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Post by tornado on Apr 19, 2019 13:39:28 GMT -5
Dothan, Alabama: METAR KDHN 190953Z AUTO 19018G30KT 4SM RA BR FEW014 BKN075 OVC100 23/21 A2959 RMK AO2 PK WND 19030/0946 LTG DSNT S TSB14 SLP013 P0022 T02280206
ALDARS did not include a TSE time.
Bicycle Lake, California: METAR KBYS 181656Z AUTO 05008KT 010V080 10SM VCTS CLR 25/M02 A3021 RMK AO2 SLPNO WND DATA ESTMD T02531017
At 1717Z, lightning data from 2 different programs showed that the nearest lightning was over SE Texas, hundreds of miles away:
That was an ALDARS “false positive” VCTS, meaning that in no way was VCTS warranted.
Danbury, Connecticut: SPECI KDXR 150922Z AUTO 29012G24KT 2SM VCTS RA BR SCT007 BKN012 OVC026 16/14 A2938 RMK AO2 PK WND 27028/0910 WSHFT 0908 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0023 T01610144 SPECI KDXR 150912Z AUTO 28017G28KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 OVC014 17/16 A2937 RMK AO2 PK WND 27028/0910 LTG DSNT E-SW PRESRR P0017 T01720156 SPECI KDXR 150901Z AUTO 18008KT 6SM VCTS RA BR OVC007 18/16 A2932 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESFR P0001 T01780161 METAR KDXR 150853Z AUTO 19009G20KT 9SM -RA OVC007 18/16 A2933 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N RAB53 SLP929 P0000 60000 T01780161 56039
At both 0859Z and 0903Z, TS criteria was met by lightning striking about 3 miles from DXR:
Instead of TS, VCTS was reported.
Cecil Airport, Jacksonville, Florida: METAR KVQQ 191750Z 18007G15KT 2SM -RA BKN039 19/18 A2971 METAR KVQQ 191650Z 20013G18KT 2 1/2SM -RA SCT004 BKN025 18/18 A2974 METAR KVQQ 191550Z 18016G26KT 10SM BKN025 OVC030 29/27 A2972 D-level LAWRS site, didn’t report lightning striking near the airport:
ALDARS is enabled at VQQ:
METAR KVQQ 190535Z AUTO 16006KT 10SM BKN055 BKN095 OVC120 23/20 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E METAR KVQQ 190415Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM TS SCT055 22/21 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W
Was that a compound failure of both ALDARS and LAWRS?
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl Airport, Panama City, Florida: SPECI KECP 191043Z AUTO 20014KT 8SM -RA FEW015 BKN030 OVC070 21/20 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 21037/1016 WSHFT 0956 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0057 T02060200 SPECI KECP 191039Z AUTO 21015G22KT 7SM VCTS -RA FEW015 BKN026 OVC055 21/19 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 21037/1016 WSHFT 0956 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESFR P0057 T02060194 SPECI KECP 191030Z AUTO 20016G31KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT010 BKN026 OVC038 21/20 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 21037/1016 WSHFT 0956 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0057 T02060200 SPECI KECP 191016Z AUTO 20027G37KT 1 1/4SM R16/0100VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR FEW006 BKN011 OVC026 21/20 A2960 RMK AO2 PK WND 21037/1016 WSHFT 0956 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0039 T02110200 SPECI KECP 190958Z AUTO 17021G30KT 2SM R16/2200VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR SCT006 BKN012 OVC021 23/22 A2959 RMK AO2 PK WND 18030/0958 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0009 T02330217 METAR KECP 190953Z AUTO 14019G26KT 4SM R16/3000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN009 OVC012 23/22 A2959 RMK AO2 PK WND 16031/0928 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP032 P0015 T02330217 SPECI KECP 190938Z AUTO 16017G28KT 4SM R16/5500VP6000FT VCTS RA BR BKN009 OVC013 23/22 A2960 RMK AO2 PK WND 16031/0928 LTG DSNT ALQDS CIG 006V010 P0007 T02330222
ALDARS reported VCTS throughout the period. However, lightning struck close to the airport- within 5 miles- at 0945Z, 0956Z, and 1026Z:
ALDARS should have changed VCTS to TS< but did not do so.
St. Augustine, Florida: METAR KSGJ 190356Z AUTO 15015G19KT 3SM VCTS RA BR SCT013 BKN037 OVC075 24/23 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND SW TSB44RAB34 SLP130 P0013 T02390228 METAR KSGJ 190256Z AUTO 16013KT 10SM FEW075 24/22 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP133 T02440222 50006 ALDARS did not generate a SPECI to begin the thunderstorm, resulting in a 12-minute delay in VCTS getting reported.
Alton, Illinois: SPECI KCPS 180809Z AUTO 22010G19KT 5SM TSRA BR BKN022 BKN039 OVC090 19/17 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB0754 P0009 T01890172
Nearby Cahokia reported LTG DSNT ALQDS. So why is Alton configured to report ALQS?
METAR KALN 180755Z AUTO 15004KT 3SM +TSRA SCT002 BKN023 OVC031 17/17 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQS P0067 T01720172
METAR KALN 180915Z AUTO 18011KT 10SM SCT005 SCT013 BKN030 17/17 A2961 RMK AO2 T01730173 TSNO METAR KALN 180855Z AUTO 16003KT 10SM SCT003 BKN013 17/17 A2958 RMK AO2 P0031 60130 T01720172 TSNO METAR KALN 180835Z AUTO 15008KT 5SM VCTSRA BKN003 OVC009 18/18 A2960 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N THRU SE P0031 T01750175
Did the thunderstorm stop being reported due to the ALDARS outage?
Cedar Rapids, Iowa: METAR KCID 172352Z 30023G35KT 4SM VCTS +RA SCT048 BKN060 16/14 A2954 RMK AO2 PK WND 27038/2342 WSHFT 2333 LTG DSNT SW RAB44 TSB47E50 SLP003 P0004 60004 T01610144 10250 20161 53009 SPECI KCID 172348Z 29024G38KT 5SM +TSRA BR FEW042 SCT049 BKN060 16/14 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 27038/2342 WSHFT 2333 LTG DSNT SW RAB44 TSB47 PRESRR P0003
A 3-minute TS was recorded.
Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas: METAR KOJC 172253Z 20007KT 10SM VCTS FEW050 FEW100 23/16 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S AND SW TSB40E48 SLP030 T02330156 SPECI KOJC 172240Z 20005KT 10SM TS FEW050 23/16 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW TSB40 T02330156
An 8-minute TS was recorded.
New Century Aircenter, Olathe, Kansas: SPECI KIXD 180146Z 07004KT 10SM TS BKN045 OVC055 21/16 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW TSB35E37 OCNL LTGIC TS W MOV E T02110161 METAR KIXD 180053Z 02004KT 10SM SCT060 20/16 A2964 RMK AO2 SLP030 T02000161
While ALDARS did report TS, a 2-minute TS was recorded in remarks. Also, if the TSB35 time was correct, it took 11 minutes to get that information transmitted in a SPECI.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana: SPECI KBTR 182251Z 35006KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN004 BKN024 OVC038 17/17 A2962 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE TSE2156 P0024 RVRNO SPECI KBTR 182222Z 02005KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 BKN018 OVC085 18/17 A2962 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSE2156 P0003 T01780172 SPECI KBTR 182156Z 05008KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR FEW004 BKN018 OVC027 17/17 A2962 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE TSE56 P0000 T01720167 METAR KBTR 182153Z 05011KT 1/2SM VCTS RA BR OVC005 17/17 A2962 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE SLP028 P0111 T01720167 RVRNO SPECI KBTR 182107Z VRB03KT 1/2SM VCTS RA FG OVC005 17/17 A2966 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0010 T01720172 RVRNO SPECI KBTR 182100Z 01008KT 1 3/4SM VCTS RA BR BKN009 BKN017 OVC044 18/17 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0003 T01780167 METAR KBTR 182053Z 03009G18KT 2 1/2SM VCTS RA BR BKN009 OVC022 18/17 A2963 RMK AO2 PK WND 02026/2004 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE28 SLP034 P0106 60189 T01780172 56008 SPECI KBTR 182037Z 07010G15KT 2 1/2SM VCTS RA BR BKN009 OVC022 18/17 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 02026/2004 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE28 P0104 T01780172 SPECI KBTR 182030Z 06006G17KT 1SM VCTS RA BR BKN009 OVC022 18/17 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 02026/2004 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE28 P0101 T01780172 RVRNO METAR KBTR 181953Z 36020G29KT 1/2SM +TSRA FG BKN007 OVC018 19/18 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 36029/1950 WSHFT 1921 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1854E09B12 PRESFR SLP037 P0064 T01890178 RVRNO
After successfully reporting a thunderstorm (TS) for the lightning within 5 miles of LCH, ALDARS reported VCTS, ending TS at 2028Z. VCTS ran until 2251Z. There must have been a glitch, because TSE56 appeared on the 2156Z SPECI, even though both the 2153Z SPECI and the 2156Z SPECI included VCTS, not TS. TS criteria was met at 2142Z, 2149Z, and 2152Z; with each of those lightning bolts striking near the runway complex:
ALDARS continued to report VCTS after those 3 bolts struck, and removed any kind of thunderstorm from present weather by 2251Z.
Lake Charles, Louisiana: SPECI KLCH 181541Z 35013G21KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW034 BKN055 OVC070 18/16 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S P0021 T01830161 SPECI KLCH 181513Z 34014G23KT 5SM VCTS RA BR FEW013 BKN037 OVC060 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0014 T01890167 SPECI KLCH 181506Z 34016G23KT 2SM VCTS -RA BR FEW013 BKN036 OVC055 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0012 T01890167 SPECI KLCH 181456Z 31014G23KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA FEW013 BKN028 OVC036 19/17 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T01940167 METAR KLCH 181453Z 32016G22KT 4SM VCTS +RA FEW010 SCT022 OVC034 20/17 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB44 SLP071 P0000 60000 T02000172 56010 SPECI KLCH 181448Z 32016G22KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR FEW012 BKN036 OVC050 23/21 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB44 P0000 SPECI KLCH 181433Z 15006KT 5SM BR SCT012 BKN034 OVC048 23/21 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW T02330211
ALDARS reported VCTS. Yet, lightning data showed bolts that struck within 5 miles of LCH at 1452Z (NE), 1455Z (NE), 1524Z (N), 1530Z (W), and 1535Z (SW):
The bolt that struck at 1547Z was after ALDARS began TS:
SPECI KLCH 181550Z 36006G18KT 5SM -TSRA BR SCT031 BKN050 OVC070 18/16 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB44 P0023
Of the 6 nearby bolts plotted on the map, ALDARS properly reported only 1 of them!
New Iberia, Louisiana: SPECI KARA 181538Z 15014KT 10SM TS FEW011 BKN018 OVC045 23/22 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB14E23 P0026 T02280222
ALDARS entered a bogus TSE time in remarks, as 1) the thunderstorm was still in progress, and 2) the thunderstorm couldn’t have ended after only 9 minutes.
Easton, Maryland: METAR KESN 150718Z AUTO 26012G23KT 3SM +RA SCT006 BKN012 OVC025 21/20 A2947 RMK AO2 P0012 T02120203 METAR KESN 150658Z AUTO 17030G38KT 3SM +RA 22/20 A2941 RMK AO2 SKY OBSCURED P0011 T02200198 METAR KESN 150638Z AUTO 16015G20KT 10SM SCT042 SCT050 22/20 A2945 RMK AO2 T02210197
A thunderstorm did not get reported for lightning striking very close to ESN at 0657Z, or even a bit further away at 0632Z:
Bedford, Massachusetts: SPECI KBED 151043Z 34007KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN006 OVC014 11/10 A2933 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE36 P0016 T01110100 SPECI KBED 151036Z AUTO 33010G25KT 1 1/2SM R11/6000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR SCT006 BKN013 OVC018 11/09 A2933 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W TSE36 P0014 T01110094 SPECI KBED 151033Z AUTO 29014G25KT 2SM R11/6000VP6000FT +RA BR FEW003 BKN013 OVC018 11/09 A2935 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W PRESRR P0013 T01060089
ALDARS recorded TSE36, yet began a VCTS at that time (no TS was previously reported). However,
lightning data showed strikes within 5 miles of BED at 1033Z, 1037Z, and 1046Z:
TS ought to have been reported from 1033Z-1101Z, instead of VCTS.
Barnstable Municipal-Boardman Airport, Hyannis, Massachusetts: Lightning first struck at 1201Z, about 3 miles west of HYA (green box). ALDARS did not trigger ASOS to begin a thunderstorm until 1209Z:
SPECI KHYA 151215Z 20016G29KT 1/4SM TS FG VV002 15/14 A2934 RMK AO2 PK WND 19029/1205 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB09 TS W MOVG E P0001 T01500144 METAR KHYA 151156Z 19018G32KT 1/4SM FG VV002 16/14 A2934 RMK AO2 PK WND 21032/1147 LTG DSNT W-N RAB13E46 SLP937 P0000 60000 70019 T01560144 10156 20128 56038
However, with ASOS taking 5 minutes to process the SPECI, and 1 minute to transmit it; a thunderstorm did not get reported until 1215Z. Considering that was a thunderstorm embedded in dense fog (1/4SM FG VV002), is either an 8-minute or 14-minute delay acceptable?
Nantucket, Massachusetts: METAR KACK 151353Z 20006KT 3/4SM R24/4500V6000FT RA BR VV003 11/11 A2942 RMK AO2 PK WND 23032/1257 WSHFT 1247 LTG DSNT NE AND SW TSB1258 SLP962 P0027 T01060106 SPECI KACK 151349Z 22007KT 1SM R24/4500VP6000FT RA BR FEW003 OVC009 11/11 A2942 RMK AO2 PK WND 23032/1257 WSHFT 1247 TSB1258 P0026 SPECI KACK 151337Z 21007KT 1SM R24/6000VP6000FT VCTS RA BR BKN003 OVC012 11/11 A2942 RMK AO2 PK WND 23032/1257 WSHFT 1247 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW TSB1258 P0022 T01110111 SPECI KACK 151319Z 24010KT 1SM R24/P6000FT RA BR OVC005 11/11 A2943 RMK AO2 PK WND 23032/1257 WSHFT 1247 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1258 P0017 T01110111 SPECI KACK 151311Z 23012KT 1SM R24/6000FT +TSRA BR OVC005 13/12 A2944 RMK AO2 PK WND 23032/1257 WSHFT 1247 LTG DSNT SW-N TSB1258 P0014 T01280122
ALDARS did not record a TSE time. That was a problem, considering TS criteria was met at 1343Z by 2 lightning strikes about 4 miles N of ACK:
New Bedford, Massachusetts: METAR KEWB 151253Z 10005KT 9SM -RA OVC100 14/14 A2936 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1200 WSHFT 1151 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSB1157 PRESFR SLP941 TS ENDED MOV E P0007 T01440139 SPECI KEWB 151218Z VRB05G15KT 5SM -RA BR SCT021 BKN070 OVC100 14/14 A2940 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1200 WSHFT 1151 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1157 TS OVH MOV E P0006 T01440144 SPECI KEWB 151211Z 30009G23KT 4SM TSRA BR FEW008 BKN046 OVC070 15/14 A2940 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1200 WSHFT 1151 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB1157 TS OVH MOV E P0006 T01500144
ALDARS did not record a TSE time. So was there a TS in progress at 1218Z or not?
Norwood, Massachusetts: METAR KOWD 151153Z 28007G15KT 2 1/2SM RA SCT060 BKN080 OVC090 15/12 A2940 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 WSHFT 1058 SLP956 P0049 60058 70067 T01500122 10200 20150 53008 SPECI KOWD 151120Z 29013G30KT 4SM RA FEW008 SCT012 OVC044 16/12 A2939 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 WSHFT 1058 P0037 T01560122 SPECI KOWD 151118Z 29013G30KT 3SM RA SCT010 BKN015 OVC044 15/12 A2939 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 WSHFT 1058 PRESRR P0037 T01500122 SPECI KOWD 151116Z 29016G30KT 1 3/4SM RA SCT008 BKN015 OVC047 15/12 A2939 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 WSHFT 1058 P0036 T01500122 SPECI KOWD 151112Z 31019G28KT 3/4SM +RA SCT008 BKN012 OVC032 16/13 A2936 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 WSHFT 1058 P0034 T01560128 SPECI KOWD 151103Z 29021G30KT 1 1/2SM +RA BKN011 OVC014 19/17 A2936 RMK AO2 PK WND 30030/1102 CIG 006V012 PRESRR P0015 T01940167 METAR KOWD 151053Z 22011KT 3SM -RA BR BKN011 OVC014 19/17 A2933 RMK AO2 RAB0954 CIG 007V012 SLP930 P0008 T01940172
At this C level LAWRS site, no mention of lightning or thunder was made that hour,
either by ALDARS or LAWRS. Yet, lightning data shows a thunderstorm was in progress:
Beginning at 1054Z, lightning struck close to the airport; at 1057Z, lightning appears to have struck just west of the runway; among the Boch Aviation, East Coast Aero Club, or Horizon Aviation buildings. More lightning struck at 1139Z, yet no thunderstorm was reported by OWD that hour!
Coleman A Young Municipal Airport, Detroit, Michigan: SPECI KDET 180118Z 11004KT 10SM -RA BKN085 OVC110 10/07 A2986 RMK AO2 TSB04E15 TS OVD MOV E P0000 T01000067
ALDARS ended TS after 11 minutes.
Joplin, Missouri: SPECI KJLN 180523Z AUTO 25033G58KT 4SM VCTS BR OVC017 20/18 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 27058/0523 LTG DSNT SW-NW PRESRR T02000178 METAR KJLN 180453Z AUTO 19014KT 10SM BKN020 OVC026 20/18 A2965 RMK AO2 SLP032 T02000178
If ALDARS/ASOS were designed to work faster, there would have been more than 0 minutes of lead time for the severe thunderstorm. Lightning struck within 5 miles of JLN as early as 0515Z (green box):
Lebanon, New Hampshire: SPECI KLEB 150838Z AUTO 06005KT 5SM -RA BR FEW001 SCT005 OVC010 08/06 A2932 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S CIG 007V014 P0005 T00830061 SPECI KLEB 150820Z AUTO 29011G14KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR OVC008 08/06 A2933 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND NW CIG 005V010 P0002 T00830061 METAR KLEB 150753Z AUTO 08004KT 4SM -RA BR BKN008 OVC013 07/06 A2934 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAB0656 CIG 003V010 PRESFR SLP935 P0033 T00720056
VCTS only was reported, with ALDARS ignoring lightning striking N and E at 0817Z:
Rome, New York: METAR KRME 150653Z AUTO 26009KT 6SM VCTS RA BR FEW009 BKN055 OVC070 09/08 A2939 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP952 P0017 T00940078 SPECI KRME 150648Z AUTO 26010KT 5SM VCTS +RA BR SCT009 BKN055 OVC080 09/08 A2940 RMK AO2 P0015 SPECI KRME 150628Z AUTO 27014G21KT 6SM VCTS RA BR FEW010 BKN075 OVC090 11/09 A2937 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW PRESRR P0006 T01060089
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted for lightning striking close to the airport at 0641Z:
Mansfield, Ohio: SPECI KMFD 181343Z 20010KT 10SM BKN060 BKN075 OVC090 15/13 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 21032/1258 LTG DSNT SE RAB1257E43 P0006 T01500133 SPECI KMFD 181316Z 21013G21KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW032 SCT050 BKN080 15/12 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 21032/1258 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB1257 P0004 T01500117 METAR KMFD 181252Z 21019G27KT 10SM OVC034 18/09 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 21027/1251 LTG DSNT S-NW SLP075 T01830089
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted well before 1316Z for lightning striking close to the airport at 1254Z (W) and 1257Z (N); plus 1319Z (SE):
Lehigh Valley International Airport, Allentown, Pennsylvania: SPECI KABE 150705Z 27008KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT024 OVC033 17/14 A2940 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0638 LTG DSNT N AND S P0025 T01670144 SPECI KABE 150655Z 30014G37KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT024 BKN037 OVC100 17/14 A2937 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0638 VIS 1 1/4V5 LTG DSNT N AND SW PRESRR P0006 T01720139 SPECI KABE 150653Z 28013G37KT 2SM +RA BKN028 BKN044 OVC100 17/14 A2939 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0638 LTG DSNT N AND SW PRESRR P0004 T01720139 METAR KABE 150651Z 29016G37KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW021 BKN034 OVC100 18/14 A2937 RMK AO2 PK WND 29037/0647 WSHFT 0635 LTG DSNT SW-N RAB32 PRESRR SLP945 P0004 T01830139
Instead of reporting TS for lightning which struck just within 5 miles of ABE at 0647Z and 0651Z; ALDARS waited until 0705Z to report VCTS:
Allegheny County Airport, nr Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: SPECI KAGC 150115Z 23011G18KT 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW009 BKN044 OVC060 15/14 A2936 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND S P0016 T01500144 SPECI KAGC 150103Z 27009G17KT 2SM RA BR BKN040 BKN050 OVC060 15/14 A2935 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S P0010 T01500144 METAR KAGC 150053Z 26015G29KT 6SM RA BR FEW018 SCT041 OVC048 16/14 A2935 RMK AO2 PK WND 28035/0027 WSHFT 0018 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAB34 SLP939 P0003 T01610139
ALDARS began VCTS at 0115Z, ignoring the lightning strikes within 5 miles NW of AGC at 0045Z:
Greenville Downtown Airport, South Carolina: SPECI KGMU 191730Z 16015G22KT 10SM -RA SCT011 BKN016 OVC044 20/19 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 16027/1711 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSB14 P0005 T02000189 SPECI KGMU 191720Z 17013G27KT 7SM -TSRA BKN013 BKN022 OVC090 20/19 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 16027/1711 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSB14 PRESFR P0005 T02000189 ALDARS did not record a TSE time.
Dallas Executive Airport, Redbird, Texas:
SPECI KRBD 180531Z AUTO 25012G23KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN014 OVC019 18/16 A2973 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB17 PRESRR P0031 T01780161 SPECI KRBD 180529Z AUTO 24013G23KT 1SM +RA BR FEW010 OVC016 18/16 A2972 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4 RAB17 PRESRR P0027 T01830161 TSNO
A thunderstorm should have been reported on the 0529Z SPECI, due to the lightning striking near RBD at 0523Z. But TS was omitted because of an ALDARS outage, shown by the TSNO remark.
