting the tornado at close range, not once but TWICE! Near the end of the life tornado the rotation is incredible (at about 09:15)!!

Choice transcript …

Look at that fabulous … just take pictures, dude.
You can hear it.
We’re just going to watch it, OK?
Dude, it’s coming toward us.
Just … I know, dude. I’m in here … been doin’ this for a long time. You have to trust me, OK?
Get out of the car.

Debris
Pickin’ up trees
Pickin’ up trees

You gettin’ this?
Yes.
Hey what about these power lines?

[Hyperventilating] Get back. Get back.
Do you trust me?
That’s too close.
Do you trust me?
OK

Ok … get ready for some wind … ready?
Yeah.
Closest you’ve ever been?

Dude, dirt’s being thrown

Spring has taken a break in northern New York and northern New England where there has been a rare late-season snowstorm. It dumped up to 2 feet of heavy, wet snow.

Schools closed in northern Vermont and New Hampshire and about 15,000 customers are without electricity, according to a utility company in Vermont.

The National Weather Service estimates parts of New York’s Adirondack Mountains and northern Vermont received more than 13 inches of snow since Tuesday morning and more coming.

A tornado touched down Saturday afternoon in Yazoo City, Valley Park and Durant, Mississippi. At least nine people were killed by a 3/4-mile wide tornado. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokesman Greg Flynn reported five people were killed in Choctaw County, 3 in Yazoo County and 1 in Holmes County. Two of the dead in Choctaw County are children. Multiple buildings were damage in the tornado.

The amount of debris caused rescuers to use All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) for search, rescue and transportation of victims. More than 15 other counties were also damaged. Aerial

Video of devastation in Mississippi and resident reaction from tornado that struck Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Aerial video of Yazoo City, Mississippi, shows a path of debris and destruction left by a tornado that reportedly killed two people and injured more than a dozen.

YAZOO CITY
NUMEROUS BUILDINGS LEVELED AT HIGHWAY 16 ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF YAZOO CITY

CHURCH DESTROYED AT CORNER OF HIGHWAY 16 AND HIGHWAY 49. NUMEROUS TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN ALSO.

WIDESPREAD TREES DOWN WITH HOMES DAMAGED IN TOWN OF CRUPP.

DURANT
MAJOR DAMAGE ALONG INTERSTATE 55. CARS BLOWN OFF THE ROAD, TREES AND SIGNS DOWN.

CARS BLOWN OFF INTERSTATE 55 AT MILE MARKER 151. SEVERAL INJURIES REPORTED. REPORT FROM WLBT-TV.

HOLMES
*** 1 INJURED *** MULITPLE CARS BLOWN OFF INTERSTATE 55. UNKNOWN NUMBER OF INJURIES. REPORT RELAYED VIA ATTALA COUNTY EMA.

ATTALA
NUMEROUS TREES DOWN BLOCKING HIGHWAY 51. SHEDS HEAVILY DAMAGED. MINOR DAMAGE TO HOMES

More from NOAA National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center
2:10 PM
3 N SATARTIA YAZOO MS
HOME DESTROYED 3 MILES NORTH OF SATARTIA. PEOPLE TRAPPED INSIDE. (JAN)

4:28 PM 6 ENE WEST POINT CLAY MS
POWER LINES REPORTED DOWN ON BARTON FERRY ROAD. LIKELY TORNADO BASED ON RADAR. (JAN)

DATA SOURCE:
NOAA National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center

NASA Graphic: Kennedy Space Center 1st Landing Opportunity – Orbit 237.

UPDATE: Both conditions for successful viewing of the Discovery Space Shuttle were not met early today: The landing route and the weather. The Space Shuttle landing was postponed to a third landing attempt with a route away from Chicago. Also, the Infrared Satellite image including the Chicago area showed almost the entire state of Illinois under cloud cover at flyover time for Orbit 237. The weather (Arlingtoncards.com/weather: Partly Cloudy, 40°F, Wind Calm) had looked good for a possible Space Shuttle sighting over Chicago. But even if the weather cooperated, the chosen deorbiting route was far from Chicago. If NASA had directed the shuttle to deorbit to Kennedy Space Center on Orbit 237, Chicagoans could have been in luck. However, The Discovery Space Shuttle (Orbiter Vehicle Destination OV-103) took another route (Orbit 238) that traveled southeast — flying over southwest Canada and a large portion of the United States, including Vancouver, British Columbia, northeastern Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Southwestern Nebraska, North-Eastern Colorado, Southwestern Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and on to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Another route away from Chicago was also possible: The shuttle also could have landed on another orbit on a path to Edwards Air Force Base in California, also leaving Chicagoans without a view of the Space Shuttle.