Galveston, Texas: SPECI KGLS 181418Z 01015KT 8SM -TSRA SCT034 SCT120 18/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB12 PRESRR P0002 T01830167 METAR KGLS 181352Z 36021G26KT 10SM -RA FEW037 BKN070 BKN100 18/16 A2973 RMK AO2 PK WND 36029/1326 LTG DSNT S-W SLP068 P0001 T01830161
Despite lightning striking near the north end of runway 14/32 at 1357Z, ALDARS did not begin a thunderstorm at GLS until 1412Z:
Georgetown, Texas: METAR KGTU 180656Z AUTO 29008G16KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC100 16/14 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 32030/0605 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSE0558B00E05B30E45B56 SLP076 P0003 T01610144 METAR KGTU 180556Z AUTO 31022G30KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW009 BKN050 BKN080 16/14 A2965 RMK AO2 PK WND 31030/0555 WSHFT 0443 LTG DSNT E-SW TSE39B50E53B55 SLP035 P0044 60050 T01560144 10256 20156 402830156 58001
ALDARS recorded a 3-minute thunderstorm one hour, and a 5-minute thunderstorm the next hour.
Waco, Texas:
The lightning strike at 0504Z shown above, was about 4 miles SW of Waco Airport. Yet, VCTS was begun, but not until 0513Z; and TS begun at 0515Z. If ALDARS had been accurate and started the thunderstorm sooner, users would have had a better lead time of what quickly turned into a severe thunderstorm:
SPECI KACT 180519Z AUTO 29036G52KT 5SM TSRA SQ OVC014 22/19 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 29052/0518 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB19 TSB15 PRESRR P0000 T02220194 SPECI KACT 180513Z AUTO 19013G23KT 7SM VCTS OVC014 23/20 A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T02280200 METAR KACT 180451Z AUTO 20010KT 6SM BR OVC014 22/21 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N SLP054 T02220206
Newport News, Virginia: SPECI KPHF 150744Z AUTO 26028G39KT 2SM -TSRA FEW014 BKN027 OVC034 19/16 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 28040/0733 WSHFT 0724 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB35 TSB41 PRESRR P0014 T01940161 SPECI KPHF 150738Z AUTO 24023G40KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW019 BKN029 OVC047 21/17 A2947 RMK AO2 PK WND 28040/0733 WSHFT 0724 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB35 P0000 T02060167 SPECI KPHF 150723Z AUTO 20019G25KT 10SM VCTS SCT030 BKN039 OVC120 24/19 A2944 RMK AO2 PK WND 20030/0706 LTG DSNT W-N T02440194
ALDARS had VCTS in progress until 0741Z, changing it to TS at that time. However, lightning data showed strikes within 5 miles (meeting TS criteria) at 0728Z (green box), which preceded the gust to 40 knots:
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Post by tornado on Apr 22, 2019 11:40:36 GMT -5
Redding, California: SPECI KRDD 202216Z 36011G21KT 10SM SCT049 OVC110 19/07 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE TSB2157E2159E12 T01890072 SPECI KRDD 202203Z VRB04KT 10SM VCTS BKN110 21/09 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N TSB2157E2159 T02110089 METAR KRDD 202153Z 13004KT 10SM BKN110 21/09 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N SLP096 T02060094
TSE2159 was not correct.
Dubuque, Iowa: METAR KDBQ 221553Z 15010G20KT 10SM FEW031 FEW075 SCT100 19/13 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE SLP121 P0000 T01890128 SPECI KDBQ 221543Z 16012KT 10SM TS FEW026 SCT060 BKN070 18/12 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAB31E43 TSB37 LTG OVHD P0000 T01830122
ALDARS did not include the required TSE time.
New Century Aircenter, Olathe, Kansas: SPECI KIXD 220936Z AUTO 18006KT 10SM -RA SCT090 BKN110 18/13 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB22 P0000 T01780133 SPECI KIXD 220921Z AUTO 15013KT 10SM VCTS SCT095 BKN110 18/13 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND NW T01830128 METAR KIXD 220853Z AUTO 18007KT 10SM SCT095 18/12 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAB04E14 SLP120 P0000 60000 T01830122 50019
ALDARS reported VCTS, ignoring the LTGCG AT AP at 0923Z:
Salisbury, Maryland: SPECI KSBY 200312Z AUTO 19013G25KT 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW009 BKN040 OVC085 18/18 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND NW P0017 T01830183 SPECI KSBY 200302Z AUTO 18014G24KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT009 BKN032 OVC050 18/18 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND NW P0011 T01830183 METAR KSBY 200254Z AUTO 18014G19KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT011 BKN019 OVC065 19/18 A2976 RMK AO2 PK WND 20038/0156 LTG DSNT S RAE15B35 PRESRR SLP079 P0018 60019 T01890183 53017 ALDARS reported VCTS, ignoring the lightning at 0256Z, which struck about 2 miles NE of SBY:
St. Paul, Minnesota: SPECI KSTP 221429Z 00000KT 9SM -RA BKN012 BKN026 OVC090 08/06 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SW TSB1354E1356 P0004 T00830061 METAR KSTP 221353Z 04006G14KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW011 SCT050 OVC100 08/06 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E SLP142 P0001 T00830061
ALDARS recorded a 2-minute thunderstorm in remarks, without ever taking a SPECI for TS (VCTS was in progress); yet TS was warranted because of a lightning strike at 1351Z about 2 miles NW of STP:
White Plains, New York: METAR KHPN 201156Z 15008KT 2SM -RA BR VV003 16/16 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAB05 SLP070 P0015 60030 70050 T01610156 10172 20156 53004 SPECI KHPN 201112Z 15005KT 1/2SM R16/P6000FT -RA FG VV002 16/16 A2975 RMK AO2 RAB05 P0000 T01610156 METAR KHPN 201056Z 16009KT 1SM R16/P6000FT BR OVC002 16/16 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W RAB29E53 SLP071 P0004 T01610156 SPECI KHPN 201054Z 15009KT 1SM R16/P6000FT BR OVC002 16/16 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W RAB29E53 P0004 SPECI KHPN 201012Z 16008KT 1/4SM R16/P6000FT FG OVC001 16/16 A2973 RMK AO2 T01560156
ALDARS recorded LTG DSNT N at 1156Z. However, VCTS criteria (and possibly TS) was met for 4 strikes within 10 miles of HPN from 1041Z-1110Z.
That was during dense fog; embedded thunderstorms are particularly dangerous.
Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Pennsylvania: SPECI KPNE 200958Z 16004KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN013 OVC034 19/17 A2969 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE P0008 T01940172 METAR KPNE 200954Z 17005KT 1 1/4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW008 BKN015 OVC034 19/17 A2969 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB42 SLP053 P0018 T01940172 SPECI KPNE 200950Z 15006KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW008 BKN015 OVC023 19/17 A2968 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB42 P0010 SPECI KPNE 200947Z AUTO VRB03KT 2SM VCTS RA BKN015 OVC049 20/17 A2968 RMK AO2 RAB42 P0001 T02000172 METAR KPNE 200854Z AUTO 17006G14KT 10SM BKN016 BKN025 OVC034 20/17 A2968 RMK AO2 SLP048 60001 T02000172 56009
VCTS means ALDARS detected lightning 5-10 miles away from the airport. However, lightning struck just off airport property at 0944Z, and also struck within 5 miles of PNE at 0949Z:
Newport News, Virginia: SPECI KPHF 200152Z 19009KT 10SM FEW048 OVC070 19/17 A2968 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E RAE48 TSE01 P0026 SPECI KPHF 200133Z 21015G19KT 2SM VCTS RA BR BKN047 OVC065 19/17 A2969 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSE01 P0025 T01890172 SPECI KPHF 200121Z 22013G22KT 2SM RA BR FEW009 SCT040 OVC055 19/17 A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S TSE01 P0022 T01890172 ALDARS reported VCTS, ignoring the lightning at 0126Z which struck near runway 07/25 at PHF:
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Post by tornado on Apr 24, 2019 10:22:20 GMT -5
Aurora, Illinois: METAR KARR 222352Z 10010KT 9SM FEW050 OVC065 19/16 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 27037/2255 RAE38 TSB2253E04B05E17 SLP118 P0017 60017 T01890156 10261 20178 58002 SPECI KARR 222323Z 10006KT 3SM +RA FEW046 BKN070 OVC100 18/15 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 27037/2255 TSB2253E04B05E17 P0016 T01780150 SPECI KARR 222256Z 27021G37KT 240V320 6SM TSRA OVC065 21/13 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27037/2255 TSB53 PRESRR P0002 T02110128 METAR KARR 222252Z 21013G23KT 10SM -RA OVC060 23/12 A2992 RMK AO2 RAB2153E06B51 TSB2153B46E49 PRESRR SLP129 P0000 T02330122 SPECI KARR 222247Z VRB06KT 10SM TS OVC060 23/12 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB2153E06 TSB2153B46 P0000 SPECI KARR 222210Z 18010G18KT 10SM BKN110 24/12 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB2153E06 TSB2153 P0000 T02390117 SPECI KARR 222155Z 18013G21KT 10SM -TSRA BKN110 24/12 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB53 TSB53 P0000 T02440117
During this period ALDARS had no TSE time (2210Z), restarted a thunderstorm with 2 TSB times and no intervening TSE time (2247Z), had a 3-minute thunderstorm (2252Z), an 11-minute thunderstorm (2323Z), and a 12-minute thunderstorm (2323Z). Lightning data showed a bolt struck the airport at 2315Z (best-resolved strike position: taxiway A), yet ALDARS ended the thunderstorm 2 minutes later:
That meant the SPECI should have read 3SM +TSRA instead of 3SM +RA at 2323Z.
Once the tower closed for the night, another bolt struck near the airport at 0133Z:
However, a thunderstorm was not reported, because LAWRS disabled ALDARS overnight (TSNO).
METAR KARR 230352Z AUTO 19013KT 10SM FEW085 18/13 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 15029/0300 RAE29 SLP098 P0000 T01830128 TSNO METAR KARR 230252Z AUTO 14017G23KT 10SM -RA SCT065 BKN075 OVC110 18/14 A2983 RMK AO2 RAB0157 PRESFR SLP098 P0001 60001 T01830139 56019 TSNO METAR KARR 230152Z AUTO 13014KT 10SM BKN065 BKN080 19/14 A2985 RMK AO2 RAB34E46 SLP104 P0000 T01890139 TSNO METAR KARR 230052Z 12008KT 10SM BKN070 OVC100 18/14 A2986 RMK AO2 SLP110 T01830144
Bowman Field Airport, Louisville, Kentucky: METAR KLOU 232353Z 33003KT 9SM CLR 20/18 A2995 RMK AO2 RAE12 SLP138 P0005 60027 T02000178 10261 20194 50002 METAR KLOU 232253Z 23015G28KT 10SM +RA FEW046 BKN070 OVC085 20/15 A2996 RMK AO2 PK WND 25028/2250 RAB24 SLP143 P0022 T02000150 METAR KLOU 232153Z 26013G20KT 10SM BKN060 BKN090 26/13 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP136 T02560128
There were no SPECIs during a period when heavy rain was reported with wind gusting to 28 knots. Lightning data shows that TS ought to have been reported for lightning that struck from 2236Z-2251Z:
10SM +RA should have been 10SM +TSRA on the 2253Z METAR. According to the insert in the lower right hand corner of the map, 13 lightning bolts struck within 5 miles of LOU.
Hobbs, New Mexico: METAR KHOB 230615Z AUTO 06008G14KT 6SM VCTS RA BKN006 BKN040 OVC070 14/13 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KHOB 230555Z AUTO 05015KT 5SM -RA FEW043 SCT055 OVC070 14/13 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0009 METAR KHOB 230535Z AUTO 07013KT 6SM VCTS RA SCT008 BKN020 OVC070 14/13 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KHOB 230515Z AUTO 06011G18KT 7SM VCTS RA BKN009 OVC019 14/13 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KHOB 230455Z AUTO 06013KT 10SM VCTS RA BKN010 OVC019 14/12 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KHOB 230435Z AUTO 05014G21KT 10SM BKN010 OVC021 15/12 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS
Although there were 7-10 lightning strikes within 5 miles of HOB from 0434Z-0552Z, ALDARS reported only VCTS.
Roswell, New Mexico: SPECI KROW 230432Z AUTO 30011KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW023 BKN034 OVC045 11/09 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 30027/0411 WSHFT 0407 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0012 T01110094 SPECI KROW 230425Z AUTO 29013KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW023 BKN028 OVC070 12/09 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 30027/0411 WSHFT 0407 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0008 T01170094 SPECI KROW 230420Z AUTO 30015G27KT 4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT023 BKN028 OVC070 12/09 A3010 RMK AO2 PK WND 30027/0411 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0004 T01170094 SPECI KROW 230403Z AUTO 36004KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC070 16/11 A3009 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESRR P0001 T01560111 METAR KROW 230351Z AUTO 06009KT 9SM -RA FEW037 BKN070 OVC090 16/11 A3006 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB37 SLP137 P0001 T01560111
Although there were 2 lightning strikes within 5 miles of ROW, at 0401Z and 0407Z, ALDARS reported only VCTS.
The Gabreski Airport, Westhampton Beach, New York: SPECI KFOK 221831Z 18005KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW004 BKN022 OVC039 13/12 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW TSB1754E25 TS E MOV W P0045 T01280122 SPECI KFOK 221822Z 18005KT 2SM TSRA BR FEW004 BKN018 OVC024 12/12 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW TSB1754 TS E MOV W P0037 T01220117
Lightning data showed a bolt struck the airport (near runway 15/33) at 1823Z, so why wasn’t the thunderstorm described as overhead or at airport? Also, ALDARS ought not have changed TS to VCTS until at least 1838Z.
Lawton, Oklahoma: SPECI KLAW 231020Z AUTO 01014KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW013 BKN033 OVC040 16/14 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/1009 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB14 P0019 T01610144 SPECI KLAW 231007Z AUTO 34019G28KT 10SM VCTS SCT016 BKN033 OVC065 18/14 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1006 LTG DSNT ALQDS T01780144 METAR KLAW 230953Z AUTO 33006KT 10SM FEW034 OVC055 19/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-NE SLP148 T01940178
VCTS was reported for only 13 minutes.
Erie, Pennsylvania: METAR KERI 231651Z 19015G22KT 10SM BKN047 OVC055 17/11 A2980 RMK AO2 RAE28 SLP090 P0003 T01720111 METAR KERI 231551Z 18012KT 4SM -RA FEW036 BKN090 BKN110 17/11 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP105 P0003 T01670106 METAR KERI 231451Z 18011KT 10SM -RA SCT065 BKN080 OVC100 19/09 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB04 SLP114 P0000 60000 T01890089 56020
ALDARS missed a VCTS:
The nearest lightning bolt, struck to the NNW at 1557Z and could have been just inside 5 miles from ERI.
Grand Prairie, Texas: METAR KGPM 232350Z 04004KT 7SM RA BKN008 NBKN012 BKN025 21/21 A2994 METAR KGPM 232250Z 20008KT 1SM RA OVC006 22/18 A2996 METAR KGPM 232150Z 17007KT 10SM BKN015 23/18 A2997
Both ALDARS and LAWRS ignored the lightning striking within 5 miles of GPM starting at 2247Z:
Appleton, Wisconsin: METAR KATW 230355Z AUTO 03014KT 7SM -RA BKN006 BKN017 OVC070 06/06 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S P0002 METAR KATW 230345Z 03014KT 7SM -RA SCT007 OVC030 07/06 A2986 RMK LAST METAR KATW 230245Z 01013G20KT 4SM RA BR OVC007 07/07 A2989 METAR KATW 230145Z 04015KT 3SM -RA BR BKN030 OVC060 08/07 A2985 METAR KATW 230045Z 04013G20KT 4SM -RA BR BKN020 OVC060 09/04 A2988
ALDARS missed a TS/VCTS:
The green range ring is set at 5SM from ATW. The lightning plotted struck from 0038Z-0109Z.
Green Bay, Wisconsin: SPECI KGRB 230241Z 03011KT 3SM +RA BR BKN008 BKN055 OVC070 08/07 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E TSB15 P0023 T00830067 SPECI KGRB 230230Z 03009KT 4SM +TSRA BR BKN008 BKN026 OVC070 08/07 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSB15 P0016 T00830067
ALDARS did not include the required TSE time.
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Post by tornado on Apr 26, 2019 13:13:44 GMT -5
Texarkana, Arkansas: SPECI KTXK 250523Z AUTO 28009G17KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN005 BKN042 OVC049 17/17 A2981 RMK AO2 P0020 T01670167 SPECI KTXK 250501Z AUTO 33009KT 3SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN037 OVC044 17/17 A2978 RMK AO2 P0004 T01720172 SPECI KTXK 250455Z AUTO 33008KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN022 OVC032 17/17 A2980 RMK AO2 P0001 T01720172 METAR KTXK 250453Z AUTO 31008KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN011 OVC031 17/17 A2980 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0434 SLP086 P0083 T01720172 SPECI KTXK 250443Z AUTO 29011KT 1SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN018 OVC034 17/17 A2980 RMK AO2 P0074 T01720172 SPECI KTXK 250434Z AUTO 30011KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN003 BKN020 OVC034 17/17 A2979 RMK AO2 P0044 T01720172 SPECI KTXK 250424Z AUTO 02011KT 3SM +RA BR BKN003 BKN018 OVC042 17/17 A2977 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE P0031 T01720172 SPECI KTXK 250409Z AUTO 36008KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN003 OVC018 18/18 A2979 RMK AO2 P0017 T01780178 SPECI KTXK 250402Z AUTO VRB05KT 3SM RA BR BKN003 OVC023 18/18 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E P0004 T01780178 METAR KTXK 250353Z AUTO 02008KT 2SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN023 OVC050 18/18 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP085 P0032 T01780178 SPECI KTXK 250345Z AUTO 03007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN023 OVC050 18/18 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0023 T01780178 SPECI KTXK 250314Z AUTO 34009KT 4SM RA BR FEW003 BKN044 OVC075 18/18 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S P0010 T01830183 METAR KTXK 250253Z AUTO 36006KT 2SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN040 OVC070 18/18 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S SLP096 P0021 60030 T01830183 56002
ALDARS missed a VCTS, and possibly a TS. The 3 bolts which struck to the NE AND E, each occurred at 0459Z. The lightning which struck SE AND S occurred at 0312Z and 0320Z. That would mean ALDARS missed 2 separate thunderstorms. 4 of the reports above mention LTG DSNT, but some mentioned no LTG at all.
Bowman Field Airport, Louisville, Kentucky: METAR KLOU 250153Z 34007G20KT 3SM RA BR FEW007 BKN044 OVC075 16/15 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP123 P0036 T01610150 SPECI KLOU 250146Z 32010G20KT 2SM +RA BR SCT007 BKN038 OVC045 17/15 A2990 RMK AO2 P0034 T01670150 SPECI KLOU 250142Z 33010G20KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT006 BKN029 OVC046 17/15 A2990 RMK AO2 P0032 T01670150 SPECI KLOU 250120Z 32010G21KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW006 BKN048 OVC070 17/16 A2988 RMK AO2 VIS 2V5 P0013 T01720156 METAR KLOU 250053Z 34007G18KT 10SM -RA BKN055 BKN065 OVC090 18/16 A2986 RMK AO2 SLP110 P0000 T01830156
3 lightning bolts which struck between 0117Z-0127Z, were mentioned by neither ALDARS nor LAWRS. That was despite the heavy rain causing IFR visibility.
That was a case from the 24th, though the reports were on the 25th UTC.
Owensboro, Kentucky: METAR KOWB 242356Z 36010G17KT 3SM RA BR BKN009 OVC055 18/17 A2987 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2252 TSB15E18B20E49 SLP126 LTG DSNT W-NE P0011 60011 T01780172 10267 20178 50018
ALDARS recorded a 3-minute thunderstorm.
Lafayette, Louisiana: METAR KLFT 251553Z 16010KT 9SM -RA BKN017 OVC090 22/19 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE37B44 TSB1459E14 SLP086 P0004 T02170194 SPECI KLFT 251537Z 17009KT 10SM VCTS BKN015 OVC110 22/19 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE37 TSB1459E14 P0003 T02170189 SPECI KLFT 251519Z 18011G16KT 7SM -RA BKN015 OVC110 21/19 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1459E14 P0003 T02110189 SPECI KLFT 251459Z 18011G19KT 8SM -TSRA BKN015 OVC110 21/19 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB59 P0001 T02110189
After successfully reporting a TS, ALDARS ranged distances to lightning incorrectly for the next thunderstorm. Instead of VCTS being in progress from 1537Z-1553Z, lightning data showed that a TS was in progress for lightning which struck within 5 miles of LFT from 1529Z-1536Z (meaning that TS could not have ended before 1551Z).
Lake Charles, Louisiana: SPECI KLCH 251226Z 24008KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN013 BKN021 OVC027 20/19 A2978 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V4 LTG DSNT NE AND E AND SW P0155 T02000189 SPECI KLCH 251218Z 19004KT 1/2SM +TSRA FG BKN011 BKN027 OVC037 20/19 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0149 T02000189
ALDARS did not record a TSE time.
Monroe, Louisiana: SPECI KMLU 251235Z 00000KT 10SM FEW047 SCT055 SCT070 17/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAE29 TSB14 P0002 T01720167 SPECI KMLU 251214Z 00000KT 6SM -TSRA BR FEW050 BKN085 OVC110 17/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB14 P0002 T01720167
ALDARS did not record a TSE time.
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Post by tornado on Apr 29, 2019 12:40:33 GMT -5
Dothan, Alabama: METAR KDHN 260053Z 31010KT 3SM +RA BR FEW012 BKN036 OVC047 17/16 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 32027/0033 WSHFT 0012 TSB31 SLP146 P0011 T01720156 SPECI KDHN 260036Z 33020G26KT 10SM -TSRA FEW014 BKN028 OVC100 18/15 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 32027/0033 WSHFT 0012 LTG DSNT SW AND NW TSB31 P0001 T01780150
ALDARS did not include a TSE time.
Hartford-Brainard Airport, Connecticut: SPECI KHFD 261940Z 04009KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR FEW006 BKN028 BKN100 12/11 A2961 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW P0027 T01170106 SPECI KHFD 261934Z 01007KT 1SM VCTS +RA BR FEW009 BKN036 OVC095 12/11 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE P0027 T01170106 SPECI KHFD 261929Z 06008G25KT 1/2SM VCTS +RA FG FEW007 SCT014 OVC028 12/11 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0025 T01170106 SPECI KHFD 261922Z 24007G25KT 200V270 1SM VCTS -RA BR SCT007 BKN016 OVC027 12/11 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0013 T01170106 SPECI KHFD 261920Z 26014KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR SCT007 BKN014 OVC027 12/11 A2973 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESRR P0005 T01170106
Lightning which struck at 1925Z just across the river from the airport, was ranged by ALDARS as being 5-10 miles away (VCTS):
The other possibility, since VCTS was already in progress, is that ALDARS missed those 2 lightning strikes. That was even though 44-59 lightning detection stations did report those strikes, with 17-19 of those stations used to determine the strike positions.
Ocala, Florida: SPECI KOCF 261006Z AUTO 11003KT 3SM RA BR FEW024 BKN050 OVC075 18/18 A2991 RMK AO2 TSE0953B0955E0956 P0009 $ SPECI KOCF 260956Z AUTO 13006KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT028 BKN050 OVC090 18/18 A2992 RMK AO2 TSE53B55E56 P0007 $ SPECI KOCF 260954Z AUTO 15005KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW028 BKN050 OVC095 18/18 A2993 RMK AO2 TSE53 P0004 TSNO $ METAR KOCF 260951Z AUTO 17004KT 5SM VCTS RA BR FEW032 BKN075 OVC095 18/18 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N TSB19E34B41RAB03 SLP141 P0008 T01830178 $ There was a 2-minute ALDARS outage; TSNO appeared on the 0954Z SPECI during the outage.
Tallahassee, Florida: METAR KTLH 260353Z AUTO 31012G25KT 1 3/4SM +TSRA BR FEW009 OVC018 17/17 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 30041/0335 LTG DSNT E-SW TSE01E08B31 SLP153 P0054 T01720172 $
2 TSE times were recorded 7 minutes apart.
Valdosta, Georgia: SPECI KVLD 260601Z 02003KT 3SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN041 OVC075 17/17 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE PRESFR P0004 T01720167 METAR KVLD 260553Z VRB05KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW009 BKN034 OVC045 17/17 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP148 P0076 60083 T01720167 10239 20172 50007 SPECI KVLD 260542Z 30006KT 1 1/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT007 BKN022 OVC045 17/17 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0065 T01720167 SPECI KVLD 260535Z 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT007 BKN015 OVC020 18/17 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW P0059 T01780172 SPECI KVLD 260527Z VRB04KT 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW008 BKN014 OVC027 18/17 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW P0044 T01780172 SPECI KVLD 260520Z 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW011 BKN019 OVC040 19/19 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW P0015 T01940189 SPECI KVLD 260514Z 00000KT 2SM +RA BR FEW011 BKN024 OVC040 19/19 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW P0011 T01940189 SPECI KVLD 260507Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW016 BKN041 OVC050 19/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW P0007 T01940189
VCTS was recorded from 0520Z- 0553Z. ALDARS somehow ranged at least 10 bolts incorrectly, as lightning struck within 5 miles of VLD from 0513Z-0543Z:
Based on the LOL (Last Observed Lightning), the thunderstorm (TS) could not have ended until at least 0558Z. The insert in the top left corner of the map displays a green 5-mile range ring around VLD. While set to 5 statute miles, 5 nautical miles (as ALDARS is programmed) would have included even more lightning.
Pocatello, Idaho: SPECI KPIH 260929Z AUTO 09007KT 10SM VCTS BKN110 14/04 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-N TSE23 T01390044 METAR KPIH 260853Z AUTO 35003KT 10SM BKN110 14/04 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW SLP114 T01390039 58021
ALDARS put TSE23 when it meant TSB23.
Rockland, Maine: SPECI KRKD 270848Z AUTO 11016G25KT 1 1/4SM -RA BR OVC002 08/08 A2936 RMK AO2 TSB11E24B26E37 P0006
ALDARS recorded 2 thunderstorms of less than the required 15 minutes.
Hagerstown, Maryland: SPECI KHGR 261845Z 24013G25KT 2SM -RA SCT032 SCT049 BKN060 18/14 A2935 RMK AO2 PK WND 25028/1835 LTG DSNT N RAB1756 TS E MOV E LTG CIC 07SM N P0009 T01830139 SPECI KHGR 261837Z 23017G28KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA FEW030 BKN050 OVC085 20/14 A2935 RMK AO2 PK WND 25028/1835 RAB1756 P0009 T02000144 SPECI KHGR 261832Z 22008G21KT 9SM VCTS -RA SCT036 BKN050 OVC080 21/14 A2934 RMK AO2 RAB1756 P0000 T02110144
Lightning which struck within 5 miles of HGR from 1839Z-1841Z, was measured by ALDARS as being 5-10 miles away, as evidenced by ALDARS keeping VCTS in present weather. Or quite possibly it was not detected by ALDARS, as no thunderstorm appeared in present weather on the 1845Z SPECI.
By 1848Z, VCTS reappeared in present weather. LAWRS appeared to have attempted to describe the lightning as being within 5 miles (against the FAA memo to not determine the distance to LTG strikes), but did not change VCTS to TS if they believed LTG was 2SM NE.
METAR KHGR 261853Z 25013G21KT 10SM VCTS FEW029 SCT060 BKN120 18/14 A2936 RMK AO2 PK WND 25028/1835 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB1756E49 SLP950 TS E MOV E LTG CG 2SM NE P0009 T01830139 SPECI KHGR 261848Z 24013G21KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW032 SCT047 BKN060 18/14 A2935 RMK AO2 PK WND 25028/1835 LTG DSNT N RAB1756 TS E MOV E LTG CIC 07SM N P0009
In this case, ALDARS did not measure the distance to lightning strikes accurately; not only according to lightning data, but also according to the LAWRS observer.
Salisbury, Maryland: SPECI KSBY 261808Z 17013G19KT 2SM TSRA BR FEW018 BKN033 OVC075 20/19 A2951 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB1756 TSB08 P0004 T02000189 METAR KSBY 261754Z 17011KT 10SM VCTS SCT028 BKN034 OVC042 21/18 A2950 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1735 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB30E48 SLP990 60003 T02110183 10250 20150 58040 SPECI KSBY 261749Z 16010G21KT 10SM VCTS SCT028 BKN036 OVC046 22/17 A2949 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1735 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB30E48 TS S MOV N
Lightning struck just to the north of SBY at 1752Z and 1753Z; yet, ALDARS waited until 1808Z to restart the thunderstorm (TS), a delay of 16 minutes.
Barnstable Municipal-Boardman Airport, Hyannis, Massachusetts: SPECI KHYA 261826Z 11014G30KT 2SM -TSRA BR BKN013CB OVC100 08/07 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 10030/1818 TSE25B26 P0004 T00830067 SPECI KHYA 261824Z 11016G30KT 2SM RA BR BKN013CB OVC100 08/07 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 10030/1818 PRESFR P0004 T00830067 METAR KHYA 261756Z 12014G23KT 2SM TSRA BR BKN013CB OVC090 08/06 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 11028/1754 LTG DSNT SW RAB42 TSB52 SLP059 TS W MOVG E P0001 60032 T00780056 10100 20078 56030
A glitch meant that TSE25 appeared in remarks, after TS was not reported in present weather at 1824Z.
SPECI KHYA 262332Z 12008G16KT 1/2SM -RA FG VV002 10/09 A2957 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W RAB32 TSE31 P0000 T01000094 METAR KHYA 262256Z 12009G15KT 1/4SM FG VV002 10/09 A2959 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW SLP020 T01000089
TSE31 was reported on the 2332Z SPECI; yet, no thunderstorm appeared on the prior observation- a METAR.
New Bedford, Massachusetts: SPECI KEWB 270618Z AUTO 16017G33KT 6SM -RA BR BKN007 BKN012 OVC036 16/16 A2924 RMK AO2 PK WND 15033/0611 TSB03 PRESFR P0006 T01560156 $ SPECI KEWB 270611Z AUTO 16019G33KT 3SM R05/5500VP6000FT -TSRA BR BKN009 BKN014 OVC034 16/16 A2925 RMK AO2 PK WND 15033/0611 TSB03 PRESFR P0006 T01560156 $
ALDARS did not record a TSE time.
Norwood, Massachusetts: SPECI KOWD 270443Z AUTO 32006KT 2SM -RA BR OVC003 10/08 A2934 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0019 T01000078 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270438Z AUTO 05005KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC002 10/08 A2934 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0018 T01000078 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270427Z AUTO 00000KT 3SM -RA BR OVC002 09/08 A2936 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0006 T00940078 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270422Z AUTO 04006KT 1 3/4SM -RA BR OVC002 09/08 A2935 RMK AO2 RAB10 PRESFR P0006 T00940078 TSNO
SPECI KOWD 270032Z AUTO 03006KT 2SM RA BR SCT006 OVC032 08/06 A2960 RMK AO2 P0033 T00830061 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270029Z AUTO 01007KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN006 OVC028 08/07 A2959 RMK AO2 P0031 T00830067 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270017Z AUTO 36006KT 2SM +RA BR OVC006 08/07 A2961 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/2V4 P0018 T00830067 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270012Z AUTO VRB06KT 3SM +RA BR OVC004 08/06 A2962 RMK AO2 CIG 003V009 P0012 T00830061 TSNO SPECI KOWD 270004Z AUTO 01007KT 2 1/2SM RA BR OVC004 08/07 A2960 RMK AO2 CIG 003V008 P0007 T00830067 TSNO
ALDARS was disabled overnight; therefore, lightning which struck near OWD at 0009Z and 0432Z, didn’t result in thunderstorms getting reported. Some ceiling were low IFR during the period.
Kinston Regional Jetport at Stallings Field, Kinston, North Carolina: METAR KISO 261656Z COR 23016G22KT 10SM SCT050 SCT065 BKN100 26/17 A2958 METAR KISO 261556Z 22021G28KT 2SM +RA OVC010 26/16 A2963 METAR KISO 261456Z 18015G19KT 10SM BKN028 BKN034 26/18 A2966
Lightning that struck at 1518Z and 1557Z (2 bolts each) was ignored by both ALDARS and LAWRS:
Lunken Field, Cincinnati Municipal Airport, Ohio: SPECI KLUK 260114Z 21014G31KT 2SM +TSRA BR BKN041 BKN050 OVC085CB 16/14 A2967 RMK AO2 PK WND 21035/0102 LTG DSNT SE OCNL LTGCCCG SW-NE TS SW MOV NE P0018 T01610144 METAR KLUK 260053Z 00000KT 5SM -RA BR FEW055 BKN090 OVC120 19/18 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAB50 SLP030 P0001 T01890178
ALDARS did not include a TSB time. The first lightning within 5 miles of LUK was at 0101Z:
Bolton Field Airport, Columbus, Ohio: METAR KTZR 260315Z AUTO 20014G19KT 10SM -RA SCT011 BKN090 OVC110 18/15 A2962 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW T01750146 METAR KTZR 260255Z AUTO 18009G14KT 10SM RA SCT005 SCT030 OVC090 17/16 A2962 RMK AO2 P0002 60002 T01700161 METAR KTZR 260235Z AUTO 12004KT 10SM RA BKN048 BKN060 OVC100 17/16 A2962 RMK AO2 P0001 T01700157
ALDARS ignored lightning that struck within 2 miles to the SSE at 0254Z:
Reading, Pennsylvania: SPECI KRDG 261251Z VRB04KT 10SM -RA BKN007 OVC011 13/13 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB1155 PNO SPECI KRDG 261229Z 12003KT 10SM R36/5500VP6000FT VCTS +RA OVC007 13/13 A2966 RMK AO2 RAB1155 T01280128 PNO $
2 lightning bolts that struck at 1234Z within 3 miles of RDG, did not result in ALDARS upgrading the VCTS to TS:
Newport, Rhode Island: SPECI KUUU 262323Z AUTO 06011G14KT 10SM VCTS OVC003 11/11 A2952 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE22 TSB2254E2256E17 PRESFR P0015 T01060106
ALDARS recorded a 2-minute thunderstorm, then went on to end it again 21 minutes later.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island: SPECI KSFZ 270419Z AUTO 27011G18KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR OVC002 08/08 A2939 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW TSB15E17B19 PRESRR P0013
ALDARS recorded a 2-minute thunderstorm.
Dallas Executive Airport, Redbird, Texas: SPECI KRBD 280611Z AUTO 17015KT 10SM FEW050 FEW080 SCT120 19/17 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAE08 P0000 T01890167 METAR KRBD 280553Z AUTO 18018G32KT 8SM VCTS -RA SCT043 BKN080 BKN120 19/17 A2982 RMK AO2 PK WND 28039/0511 WSHFT 0519 LTG DSNT S RAB07 TSB25E40 SLP090 P0011 60011 T01940167 10261 20178 402830144 55024 SPECI KRBD 280551Z AUTO 17023G32KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR SCT043 BKN080 OVC120 19/17 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 28039/0511 WSHFT 0519 LTG DSNT S RAB07 TSB25E40 P0011 SPECI KRBD 280540Z AUTO 18022G28KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT040 BKN049 OVC080 18/16 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 28039/0511 WSHFT 0519 VIS 1/2V4 LTG DSNT E AND S RAB07 TSB25E40 P0010 T01830161 SPECI KRBD 280535Z AUTO 20017G28KT 2SM +TSRA BR SCT040 BKN049 OVC085 18/16 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 28039/0511 WSHFT 0519 VIS 1/2V5 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAB07 TSB25 P0008 T01830161
The all-clear was given too early, as ALDARS ignored the bolt at 0546Z, which struck about 2 miles SSE of RBD. Even the nearest strike at 0540Z, should have kept TS from flipping to VCTS until 0555Z. ALDARS gave the all-clear of lightning within 5 miles at 0540Z, meaning its LOL (Last Observed Lightning) within 5 miles was at 0525Z. The map below shows 4 lightning strike plots from 0533Z-0546Z:
Manassas, Virginia: SPECI KHEF 261840Z 25016G28KT 8SM VCTS RA FEW040 BKN060 OVC110 19/13 A2942 RMK AO2 PK WND 28028/1836 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB00E13B34RAE22B39 PRESRR PNO $ SPECI KHEF 261819Z 22006KT 10SM -RA FEW025 SCT038 OVC110 20/17 A2937 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB00E13 PNO $ SPECI KHEF 261806Z 18014G20KT 8SM VCTS -RA SCT040 BKN049 OVC110 19/17 A2938 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND NW TSB00 PNO $
A 13-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Norfolk Intl Airport, Virginia: METAR KORF 261751Z 18013KT 10SM -RA FEW065 BKN080 OVC100 19/16 A2952 RMK AO2 PK WND 22030/1659 WSHFT 1638 LTG DSNT E SLP995 P0024 60026 T01890161 10267 20178 58039 SPECI KORF 261710Z 20013G26KT 3SM RA FEW030 BKN075 OVC095 18/16 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 22030/1659 WSHFT 1638 LTG DSNT S PRESFR P0023 T01830156 SPECI KORF 261702Z 22019G30KT 2SM RA FEW029 BKN042 OVC090 18/16 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 22030/1659 WSHFT 1638 LTG DSNT S P0020 T01830156 SPECI KORF 261658Z 23019G32KT 3/4SM R05/3500VP6000FT +RA BR FEW018 BKN033 BKN070 18/16 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 23026/1658 WSHFT 1638 LTG DSNT S P0019 T01780156 METAR KORF 261651Z 25018G32KT 3/4SM R05/3500VP6000FT RA SCT024 BKN035 BKN050 21/17 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 25032/1649 LTG DSNT NE-S RAB43 TSB1557E12 PRESRR SLP016 P0002 T02060172 SPECI KORF 261618Z 18015G23KT 10SM FEW030 BKN036 BKN048 24/18 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 21027/1559 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSB1557E12 T02440178 SPECI KORF 261603Z 20016G27KT 10SM TS FEW029 BKN036 BKN048 27/18 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 21027/1559 LTG DSNT NE AND S TSB1557 T02670183
ALDARS detected lightning within 5 miles, ending a thunderstorm at 1612Z. The next 6 observations all included LTG DSNT remarks, but neither TS nor VCTS in present weather. That meant ALDARS detected lightning only 10-30 miles from ORF. Lightning data showed otherwise:
The lightning plotted on the map above, represented the closest lightning strikes to ORF on the 26th (UTC). How is it that ALDARS reported a thunderstorm further away from ORF, but not one that was closer to the airport? Also, 2 bolts plotted in yellow to the SE of ORF, which struck at 2032Z and 2039Z, didn’t get reported either:
METAR KORF 262051Z 19013G22KT 10SM -RA FEW046 SCT055 OVC100 21/16 A2939 RMK AO2 RAB32 SLP953 P0001 60001 T02060161 56042
So how do pilots and users on the ground know when to trust ALDARS?
Parkersburg, West Virginia: SPECI KPKB 280801Z AUTO 34004KT 2SM +RA BR BKN036 BKN048 OVC085 10/08 A2978 RMK AO2 P0008 T01000078 SPECI KPKB 280759Z AUTO 33005G17KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT036 BKN048 OVC085 10/08 A2978 RMK AO2 P0007 T01000078 METAR KPKB 280753Z AUTO 31010G17KT 3SM VCTS +RA SCT047 BKN060 OVC085 11/08 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB49 PRESRR SLP085 P0005 T01060078 METAR KPKB 280653Z AUTO 14007KT 10SM OVC070 10/07 A2974 RMK AO2 SLP068 T01000072
VCTS was reported for only 8 minutes.
Casper, Wyoming: METAR KCPR 261853Z 31023G38KT 2SM R03/6000VP6000FT +RA BR FEW034 BKN060 OVC100 08/07 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 30038/1845 WSHFT 1834 LTG DSNT S RAB41 SLP123 P0005 T00830067 SPECI KCPR 261849Z 31025G38KT 2 1/2SM R03/6000VP6000FT -RA FEW034 BKN060 OVC095 10/06 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 30038/1845 WSHFT 1834 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAB41 P0000 ALDARS ignored lightning that struck at 1843Z about 3 miles to the ENE of CPR:
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Post by tornado on May 2, 2019 13:19:19 GMT -5
Grand Canyon Airport, Arizona: SPECI KGCN 291922Z 25010KT 10SM VCTS FEW007 SCT049 BKN060 09/08 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAE08 TSE04E21 P0001 T00940078 METAR KGCN 291854Z 24017G25KT 1 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW020 BKN038 OVC049 08/06 A3000 RMK AO2 VIS 1V3 RAB31 TSB43 SLP096 P0010 T00830061 2 TSE times were recorded.
Prescott, Arizona: METAR KPRC 300253Z 19012G21KT 10SM -RA FEW060 BKN090 OVC110 13/02 A2984 RMK AO2 RAB53 SLP044 P0000 60001 T01330022 53012 SPECI KPRC 300245Z 21015G21KT 10SM VCTS FEW060 SCT095 OVC110 13/02 A2983 RMK AO2 T01330022 METAR KPRC 300153Z 19014G26KT 10SM FEW050 FEW070 SCT110 13/M01 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 21036/0136 LTG DSNT W RAB28E40 SLP031 VIRGA W-NE P0001 T01331006 VCTS was reported for only 8 minutes.
Grand Junction, Colorado: SPECI KGJT 292343Z 18019G28KT 10SM VCTS FEW048 BKN060 OVC075 14/07 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 17028/2338 LTG DSNT SW RAB06E36 TSE37 P0000 T01390072 $ METAR KGJT 292253Z 14015G22KT 10SM BKN070 BKN090 17/05 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP031 VCSH T01670050
ALDARS put TSE37 when it meant TSB37.
Naples, Florida: METAR KAPF 292153Z 10009KT 10SM TS BKN049 BKN060 30/23 A3004 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE TSB50 SLP172 T03000228 SPECI KAPF 292128Z VRB05KT 10SM VCTS OVC055 29/23 A3004 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S T02890228
VCTS was in progress from 2128Z, until 2150Z, when ALDARS detected lightning within 5 miles of APF. Somehow, the bolt which struck the airport at 2139Z was ignored:
Aurora, Illinois: SPECI KARR 291307Z 14012KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT007 BKN050 OVC070 07/06 A3001 RMK AO2 P0007 T00670056 METAR KARR 291252Z 13016G23KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN007 OVC039 07/06 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP165 P0021 T00670056 SPECI KARR 291240Z 13015G23KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR OVC008 07/05 A3000 RMK AO2 P0015 T00670050 SPECI KARR 291219Z 12016G23KT 3SM RA BR BKN007 OVC012 07/06 A3001 RMK AO2 P0007 T00670056 SPECI KARR 291155Z 13014KT 3SM +RA BR BKN010 BKN017 OVC055 07/06 A3004 RMK AO2 P0001 T00670056 METAR KARR 291152Z 13012G20KT 3SM +RA BR SCT008 BKN017 OVC055 07/06 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP173 P0021 60077 70077 T00670056 10072 20067 55005 SPECI KARR 291149Z 13012KT 3SM +RA BR SCT008 BKN015 OVC055 07/06 A3003 RMK AO2 P0020 SPECI KARR 291144Z AUTO 13013KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT008 BKN012 OVC045 07/06 A3003 RMK AO2 P0019 T00670056 TSNO
ALDARS was either disabled overnight, or was out of service, at 1144Z. LAWRS arrived and signed onto ASOS in time for the 1149Z SPECI. While the lightning at 1137Z was possibly before LAWRS arrived, what of the lightning at 1254Z?
In any event, 7 lightning bolts struck within 5 miles of ARR, with no mention of LTG or TS. That was on the 29th. On the 30, there was another missed thunderstorm at Aurora.
METAR KARR 301952Z 06007KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN007 BKN050 OVC090 07/06 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP219 P0018 T00670056 SPECI KARR 301949Z 09006KT 3SM RA BR BKN007 BKN050 OVC090 07/06 A3018 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0016 SPECI KARR 301919Z 05014G22KT 2 1/2SM RA BR FEW006 BKN070 OVC090 07/05 A3013 RMK AO2 P0008 T0067005 SPECI KARR 301910Z 06014KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT050 OVC075 07/06 A3015 RMK AO2 P0006 T00670056 METAR KARR 301852Z 06009G18KT 2 1/2SM RA BR FEW006 BKN047 OVC085 07/05 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP221 P0022 T00670050
Notice the lack of any lightning remarks. Compare that to the lightning data:
At 1902Z and 1939Z, lightning struck within 5 miles of the airport. According to the insert in the upper-left corner of the map, there were 7-8 bolts which struck within 5 miles of ARR. Again, both ALDARS and LAWRS failed to report a thunderstorm.