Video of Space Shuttle STS-131 Discovery landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday.

See also …
NASA – STS 131 Landing Ground Tracks

NASA – How to Predict Sighting Opportunities for Shuttle Landings

HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT REAL TIME DATA (NASA SkyWatch application)
Instructions (INSTRUCTIONS NO LONGER VALID SINCE SHUTTLE LANDED) …
1. Enter Zip Code Lower Right of world map
(if cookies exist for previous visit to this page, you will see your last known location)

2. Select dropdown menu for Space Shuttle, not ISS

3. Click the ‘Next Sighting’ button

As of 9:36 p.m. on April 18, 2010 the closest approach is reported to be Tue Apr 20@4:42:27 AM
Maximum Elevation only 12.7 degrees. Look for it North-Northeast (Azimuth 340.8 to 018.0 degrees)
Also listen for double sonic boom.
(The data is subject to change)

Video of fireball/meteor caught by a Howard County Iowa Sheriff’s Deputy. Illumination starts at about 00:27

National Weather Service — Quad Cities Report … Just after 10 pm CDT Wednesday evening April 14th, a fireball or very bright meteor was observed streaking across the Midwest sky. The fireball was seen over the northern sky, moving from west to east. Well before it reached the horizon, it broke up into smaller pieces and was lost from sight. The fireball was seen across Northern Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin. Several reports of a prolonged sonic boom were received from areas north of Highway 20, along with shaking of homes, trees and various other objects including wind chimes. As of late Wednesday evening, it is unknown whether any portion of this meteorite hit the ground.

The flash was visible from Arlington Heights Road, just south of Sigwalt Street as a quick but intense flash — similar to a transformer explosion between 10:02 p.m. and 10:04 p.m CDT. The flash filled the western sky — slightly west-northwest.

VIDEO: The fireball was caught on a webcam from UW-Madison AOS/SSEC.

Radar image showing smoke trail from National Weather Service in the Quad Cities. The big circle is ground clutter. The small diagonal line located over the border of Grant County and Iowa County in western Wisconsin is the suspected smoke trail of the meteor.

The Doppler Radar from the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities appeared to capture a portion of the smoke trail from the fireball at 0302z (1002 PM CDT), as seen in the image below. It appears as a thin line extending across portions of Grant and Iowa Counties in Wisconsin. This trail is positioned nearly 88 miles north-northeast of Davenport, Iowa at an elevation of just over 24,000 ft AGL.

Most meteoroids disintegrate when entering Earth’s atmosphere. However, an estimated 500 meteorites ranging in size from marbles to basketballs or larger do reach the surface each year; only 5 or 6 of these are typically recovered and made known to scientists. Few meteorites are large enough to create large impact craters. Instead, they typically arrive at the surface at their terminal velocity and, at most, create a small pit. Even so, falling meteorites have reportedly caused damage to property, livestock and people.

We are approaching the period of the Lyrids Meteor Shower (April 16-24), so there is speculation that the meteor could be an early “shooting star” from the meteor shower. The Lyrids have been known to cause bright meteors known as ‘Lyrid fireballs’ that leave behind smokey debris trails.

See also …
National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office Quad Cities, IA/IL

The high temperature of 47°F is the best warmth of the day. Temperatures are expected to fall all day down to 36°F or 37°F tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m.

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers likely. Temperature falling to around 44 by 5pm. North northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Rain likely before 1am, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy, with a north northeast wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Check The Cardinal weather page …
Arlingtoncards.com/weather
The dropdown menus are loaded with helpful resources for hourly temperatures, radar, satellite views and more. Get a more precise feel for when it might rain, get sunny, and when temperatures are going to change.

Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued Tuesday morning at 6:40 a.m., 7:01 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Multiple lines of storms are making travel difficult at rush hour.