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: METAR KBMI 301956Z 36009KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW005 OVC012 10/09 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 36029/1922 WSHFT 1919 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB13RAB16 SLP197 P0012 T01000094 SPECI KBMI 301954Z 35008KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW005 OVC012 10/09 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 36029/1922 WSHFT 1919 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB13RAB16 P0012 SPECI KBMI 301939Z 01011KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN007 OVC012 10/09 A3009 RMK AO2 PK WND 36029/1922 WSHFT 1919 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB13RAB16 CIG 005V010 P0011 SPECI KBMI 301913Z 10017KT 5SM VCTS BR OVC007 11/10 A3004 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB13
VCTS was reported when lightning bolts struck very close to the airport- with 1 bolt barely missing striking runway 11/29 at 1914Z:
Quad City Airport, Moline, Illinois: METAR KMLI 301752Z 09013KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN009 OVC040 08/07 A3011 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S TSB18E20 PRESFR SLP197 P0030 60084 T00830067 10111 20083 58019 SPECI KMLI 301703Z 08016KT 2SM R09/6000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN009 BKN012 OVC037 09/07 A3012 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0003 T00890072
ALDARS recorded a 2-minute thunderstorm. VCTS was reported that hour, even though lightning struck within 5 miles of MLI:
Springfield, Illinois: METAR KSPI 290852Z AUTO 15019G26KT 10SM VCTS SCT043 BKN070 OVC080 10/08 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 12034/0809 LTG DSNT N AND NW RAB06E37 SLP131 P0002 60039 T01000078 56041 $ SPECI KSPI 290845Z AUTO 15019G27KT 10SM VCTS BKN043 BKN070 OVC090 09/08 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 12034/0809 LTG DSNT N AND NW RAB06E37 P0002 T00940078 $ METAR KSPI 290752Z AUTO 16021G34KT 10SM FEW044 SCT070 OVC100 10/08 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 15039/0658 LTG DSNT N AND NW RAE49 SLP142 P0011 T01000078 $
ALDARS did not begin a VCTS until 0845Z, so it must have completely missed the 3 lightning bolts at 0823Z (2) and 0825Z:
A TS should have been reported from 0823Z-0840Z.
DuPage Airport, West Chicago, Illinois: SPECI KDPA 291218Z 14012KT 4SM VCTS RA BR SCT010 BKN014 OVC050 07/05 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW TSE12 P0012 T00720050 SPECI KDPA 291208Z 14012KT 4SM +RA BR SCT010 BKN014 OVC042 07/05 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW P0008 T00670050
ALDARS put TSE12 when it meant TSB12.
Gary, Indiana: METAR KGYY 302045Z 29014KT 1 1/2SM RA OVC004 09/09 A3024 RMK PRESRR METAR KGYY 301945Z 02006KT 2SM -RA BR OVC002 08/08 A3016 A thunderstorm did not get reported that hour, despite the lightning:
ALDARS must be enabled at this D level LAWRS site, as VCTS was reported at 2145Z.
METAR KGYY 302145Z 34012KT 2SM VCTSRA OVC004 09/09 A3014 RMK PRESFR
ALDARS is fickle, isn’t it? The lightning on the map met TS criteria, yet only VCTS was reported- more than an hour later. Nor did the LAWRS observer see fit to add TS to present weather. Remember, that would have been a thunderstorm embedded in a 200-400 foot ceiling, if only it had been reported.
Garden City, Kansas: SPECI KGCK 290018Z 14018G26KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT038 BKN065 BKN090 21/14 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 18028/2355 TSB2357E12E18 PRESFR P0002 T02110144
2 TSE times were recorded.
Manhattan, Kansas: SPECI KMHK 301824Z 07010KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW010 BKN040 OVC100 09/08 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03 TS ALQDS MOVG LTL P0027 T00940083 SPECI KMHK 301814Z 05010KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR SCT008 BKN036 OVC045 09/08 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03 PRESFR TS OVHD MOVG LTL P0019 T00940083
No TSE time was recorded.
Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas: SPECI KOJC 301928Z 14006KT 2SM RA BR BKN029 OVC070 14/13 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE1854E15 P0026 T01390133 SPECI KOJC 301920Z 13004KT 1 3/4SM RA BR FEW004 BKN031 OVC070 14/13 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE1854E15 P0022 T01390133 SPECI KOJC 301914Z 16009KT 2SM +TSRA BR FEW004 BKN029 OVC070 13/13 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W TSE1854 P0019 T01330133 SPECI KOJC 301908Z 15007KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW006 BKN024 OVC070 13/13 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW TSE1854 P0016 T01330133 SPECI KOJC 301857Z 10007KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN027 OVC070 13/13 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW TSE54 P0005 T01330133 METAR KOJC 301853Z 11003KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW003 BKN032 OVC070 13/13 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP126 P0040 T01330133 SPECI KOJC 301849Z 07004KT 4SM RA BR SCT003 BKN024 OVC070 13/13 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0037 SPECI KOJC 301845Z 08005KT 2SM RA BR SCT003 BKN008 OVC070 13/13 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW PRESFR P0036 T01330133 SPECI KOJC 301843Z 08005KT 1SM RA BR SCT003 OVC007 13/13 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW PRESFR P0036 T01330133 SPECI KOJC 301832Z 24003KT 1/2SM +RA FG OVC003 13/13 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW P0026 T01330133
There was much that was wrong here. First, TS was reported in present weather only on the 1914Z METAR. ALDARS recorded a bogus TSE1854E15 remark. While the TSE15 could have been accurate, the TSE1854 couldn’t have been. No TSB time was recorded. Worse, a thunder- storm was in progress as early as 1843Z, according to lightning data:
The bolt plotted in orange which struck on W 15th Street, occurred to the E of OJC at 1843Z. There were other strikes at 1847Z and 1849Z. The observations through the period included LTG DSNT remarks. If lightning was truly striking that close to the airport- as the data shows- then both ALDARS and LAWRS had an unreported thunderstorm!
By the way, the later lightning on the map, verified. The bolt at 2037Z, plotted in yellow-orange to the W, occurred while OJC was reporting TS:
METAR KOJC 302053Z 01008KT 2SM TSRA BR BKN038 OVC049 14/14 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE30B49 TSB26 SLP117 TS OHD MOV NE P0008 60079 T01440139 56013
Also, the bolt plotted in yellow to the E of OJC at 2154Z, occurred while OJC was reporting TS:
METAR KOJC 302153Z 13006KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW034 OVC060 14/14 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S TSE2057B2059E16B45 SLP109 TS OHD MOV NE P0037 T01440144
So once again, how do users know when to trust ALDARS; since it accurately reports some lightning strikes as TS, but not others?
Battle Creek, Michigan: SPECI KBTL 302231Z 04006KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN016 OVC037 08/06 A3025 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW TSB20E31 PRESRR TS SW MOV NE OCNL LTGIC SW P0013 T00780061 SPECI KBTL 302226Z 05007KT 4SM +TSRA BR FEW011 BKN016 OVC037 08/06 A3023 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW TSB20 PRESRR TS SW MOV NE OCNL LTGIC SW P0009 T00830061
ALDARS gave the all-clear too early, by reporting an 11-minute thunderstorm.
Spirit Of St. Louis Airport, Missouri: SPECI KSUS 301807Z 10006KT 10SM VCTS FEW034 BKN049 BKN090 23/18 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE01 T02280178 METAR KSUS 301754Z 10005KT 10SM FEW045 SCT055 SCT100 23/17 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W SLP144 T02280172 10228 20150 58021
ALDARS put TSE01 when it meant TSB01.
Springfield Regional Airport, Missouri: METAR KSGF 292152Z 31005KT 10SM TS OVC041 22/16 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E AND W RAB41E50 TSB22E30 SLP146 P0000 T02220156
An 8-minute thunderstorm was recorded in remarks, for a thunderstorm which hadn’t ended in present weather.
North Las Vegas Airport, Nevada: METAR KVGT 292253Z AUTO 24008KT 10SM -RA SCT070 OVC100 14/11 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E SLP073 P0008 T01440111 METAR KVGT 292153Z AUTO 5SM RA FEW025 BKN060 OVC090 15/10 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 24036/2150 WSHFT 2136 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAE19B47 PRESRR SLP084 P0018 T01500100 SPECI KVGT 292114Z 34023G33KT 10SM -RA SCT044 BKN080 OVC090 13/10 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 35033/2105 P0016 T01330100 SPECI KVGT 292104Z 35022G31KT 2SM +RA BR FEW041 BKN080 OVC090 13/11 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 35032/2054 P0016 T01280111 METAR KVGT 292053Z 35023G36KT 4SM +RA BR FEW050 OVC075 13/11 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 35039/2040 TSB17E32 SLP061 P0028 60029 T01280111 55004 SPECI KVGT 292040Z 35026G39KT 5SM -RA BR FEW044 BKN065 OVC085 13/11 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 35039/2040 LTG DSNT E TSB17E32 P0020 T01330111 SPECI KVGT 292032Z 35022G32KT 2 1/2SM RA FEW047 OVC070 15/11 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 35032/2030 LTG DSNT SE TSB17E32 P0018 T01500111 SPECI KVGT 292023Z 32012KT 4SM -TSRA FEW032 BKN065 OVC080 17/12 A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE TSB17 P0009 T01720117 METAR KVGT 291953Z 32005KT 10SM -RA BKN065 OVC080 19/12 A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 09029/1924 RAB37 SLP048 P0001 T01890117 METAR KVGT 291853Z 12016G24KT 10SM SCT075 25/06 A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 14028/1828 LTG DSNT W SLP045 T02500061
Scanning the above reports, one could deduce that ALDARS detected one bolt of lightning that struck within 5 miles of VGT. That would be based on the TSB17E32 remark on the 2032Z SPECI, meaning that ALDARS detected the bolt at 2017Z (or possibly multiple bolts during the same minute, which is actually quite common). However, lightning data showed that there was much more lightning near the airport, over an extended period (1932Z-2203Z) than just one bolt:
How did ALDARS report only a 15-minute thunderstorm? Why didn’t LAWRS augment ASOS to add lightning and thunderstorm data?
Farmington, New Mexico: SPECI KFMN 300735Z AUTO 20009KT 10SM SCT065 BKN095 OVC120 11/06 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB0658E09 P0000 T01110056 SPECI KFMN 300717Z AUTO 19009KT 10SM VCTS BKN065 OVC090 11/06 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND E RAB0658E09 P0000 T01060061 METAR KFMN 300653Z AUTO 10007KT 10SM BKN070 OVC085 10/07 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP076 T01000067 402110072
VCTS was reported, meaning ALDARS ranged lightning at 5-10 NM from FMN. At 0708Z, lightning data showed a bolt that struck about 2 miles to the N, and 3 miles to the NE:
TS ought to have been reported shortly after 0708Z.
Later the same day, a 3-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
SPECI KFMN 301225Z 28023G29KT 10SM VCTS FEW033 BKN075 OVC090 08/03 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 27029/1221 LTG DSNT N AND NW TSB19E22 PRESRR T00830033 METAR KFMN 301153Z 19011KT 10SM OVC090 10/04 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W SLP066 60000 70015 T01000039 10111 20094 57005
Roswell, New Mexico: SPECI KROW 300830Z AUTO 32006KT 10SM VCTS FEW025 SCT035 16/11 A2988 RMK AO2 RAE25 TSB09E24 P0002 T01560111 SPECI KROW 300815Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM -TSRA FEW026 BKN037 OVC100 16/11 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S TSB09 P0001 T01560111 SPECI KROW 300807Z AUTO 04004KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT026 BKN049 OVC100 16/11 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S AND SW P0000 T01610106 METAR KROW 300751Z AUTO 35007KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN026 OVC055 17/09 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S AND SW RAB47 TSB25E40 SLP064 P0000 T01670094 SPECI KROW 300746Z AUTO 31009KT 10SM VCTS OVC026 17/09 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S AND SW TSB25E40 SPECI KROW 300731Z AUTO 33009KT 10SM TS OVC028 17/09 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N TSB25 T01720089 METAR KROW 300651Z AUTO 36005KT 10SM OVC029 18/09 A2991 RMK AO2 SLP073 T01780094 402440117
According to the observations above, TS occurred from 0725Z-0740Z, and again from 0809Z-0824Z. Lightning data from the 4 nearest bolts show thunderstorms occurred from 0723Z-0738Z (roughly matching ALDARS, accounting for ALDARS’ built-in delay); but also 0755Z-0821Z:
So while ALDARS had a delay of 2 minutes to begin the 1st thunderstorm (TS), it had a 12-minute delay to begin the 2nd TS. That means ALDARS likely detected the 0806Z lightning strike to the ESE of ROW, processing the data and beginning a TS at 0809Z- a delay of 3 minutes. That would also mean that ALDARS either did not detect the bolts which struck at 0755Z and 0757Z, or ranged them incorrectly as VCTS. So here we have a mix of lightningmaps.org matching ALDARS for 2 bolts, with ALDARS missing the other 2 bolts.
Mansfield, Ohio: SPECI KMFD 301710Z 06006KT 1 1/4SM RA BR BKN007 BKN034 OVC048 07/07 A3030 RMK AO2 P0021 T00720072 SPECI KMFD 301701Z 32008KT 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 BKN020 OVC050 07/07 A3034 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N P0005 T00720072 METAR KMFD 301652Z 01010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC007 07/07 A3031 RMK AO2 RAB17 CIG 005V011 SLP270 P0008 T00720067
VCTS was reported for only 9 minutes.
Ardmore, Oklahoma: SPECI KADM 301227Z 15006KT 5SM BR OVC010 21/20 A2992 METAR KADM 301155Z 14007KT 5SM BR SCT010 SCT019 BKN037 21/20 A2992
At 1227Z, this D level LAWRS site issued a SPECI for the ceiling going from BKN037 to OVC010. Yet, a SPECI was not issued later to begin a thunderstorm:
METAR KADM 301655Z 35005KT 1 3/4SM +TSRA BKN015 OVC023 22/21 A2988 RMK LTG DSNT ALQS METAR KADM 301555Z 16011G16KT 10SM BKN018 OVC026 23/21 A2991 RMK LTG DSNT N
Lightning data shows that the thunderstorm began as early as 1632Z:
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Post by tornado on May 3, 2019 15:25:20 GMT -5
Birmingham, Alabama: SPECI KBHM 022045Z 19008KT 10SM VCTS SCT050 SCT085 BKN110 BKN250 29/18 A3008 RMK AO2 TSE39 T02940178 METAR KBHM 021953Z 16008KT 10SM FEW049 BKN070 BKN250 28/17 A3011 RMK AO2 SLP188 T02830172 ALDARS put TSE39 when it meant TSB39.
Drake Field, Fayetteville, Arkansas: METAR KFYV 020553Z AUTO 18012KT 7SM RA OVC085 17/15 A3007 RMK AO2 PK WND 18032/0456 LTG DSNT SE AND S SLP173 P0016 60022 T01670150 10217 20167 402560156 53042 SPECI KFYV 020543Z AUTO 17013KT 6SM VCTS RA BR OVC085 17/16 A3007 RMK AO2 PK WND 18032/0456 LTG DSNT NE AND S P0013 T01670156 SPECI KFYV 020514Z AUTO 18021KT 7SM -RA OVC090 17/15 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 18032/0456 LTG DSNT E AND SE PRESRR P0005 T01720150
VCTS was reported for only 10 minutes.
Fort Smith, Arkansas: SPECI KFSM 020201Z 14006KT 10SM -TSRA FEW070 FEW085 BKN110 22/18 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW TSE0157B01 P0000 T02170178 METAR KFSM 020153Z 15009KT 10SM -RA FEW070 SCT085 22/18 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W RAB52 PRESRR SLP152 P0000 T02170178
TSE0157 couldn’t have been correct, as there was no previously ongoing thunderstorm to end.
Ocala, Florida: METAR KOCF 022251Z 06008KT 10SM RA BKN075 OVC100 26/22 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S SLP170 P0000 T02560217 $ METAR KOCF 022151Z 01004KT 10SM RA FEW055 OVC070 24/23 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW SLP163 P0002 T02440228 $
ALDARS reported the lightning as distant:
Page Field, Fort Myers, Florida: METAR KFMY 021853Z 20007KT 10SM VCTS FEW042 SCT080 BKN095 27/24 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-E RAB00E53 TSE41 SLP154 P0055 T02720239 SPECI KFMY 021838Z 16004KT 8SM -TSRA FEW025 BKN060 OVC095 26/24 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-E RAB00 P0055 T02560239 SPECI KFMY 021826Z 15003KT 4SM -RA BR BKN036 BKN055 OVC080 25/23 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND E RAB00 P0052 T02500233
No TSB time was reported.
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: METAR KBMI 021256Z 09003KT 1SM R20/5500VP6000FT VCTS RA BR BKN002 BKN018 OVC080 14/14 A3008 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE TSB03RAB11 SLP184 P0030 T01390139 SPECI KBMI 021238Z 00000KT 3/4SM R20/3500VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN002 BKN013 OVC044 14/14 A3009 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03RAB11 P0023 SPECI KBMI 021206Z 04004KT 1/8SM R20/1400V1600FT VCTS FG OVC002 14/14 A3006 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03
The embedded thunderstorm was closer than 5 miles from BMI:
Carbondale, Illinois: SPECI KMDH 010822Z 25006KT 3SM -RA BR FEW018 OVC038 17/17 A2994 RMK AO2 TSB04E19 P0038 T01720167 SPECI KMDH 010807Z 27009KT 1 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW024 OVC042 17/17 A2993 RMK AO2 TSB04 P0021 T01720167 SPECI KMDH 010800Z 30008KT 3SM -RA BR OVC042 17/17 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW P0004 T01720167 A 15-minute thunderstorm is possible only if 1) there was only 1 lightning bolt which struck within 5 miles, or 2) multiple lightning bolts struck during the same minute within 5 miles. Lightning data showed strikes near the airport 4 minutes apart:
TSB01E20 would have been more accurate.
Springfield, Illinois: METAR KSPI 010352Z AUTO 05005KT 3SM RA BR BKN080 OVC095 14/14 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB27 SLP125 P0018 T01390139 SPECI KSPI 010333Z AUTO 07004KT 3SM TSRA BR SCT080 OVC095 14/14 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSB27 P0013 T01390139
ALDARS did not include a TSE time.
Monroe County Airport, Bloomington, Indiana: SPECI KBMG 021502Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM RA BR SCT005 BKN010 OVC049 17/17 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S P0003 T01720172 METAR KBMG 021453Z 21003KT 1 1/4SM VCTS +RA BR OVC007 17/17 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB23 SLP204 P0007 60007 T01670167 51022 SPECI KBMG 021451Z 20003KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 OVC060 17/17 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB23 P0006 SPECI KBMG 021428Z 25003KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR BKN006 OVC060 17/17 A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW RAB23 CIG 005V011 P0000 T01720172
VCTS should have been TS for 15 minutes:
Columbus, Indiana: SPECI KBAK 011942Z 21008G18KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR BKN017 BKN046 OVC075 20/17 A3003 SPECI KBAK 011938Z 24017KT 4SM -RA BR BKN025 BKN 055 OVC100 23/16 A3004 SPECI KBAK 011933Z 28017G21KT 3SM -RA BR BKN035 BKN 065 24/15 A3002 RMK RAB33
A thunderstorm went unreported:
South Bend, Indiana: METAR KSBN 010854Z AUTO 11013KT 7SM -RA FEW005 BKN037 OVC080 08/07 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP135 P0027 60040 T00780072 58025 SPECI KSBN 010827Z AUTO 11014KT 5SM -RA BR FEW006 BKN038 OVC070 08/07 A2994 RMK AO2 P0023 T00780072 SPECI KSBN 010818Z AUTO 11012KT 2SM R27L/5500VP6000FT +RA BR FEW007 BKN037 OVC050 08/08 A2994 RMK AO2 P0022 T00780078
A thunderstorm went unreported:
Bowman Field Airport, Louisville, Kentucky: METAR KLOU 020053Z 19004KT 8SM -RA FEW030 BKN070 OVC090 19/18 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP184 P0006 T01940178 METAR KLOU 012353Z 24012KT 7SM -RA FEW050 BKN095 OVC120 24/16 A3006 RMK AO2 RAB42 SLP174 P0001 60001 T02440161 10278 20244 53010
A thunderstorm went unreported:
The next day, there was a more serious case.
METAR KLOU 021653Z 29006KT 10SM -RA SCT030 SCT070 BKN085 20/18 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/1619 WSHFT 1603 RAB19 SLP202 P0026 T02000178 SPECI KLOU 021640Z 34005KT 3SM +RA BR FEW030 BKN043 OVC085 18/17 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/1619 WSHFT 1603 RAB19 P0026 T01830167 SPECI KLOU 021625Z 28014G26KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT026 BKN035 OVC047 19/16 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/1619 WSHFT 1603 RAB19 P0011 T01890161 SPECI KLOU 021623Z 28016G26KT 3SM +RA SCT026 BKN035 OVC047 19/16 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/1619 WSHFT 1603 RAB19 PRESRR P0005 T01940161 SPECI KLOU 021604Z 21010KT 10SM BKN029 BKN047 26/19 A3011 RMK AO2 T02560189
Again, LOU failed to report LTG/TS:
Alexandria Intl Airport, Louisiana: METAR KAEX 022153Z 15011KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN039 BKN090 26/21 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S RAB45 SLP148 P0000 T02560211 SPECI KAEX 022121Z VRB03KT 10SM VCTS FEW042 SCT050 28/18 A2996 RMK AO2 T02780183 SPECI KAEX 022111Z VRB06KT 10SM FEW034 SCT044 29/19 A2995 RMK AO2 T02890194
ALDARS rendered the thunderstorm as VCTS, when TS criteria was met:
Esler Regional Airport, Alexandria, Louisiana: SPECI KESF 021440Z AUTO 18004KT 5SM -RA BR 19/17 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 25033/1421 LTG DSNT N RAB22 P0020 T01890172 $ SPECI KESF 021434Z AUTO 20009G25KT 1SM RA BR 19/17 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 25033/1421 LTG DSNT N RAB22 P0020 T01890172 $ SPECI KESF 021410Z AUTO 19009KT 9SM FEW018 SCT033 BKN100 24/21 A3011 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N T02390206
ALDARS reported only distant lightning, missing the bolt which struck about 3 miles ESE of ESF at 1422Z:
Lafayette, Louisiana: METAR KLFT 021553Z 23008KT 200V260 2 1/2SM HZ SCT095 30/20 A3015 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N SLP207 T03000200 SPECI KLFT 021542Z 22009KT 2 1/2SM VCTS HZ CLR 29/21 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N T02940211 SPECI KLFT 021512Z VRB05KT 6SM HZ FEW019 SCT026 27/22 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW T02720217
VCTS was reported for only 11 minutes.
Easton, Maryland: METAR KESN 022350Z 20006KT 10SM -RA SCT016 SCT060 21/19 A3013 METAR KESN 022259Z 12006KT 5SM RA BKN015 21/19 A3012 METAR KESN 022150Z 29019G26KT 5SM RA SCT030 22/19 A3011 METAR KESN 022052Z 17006KT 10SM SCT050 30/17 A3007 It is unknown whether ALDARS is enabled at this D level site. What is known, is that LAWRS didn’t report the lightning shown on the map:
Hagerstown, Maryland: SPECI KHGR 020138Z 19004KT 6SM HZ OVC009 17/14 A3017 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND S RAB14E27 TS DIST S MOV E CG LTG P0000 T01720144 SPECI KHGR 020113Z 10006KT 7SM VCTS OVC011 17/14 A3017 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW TS DIST S MOV E CG LTG T01720139
LAWRS: LTG was >10 miles away. ALDARS: LTG was 5-10 miles away. Lightningmaps.org: LTG was <5 miles away.
Lawrence, Massachusetts: METAR KLWM 020654Z AUTO 00000KT 3SM RA BR SCT015 BKN019 OVC039 08/07 A3015 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE SLP211 P0040 T00780067 SPECI KLWM 020640Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW021 BKN029 OVC050 08/07 A3015 RMK AO2 P0032 T00780067 SPECI KLWM 020629Z AUTO 16003KT 2SM +RA BR SCT027 BKN039 OVC048 08/07 A3015 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V3 LTG DSNT E P0020 T00780067 SPECI KLWM 020622Z AUTO 15003KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN026 OVC038 08/07 A3015 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0015 T00780067
ALDARS missed a thunderstorm.
Spirit Of St. Louis Airport, Missouri: SPECI KSUS 021200Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM R08R/6000VP6000FT VCTS RA BR OVC027 18/17 A3002 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 LTG DSNT NW TSE1159 P0003 T01780172 METAR KSUS 021154Z 30005KT 4SM TSRA BR BKN027 OVC033 18/17 A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB31 TSB29 SLP160 P0004 60016 70016 T01830167 10189 20178 53018
ALDARS gave the all clear for lightning within 5 miles of the airport at 1159Z, when it changed TS to VCTS. It shouldn’t have done so:
One of the nearest lightning bolts struck to the east of the airport at 1151Z. That should have kept the thunderstorm going until at least 1206Z, but 2 subsequent bolts should have kept TS in present weather until at least 1218Z. ALDARS did restart TS at SUS at 1206Z:
SPECI KSUS 021206Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM R08R/6000VP6000FT +TSRA BR OVC027 18/17 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-E TSE1159B06 P0008 T01780172
However, that brief “all clear” should not have been reported.
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio: SPECI KTOL 010126Z 06013KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT010 BKN031 OVC055 08/06 A3020 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0058 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSB05E20 P0013 T00780061 SPECI KTOL 010116Z 04013KT 8SM -TSRA SCT006 BKN050 OVC060 08/06 A3021 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0058 LTG DSNT N AND NE TSB05 P0013 T00780061 SPECI KTOL 010111Z 07012G25KT 4SM -TSRA BR BKN006 BKN024 OVC060 08/06 A3021 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0044 LTG DSNT N AND NE AND SW TSB05 P0012 T00780061 SPECI KTOL 010104Z 06020G25KT 4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN006 OVC010 08/06 A3018 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0044 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0006 T00780061 METAR KTOL 010052Z 04012KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR OVC007 08/06 A3020 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP230 P0001 T00830061 METAR KTOL 302352Z 08012KT 5SM -RA BR OVC009 08/06 A3019 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB09 PRESFR SLP226 P0001 60002 T00830061 10094 20083 58010
Based on the reports above, one could conclude that only 1 lightning bolt struck within 5 miles of TOL. That would result in TSB05E20, so the bolt would have struck at 0105Z, or shortly prior to that (to allow ALDARS and ASOS processing and communicating time). However, that’s not what lightning data showed:
The closest lightning was a pair of strikes at 0033Z and 16 seconds. However, a thunderstorm wasn’t begun- and that being a VCTS- until 0052Z. How is it that ALDARS reported a TS for TOL at 0105Z, while ignoring/incorrectly ranging closer lightning at 0033Z?
Clinton-Sherman Airport, Oklahoma: SPECI KCSM 010725Z AUTO 36011KT 2SM RA BR OVC002 12/12 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB01 P0007 T01220117 SPECI KCSM 010720Z AUTO 01011KT 1 1/4SM VCTS RA BR OVC002 12/12 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAB01 P0005 T01220117 SPECI KCSM 010707Z AUTO 35011KT 3/4SM VCTS -RA BR VV002 12/12 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB01 P0000 T01220122 SPECI KCSM 010658Z AUTO 36010KT 3/4SM BR VV002 12/12 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T01220122 METAR KCSM 010653Z AUTO 02011KT 1/2SM VCTS FG VV002 12/12 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW AND W RAB18E30 SLP103 P0000 T01220122 SPECI KCSM 010645Z AUTO 01007KT 3/4SM VCTS BR VV002 12/12 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW AND W RAB18E30 P0000 T01220122 SPECI KCSM 010634Z AUTO 02010KT 1SM VCTS BR VV002 12/12 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB18E30 P0000 T01220122
ALDARS either did not detect the lightning within 5 miles of CSM, or did not range the distance to the bolts correctly.
Millington, Tennessee: METAR KNQA 011750Z 32010G18KT 6SM -RA BR SCT028 BKN044 OVC065 18/16 A3012 SPECI KNQA 011650Z 22012G19KT 10SM BKN026 OVC038 24/20 A3009
A thunderstorm went unreported:
Dallas Executive Airport, Redbird, Texas: METAR KRBD 020853Z AUTO 09013G21KT 10SM -RA FEW004 BKN110 16/16 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP129 P0015 60043 T01610156 58033 TSNO METAR KRBD 020753Z NIL METAR KRBD 020653Z NIL SPECI KRBD 020614Z AUTO 04009KT 3SM RA BR SCT006 BKN044 OVC090 17/16 A3001 RMK AO2 P0011 T01670161 TSNO SPECI KRBD 020607Z AUTO 03008KT 2SM +RA BR BKN006 OVC039 17/16 A3002 RMK AO2 P0010 T01670156 TSNO METAR KRBD 020552Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT006 BKN041 OVC080 17/16 A3003 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP162 P0018 60117 T01670161 10256 20167 402780167 53015 TSNO SPECI KRBD 020551Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT006 BKN041 OVC080 17/16 A3003 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0017 TSNO SPECI KRBD 020519Z AUTO 04012KT 4SM -RA BR SCT006 BKN050 OVC085 17/16 A2997 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0009 T01670161 TSNO SPECI KRBD 020405Z AUTO 01010KT 7SM -RA FEW008 OVC038 17/16 A3000 RMK AO2 P0002 T01720161 TSNO METAR KRBD 020353Z AUTO 04009KT 9SM -RA SCT008 BKN023 OVC032 17/16 A2998 RMK AO2 RAB10 SLP147 P0003 T01720161 TSNO SPECI KRBD 020342Z AUTO 06015KT 10SM -RA SCT008 OVC025 18/16 A2999 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0001 T01780161 TSNO
Because LAWRS disabled ALDARS overnight, 4 thunderstorms went unreported:
Could lightning have been responsible for the 2 missing METARs?
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Post by hertavein on May 7, 2019 2:40:52 GMT -5
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Post by tornado on May 7, 2019 15:14:33 GMT -5
Texarkana, Arkansas: METAR KTXK 030553Z AUTO 23012G21KT 10SM -TSRA BKN036 BKN049 OVC060 21/19 A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W RAB46 TSB48 SLP161 P0000 60000 T02060189 10239 20189 402610167 53011 SPECI KTXK 030541Z AUTO 22009KT 10SM VCTS BKN037 21/19 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW T02060194 METAR KTXK 030453Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 19/19 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW SLP145 T01940189
ALDARS did not begin TS until 0548Z. It could have begun TS at 0452Z or even 0508Z:
Burbank, California: SPECI KBUR 062350Z 08008KT 10SM BKN029 OVC036 16/11 A2990 RMK AO2 RAE00 TSB2256E2258 P0000
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Broomfield, Colorado: SPECI KBJC 070034Z 29016KT 10SM SCT110 BKN220 14/07 A2996 RMK OCNL LTGCG E TSB35E33 TS E MOV E
TSB35E33 was not correct.
Eagle County Regional Airport, Colorado: METAR KEGE 062256Z 05005KT 10SM BKN090 19/M01 A2994 RMK AO2 TSB38E53 SLP111 T01891011 SPECI KEGE 062249Z 07006KT 10SM VCTS BKN095 19/M01 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W TSB38 METAR KEGE 062156Z 06006KT 10SM FEW100 BKN120 18/M02 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP111 T01831017
VCTS took 11 minutes to get reported.
Brooksville, Florida: SPECI KBKV 051738Z 23014G25KT 2SM RA BR BKN030 BKN045 OVC080 21/20 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 22040/1725 RAB1658 P0041 T02110200 $ SPECI KBKV 051730Z 22018G40KT 1/4SM +RA FG SCT018 BKN029 OVC035 21/19 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 22040/1725 RAB1658 P0039 T02110194 $ SPECI KBKV 051723Z 23028G39KT 1SM RA FEW018 BKN029 OVC035 24/22 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 22039/1722 RAB1658 PRESRR P0015 T02440217 $ SPECI KBKV 051706Z 22007KT 4SM -RA BR BKN029 BKN037 OVC050 26/24 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB1658 P0004 T02610244 $ METAR KBKV 051653Z 23006KT 10SM FEW022 SCT027 BKN037 27/24 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB13E48 SLP112 P0004 T02670244 $ SPECI KBKV 051648Z 23007KT 10SM FEW018 SCT027 BKN034 27/24 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB13E48 P0004 $ SPECI KBKV 051640Z 23008KT 3SM -RA FEW018 BKN026 OVC049 27/24 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB13 PRESFR P0004 T02670239 $ METAR KBKV 051553Z 19010KT 10SM SCT048 SCT060 SCT075 26/23 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP121 T02610233 $
None of the lightning on the map was reported:
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida: SPECI KFXE 042249Z 14007KT 10SM VCTS SCT030 BKN080 28/23 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SW TSE43 METAR KFXE 042153Z 15009KT 10SM SCT030 28/23 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N SLP137 T02780228
ALDARS put TSE43 when it meant TSB43.
Cecil Field Airport, Jacksonville, Florida: METAR KVQQ 032250Z 29005KT 10SM BKN037 29/21 A2993 RMK TSB26E2246 METAR KVQQ 032150Z 27006KT 10SM BKN036 29/21 A2992 SPECI KVQQ 032126Z 27006KT 10SM TS BKN036 30/22 A2993 RMK TSB26
ALDARS may not have entered the TS times. There was no TSE time on the 2150Z METAR. Did TSB26 mean 2226Z? If so, there was no SPECI to begin the TS.
Craig Airport, Jacksonville, Florida: SPECI KCRG 040227Z AUTO 17005KT 10SM VCTS SCT065 SCT085 BKN110 23/23 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB09E18 TSB06E21 P0000 T02330233 SPECI KCRG 040212Z AUTO 18005KT 10SM -TSRA BKN060 OVC110 23/23 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB09 TSB06 P0000 T02330233 METAR KCRG 040153Z 16005KT 10SM VCTS FEW033 OVC060 23/23 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB34E52 SLP150 P0001 T02330233 SPECI KCRG 040136Z 16004KT 9SM VCTS -RA SCT026 BKN033 OVC060 24/23 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W RAB34 P0000 T02390233
TS was reported from 0206Z-0221Z, when lightning was striking within 5 miles of CRG from 0148Z-0211Z:
ALDARS reported the minimum-length 15-minute thunderstorm, when a 38-minute thunderstorm was justified.
Leesburg, Florida: SPECI KLEE 051821Z 25013G27KT 2SM RA BR FEW014 BKN030 OVC047 21/19 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 27039/1808 RAB06 P0055 T02060194 SPECI KLEE 051807Z 1/2SM -RA FG SCT015 BKN027 OVC050 22/21 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 27036/1807 RAB06 PRESRR P0023 T02170206 SPECI KLEE 051757Z VRB05KT 1 3/4SM SCT015 BKN030 OVC075 22/20 A2990 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V5 P0005 T02170200 METAR KLEE 051753Z VRB03KT 4SM FEW015 BKN033 OVC075 22/20 A2991 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP125 P0001 60001 T02170200 10272 20217 53001 SPECI KLEE 051751Z 02008KT 4SM FEW015 BKN025 OVC075 22/19 A2987 RMK AO2 METAR KLEE 051653Z 17003KT 10SM SCT025 SCT033 BKN040 27/23 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP121 T02720228
ALDARS, if enabled, missed all the lightning on the map:
LAWRS is supposed to back up for thunderstorms. In this case, obstructions to vision and a wind group were missing, and did not get backed up either.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida: METAR KEVB 051947Z 21005KT 10SM OVC027 20/19 A2994 RMK VCTS OF AIRPORT LTG DSNT W NW METAR KEVB 051847Z 30010KT 10SM BKN030 21/18 A2990 RMK VCTS O0F AIRPORT LTG DSNT W NW METAR KEVB 051747Z 26010KT 10SM BKN040 29/22 A2989 RMK VCTS O0F AIRPORT LTG DSNT W NW
How is it that so much nearby lightning, was reported by LAWRS as VCTS?
How did LTG DSNT W NW get reported, but not TS?
Pensacola, Florida: SPECI KPNS 041905Z 17021G28KT 3SM R17/5000VP6000FT TSRA BR BKN007 BKN013 25/25 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 16028/1904 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB02 TSB1859 P0001 T02500250 METAR KPNS 041853Z COR 17015KT 9SM VCTS BKN009 BKN013 OVC018 26/26 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE43 TSB24E43 SLP102 P0020 T02610261 METAR KPNS 041849Z 17015KT 9SM VCTS BKN009 BKN013 OVC018 26/26 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE43 TSB24E43 SLP102 P0020 T02610261
A cluster of 4 bolts which struck SE of PNS from 1850Z-1852Z, didn’t result in ALDARS restarting a thunderstorm (TS) until 1859Z (not reported until 1905Z):
St. Augustine, Florida: SPECI KSGJ 031903Z 21005KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW037 BKN070 OVC110 23/22 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 METAR KSGJ 031856Z 24006KT 5SM VCTS RA BR SCT011 BKN020 BKN037 24/22 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW TSB24RAE04B33 SLP150 P0005 T02390222 SPECI KSGJ 031830Z 28010KT 5SM VCTS HZ SCT011 BKN020 BKN037 26/23 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB24RAE04 P0000
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted:
Titusville, Florida: METAR KFIN 051850Z 24005KT 2SM RA BKN023 20/19 A2989 SPECI KFIN 051820Z 28007KT 4SM -RA SCT024 19/19 A2989 METAR KFIN 051750Z 29016G25KT 2SM RA BKN024 19/19 A2990 SPECI KFIN 051708Z 29015G30KT 1/2SM +RA BKN015 21/18 A2994 METAR KFIN 051650Z 29023G40KT 7SM BKN023 26/22 A2995 Tax dollars support the practice of wind gusting to 40 knots, and visibility dropping to 1/2SM in heavy rain, without reporting a thunderstorm; when this much lightning struck within the green 5-mile range ring around FIN:
The nearest lightning struck between 1708Z-1851Z:
It's time D level sites be required to report thunderstorms!
Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon, Georgia: SPECI KMCN 050212Z AUTO 31003KT 3SM -RA BR BKN029 BKN050 OVC100 21/19 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB0158 P0016 T02060194 SPECI KMCN 050207Z AUTO 28003KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN027 BKN042 OVC055 21/19 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB0158 P0015 T02060194 SPECI KMCN 050200Z AUTO 28005KT 2SM RA BR SCT027 BKN042 OVC055 21/19 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB0158 P0001 T02060194 METAR KMCN 050153Z AUTO 28006KT 10SM VCTS FEW025 SCT044 OVC060 21/19 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/0100 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE25 TSE18 SLP100 P0018 T02060189 Instead of ending VCTS at 0200Z; ALDARS should have begun TS at MCN for the lightning strike at 0157Z just NW of the airport:
Marietta, Georgia: SPECI KRYY 031605Z VRB04KT 10SM FEW027 26/19 A3006 RMK AO2 TSE1550B1551E1553B1555E01
ALDARS had a glitch period.
SPECI KRYY 041734Z 29011KT 10SM FEW013 BKN021 BKN040 23/20 A2991 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1637 LTG DSNT NE-SE RAE03 P0001 SPECI KRYY 041655Z 26011KT 8SM -RA SCT036 BKN050 OVC100 21/19 A2990 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1637 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 METAR KRYY 041648Z 27016G34KT 3SM RA BR FEW014 BKN032 OVC100 21/18 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 27034/1639 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB24 SLP846 T02060183
LTG DSNT was reported, while TS was justified:
Lightning struck within 5 miles of RYY from 1634Z-1700Z.
METAR KRYY 041548Z VRB05KT 10SM SCT028 BKN090 BKN110 26/20 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB06E08 SLP848 T02610200 SPECI KRYY 041508Z VRB05KT 10SM FEW075 BKN110 26/19 A2992 RMK AO2 TSB06E08
ALDARS recorded a 2-minute thunderstorm.
The Eastern Iowa Airport, Cedar Rapids, Iowa: SPECI KCID 052307Z 36010KT 5SM TSRA BR OVC060 15/13 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB2255 TSB01 P0003 T01500128 METAR KCID 052252Z 35017KT 10SM VCTS OVC060 17/11 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 28029/2229 WSHFT 2223 LTG DSNT N SLP104 T01720106
At 2252Z, lightning struck just SW of the airport. VCTS did not get changed to TS until 2301Z, and not reported until 2307Z- a delay of 15 minutes. During that period, there was another lightning strike on or near airport property, at 2302Z.
Bowman Field Airport, Louisville, Kentucky: SPECI KLOU 031121Z 01005KT 5SM RA BR FEW005 BKN049 OVC075 17/17 A2998 RMK AO2 P0006 T01720167 METAR KLOU 031053Z 36005KT 4SM RA BR SCT055 BKN070 OVC100 17/17 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP146 P0033 T01720167 SPECI KLOU 031024Z AUTO 02003KT 3SM +RA BR SCT005 BKN038 OVC065 18/17 A2998 RMK AO2 P0022 T01780167 TSNO SPECI KLOU 031014Z AUTO 00000KT 2SM +RA BR SCT005 BKN035 OVC047 18/17 A2999 RMK AO2 P0018 T01780167 TSNO SPECI KLOU 031008Z AUTO 00000KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR SCT003 BKN028 OVC050 18/17 A2999 RMK AO2 P0015 T01780172 TSNO SPECI KLOU 031000Z AUTO VRB03KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT005 BKN040 OVC050 18/17 A3000 RMK AO2 P0005 T01780172 TSNO METAR KLOU 030953Z AUTO 00000KT 4SM RA BR FEW024 BKN042 OVC075 18/17 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP149 P0019 T01780167 TSNO SPECI KLOU 030946Z AUTO VRB04KT 3SM RA BR FEW004 BKN042 OVC075 18/17 A2998 RMK AO2 P0017 T01780167 TSNO SPECI KLOU 030933Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN037 OVC070 18/17 A2998 RMK AO2 P0010 T01780172 TSNO SPECI KLOU 030927Z AUTO 17003KT 4SM RA BR FEW004 BKN023 OVC070 18/17 A2999 RMK AO2 P0004 T01780172 TSNO METAR KLOU 030853Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM -RA FEW008 SCT055 BKN100 18/17 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP143 P0009 60014 T01780167 56004 TSNO METAR KLOU 030753Z AUTO 14007KT 4SM +RA BR SCT044 BKN055 OVC110 18/17 A2997 RMK AO2 RAB45 SLP144 P0005 T01780167 TSNO
If ALDARS was out of service (TSNO), LAWRS on duty is supposed to back up LTG/TS data:
Why didn’t the lightning at 1057Z get reported?
Paducah, Kentucky: SPECI KPAH 030217Z 04005KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN016 OVC032 19/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S P0111 T01940178 SPECI KPAH 030207Z 04007KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW007 BKN016 OVC040 19/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S P0093 T01940178 SPECI KPAH 030159Z VRB04KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN014 BKN040 OVC090 19/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW P0045 T01940183 METAR KPAH 030153Z 19006KT 1SM +RA BR FEW012 BKN030 OVC090 19/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAB0057 TSB36E53 PRESRR SLP160 TS SW MVG NE P0022 T01940183 SPECI KPAH 030149Z 18009KT 1 3/4SM +TSRA BR FEW010 BKN042 OVC090 19/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAB0057 TSB36 PRESRR TS SW MVG NE P0012
ALDARS reported a thunderstorm, ending it by 0153Z; somehow, the nearest lightning strike at 0159Z didn’t result in a thunderstorm being reported:
That lightning bolt struck about 3 miles ENE of PAH, at a time when the visibility was 1/4SM. LAWRS may not have been able to see that bolt. Yet, only LTG DSNT was reported by ALDARS.
Cases continued in next post...
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Post by tornado on May 7, 2019 15:35:19 GMT -5
...cases continued from last post.
Lafayette, Louisiana: METAR KLFT 040853Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM FEW009 SCT110 24/23 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB26E35 SLP099 P0000 60000 T02390228 56023 SPECI KLFT 040846Z AUTO VRB03KT 8SM VCTS SCT007 SCT100 24/23 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB26E35 P0000 T02390228 SPECI KLFT 040835Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM VCTS SCT007 BKN019 BKN024 24/23 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB26E35 P0000 T02390228 SPECI KLFT 040827Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM -RA BKN007 OVC019 24/23 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB26 CIG 005V010 P0000 T02390228
ALDARS reported 4 separate thunderstorms (TS) at LFT on May the 4th. However, it misreported A TS as a VCTS as well:
The nearest observed lightning strike was at 0831Z, just south of the airport. So of the 5 thunderstorms within 5 miles of LFT that day, ALDARS misreported the one with the closest lightning.
Lake Charles, Louisiana: SPECI KLCH 040910Z AUTO 06007KT 10SM OVC006 22/21 A2978 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE T02220206 METAR KLCH 040853Z AUTO 08006KT 10SM VCTS BKN007 OVC013 22/21 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB35E45 SLP094 P0000 60000 T02220206 56022 SPECI KLCH 040813Z AUTO 09006KT 10SM VCTS OVC008 22/20 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E CIG 008V012 T02220200
The lightning strike about 2 miles ESE of LCH at 0856Z met TS criteria, but VCTS continued to be reported until 0910Z.