The first storm and second storm warnings were associated with storms that were most severe in Lake County. The third storm line appears to be strong south of Arlington Heights in Cook County and DuPage County. Although more storms could develop, the radar is clearing for the Arlington Heights area after the Severe Thunderstorm Warning associated with the third round of storms ends at 8:15 a.m.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO/ROMEOVILLE IL
701 AM CDT TUE APR 6 2010

ILC031-037-043-089-093-097-099-111-197-061230-
/O.CON.KLOT.SV.W.0011.000000T0000Z-100406T1230Z/
MCHENRY IL-LAKE IL-COOK IL-KANE IL-DEKALB IL-DUPAGE IL-KENDALL IL-
WILL IL-LA SALLE IL-
701 AM CDT TUE APR 6 2010

…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEASTERN
LA SALLE…NORTHWESTERN WILL…NORTHERN KENDALL…DUPAGE…
SOUTHEASTERN DEKALB…KANE…NORTHWESTERN COOK…LAKE AND MCHENRY
COUNTIES UNTIL 730 AM CDT…

AT 656 AM CDT…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE
HAIL…AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE
LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM WONDER LAKE TO MAPLE PARK TO
LELAND…MOVING EAST AT 60 MPH.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE…
MCHENRY…PISTAKEE HIGHLANDS…LITTLE ROCK…SANDWICH…FOX LAKE…
ALGONQUIN…SLEEPY HOLLOW…CARPENTERSVILLE…ISLAND LAKE…
ELGIN…PLANO…EAST DUNDEE…LONG LAKE…LAKE VILLA…ANTIOCH…
ROUND LAKE…ST. CHARLES…WAUCONDA…GENEVA AND VENETIAN VILLAGE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER
HOUR…DESTRUCTIVE HAIL…DEADLY LIGHTNING…AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR
YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR
HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE
INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Warning for the third storm lines this morning …

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
ILC031-043-061315-
/O.NEW.KLOT.SV.W.0013.100406T1232Z-100406T1315Z/

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO/ROMEOVILLE IL
732 AM CDT TUE APR 6 2010

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR…
NORTHERN COOK COUNTY…
NORTHERN DUPAGE COUNTY…

* UNTIL 815 AM CDT

* AT 730 AM…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL. THIS
STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR GLEN ELLYN…AND MOVING EAST AT 70 MPH.
HAIL UP TO GOLF BALL SIZE WAS REPORTED WITH THIS STORM AT BATAVIA
AT 725 AM CDT.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE…
LOMBARD…YORK CENTER…ADDISON…VILLA PARK…OAK BROOK…
ELMHURST…WESTCHESTER…BROOKFIELD…OHARE AIRPORT…FRANKLIN
PARK…LYONS…MAYWOOD…RIVERSIDE…ROSEMONT…FOREST PARK…RIVER
FOREST…BERWYN…STICKNEY…PARK RIDGE AND OAK PARK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER
HOUR…DESTRUCTIVE HAIL…DEADLY LIGHTNING…AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR
YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR
HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE
INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

THIS STORM HAS A HISTORY OF PRODUCING LARGE HAIL. SEEK SHELTER NOW
INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS!

Update: Worst of last night’s storm is over. There were two Severe Thunderstorm Warnings associated with two storms overnight. Some hail about 10:40 p.m. Monday in Arlington Heights. Heaviest parts of the storm were on the south side of Arlington Heights, and crossing through Schaumburg and Elk Grove. Chicagobreakingnews.com is reporting Des Plaines experienced baseball-sized hail that broke windows in homes. Elk Grove Village responded to lines down across all lanes of Nicholas Boulevard near Landmeier Road. Westbound Landmeier was shut down from Higgins Road. Roofs damaged on two commercial buildings and an uprooted tree in Bensenville. Arlington Heights Fire Department responded to an orange glow in the vicinity of Tanglewood Apartments in the 2200 block of South Goebbert. Nothing was found … 10:47 PM CDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ESTIMATED WIND GUST TO 60 MPH. ACCOMPANIED BY HAIL AT O’HARE.