Monroe, Louisiana: SPECI KMLU 030934Z AUTO 15004KT 10SM -RA FEW044 BKN100 BKN120 20/18 A2999 RMK AO2 RAB31 P0000 T02000183 SPECI KMLU 030919Z AUTO 17005KT 10SM VCTS SCT042 SCT100 BKN120 19/18 A2999 RMK AO2 T01940183 METAR KMLU 030853Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW060 BKN110 20/18 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAE49 SLP148 P0006 60007 T02000183 55015 METAR KMLU 030753Z AUTO 33008KT 10SM -RA BKN100 OVC120 20/18 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAE06B22 SLP144 P0001 T02000178 SPECI KMLU 030720Z AUTO 21008KT 10SM FEW055 FEW100 21/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAE06 P0000 T02060178 METAR KMLU 030653Z AUTO 25010KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT037 BKN047 OVC060 21/19 A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W RAB40 SLP163 P0000 T02110189 METAR KMLU 030553Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW110 19/18 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP160 T01940178 10261 20189 402780189 50001
On the 3rd, MLU recorded VCTS twice. There should have been TS reported:
ALDARS missed the lightning from 0644Z-0649Z that struck within 5 miles of MLU, reporting VCTS when TS criteria had been met.
Easton, Maryland: METAR KESN 030219Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM SCT007 SCT085 20/19 A3013 RMK AO2 T01960189 METAR KESN 030150Z 13009KT 10SM SCT010 20/19 A3014 METAR KESN 030050Z 00000KT 4SM RA SCT016 OVC022 20/19 A3013
TS should have been reported twice; instead, TS/LTG was not even mentioned.
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi: SPECI KHKS 040906Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM BKN013 OVC020 21/21 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E T02110206 METAR KHKS 040853Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM SCT016 BKN023 OVC045 21/21 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB20E39 SLP107 P0017 60018 T02110206 56013 SPECI KHKS 040836Z AUTO 00000KT 4SM -RA BR SCT016 BKN033 21/21 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB20 P0017 T02060206 SPECI KHKS 040823Z AUTO VRB03KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT020 BKN037 BKN060 21/21 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND W RAB20 P0008 T02060206 METAR KHKS 040653Z AUTO 00000KT 8SM VCTS FEW013 SCT023 BKN028 21/21 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE18 TSE52 SLP111 P0001 T02110206 SPECI KHKS 040621Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM TS SCT009 BKN023 OVC031 21/21 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW RAE18 P0001 T02110206 SPECI KHKS 040614Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -TSRA SCT009 BKN013 OVC033 21/21 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T02110206 SPECI KHKS 040606Z AUTO 28007KT 10SM -TSRA BKN009 OVC033 21/21 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS CIG 007V012 P0001 T02110206 SPECI KHKS 040602Z AUTO 28007KT 6SM -TSRA BR SCT007 OVC033 21/21 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 T02110206 METAR KHKS 040553Z AUTO 25004KT 5SM -TSRA BR BKN033 OVC047 21/21 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW RAB05 TSB49 SLP120 P0024 60024 T02110206 10239 20211 402830183 50002 SPECI KHKS 040549Z AUTO 00000KT 6SM -TSRA BR BKN033 BKN043 OVC060 21/21 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW RAB05 TSB49 P0022 SPECI KHKS 040525Z AUTO 07006KT 3SM RA BR BKN038 BKN060 OVC080 21/20 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W RAB05 P0015 T02110200 SPECI KHKS 040520Z AUTO 08005KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC038 21/20 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW RAB05 P0013 T02110200
The lightning bolts which struck closest to HKS were at 0531Z, 0855Z and 0856Z. ALDARS reported TS during the period, just not for those 3 nearest lightning strikes.
Lincoln, Nebraska: SPECI KLNK 042032Z 00000KT 6SM -RA FEW028 BKN065 OVC100 18/13 A2988 RMK AO2 P0008 T01780128 SPECI KLNK 042016Z 20004KT 2 1/2SM +RA SCT046 BKN070 OVC090 19/12 A2989 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V5 P0003 T01890122 SPECI KLNK 042013Z 28005KT 4SM VCTS RA FEW050 BKN070 OVC090 20/11 A2990 RMK AO2 P0001 T02000111
Instead of ending VCTS at 2016Z, ALDARS should have begun TS for 2 lightning strikes within 5 miles of LNK at 2014Z:
Long Island Mac Arthur Airport, Islip, New York: SPECI KISP 040431Z AUTO 31003KT 4SM -TSRA BR BKN002 BKN021 OVC038 11/11 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND W RAB0359 TSB30 P0021 T01110111 $ SPECI KISP 040425Z AUTO 00000KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR SCT002 BKN022 OVC038 11/11 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND W RAB0359 P0021 T01110111 $ SPECI KISP 040407Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM R06/6000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN002 OVC007 11/11 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB0359 P0003 T01110111 SPECI KISP 040405Z AUTO 00000KT 2SM R06/6000VP6000FT RA BR OVC002 11/11 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB0359 P0002 T01110111 $ METAR KISP 040356Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM BR OVC002 11/11 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W SLP150 LAST T01110111 $
Not long after the Contract Weather Office closed for the night, a lightning bolt struck on or near runway 10/28, at 0404Z:
Yet, ALDARS began VCTS at 0407Z, not reporting TS until 0430Z.
The Gabreski Airport, Westhampton Beach, New York: SPECI KFOK 040517Z AUTO 29003KT 7SM TS SCT005 BKN039 OVC050 11/10 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-NE RAE13 TSB17 P0000 T01060100 SPECI KFOK 040510Z AUTO 30004KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN005 BKN039 OVC046 11/10 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-NE P0000 T01060100 SPECI KFOK 040501Z AUTO 00000KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR SCT007 BKN039 OVC048 11/11 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-N P0000 T01060106 METAR KFOK 040453Z AUTO 00000KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR BKN005 OVC039 11/11 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB12 SLP150 P0011 T01060106 401110083
ALDARS changed VCTS to TS at 0517Z, probably in response to the lightning strike due north of the airport:
But what of the lightning bolt which struck at 0459Z to the west of the airport? It was closer than the bolt which triggered the change from VCTS to TS. By missing that bolt (or ranging its distance incorrectly), ALDARS delayed TS by 18 minutes.
Kinston, North Carolina: METAR KISO 051156Z 23005KT 10SM SCT090 BKN120 20/19 A2978 METAR KISO 051056Z 19020G31KT 2SM RA SCT008 BKN021 OVC045 21/20 A2980
D level site is not required to report thunderstorms, whether or not ALDARS is enabled.
New Bern, North Carolina: METAR KEWN 060054Z 25006KT 10SM -RA SCT016 BKN022 22/21 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB20 SLP064 P0044 T02170211 SPECI KEWN 060050Z 24009G19KT 3SM -RA BR SCT016 BKN022 BKN039 22/21 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB20 P0044 SPECI KEWN 060042Z 25009G18KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN017 BKN022 OVC048 22/21 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB20 PRESRR P0044 T02170211 SPECI KEWN 060032Z 34009KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT017 BKN023 OVC047 22/21 A2969 RMK AO2 VIS 1 3/4V5 LTG DSNT NE RAB20 P0012 T02220211 ALDARS detected lightning beyond 10 miles from EWN (LTG DSNT), but missed 2 bolts
within 5 miles of EWN:
TS should have been reported from 0042Z-0105Z.
Ardmore, Oklahoma: SPECI KADM 032255Z 01013G17KT 2SM +TSRA BKN019 BKN031 OVC043 16/16 A2994 RMK LTG DSNT ALQS SPECI KADM 032240Z 36009G15KT 2SM +VCTSRA BKN009 BKN026 OVC033 16/16 A2993 RMK LTG ALQS METAR KADM 032155Z 01016G22KT 5SM +VCTSRA BKN040 BKN050 OVC070 20/18 A2990 RMK LTG DSNT N
ALDARS changed VCTS to TS at 2255Z, when it should have changed to TS because of LTG at 2206Z (plus 2210Z and 2216Z):
University Park, Pennsylvania: METAR KUNV 042053Z 15003KT 5SM -RA SCT012 BKN041 OVC050 18/15 A2981 SPECI KUNV 042027Z 22009KT 3SM -RA BKN021 OVC030 18/16 A2982 METAR KUNV 041953Z 27003KT 6SM -RA SCT031 OVC070 21/14 A2982
D level sites are not required to report thunderstorms. ALDARS could miss a bolt striking the runway, and LAWRS may still not report TS:
Greenville Downtown Airport, South Carolina: SPECI KGMU 041928Z 20009KT 10SM TS BKN039 OVC050 26/19 A2987 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1846 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE17 TSE1857B28 P0000 T02610194 SPECI KGMU 041900Z 15010KT 10SM -RA FEW037 SCT049 BKN075 25/19 A2985 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1846 LTG DSNT S-NW TSE1857 P0000 T02500194
The lightning strike nearest to the runway complex did not result in ALDARS restarting a thunderstorm:
That bolt struck at 1906Z, not far from the west end of runway 10/28. Yet, ALDARS waited until 1928Z to restart a thunderstorm, a delay of 22 minutes.
Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Greer, South Carolina: METAR KGSP 041853Z 19013KT 8SM -TSRA FEW060 FEW080 SCT100 26/19 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND NW RAE04B48 SLP095 P0000 T02610189 METAR KGSP 041753Z 23009KT 10SM -RA BKN041 BKN050 OVC070 27/18 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E RAB49 SLP103 P0000 60000 T02670183 10289 20211 58020
No TSB time was recorded.
Abilene, Texas: METAR KABI 040352Z 03007KT 6SM VCTS RA BR FEW065 SCT080 OVC090 17/15 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP125 P0017 T01670150 $ SPECI KABI 040320Z VRB05KT 5SM VCTS RA BR SCT009 BKN048 OVC075 17/16 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0007 T01720156 $ METAR KABI 040252Z 01003KT 7SM VCTS RA FEW042 BKN080 OVC095 18/16 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 35027/0208 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB16 PRESRR SLP110 P0004 60018 T01830156 53026 $
From 0254Z-0317Z, all of the lightning strikes plotted on the map met TS criteria. The ALDARS/LAWRS combination resulted in only VCTS getting reported.
Arlington, Texas: SPECI KGKY 040909Z AUTO 29006KT 1SM +TSRA BR BKN006 OVC010 18/17 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S TSE0855B07 T01830172 PNO $ SPECI KGKY 040858Z AUTO 28005KT 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT006 OVC011 18/17 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSE55 T01830172 PNO $ METAR KGKY 040853Z AUTO VRB04KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN006 OVC012 18/17 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SE RAB08 TSB12E27B40 SLP103 6//// T01830172 56010 PNO $
The sequence of events was: ALDARS ended a thunderstorm (TS) at 0855Z, not having detected lightning within 5 miles of GKY since 0840Z. ASOS changed TS to VCTS, and issued a SPECI with the change at 0858Z. At 0859Z, lightning struck the airport near taxiway C. ASOS did not issue another SPECI for lightning within 5 miles of GKY until 0909Z, a delay of 10 minutes.
Conroe, Texas: SPECI KCXO 040749Z AUTO 30010KT 4SM TSRA BR FEW030 BKN047 OVC085 19/19 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB14 TSB15E30B43 P0018 SPECI KCXO 040734Z AUTO 34009KT 4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT024 BKN032 OVC040 20/20 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAB14 TSB15E30 PRESFR P0010 T02000200 SPECI KCXO 040717Z AUTO 31008G14KT 10SM -TSRA SCT002 SCT012 OVC022 21/21 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAB14 TSB15 P0001 T02060206
According to the reports above, no lightning struck within 5 miles of CXO after the bolt which began a thunderstorm at 0715Z; until 0743Z, when a new thunderstorm began. Lightning data showed the bolt at 0743Z and 26 seconds, struck just south of runway 14/32. However, ALDARS ignored or mis-ranged the distance to other lightning:
While the all-clear of lightning within 5 miles of CXO had been given, lightning struck the airport at 0740Z. Another bolt which had struck the airport at 0726Z, should have kept TS in place until at least 0741Z. In this case, VCTS should not have been reported at all that hour!
Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth, Texas: SPECI KFTW 040428Z 03009KT 10SM FEW047 19/16 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W T01890161 METAR KFTW 040353Z 03009KT 10SM VCTS FEW025 SCT038 BKN049 20/17 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW AND W SLP110 T02000167 SPECI KFTW 040341Z 04008KT 10SM VCTS FEW021 SCT026 OVC039 21/17 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW T02060167
Lightning which struck within 2 miles of the airport at 0356Z, did not result in VCTS getting changed to TS.
San Angelo, Texas: METAR KSJT 032051Z 11011KT 10SM FEW075 BKN095 21/17 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE RAB02E43 PRESFR SLP100 P0004 60004 T02060167 56018 SPECI KSJT 032046Z 11011KT 10SM VCTS FEW060 SCT075 BKN095 19/16 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE RAB02E43 PRESFR P0004 SPECI KSJT 032036Z 13008KT 1 1/2SM VCTS -RA FEW025 BKN075 OVC100 17/14 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S RAB02 PRESFR P0004 T01720144 SPECI KSJT 032028Z 13009KT 4SM VCTS RA FEW025 BKN075 OVC095 18/15 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S RAB02 P0003 T01780150 SPECI KSJT 032019Z 14008KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW017 BKN026 OVC095 18/16 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB02 P0000 T01830161 SPECI KSJT 032012Z 17006KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT022 BKN032 OVC090 18/16 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB02 P0000 T01830161 SPECI KSJT 032005Z 17007KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN022 BKN038 OVC100 19/16 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB02 P0000 T01890156 SPECI KSJT 031955Z 13007KT 1 3/4SM VCTS HZ FEW017 BKN025 OVC080 21/18 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T02110183 METAR KSJT 031950Z 11003KT 2SM VCTS HZ SCT027 BKN036 OVC090 22/18 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB09E29 TSB1856E18B21E41 PRESRR SLP115 P0000 T02170183 SPECI KSJT 031949Z 10003KT 2 1/2SM VCTS HZ SCT027 BKN036 OVC090 22/18 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB09E29 TSB1856E18B21E41 PRESRR P0000 SPECI KSJT 031941Z 05006KT 10SM VCTS BKN028 BKN038 OVC090 22/18 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW RAB09E29 TSB1856E18B21E41 P0000 T02170178 SPECI KSJT 031921Z 04004KT 10SM -TSRA BKN028 OVC033 23/18 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB09 TSB1856E18B21 P0000 T02280178
ALDARS recorded thunderstorms, changing TS to VCTS at 1941Z. That means there wasn’t any lightning within 5 miles of SJT detected by ALDARS after 1926Z. However, lightning data shows 5 bolts that struck within 5 miles of SJT, from 1938Z-2021Z:
While this appears to be an ALDARS failure, it’s also possible that LAWRS locked VCTS into present weather.
Stinson Municipal Airport, San Antonio, Texas: SPECI KSSF 040223Z 36005KT 3SM +TSRA FEW008 BKN024 OVC031 18/16 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESRR P0044 T01830156
Lightning struck east of the airport at 0213Z, while TS was being reported. However, a closer bolt struck at 0632Z, with VCTS being reported, and not getting upgraded to TS:
METAR KSSF 040653Z AUTO 26005KT 10SM BKN060 BKN075 18/16 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW SLP096 T01830161 SPECI KSSF 040630Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM VCTS BKN060 18/16 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW T01830161 San Marcos, Texas: METAR KHYI 031156Z 27008KT 2 1/2SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 BKN036 OVC055 18/18 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB17E32B51E53B55RAB55 SLP131 P0031 60034 70034 T01830178 10189 20178 58001
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Sugar Land, Texas: SPECI KSGR 030235Z 05006KT 10SM -TSRA FEW038 BKN047 OVC055 24/23 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAE0154B32 TSB29 P0001 T02390228 METAR KSGR 030153Z 00000KT 10SM -RA BKN060 BKN100 OVC120 23/22 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB08 SLP159 P0001 T02330222 SPECI KSGR 030115Z 16006KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW070 BKN090 OVC110 24/22 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB08 P0000 T02440217 METAR KSGR 030053Z 17004KT 10SM OVC090 24/22 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-N RAE05 TSE2359 SLP155 P0000 T02440217
While ALDARS reported VCTS and TS at SGR that day, the nearest lightning strike to the airport at 0055Z, didn’t get reported as TS:
Victoria, Texas: SPECI KVCT 040607Z AUTO 34010KT 9SM VCTS -RA SCT120 18/17 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0003 T01830167 METAR KVCT 040551Z AUTO 35016G21KT 10SM -RA FEW120 19/17 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 34029/0506 LTG DSNT N-SE SLP106 P0008 60050 T01890167 10250 20189 403000189 50014 SPECI KVCT 040542Z AUTO 35016G23KT 9SM -RA FEW095 FEW120 19/17 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 34029/0506 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0007 T01890167 SPECI KVCT 040515Z AUTO 34018G29KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT120 19/17 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 34029/0506 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0003 T01890172 SPECI KVCT 040503Z AUTO 33021G27KT 10SM -RA FEW090 SCT120 19/17 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 33027/0503 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T01890172 METAR KVCT 040451Z AUTO 32021G32KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW010 SCT090 OVC120 19/17 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 31037/0416 WSHFT 0352 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0359 TSB24E39 SLP123 P0042 T01890172 SPECI KVCT 040437Z AUTO 31022G32KT 5SM TSRA BR SCT010 BKN034 OVC110 19/18 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 31037/0416 WSHFT 0352 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0359 TSB24 P0040 T01890178 SPECI KVCT 040429Z AUTO 31022G32KT 3SM +TSRA BR SCT010 BKN015 OVC032 19/18 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 31037/0416 WSHFT 0352 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0359 TSB24 P0038 T01890178 SPECI KVCT 040420Z AUTO 30024G37KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT009 BKN015 OVC022 19/17 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 31037/0416 WSHFT 0352 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0359 P0030 T01890172 SPECI KVCT 040415Z AUTO 28018G28KT 1 1/4SM VCTS +RA BR SCT009 OVC013 19/18 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/0415 WSHFT 0352 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0359 P0022 T01890178
As can be seen, the lightning strikes plotted on the map, all struck between 0422Z-0559Z. The reports from VCT would have users believe only one lightning bolt struck within 5 miles of VCT, at 0424Z. Yet the insert shows 7 bolts struck within the green 5-mile range ring around VCT, meeting TS criteria.
Cheyenne, Wyoming: SPECI KCYS 062241Z 06010G22KT 020V090 10SM -TSRA SCT034 BKN045 OVC095 10/06 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E RAB26 TSB35 P0000 T01000061 METAR KCYS 062153Z 03017G24KT 10SM VCTS BKN037 OVC048 12/06 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 18030/2055 LTG DSNT N AND W SLP114 T01170061
ALDARS claimed TS began at 2235Z. Yet, lightning struck near the airport at 2222Z (SW), 2230Z (E), and 2231Z (NE):
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Post by tornado on May 10, 2019 12:21:04 GMT -5
Prescott, Arizona: METAR KPRC 082053Z 19007KT 10SM TS SCT075 13/07 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAE25 TSB02E04 SLP087 P0000 60029 T01280072 58011
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded, even though TS was still in present weather.
Searcy, Arkansas: METAR KSRC 082256Z AUTO 03003KT 4SM +RA BR BKN019 BKN026 OVC038 19/19 A2979 RMK AO2 TSB15E17B19E30 SLP095 P0033 T01890189
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded, followed by an 11-minute thunderstorm.
Texarkana, Arkansas: SPECI KTXK 090609Z AUTO 19005KT 10SM VCTS OVC004 18/18 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S CIG 004V009 T01780178 METAR KTXK 090553Z AUTO 16004KT 10SM OVC004 18/18 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP080 T01780178 10183 20167 402280167 58001 TSNO SPECI KTXK 090549Z AUTO 17006KT 10SM OVC004 18/18 A2979 RMK AO2 TSNO METAR KTXK 090453Z AUTO 24003KT 10SM OVC006 18/18 A2978 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW CIG 005V009 SLP083 T01780178
LTG DSNT and VCTS were interrupted by an ALDARS outage.
Boca Raton, Florida: METAR KBCT 072053Z 08010KT 10SM VCTS SCT055 28/23 A3003 RMK TS AT AIRPORT LTG DSNT W-N METAR KBCT 071955Z 12004KT 10SM CLR 29/23 A3002
LAWRS: A thunderstorm was at the airport as of 2053Z. ALDARS: VCTS began at 2053Z. Lightningmaps.org: TS criteria was met at 2031Z:
Kissimmee, Florida: SPECI KISM 092108Z 13013KT 10SM VCTS CLR 28/22 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB2058E06B08 PNO $
An 8-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Punta Gorda, Florida: SPECI KPGD 092022Z 17009KT 5SM -TSRA OVC050 27/22 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S AND NW RAB03 TSB16 P0003 T02670217 METAR KPGD 091953Z 00000KT 10SM VCTS FEW060 SCT080 BKN110 31/19 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S AND NW SLP137 T03110194
Lightning data showed that at 2013Z, there was a bolt which struck the ground just north of the airport. ALDARS took 3 minutes to determine that bolt was within 5 miles of PGD, sending the data to ASOS at PGD for inclusion. ASOS generated a SPECI, transmitting a SPECI to change VCTS to TS at 2022Z, with a TSB time of 2016Z. So that process took 9 minutes, to go from detecting to reporting a single lightning strike. The 2013Z strike is plotted in yellow-orange north of the airport:
A bigger problem than the 9-minute delay, however, was the fact that ALDARS missed the 1956Z lightning strike to the airport! How is it that the NOL (Nearest-Observed Lightning) to an airport is sometimes missed by ALDARS?
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois: METAR KBMI 090256Z 17015KT 10SM FEW060 SCT120 20/15 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E TSB35E36B41E50RAB26E37 SLP071 P0000 60000 T02000150 51002 SPECI KBMI 090242Z 18019KT 10SM VCTS FEW050 BKN120 21/17 A2975 RMK AO2 TSB35E36B41RAB26E37 P0000 METAR KBMI 090156Z 17013KT 10SM CLR 22/16 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW SLP071 T02220161
ALDARS started a thunderstorm, canceled it a minute later, then began it again at 0241Z.
Springfield, Illinois: SPECI KSPI 090618Z AUTO 20008KT 6SM -RA BR FEW025 BKN046 OVC080 18/18 A2970 RMK AO2 P0009 T01830178 SPECI KSPI 090603Z AUTO 18009KT 2 1/2SM R04/5500VP6000FT +RA BR SCT021 BKN031 OVC045 18/18 A2971 RMK AO2 P0003 T01830178 TSNO METAR KSPI 090552Z AUTO 22009KT 8SM -RA BKN023 BKN030 OVC039 19/18 A2973 RMK AO2 RAB0456 SLP062 P0004 60006 T01890183 10244 20189 402780117 53000 TSNO SPECI KSPI 090535Z AUTO 21007G15KT 5SM -RA BR SCT023 BKN029 OVC038 19/18 A2973 RMK AO2 RAB0456 P0003 T01890178 TSNO METAR KSPI 090452Z AUTO 18008KT 10SM FEW060 BKN080 OVC100 19/18 A2972 RMK AO2 RAE43 SLP061 P0000 T01940178
ALDARS was out-of-service (TSNO) for 3 reports.
Garden City, Kansas: SPECI KGCK 071340Z 06015KT 10SM TS BKN004 OVC060 10/09 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E RAE16 TSB29E30 TS OHD MOV NE P0000 T01000094 $
The TS in present weather, was accompanied by a bogus TSE time.
Hutchinson, Kansas: SPECI KHUT 072123Z 08012KT 5SM VCTS RA BR OVC095 16/15 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSB2059E14B17E19 OCNL LTGIC TS W MOV ESE P0007 T01610150
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas: METAR KOJC 090653Z AUTO 34014G20KT 10SM OVC009 10/09 A2977 RMK AO2 CIG 007V011 SLP077 T01000089 METAR KOJC 090553Z AUTO 33013G23KT 10SM BKN007 OVC011 12/11 A2975 RMK AO2 RAE0459 CIG 005V010 SLP068 P0000 60007 T01170106 10206 20117 402220117 53021 TSNO SPECI KOJC 090538Z AUTO 33013G20KT 10SM BKN007 BKN010 OVC110 13/12 A2975 RMK AO2 RAE0459 CIG 005V009 P0000 T01280122 TSNO SPECI KOJC 090529Z AUTO 31008KT 10SM SCT009 BKN110 13/13 A2975 RMK AO2 RAE0459 PRESRR P0000 T01330128 TSNO METAR KOJC 090453Z AUTO 01008KT 10SM -RA BKN085 OVC110 14/13 A2969 RMK AO2 RAB11 SLP050 P0007 T01390128
ALDARS was out-of-service (TSNO) for 3 reports.
New Century Aircenter, Olathe, Kansas: METAR KIXD 090553Z AUTO 32016G28KT 10SM OVC007 12/10 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 34028/0550 SLP074 P0001 60007 T01170100 10206 20117 402280117 53023 TSNO SPECI KIXD 090523Z AUTO 31013KT 10SM BKN006 OVC100 13/12 A2976 RMK AO2 CIG 004V012 T01330122 TSNO SPECI KIXD 090317Z AUTO 31015G26KT 8SM VCTS -RA FEW024 BKN047 OVC080 15/13 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 28038/0259 WSHFT 0257 LTG DSNT N RAB03 P0001 T01500133
ALDARS reported VCTS at 0317Z, but later was out-of-service (TSNO) at 0523Z-0553Z.
Alexandria, Louisiana: SPECI KAEX 091435Z AUTO 32005KT 7SM -RA BKN022 BKN028 OVC060 21/19 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB11 P0000 T02060194 METAR KAEX 091353Z AUTO 12004KT 10SM SCT027 OVC060 21/19 A2986 RMK AO2 RAE28 PRESRR SLP114 P0006 T02060194 TSNO SPECI KAEX 091332Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW026 SCT036 OVC070 20/19 A2984 RMK AO2 RAE28 P0006 T02000189 TSNO SPECI KAEX 091313Z AUTO 27006KT 5SM -RA BR BKN027 OVC038 20/19 A2984 RMK AO2 P0006 T02000189 TSNO SPECI KAEX 091301Z AUTO 29013KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW020 OVC027 21/18 A2985 RMK AO2 P0004 T02060183 TSNO METAR KAEX 091253Z AUTO 30012KT 7SM VCTS RA FEW014 OVC028 21/18 A2985 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1219 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE07B42 SLP111 P0001 T02110183
Between reports of VCTS and LTG DSNT, ALDARS was out-of-service for 4 reports.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana: SPECI KBTR 082155Z 12011KT 10SM VCTS FEW025 BKN060 BKN080 28/23 A2982 RMK AO2 TSE54 T02780233 METAR KBTR 082153Z 12012KT 10SM FEW025 BKN060 BKN080 28/23 A2982 RMK AO2 SLP098 T02780233
ALDARS put TSE54 when it meant TSB54.
METAR KBTR 082253Z 18013KT 10SM -TSRA FEW030 BKN055 OVC075 27/23 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB16 TSE2154B10E12 SLP095 P0000 T02720233
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded; a TSB time for the thunderstorm that had restarted by 2253Z was not listed. TS should have been restarted earlier that hour, for lightning that began striking within 5 miles at 2226Z:
Saginaw, Michigan: SPECI KMBS 091111Z 04011KT 2SM RA BR SCT044 BKN060 OVC110 08/06 A2985 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V3 LTG DSNT S P0013 T00780061 SPECI KMBS 091102Z 34012KT 4SM VCTS RA SCT050 BKN080 OVC100 08/06 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S PRESRR P0004 T00830056 METAR KMBS 091053Z 01015KT 10SM -RA FEW038 SCT075 OVC110 08/05 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 29036/1016 WSHFT 1023 LTG DSNT S RAB20 SLP097 P0007 T00830050
VCTS was reported for only 9 minutes.
Greenwood-LeFlore Airport, Mississippi: METAR KGWO 082253Z AUTO 20010KT 10SM SCT039 SCT049 BKN120 22/21 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 20031/2159 WSHFT 2147 LTG DSNT N RAB2154E32 SLP107 P0009 T02220206 SPECI KGWO 082224Z AUTO 20010G19KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR FEW025 BKN042 OVC110 22/20 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 20031/2159 WSHFT 2147 LTG DSNT N AND SE AND S RAB2154 P0009 T02170200 SPECI KGWO 082210Z AUTO 19015G28KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW021 BKN031 OVC075 22/21 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 20031/2159 WSHFT 2147 LTG DSNT SE AND S AND NW RAB2154 P0006 T02220206
Lightning which struck at 2204Z about 2 miles SSE of GWO, didn’t result in ALDARS changing VCTS to TS.
The next day, in the midst of thunderstorm activity, ALDARS had an outage (TSNO):
SPECI KGWO 091529Z AUTO 10008KT 10SM -TSRA FEW065 SCT080 BKN090 19/18 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE TSB23 P0005 T01890178 METAR KGWO 091453Z AUTO 09010KT 6SM RA BR FEW075 BKN090 OVC110 19/18 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S SLP126 P0021 60160 T01890178 50018 SPECI KGWO 091359Z AUTO 15005KT 3SM +RA BR BKN050 OVC070 19/18 A2996 RMK AO2 P0003 T01890178 TSNO METAR KGWO 091353Z AUTO 06004KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN046 BKN060 OVC100 19/18 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP138 P0027 T01890178 TSNO SPECI KGWO 091346Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW034 BKN060 OVC110 19/18 A2997 RMK AO2 P0021 T01890178 TSNO METAR KGWO 091253Z AUTO 02009KT 4SM RA BR BKN047 BKN070 OVC085 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 36031/1202 LTG DSNT E-SW TSE19B24E39 SLP129 P0112 T01890178
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi: METAR KHKS 090053Z 14007KT 10SM TS BKN085 OVC110 24/22 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB33 SLP099 T02390222
A thunderstorm was reported for HKS by ALDARS late enough on the 8th, that it was the 9th UTC. However, the weather had been worse earlier:
METAR KHKS 082053Z 18007KT 10SM -RA FEW043 FEW090 BKN110 22/21 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 20026/2009 RAB07 SLP110 P0014 60014 T02220211 56010 SPECI KHKS 082035Z 21011G16KT 3SM RA BR SCT031 BKN047 OVC110 22/21 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 20026/2009 RAB07 P0012 T02220211 SPECI KHKS 082022Z 21015G22KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW030 BKN036 OVC075 22/21 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 20026/2009 VIS 3/4V5 RAB07 P0007 T02220211 METAR KHKS 081953Z 17011KT 10SM FEW037 SCT047 28/21 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP110 T02780206
9 lightning strikes within 3 miles of the airport, went unreported:
With heavy rain, a wind gust to 26 knots, and 1 3/4SM visibility; LAWRS must not have had time to add LTG remarks, nor TS to present weather. See next case.
On the 9th (UTC), the first TS recorded at HKS, came in time for the 0053Z METAR:
METAR KHKS 090053Z 14007KT 10SM TS BKN085 OVC110 24/22 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB33 SLP099 T02390222
2 more thunderstorms (TS) were recorded at HKS, at 0441Z and 1153Z:
SPECI KHKS 090441Z AUTO 12008KT 5SM TSRA BR FEW070 OVC095 19/19 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND NW TSB35 P0014 T01940194 METAR KHKS 091153Z 16012G23KT 10SM TS OVC012 23/22 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB34 SLP094 60000 70076 T02280217 10228 20194 55007
However, the lightning which struck the closest to the airport, occurred from 1501Z-1517Z:
Yet, that hour, no thunderstorm was reported:
METAR KHKS 091553Z 05005KT 2SM -RA BR FEW007 OVC016 19/19 A2994 RMK AO2 RAB23 SLP130 P0117 T01890189 $ SPECI KHKS 091532Z 07006KT 2SM RA BR FEW007 OVC016 19/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAB23 P0114 T01890189 $ SPECI KHKS 091514Z VRB05KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW007 OVC016 19/19 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S P0097 T01890189 SPECI KHKS 091458Z 29010KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN009 OVC016 19/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S P0031 T01890189
ALDARS was working, as it recorded LTG DSNT as late as 1532Z. It’s just that it wasn’t working properly, as it missed all the lightning bolts plotted in orange on both maps!
When ALDARS malfunctions, the HWO (Human Weather Observer) is to augment ASOS and add the appropriate LTG/TS data. That did not happen on May 9th at HKS!
Natchez, Mississippi: SPECI KHEZ 091917Z AUTO 32004KT 2 1/2SM VCTS BR BKN003 22/22 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW TSB11E15B17
A 4-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Pascagoula, Mississippi: METAR KPQL 092353Z 04006KT 6SM RA BR SCT070 BKN090 OVC110 20/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB2257E24 SLP159 P0024 60084 T02000178 10289 20194 51021 SPECI KPQL 092346Z 02005KT 8SM -RA FEW049 BKN070 OVC100 20/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB2257E24 P0023 T02000178 SPECI KPQL 092330Z 05004KT 4SM VCTS RA BR BKN047 OVC070 20/18 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB2257E24 P0021 T02000178 SPECI KPQL 092307Z 00000KT 4SM TSRA BR BKN038 BKN050 OVC070 20/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S AND SW TSB2257 P0007 T02000178
ALDARS reported a thunderstorm on the 2307Z SPECI, fair enough. Why then did it not report TS for the lightning bolts which struck closest to PQL?
The bolts to the south which struck at 2333Z and 2337Z, should have triggered a TS to restart; that is, the VCTS should have been “upgraded” to TS. Then, lightning struck the airport at 2340Z. The response of ALDARS/ASOS/LAWRS was to end the VCTS at 2346Z. Ramp workers probably heard the thunder from the 2 earlier bolts and took cover before the 2340Z LTGCG AT AP, but this small airport was not accurately advised of the hazard via the weather reports.
Tupelo, Mississippi: METAR KTUP 091353Z 29009KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW006 OVC024 18/17 A2996 RMK AO2 TSE1254 SLP143 P0116 T01780167 SPECI KTUP 091328Z 35009KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN016 OVC020 19/18 A2994 RMK AO2 TSE1254 P0049 T01890178 SPECI KTUP 091319Z 36008KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN014 OVC022 19/18 A2993 RMK AO2 TSE1254 P0013 T01890178 SPECI KTUP 091315Z 33011KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT004 BKN014 OVC022 19/18 A2994 RMK AO2 TSE1254 PRESRR P0006 T01890178 SPECI KTUP 091306Z 33008KT 4SM RA BR SCT005 OVC020 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 TSE1254 P0002 T01940183 SPECI KTUP 091255Z 36008KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN023 OVC028 19/18 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE54 P0000 T01940178 METAR KTUP 091253Z 36008KT 2 1/2SM TSRA BR BKN023 OVC030 19/18 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE1158B26 TSB37 SLP126 P0017 T01940178
ALDARS ended the TS at 1254Z, and ended the VCTS at 1306Z. Yet from 1253Z-1329Z, lightning was striking within 5 miles of TUP, meeting TS criteria:
After the VCTS ended, ALDARS didn’t even mention lightning in remarks- but neither did LAWRS.
Kansas City Downtown Airport, Missouri: SPECI KMKC 090346Z 31010G28KT 5SM RA BR FEW018 BKN040 OVC050 16/13 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 32028/0340 RAB35 PRESRR P0004 T01560133 SPECI KMKC 090335Z 29017G26KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN022 BKN040 OVC048 17/13 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 30028/0325 RAB35 P0000 T01720133 METAR KMKC 090254Z 21005KT 10SM BKN039 OVC055 20/16 A2967 RMK AO2 SLP041 T02000156 53011
VCTS was reported for only 9 minutes.
Bartlesville, Oklahoma: METAR KBVO 080853Z AUTO 00000KT 6SM RA BR BKN085 OVC110 16/15 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE SLP081 P0006 60058 T01610150 53001 SPECI KBVO 080813Z AUTO VRB04KT 7SM -RA BKN070 OVC090 16/15 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S P0002 T01610150 METAR KBVO 080753Z AUTO VRB06G16KT 4SM VCTS RA BR FEW014 BKN070 OVC085 17/15 A2983 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT NE-S RAB03 SLP092 P0052 T01670150 SPECI KBVO 080732Z AUTO 28007KT 250V310 4SM VCTS RA BR FEW014 BKN031 OVC070 17/16 A2982 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 P0047 T01720161 SPECI KBVO 080725Z AUTO VRB05KT 2 1/2SM VCTS RA BR FEW014 OVC034 17/16 A2982 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 VIS 1V5 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 P0045 T01670161 SPECI KBVO 080720Z AUTO VRB04KT 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW019 BKN030 OVC070 17/16 A2981 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 P0044 T01670161 SPECI KBVO 080714Z AUTO 00000KT 1/2SM VCTS +RA FG SCT015 BKN025 OVC070 17/16 A2981 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 P0040 T01670161 SPECI KBVO 080709Z AUTO 25012G23KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW015 BKN034 OVC070 18/16 A2983 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 PRESRR P0019 T01780161 SPECI KBVO 080706Z AUTO 25013G23KT 4SM VCTS -RA FEW015 BKN034 OVC070 19/16 A2982 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0646 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 PRESRR P0006 T01890156 METAR KBVO 080653Z AUTO 17012G21KT 10SM VCTS SCT043 BKN050 OVC070 23/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP065 T02280172
ALDARS recorded only VCTS during the period shown above. However, TS criteria was met for lightning strikes at 0706Z, 0711Z, and 0831Z:
Lawton, Oklahoma: METAR KLAW 081053Z AUTO 03015G23KT 8SM VCTS -RA FEW010 SCT029 OVC090 16/14 A2975 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1036 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB00 TSE22 SLP066 P0045 T01610144 SPECI KLAW 081034Z AUTO 15008KT 110V190 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW010 BKN029 OVC070 16/15 A2977 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB00 TSE22 PRESRR P0042 T01610150 SPECI KLAW 081022Z AUTO 05016G22KT 3SM VCTS RA BR SCT025 BKN030 OVC039 16/15 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB00 TSE22 P0031 T01560150 SPECI KLAW 081012Z AUTO 04012G20KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW020 OVC028 16/15 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB00 P0021 T01610150
Since the thunderstorm ended at 1022Z, changing to thunderstorm-in-the-vicinity, the last- observed lightning within 5 miles of LAW would have been at 1007Z. ALDARS therefore either did not detect, or incorrectly ranged the distance to, the 3 nearest lightning strikes to the airport:
How is it that ALDARS successfully reported TS for lightning further away, but did not report TS for 2 bolts which struck within a mile of the runway at 1020Z?
Stillwater, Oklahoma: METAR KSWO 080649Z AUTO 20005KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR SCT007 BKN013 OVC048 16/14 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE12 SLP104 P0024 T01610144 SPECI KSWO 080639Z AUTO 34004KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT009 BKN044 OVC065 16/14 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE12 P0020 T01610144 SPECI KSWO 080634Z AUTO 29006KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR BKN009 BKN046 OVC065 17/14 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE12 P0017 T01670144 SPECI KSWO 080600Z AUTO 35010G26KT 5SM TSRA BR FEW007 BKN037 OVC085 16/14 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T01610144
ALDARS successfully reported TS at SWO- except for the nearest lightning strike at 0639Z just west of the airport:
That did not result in VCTS getting changed to TS.
Dallas Executive (formerly Redbird) Airport, Dallas, Texas: METAR KRBD 081753Z 10017KT 2 1/2SM RA BR FEW006 BKN090 OVC110 16/16 A2972 RMK AO2 PRESFR SLP059 P0022 60134 T01610156 10194 20161 58021 SPECI KRBD 081743Z 10009KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT075 OVC090 16/16 A2977 RMK AO2 VIS 2V3 P0018 T01610156 SPECI KRBD 081732Z 10012KT 3SM RA BR FEW070 BKN090 OVC110 16/16 A2977 RMK AO2 P0014 T01610156 METAR KRBD 081653Z 04010KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN075 BKN090 OVC100 17/16 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP077 P0013 T01670156 SPECI KRBD 081638Z 03012KT 2SM +RA BR BKN075 OVC090 17/16 A2979 RMK AO2 P0008 T01670156 SPECI KRBD 081604Z 03015KT 3SM -RA BR FEW007 SCT043 OVC090 17/16 A2978 RMK AO2 P0002 T01720161 METAR KRBD 081553Z 02017G23KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT007 BKN044 OVC080 17/16 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1458 SLP078 P0035 T01720161 SPECI KRBD 081529Z 35015G24KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT006 OVC036 17/16 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1458 P0028 T01670161 SPECI KRBD 081519Z 36016G25KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR SCT006 OVC030 17/16 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1458 P0026 T01670161 SPECI KRBD 081510Z 35017G25KT 3/4SM +RA BR SCT006 OVC019 17/16 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1458 P0023 T01670161 SPECI KRBD 081501Z 34018G28KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN006 BKN012 OVC019 17/16 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 33028/1458 P0015 T01670161 METAR KRBD 081453Z 34016G26KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT004 BKN012 OVC023 17/17 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 35026/1445 RAB02 SLP081 P0064 60064 T01720167 53019 SPECI KRBD 081428Z 02009KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW006 BKN012 OVC017 18/18 A2978 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0023 T01830178 SPECI KRBD 081420Z 36007KT 1SM +RA BR SCT008 OVC014 19/18 A2979 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0009 T01890178 SPECI KRBD 081413Z 36007KT 2SM RA BR FEW008 OVC014 19/18 A2977 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0004 T01890183 METAR KRBD 081353Z 00000KT 10SM OVC012 19/18 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP079 T01940183
Lightning strikes within 3 miles of RBD, from 1419Z (NE) – 1701Z (N), were not even mentioned in the official reports!
Nor did a thunderstorm get reported. The lightning strike to the NNW at 1018Z, didn’t get reported either, because of an outage:
SPECI KRBD 081025Z AUTO 33010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT018 BKN030 OVC039 17/16 A2982 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1011 P0019 T01720161 TSNO
If ALDARS is out of service, LAWRS is supposed to add LTG/TS data, but did not do so on May 8th.
Galveston, Texas: SPECI KGLS 071934Z 13017KT 5SM BR OVC009 25/24 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE07 P0001 T02500239 SPECI KGLS 071921Z 12019G25KT 5SM VCTS BR BKN009 BKN016 OVC065 25/24 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE07 P0001 T02500239 METAR KGLS 071852Z 13015KT 6SM -RA BR BKN009 BKN014 OVC044 25/24 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB41 SLP144 P0000 T02500239
VCTS was reported for only 13 minutes.
Georgetown, Texas: METAR KGTU 072356Z 10012G22KT 10SM VCTS OVC012 23/21 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB49RAB01E24 SLPNO P0001 60001 T02330211 10294 20233 55003 SPECI KGTU 072347Z 10015G24KT 10SM BKN012 OVC026 24/21 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S RAB01E24 P0001 SPECI KGTU 072330Z 09014G23KT 10SM FEW015 BKN026 26/23 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S RAB01E24 P0001
No thunderstorm was reported for a lightning strike about 2 miles SSW of the airport at 2341Z:
VCTS began 8 minutes after that strike, but was delayed in getting reported until 15 minutes after the strike.
David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport, Houston, Texas: METAR KDWH 072053Z AUTO 07009KT 2SM VCTS RA BR BKN022 BKN036 OVC044 22/21 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP131 P0009 60023 T02170211 58010 SPECI KDWH 072031Z 08010KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN018 OVC029 21/21 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T02110206 SPECI KDWH 071954Z 08011G19KT 4SM RA BR BKN015 OVC022 22/21 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T02170211
TS was reported at various times on the 7th at DWH. At 2031Z, ALDARS instructed ASOS to report VCTS, which remained through the METAR. Lightning data shows 5 bolts that struck near the airport from 2025Z-2039Z:
The 5 lightning strikes which met TS criteria during that hour, are highlighted inside green boxes. VCTS was reported, when TS was warranted.
Then there was a case from late on May 9th at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport.
METAR KDWH 092353Z 06007KT 6SM VCTS HZ FEW035 FEW070 29/23 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP070 T02890228 10311 20283 56006 SPECI KDWH 092335Z 06009KT 6SM VCTS HZ FEW070 29/23 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T02890228 METAR KDWH 092253Z 07005KT 6SM HZ SCT033 30/23 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP071 T03000228
So while VCTS was reported at 2335Z, TS was warranted that hour:
Lightning began striking within 5 miles of DWH at 2322Z 9to the west), and continued through 2354Z, especially E-S.
San Marcos, Texas: METAR KHYI 072356Z AUTO 11012KT 10SM SCT031 OVC038 25/24 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E TSB00E13 SLP084 P0001 60003 T02500239 10300 20250 55011
A 13-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
METAR KHYI 072256Z 12007KT 9SM BKN041 OVC050 25/24 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSE06B11E13B15E26B28E44RAB25E56 SLP083 P0002 T02500239
A 2-minute thunderstorm was recorded, followed by an 11-minute thunderstorm.
Sugar Land, Texas: SPECI KSGR 071910Z 16009KT 10SM VCTS FEW013 SCT055 BKN085 23/22 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE1855B1857E04 T02330217
A 7-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Waco, Texas: METAR KACT 081751Z 08021G32KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR FEW005 BKN031 OVC041 17/16 A2962 RMK AO2 PK WND 07032/1749 WSHFT 1723 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1653E1654 PRESFR SLP025 P0080 60108 T01720161 10206 20167 58036 SPECI KACT 081743Z 09016KT 4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW005 BKN031 OVC041 17/16 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 36027/1719 WSHFT 1723 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1653E1654 PRESFR P0078 T01720161 SPECI KACT 081730Z 03013G26KT 4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW005 BKN031 OVC041 17/16 A2976 RMK AO2 PK WND 36027/1719 WSHFT 1710 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB1653E1654 P0065 T01720161 METAR KACT 081651Z 36016KT 4SM VCTS RA BR FEW005 BKN031 OVC039 17/17 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP083 P0026 T01720167
What happened when ALDARS reported TSB1653E1654? Did LAWRS change TS to VCTS at that point? Either LAWRS locked VCTS into present weather, or ALDARS missed lightning which struck the airport at 1703Z and 1707Z:
Either way, VCTS was reported at a time when TS was justified. There were additional lightning strikes which warranted TS, as late as 1722Z.