A second Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued just before 12:44 a.m. and was extended until 2:00 a.m. The warning area affected northwest Cook County and western Lake County. Buffalo Grove fire and police officers responded to multiple alarms related to electric power service interruptions. … 1:15 AM CDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE REPORT … ONE PERSON INJURED IN CRYSTAL LAKE WIDESPREAD DAMAGE REPORTED IN CRYSTAL LAKE…TREES DOWNED…TRAFFIC LIGHT POLES BLOWN DOWN…ENTIRE FIRE DEPT DISPATCHED HANDLING REPORTS OF DAMAGE. In Marengo, 70-mph winds flipped over a tractor-trailer on westbound Interstate Highway 90 just west of Illinois Highway 47.

RAINFALL: Between one-half inch and an inch overnight in northwest suburbs.

More thunderstorms are expected today.

Radar image just before first storm hit Arlington Heights about 10:36 p.m. CDT — showing purple shades zeroed in on Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Bensenville, Des Plaines, and Skokie. [Arlingtoncards.com/weather has multiple views of current radar available every day from the RADAR/SATELLITE dropdown menu in the header.]

Original warning at 10:02 PM …

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR…
NORTHERN COOK COUNTY…
NORTHERN DUPAGE COUNTY…
NORTHEASTERN KANE COUNTY…
LAKE COUNTY…
EASTERN MCHENRY COUNTY…

* UNTIL 1100 PM CDT

* AT 1002 PM…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WALNUT SIZE
HAIL…AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH. THESE STORMS
WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 5 MILES EAST OF HARVARD TO
ELBURN…AND MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE…
GENEVA…BATAVIA…ST. CHARLES…WONDER LAKE…SLEEPY HOLLOW…
ELGIN…ALGONQUIN…DUPAGE AIRPORT…CARPENTERSVILLE…WEST
CHICAGO…MCHENRY…EAST DUNDEE…ISLAND LAKE…PISTAKEE
HIGHLANDS…CAROL STREAM…WHEATON…HOFFMAN ESTATES…FOX LAKE…
BARRINGTON AND WAUCONDA.

* THIS WARNING INCLUDES THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

THESE STORMS HAVE A HISTORY OF PRODUCING DESTRUCTIVE WINDS AND LARGE
HAIL. SEEK SHELTER NOW INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE AND STAY AWAY FROM
WINDOWS!

TO REPORT SEVERE WEATHER…CONTACT YOUR NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY. THEY WILL RELAY YOUR REPORT TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
IN CHICAGO.

See also …
Arlingtoncards.com/weather

See also Storm Prediction Center Storm Reports
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/last3hours.html
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/today.html

Watch as the Emirates’ Boeing 777, the world’s most successful twin-engine aircraft, comes together before your eyes at the Boeing plant in Seattle, WA. Then experience it for yourself by booking a flight online.

Emirates (Arabic: طيران الإمارات Ṭayarān al-Imārāt) is a major airline in the Middle East, and a subsidiary of The Emirates Group. It is the national airline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates and operates around 2200 passenger flights per week, from its hub at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, to 106 destinations in 60 countries across 6 continents. The company also operates four of some of the world’s longest non-stop commercial flights from Dubai to Los Angeles, San Francisco, São Paulo and, Houston all on the Boeing 777-200LR. Emirates is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which has over 50,000 employees, and is wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai directly under the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Cargo activities are undertaken by the Emirates Group’s Emirates SkyCargo division.

Emirates operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft and is one of only nine airlines to operate an all wide-body aircraft fleet. The centrepiece of the airline’s fleet is the Boeing 777 with 83 in its fleet. Emirates also has orders for 58 Airbus A380s and became the second operator of the Airbus A380-800 after Singapore Airlines when their first aircraft was delivered on 28 July 2008. Emirates has won numerous awards and is an industry bellwether for aircraft purchases, purchasing over 130 aircraft in 2007 alone. Emirates became the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777s on July 30, 2009 when it received its 45th Boeing 777-300ER.

As of April 4, 2010, Emirates does not fly out of O’Hare International Airport.

Visit emirates.com/usa

Video from cockpit camera that was fed to all passengers and amateur video from passenger in the cabin of a Qantas A380 superjumbo jet that shows sparks flying from wheel where tires were damaged upon landing.

A Qantas A380 superjumbo jet damaged its tires on landing in Sydney Wednesday night. Unsettled passengers watched the sparks fly on their seatback video screens.

The National Weather Service at 10:06 a.m. issued a gale warning for southern Lake Michigan for this afternoon and evening, with predictions of high winds and high waves as winds strengthen throughout the afternoon. A small craft advisory was in effect ahead of the Gale Warning.

The Lake Michigan Gale Warning takes effect at 4 p.m. this afternoon until 1 a.m. Monday. Sustained gale force winds are forecast with gusts from the north up to 35 knots (approximately 40 m.p.h.) and wave heights of 8 feet. The National Weather Service reports an area of low pressure in southern Illinois and Indiana will combine with an area of high pressure across the Great Lakes to create the high winds.

Gale force warning winds are defined as winds of 34 to 48 knots (about 39 to 54 m.p.h). The purpose of gale warnings is to allow mariners to take precautionary actions to ensure boat safety operation, which requires experience and a properly equipped vessel.

Sunday’s weather forecast calls scattered rain with high temperatures in the 40′s. Heavier rain and 50′s are forecast in southern Illinois.

UPDATED SATURDAY 12:05 PM — Arlington Heights snowfall amounts of 3 inches overnight through noon Saturday. Snow is not sticking to sidewalks, driveways and roadways.

Snowfall is forecast total 1-3 inches today.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Mar 20, 11:52 am CDT

Light Snow Fog/Mist

32 °F
(0 °C)
Humidity: 85 %
Wind Speed: NE 20 G 30 MPH
Barometer: 30.18″ (1022.6 mb)
Dewpoint: 28 °F (-2 °C)
Wind Chill: 20 °F (-7 °C)
Visibility: 1.25 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of March 20, 2010 at 11:55 AM CT) …
This Afternoon: Snow. High near 35. North northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a steady temperature around 33. Northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Thunderstorm echos on radar moving through the area in a very northerly direction — Low pressure center just to the west over Iowa.

CHICAGOLAND FORECAST
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming north northeast between 10 and 15 mph.

SOURCE: National Weather Service Chicago

Storm chaser video shows power flash as tornado hit power lines, and large pieces of debris.

Two storm chasers captured a tornado on video that touched down in western Oklahoma Monday. Authorities say at least five homes and a barn were destroyed by the twister in Hammon, Oklahoma — about 100 miles west of Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Michelann Ooten reported there were no initial reports of any injuries with the storm, which occurred about 5:15 p.m. Monday.

View of Hammon, Oklahoma tornado on the horizon.

A total of 3.5 inches of new snow fell from Wednesday 7:30 p.m. through Thursday at 2:00 a.m. in Arlington Heights. Snow is light to medium — not good packing. Snow cover at 7:00 a.m. Thursday was 9.5 inches in Arlington Heights.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 25, 6:52 am CST

Fair

18 °F
(-8 °C)
Humidity: 77 %
Wind Speed: NW 7 MPH
Barometer: 30.12″ (1021.0 mb)
Dewpoint: 12 °F (-11 °C)
Wind Chill: 9 °F (-13 °C)
Visibility: 10.00 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of Feb 25, 6:52 am CST) …
Today: Scattered flurries before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. North northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. Wind chill values as low as zero. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Friday: Scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as zero. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Friday Night: Scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Saturday: Scattered flurries. Cloudy, with a high near 32. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Lake Effect Snow Advisory until noon Thursday. A lake effect snowfall hit Cook County with light snow starting about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, and heavy snow falling at 8:00 p.m. At least 2.5 inches had fallen by 9:00 p.m. Up to 6 inches accumulation is possible in some neighborhoods by Thursday morning.

Injury crashes occurred at Buffalo Grove Road and Birchwood in Buffalo Grove and at 855 East Golf Road in Arlington Heights.

The Golf Road crash at about 8:30 p.m. involved three vehicles, including a silver Mercedes that left the roadway. Arlington Heights Fire Department sent two rescue-ambulances to the scene. Police blocked eastbound Golf Road at Goebbert Road. Traffic on Golf Road was a mess with a bad traffic backup. The eastbound lanes were re-opened at 9:40 p.m.

Numerous other minor crashes also occurred Wednesday night. A second accident also occurred at Golf and Arlington Heights Road. Crashes also occurred at Palatine and Kennicott, and at Arlington Heights Road and Olive.

A total of one-half of new snow fell from Tuesday 10:30 p.m. through Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in Arlington Heights. Snow is continuing to fall. The new snow that fell overnight Tuesday to Wednesday was an expanded fluffy snowfall. Snow cover at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday was 6.5 inches in Arlington Heights after settling and melting from last snowfall.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 24, 7:52 am CST

Light Snow

23 °F
(-5 °C)
Humidity: 81 %
Wind Speed: NW 10 MPH
Barometer: 29.93″ (1014.4 mb)
Dewpoint: 18 °F (-8 °C)
Wind Chill: 12 °F (-11 °C)
Visibility: 1.50 mi

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 24, 2010 at 8:04 AM CT) …
Today: Snow showers likely, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 27. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -1. North northwest wind around 15 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -1. North northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

A total of 3 inches of new snow fell from Sunday 6:00 p.m. through Monday at 6:30 a.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Sunday to Monday was heavy, wet and slushy. Snow cover at 6:30 a.m. Monday was 7.0 inches in Arlington Heights. The snow is still falling at 6:30 a.m. Monday. The precipitation began as light right about 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 22, 5:52 am CST

Light Snow Fog/Mist

32 °F
(0 °C)
Humidity: 92 %
Wind Speed: NE 10 MPH
Barometer: 29.77″ (1008.6 mb)
Dewpoint: 30 °F (-1 °C)
Wind Chill: 24 °F (-4 °C)
Visibility: 2.50 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 22, 2010 at 7:00 AM CT) …
Today: Snow showers, mainly before noon. High near 34. North northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight: Scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 16. West northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

The Zurich University of Applied Sciences School of Engineering Airtraffic team presents the global air traffic (simulation over 24 hours).

The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW, German: Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften), located in the city of Winterthur, with facilities in Zurich and Wädenswil, is the largest University of Applied Sciences and the third largest college after the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich in the Zürich metropolitan area.

United States air traffic simulated from 8:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Air Traffic in the United States
In the middle of the day, the number of aircraft peaks at just over 5,000.
In the middle of the night the number of aircraft drops below 900.

www.zhaw.ch/en/
radar.zhaw.ch
youtube.com/airboyd

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for Sunday 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST MONDAY
… in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Winter Storm Warning nearby …
IMMEDIATELY TO THE WEST AND NORTH OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Gilberts, Hawthorn Woods, West Dundee, East Dundee, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, North Barrington, Rockford, Vernon Hills, Wauconda) …
A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect for Sunday 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST MONDAY
Accumulation forecasts are the same for WARNING area and ADVISORY area 3-7 followed by 1-3 inches.

National Weather Service Forecast for Arlington Heights at 2:03 p.m. February 21, 2010

National Weather Service Forecast for Buffalo Grove at 2:03 p.m. February 21, 2010

A total of .25 inch of new snow fell from 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 a.m. Saturday in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell Saturday morning was wet. Snow cover in Arlington Heights at 2:30 p.m. Saturday was 5 inches of wet, packed snow. Some areas with sun exposure have almost no snow cover.

CURRENT CONDITIONS …
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 21, 1:52 pm CST

Fog/Mist

34 °F
(1 °C)
Humidity: 89 %
Wind Speed: NE 7 MPH
Barometer: 30.02″ (1017.1 mb)
Dewpoint: 31 °F (-1 °C)
Wind Chill: 28 °F (-2 °C)
Visibility: 2.50 mi

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for Sunday 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST MONDAY

Winter Storm Warning nearby …
IMMEDIATELY TO THE WEST AND NORTH OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Gilberts, Hawthorn Woods, West Dundee, East Dundee, Libertyville, Long Grove, Mundelein, North Barrington, Rockford, Vernon Hills, Wauconda) …
A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect for Sunday 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON CST MONDAY
Accumulation forecasts are the same for WARNING area and ADVISORY area 3-7 followed by 1-3 inches.

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Watch for snow that is expected to develop Sunday evening in the area north of Interstate 80 and accumulate to greater than 6 inches by Monday morning. Snow accumulation is expected to continue through the day on Monday and reach at least 10 inches through the day Monday. Heaviest accumulation is expected in McHenry and Lee County and near the shores of Lake Michigan in Lake County and Cook County.

The Winter Storm Watch was issued Saturday February 20, 2010.

Some snow is also expected Saturday and began falling just before 6:00 a.m., but it is not part of the Winter Storm Watch.

A total of .25 inch of new snow fell from Monday 5:00 p.m. through Tuesday at 3:30 a.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and fluffy/medium dry. Snow cover at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday was 7.5 inches in Arlington Heights.

CURRENT CONDITIONS …
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 16, 6:52 am CST

Overcast

28 °F
(-2 °C)
Humidity: 72 %
Wind Speed: NW 13 MPH
Barometer: 29.83″ (1010.8 mb)
Dewpoint: 20 °F (-7 °C)
Wind Chill: 17 °F (-8 °C)
Visibility: 10.00 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 16, 2010 at 7:30 AM CT) …
Today: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Northwest wind around 15 mph.

Tonight: Scattered flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday: A chance of flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

A total of 10 inches of new snow fell from Monday 11:30 p.m. through Wednesday at 3:00 a.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and fluffy/medium dry. The snow is a little wetter than past snows, but is not ‘wet snow’. Snow cover at 3:00 a.m. Wednesday was 12.0 inches in Arlington Heights.

O’Hare International Airport weather observers reported a 12.6 inch snowfall on February 9, 2010 — the greatest calendar day snowfall since 18.6 inches was recorded on January 2, 1999. Last year 12 inches of snow fell, but over a 2-day period — January 9-10, 2009.

The barometer is rising. The low pressure has passed and remaining snow difficulties will occur with blowing snow and lake effect snow.

Winter Storm Warning in effect until 9 am CST Wednesday…

CURRENT CONDITIONS …
Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 10, 2:52 am CST

Light Snow

24 °F
(-4 °C)
Humidity: 81 %
Wind Speed: NW 18 G 25 MPH
Barometer: 29.85″ (1011.5 mb)
Dewpoint: 19 °F (-7 °C)
Wind Chill: 10 °F (-12 °C)
Visibility: 3.00 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 9, 2010 at 3:00 AM CT) …
Overnight: Snow and widespread blowing snow. Low around 21. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Wednesday: Areas of blowing snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -1. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

A total of 4.0 inches of new snow fell from Monday 11:30 p.m. through Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and fluffy/medium dry. The snow is a little wetter than past snows, but is not ‘wet snow’. Snow cover at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday was 6.0 inches.

Winter Storm Warning in effect until 9 am CST Wednesday…

CURRENT CONDITIONS …

Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 9, 12:52 pm CST

Snow Freezing Fog

27 °F
(-3 °C)
Humidity: 85 %
Wind Speed: NE 9 MPH
Barometer: 29.80″ (1009.9 mb)
Dewpoint: 23 °F (-5 °C)
Wind Chill: 18 °F (-8 °C)
Visibility: 0.25 mi

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 9, 2010 at 1:30 PM CT) …
This Afternoon: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 27. Northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow and areas of blowing snow before midnight, then widespread blowing snow and a chance of snow after midnight. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 21. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Areas of blowing snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.

A total of 2.0 inches of new snow fell from Monday 11:30 p.m. through Tuesday at 6:15 a.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and fluffy/medium dry. Snow cover at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday was 3.5 to 4.0 inches.

Winter Storm Warning in effect until 9 am CST Wednesday…

CURRENT CONDITIONS …

Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 9, 5:52 am CST

Light Snow Fog/Mist

25 °F
(-4 °C)
Humidity: 85 %
Wind Speed: E 7 MPH
Barometer: 29.97″ (1015.8 mb)
Dewpoint: 21 °F (-6 °C)
Wind Chill: 17 °F (-8 °C)
Visibility: 1.25 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 9, 2010 at 6:22 AM CT) …
Today: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 27. East northeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tonight: Snow and widespread blowing snow before midnight, then widespread blowing snow and a chance of snow after midnight. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 22. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday: Areas of blowing snow before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Blustery, with a north northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Video of runway takeoff from Paine Field in Everett, Washington with rotation and departure of the new Boeing 747-8, which is 18 feet longer than the largest Boeing 747.

The Boeing 747-8 is a widebody commercial airliner developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the latest evolutionary version of the Boeing 747, with lengthened fuselage (18 feet larger than the 747-400), redesigned wings and improved efficiency. As of 2009, the first 747-8 freighter is due to be delivered in 4th quarter 2010, with the passenger model scheduled for 2011. As of January 8, 2010, a total of 108 Boeing 747-8s were on order; 76 of the freighter version and 32 of the passenger version.

As of January 2010, Boeing has 108 orders: 76 for the freighter (747-8F) and 32 for the Intercontinental passenger (747-8I) version.

The very first Boeing 747 tookoff on February 9, 1969. The jumbo jet was christened the City of Everett.

What does the ‘I’ stand for in 747-8I?
Intercontinental.

A WINTER STORM WARNING has been issued at 3:53 AM for late Monday through early Wednesday with up to 12 inches of snow expected to accumulate over the area, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning takes effect at 9 p.m. Monday and will continue until 4 a.m. Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and early evening. Blowing and drifting snow with near blizzard conditions in open areas can be expected Tuesday night. Both road traffic and air traffic are expected to encounter severe difficulties with delays and cancellations likely.

How much snow for Chicago and Chicagoland?
Snow depth of 6-12 inches is forecast with the heaviest snowfall generally near Lake Michigan. Some local spots throughout Chicagoland may experience heavier accumulations.

The heaviest snow is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Sampling of cities included: Arlington Heights, Aurora, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Joliet, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Waukegan, Wheaton, Woodstock

One-quarter inch of new snow fell from Friday about 2 p.m. through 11 p.m. in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and a little crusty. Current snow cover in Arlington Heights is 2.25 inches.

CURRENT CONDITIONS …

Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 6, 7:52 am CST

Overcast

26 °F
(-3 °C)
Humidity: 71 %
Wind Speed: NE 18 G 24 MPH
Barometer: 30.11″ (1020.5 mb)
Dewpoint: 18 °F (-8 °C)
Wind Chill: 13 °F (-11 °C)
Visibility: 8.00 mi.

FORECAST TODAY (as of February 6, 2010 at 8:20 AM CT) …
Today: Scattered flurries. Cloudy, with a high near 29. Blustery, with a northeast wind between 15 and 20 mph.

Tonight: Flurries likely. Cloudy, with a low around 20. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Sunday: A chance of flurries. Cloudy, with a high near 27. East wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 20. East wind around 5 mph becoming south.

The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for several counties in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana that is scheduled to remain in effect through tonight. The air quality alerts have been issued for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Grundy, Kendall, and Will counties in Illinois; and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.

The air in northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana is deemed ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’ The general public is not likely to be affected. The cause of the air quality is weather conditions that trap pollutant particles in the region.

The AIRNow website is available every day in the left column of Arlingtoncards.com/weather

SOURCE:
airnow.gov

A total of 2.5 inches of new snow fell from Monday 11:00 p.m. through Tuesday at 12 noon in Arlington Heights. The new snow that fell overnight Monday to Tuesday was light and fluffy/dry. The snow that fell after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday was wet and good packing snow. Snow cover at 12 noon Tuesday was 2.5 inches. Some sunshine came through clouds and melted snow significantly in some sun-exposed ground areas. Snow cover has melted and settled to just over 2 inches.

CURRENT CONDITIONS …

Chicago Executive Airport
Lat: 42.11 Lon: -87.9 Elev: 646
Last Update on Feb 2, 3:52 pm CST

Light Snow

32 °F
(0 °C)
Humidity: 79 %
Wind Speed: W 5 MPH
Barometer: 29.99″ (1016.3 mb)
Dewpoint: 26 °F (-3 °C)
Wind Chill: 27 °F (-3 °C)
Visibility: 2.00 mi.

FORECAST LATE TODAY (as of February 2, 2010 at 4:22 PM CT) …
Late Afternoon: Scattered snow. Cloudy, with a high near 33. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight: A chance of flurries before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 31. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.