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Post by tornado on May 14, 2019 10:56:49 GMT -5
Grand Canyon Airport, Arizona: METAR KGCN 101954Z 27009KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN060 OVC070 09/04 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB09 SLP097 P0001 T00890039 SPECI KGCN 101925Z 23010KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT038 SCT046 OVC060 09/04 A2997 RMK AO2 RAB09 P0000 T00890044 METAR KGCN 101854Z 22007KT 10SM BKN040 BKN048 OVC065 12/04 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP093 T01220044
VCTS was reported while TS was warranted. The green range ring in the insert is set to 5SM:
El Dorado, Arkansas: SPECI KELD 111346Z AUTO 09006KT 4SM -TSRA BR OVC002 14/14 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB07E20B23 TSB40 P0003 T01390139 $ SPECI KELD 111334Z AUTO 15009KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR OVC002 14/14 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW RAB07E20B23 P0000 T01390139 $
ALDARS began a thunderstorm at 1340Z, and lightning did strike the airport at that time. The trouble was that 7 minutes of lead time for that lightning strike could have been provided:
Why didn’t ALDARS report the strike to the south on Magnolia Highway at 1333Z as TS? Also notice that there was a bolt which struck to the SE of the airport at 1257Z. It also did not get reported timely, nor as TS:
SPECI KELD 111306Z AUTO 11011KT 3/4SM VCTS BR OVC002 13/13 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW T01330133 $ METAR KELD 111253Z AUTO 08006KT 3/4SM BR OVC002 13/13 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S RAB1156E07 SLP133 P0000 T01330133 $ The ground crews didn’t get accurate information about the nearness of the lightning strikes. Pilots were told VCTS was in progress, when the true weather was TS- during times when ceilings were 200 feet!
Bartow, Florida: METAR KBOW 121945Z 18013KT 10SM VCSH BKN020 31/22 A2986 RMK LTG DSNT METAR KBOW 121855Z 19004KT 10SM VCSH BKN017 31/23 A2988 RMK LTG DSNT
LTG DSNT was reported in remarks, while TS criteria was met:
METAR KBOW 131848Z 34008KT 7SM VCTS SCT012 BKN022 22/21 A2994 RMK LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KBOW 131748Z 32013G31KT 7SM VCTS BKN012 24/21 A2992 RMK LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KBOW 131646Z 27011KT 7SM -RA BKN030 29/24 A2988 RMK LTG DSNT W-NE
VCTS was reported, while TS criteria was met:
Boca Raton, Florida: METAR KBCT 100147Z VRB04KT 10SM VCTS SCT018 25/21 A3001 METAR KBCT 100047Z 09010KT 10SM VCTS SCT018 27/23 A2999
ALDARS reports VCTS when it detects lightning 5-10NM from the ARP (Airport Reference Point, the center of the runway complex).
That lightning was not 5-10 miles from the airport!
SPECI KBCT 132053Z 13006KT 2 3/4SM RA SCT020 26/25 A2987 SPECI KBCT 131955Z 03003KT 2 1/2SM RA SCT030 25/24 A2988 SPECI KBCT 131903Z 34015G25KT 2 1/2SM +RA SCT020 26/23 A2989
Lightning within 5 miles of BCT at 1954Z and 2017Z didn’t get reported:
Treasure Coast International Airport, Fort Pierce, Florida: SPECI KFPR 120435Z AUTO 22006KT 4SM RA BR FEW055 SCT075 OVC110 24/22 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N TSB14E29 P0003 T02390222 SPECI KFPR 120414Z AUTO 22004KT 10SM -TSRA OVC110 24/22 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N TSB14 P0000 T02390217
Instead of a 15-minute thunderstorm with all its lightning striking during the same minute, raw data showed lightning strikes 5 minutes apart:
Cecil Field Airport, Jacksonville, Florida: METAR KVQQ 120050Z 21006KT 2SM RA BKN020 26/23 A2994
Lightning which narrowly missed striking the airport from 0030Z-0047Z, didn’t get reported:
Leesburg, Florida: SPECI KLEE 131702Z 03004KT 3SM FEW006 BKN022 OVC037 22/21 A2994 RA BR METAR KLEE 131650Z NIL METAR KLEE 131550Z NIL METAR KLEE 131450Z 21011KT 10SM SCT019 BKN048 BKN080 26/23 A2989
Lightning which struck within 5 miles of LEE from 1420Z-1454Z, didn’t get reported, possibly because ASOS was not transmitting (there were 2 missing METARs).
Naples, Florida: SPECI KAPF 102004Z 10018G23KT 1/2SM +TSRA SCT021 BKN031 OVC070 24/ A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSB03 P0034 T0244 $ SPECI KAPF 101957Z 06011KT 1SM VCTS +RA BKN033 BKN045 OVC060 26/ A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE PRESRR P0005 T0261 $ METAR KAPF 101953Z 00000KT 2SM +RA BR FEW034 BKN041 OVC075 26/24 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB36 SLP143 P0024 T02610239 $
A lightning bolt which struck about a mile north of the airport at 1950Z, didn’t result in VCTS getting changed to TS;
TS began at 2003Z.
Ocala, Florida: SPECI KOCF 112128Z 24007KT 10SM VCTS SCT045 BKN055 29/20 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND SE AND S TSE09B22RAE2054 P0000 $ SPECI KOCF 112115Z 22009KT 10SM SCT045 BKN055 29/20 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND SE AND S TSE09RAE2054 P0000 $ METAR KOCF 112051Z 23013G17KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN055 BKN080 28/24 A2992 RMK AO2 TSB11RAB29 SLP132 P0000 60000 T02830244 55018 $
In response to the lightning at 2105Z, which struck just less than a mile west of runway 18/36 at OCF; ALDARS ended the VCTS at 2109Z, not reporting TS at all.
Flagler Executive Airport, Palm Coast, Florida: METAR KFIN 131550Z 27013G20KT 1SM +RA BKN010 22/21 A2993 METAR KFIN 131450Z 23004KT 5SM -RA SCT027 26/23 A2987
D level sites are allowed to ignore this much lightning:
Panama City, Florida: SPECI KECP 121732Z 16010KT 9SM -TSRA BKN090 OVC110 21/19 A2986 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1712 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB04 P0005 T02110189 SPECI KECP 121710Z VRB06KT 6SM TSRA BR FEW055 BKN100 OVC120 20/18 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB04 P0002 T02000183 METAR KECP 121653Z 11008KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR FEW005 SCT090 20/18 A2988 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1541 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESFR SLP128 P0039 T02000183 SPECI KECP 121628Z 28005KT 3SM R16/3500VP6000FT VCTS RA BR BKN032 19/18 A2991 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1541 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0036 T01940183 SPECI KECP 121612Z 28008KT 1SM R16/2400VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN012 BKN022 OVC070 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1541 LTG DSNT W-NE P0021 T01940178 SPECI KECP 121602Z 32007KT 1SM R16/2000VP6000FT +RA BR BKN012 BKN022 OVC070 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1541 LTG DSNT W-N P0013 T01940183 SPECI KECP 121555Z 31012G30KT 3/4SM R16/1000V4000FT +RA BR FEW012 BKN024 OVC070 19/18 A2993 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1541 LTG DSNT W-N P0001 T01940178 METAR KECP 121553Z 30015G33KT 1SM R16/1000VP6000FT +RA BR FEW012 BKN022 OVC070 20/18 A2993 RMK AO2 PK WND 29033/1545 LTG DSNT W-N RAB46 SLP146 P0017 T02000178
According to the official reports, there was lightning 10-30 miles away from ECP at 1553Z; lightning began striking 5-10 miles away when VCTS was reported at 1612Z; and lightning began striking within 5 miles of ECP at 1704Z, when TS was noted. However, that’s not what lightning data showed:
According to lightningmaps.org, lightning struck about 3,000 feet from the south end of the runway at 1557Z; less than 2 miles to the NE at 1558Z; plus several strikes within 5 miles from 1604Z-1607Z. So while ALDARS successfully reported a thunderstorm for the bolt to the west which struck at 1702Z (TSB04), it missed the thunderstorm with its lightning from 1557Z-1607Z. 1SM +RA should have been reported as 1SM +TSRA on the 1602Z SPECI. Actually, we don’t even know that ALDARS successfully reported the thunderstorm at 1710Z, as LAWRS could have heard the thunder from the 1702Z strike, and added TS to present weather.
St. Augustine, Florida: METAR KSGJ 122356Z 23004KT 10SM CLR 25/20 A2985 RMK AO2 TSB02E10B12E21 SLP105 60000 T02500200 10328 20250 51008
An 8-minute thunderstorm was reported, followed by a 9-minute thunderstorm.
Stuart, Florida: METAR KSUA 122348Z VRB05KT 7SM VCTSRA FEW006 BKN026 OVC110 22/20 A2994 RMK FREQ LTGCG N SPECI KSUA 122320Z 33005KT 7SM VCTSRA FEW006 BKN026 OVC050 22/20 A2994 RMK FREQ LTGCG N SPECI KSUA 122310Z 36008KT 4SM VCTSRA SCT005 BKN024 OVC050 22/20 A2992 RMK FREQ LTGCG VSBY W 7SM METAR KSUA 122248Z 25012G23KT 2SM VCTSRA SCT005 BKN014 OVC070 23/20 A2992 RMK FREQ LTGCG VSBY E 4SM METAR KSUA 122148Z 15012G23KT 2SM VCTSRA SCT005 BKN014 28/23 A2988 RMK FREQ LTGCG S THRU SW VSBY N4SM SPECI KSUA 122120Z 14012G18KT 7SM VCTS SCT015 BKN035 30/22 A2986 RMK FREQ LTGCG S THRU SW
VCTS was reported; when at times, TS was warranted:
Vero Beach, Florida: METAR KVRB 122253Z 23004KT 10SM FEW055 BKN100 23/21 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S RAE31 TSE03B07E36B38E48 SLP121 P0038 T02330211
A 10-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
Albany, Georgia: METAR KABY 121753Z 22010G17KT 5SM RA BR BKN015 BKN035 OVC110 21/18 A2989 METAR KABY 121730Z 22011KTKT 3SMSM +RA FEW018 BKN037 OVC090 /18 A2991 METAR KABY 121653Z 22007KTKT 200V260 10SMSM BKN020 BKN032 BKN042 27/22 A2987
ASOS appears to not have been transmitting properly, so LAWRS used AIS-R to transmit the reports (evidenced by the SMSM after 2 of the visibility values, and the KTKT after 2 of the wind speeds). But why did ALDARS/LAWRS not report the lightning striking near the airport from 1712Z-1718Z?
Augusta, Georgia: SPECI KAGS 112235Z 25006KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW048 SCT075 BKN120 26/22 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W TSE34 P0000 T02610217 METAR KAGS 112153Z 21003KT 10SM -RA FEW048 SCT070 SCT090 28/22 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAB51 SLP107 P0000 T02780217
ALDARS put TSE34 when it meant TSB34.
Dalton, Georgia: METAR KDNN 110855Z AUTO 00000KT 1 3/4SM +VCTSRA BKN012 BKN027 OVC044 20/19 A2998 RMK AO2 P0001 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KDNN 110835Z AUTO 21004KT 5SM VCTSRA BKN046 OVC050 20/19 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS METAR KDNN 110815Z AUTO 00000KT 7SM RA BKN048 BKN050 OVC120 20/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW
TS should have been reported:
Macon, Georgia: SPECI KMCN 111833Z 22008KT 10SM TS FEW029 FEW095 30/20 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW RAB19E30 TSB27 P0000 T03000200 METAR KMCN 111753Z 22007KT 10SM SCT039 29/20 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE SLP133 T02890200 10300 20211 58020
The lightning bolts plotted in orange to the SE of MCN, struck from 1826Z-1914Z, and resulted in the TS that began at 1827Z. However, 2 other bolts which struck at 1744Z (SW & NW) did not get reported as TS.
Chenault Airpark, Louisiana: METAR KCWF 112050Z VRB03KT 7SM SCT065 BKN070 20/20 A2982 RMK TSE45 METAR KCWF 111950Z VRB06KT 6SM VCTS BR SCT011 BKN029 OVC100 19/19 A2987 RMK OCNL LTGCCCG TSTM SW-NE MOV E METAR KCWF 111850Z 36014G20KT 2SM VCTS BR BKN004 OVC023 22/22 A2985 RMK OCNL LTGCCCG TSTM SW-NE MOV E METAR KCWF 111750Z 06003KT 3SM RABR SCT009 BKN018 OVC070 23/22 A2984 RMK OCNL LTGCCCG NW AND E MOV E SPECI KCWF 111730Z 06003KT 7SM TSRA SCT020 BKN029 OVC110 24/22 A2985 RMK OCNL LTGCCCG TS OVHD MOV E RAB25
The 3 nearest lightning strikes to CWF were at 1848Z, 1857Z and 1940Z:
Although a thunderstorm within 5 miles was reported at 1730Z, ALDARS reported VCTS for the 3 nearest lightning strikes.
Houma, Louisiana: METAR KHUM 110515Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM VCTS SCT044 SCT050 SCT060 23/22 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE P0001 T02250217 METAR KHUM 110455Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -VCTSDZ SCT036 BKN050 OVC110 22/22 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE T02220215 METAR KHUM 110435Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -DZ SCT034 SCT050 SCT065 22/21 A2993 RMK AO2 T02200212
Lightning within 5 miles , resulted in VCTS being reported instead of TS.
Monroe, Louisiana: METAR KMLU 112153Z 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW010 FEW022 OVC075 19/18 A2981 RMK AO2 RAB33 TSB28 SLP094 P0017 T01940183 SPECI KMLU 112146Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR FEW018 BKN075 OVC095 19/18 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB33 TSB28 P0017 T01940178 SPECI KMLU 112137Z 14007G18KT 1 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW011 SCT023 BKN070 19/18 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB33 TSB28 P0016 T01940178
ALDARS did not record a TSE time.
New Iberia, Louisiana: SPECI KARA 120730Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM BKN060 BKN080 OVC095 22/21 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T02170211 SPECI KARA 120705Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM VCTS FEW036 SCT044 OVC060 22/21 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T02170211 METAR KARA 120653Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM SCT036 BKN044 OVC085 22/21 A2980 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB35E52 SLP092 P0002 T02170211
VCTS was recorded; TS was justified:
Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana: METAR KNEW 110253Z AUTO 04011KT 5SM RA BR OVC007 24/22 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE TSE36 PRESFR SLP125 P0042 60066 T02440222 58007 SPECI KNEW 110242Z AUTO 04010KT 7SM VCTS -RA OVC007 24/23 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE AND S TSE36 P0036 T02440228 SPECI KNEW 110215Z AUTO 27008KT 3SM -TSRA BR BKN007 BKN011 OVC017 24/23 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND S CIG 006V010 P0018 T02440228
ALDARS gave the “all clear” for lightning within 5 miles of NEW at 0242Z, by changing TS to VCTS. VCTS was then ended at 0253Z. However, lightning data shows that the all clear was given too early:
Bolts which struck near the airport at 0241Z and 0245Z, were either not ranged correctly, or not even detected by ALDARS. The 2nd scenario is more likely, given that even VCTS should have lasted until 0300Z if ALDARS had mis-ranged the 0245Z bolt as being beyond 5 miles from NEW.
To be continued on next post…
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Post by tornado on May 14, 2019 11:23:12 GMT -5
…continued from previous post.
Frederick, Maryland: METAR KFDK 110047Z 19004KT 10SM SCT050 OVC080 20/19 A2999 METAR KFDK 102347Z 27006KT 7SM +RA SCT035 BKN046 OVC050 22/20 A2999
ALDARS didn’t report the lightning at 2358Z:
That bolt struck less than a mile east of the airport.
Stennis International Airport, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: METAR KHSA 111750Z 18010KT 7SM VCTS BKN015 27/25 A2985 METAR KHSA 111650Z 18010G18KT 7SM VCTS BKN015 26/24 A2989
VCTS is entered into ASOS by ALDARS, not a human weather observer. ALDARS somehow incorrectly ranged the distances to several bolts which struck from 1642Z-1648Z, within 5 miles of HSA:
TS should have been reported at 1650Z.
Golden Triangle Airport, nr Columbus, Mississippi: SPECI KGTR 120117Z AUTO 18012KT 10SM -RA BKN007 OVC018 21/19 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE TSB0057E17 CIG 007V011 P0000 SPECI KGTR 120059Z AUTO 18010KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW007 BKN018 OVC031 21/20 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N TSB57 P0000
Lightning which struck the runway (best-resolved position plotted) at 0100Z didn’t get reported as TS:
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi: SPECI KHKS 101606Z 07005KT 1 3/4SM RA BR SCT055 BKN075 OVC090 20/19 A3004 RMK AO2 P0004 T02000194 METAR KHKS 101553Z 08003KT 2SM RA BR SCT055 BKN070 OVC085 20/19 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP171 P0011 T02000194 SPECI KHKS 101536Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM RA BR OVC080 20/19 A3005 RMK AO2 P0006 T02000194 SPECI KHKS 101511Z 36004KT 6SM -RA BR SCT007 OVC075 20/19 A3004 RMK AO2 P0001 T02000194
Lightning within 5 miles of HKS from 1536Z-1549Z wasn’t even mentioned:
TS ought to have been reported from 1536Z-1604Z.
Meridian, Mississippi: SPECI KMEI 101813Z 00000KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN012 BKN021 OVC034 22/21 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0017 T02170206 METAR KMEI 101758Z 28007KT 1 1/4SM R01/4000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN012 OVC033 22/20 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND NW RAB50 TSB43E58 PRESRR SLP174 P0008 60008 T02170200 10239 20183 55001 SPECI KMEI 101755Z 28010KT 1 3/4SM R01/4000VP6000FT +TSRA BR BKN012 OVC033 22/20 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND NW RAB50 TSB43 PRESRR P0004
ALDARS gave the “all clear of lightning within 5 miles of the airport” at 1758Z, when it changed TS to VCTS (TSE58). It gave the all-clear too soon:
The bolt at 1751Z should have extended the thunderstorm (TS) until 1806Z.
Natchez, Mississippi: SPECI KHEZ 101052Z AUTO 27008KT 6SM TSRA BR SCT003 BKN041 OVC049 18/18 A3004 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W TSB23 P0021 SPECI KHEZ 101029Z AUTO 31005KT 8SM VCTS RA BKN049 BKN065 OVC080 18/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB23 PRESRR P0002
There were several reports from Natchez containing TS that day. However, the second nearest- observed lightning strike was at 1029Z to the NW of the airport:
TSB23 indicated the time the VCTS began. The nearest lightning strike at 1043Z (SE) also did not result in VCTS changing to TS, at least not until 1052Z. There were more issues that day.
METAR KHEZ 101356Z AUTO 21005KT 3SM +TSRA BR FEW035 OVC055 18/18 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE AND NW TSB01E09B11E16B32E40B42E49B56 PRESRR SLP168 P0029 T01830178
ALDARS recorded an 8-minute thunderstorm; followed by 5-minute, 8-minute and 7-minute thunderstorms later that hour.
SPECI KHEZ 112129Z AUTO 33008KT 10SM -TSRA BKN008 BKN021 OVC031 22/21 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB00 CIG 005V013 P0003 SPECI KHEZ 112112Z AUTO 32008KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW007 BKN011 OVC023 22/21 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S TSB00 P0003 SPECI KHEZ 112104Z AUTO 35011G16KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT009 BKN016 OVC022 23/22 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB00 P0000 METAR KHEZ 112056Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -RA BKN019 OVC026 24/22 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW SLP101 P0013 60016 T02390222 56010
The TSB00 remark referred to the VCTS; TS began at 2129Z. Among other lightning, ALDARS missed a lightning strike to the airport at 2051Z:
Pascagoula, Mississippi: SPECI KPQL 111339Z 04007KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW009 BKN027 OVC033 22/19 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB16 P0000 T02170194 SPECI KPQL 111331Z 03009KT 10SM VCTS -RA BKN009 BKN021 OVC027 22/19 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB16 CIG 007V016 P0000 T02170194 SPECI KPQL 111323Z 01009KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT006 BKN011 OVC024 22/19 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB16 P0000 T02220189
Lightning at 1316Z (NW) and 1322Z (N) was reported as VCTS, although it met TS criteria:
Lightning at 2002Z (N & NE) was also not reported correctly or timely.
SPECI KPQL 112020Z 16009KT 10SM VCTS BKN015 OVC021 27/23 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-N T02720233 METAR KPQL 111953Z 16014G17KT 10SM BKN016 OVC025 27/23 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND NW SLP109 T02720233
Kansas City Downtown Airport, Missouri: SPECI KMKC 121621Z 00000KT 10SM VCTS SCT055 BKN075 12/08 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAE19 P0001 T01170083 METAR KMKC 121554Z 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW033 BKN042 OVC050 11/08 A2985 RMK AO2 RAB28 SLP106 P0010 T01060083 SPECI KMKC 121542Z 34005KT 3SM -RA FEW014 SCT032 OVC042 11/08 A2985 RMK AO2 RAB28 P0010 T01060078 SPECI KMKC 121535Z 35009KT 1 3/4SM +RA FEW010 BKN034 OVC055 11/08 A2984 RMK AO2 RAB28 P0009 T01060078
TS was warranted for the lightning strike at 1554Z:
New Bern, North Carolina: SPECI KEWN 121547Z 20006KT 10SM -TSRA OVC110 23/21 A2981 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW RAB03 TSB41 P0003 T02280211 METAR KEWN 121454Z 23009KT 10SM FEW120 26/20 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW SLP098 T02560200 56008
Lightning at 1458Z didn’t result in ALDARS reporting TS; that had to wait until 1541Z.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina: METAR KINT 130154Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW005 BKN075 OVC110 18/17 A2974 RMK AO2 SLP061 P0015 T01830172 TSNO SPECI KINT 130142Z AUTO 20004KT 3SM -RA BR BKN044 BKN055 OVC090 18/17 A2973 RMK AO2 P0014 T01830172 TSNO SPECI KINT 130133Z AUTO VRB03KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN040 BKN050 OVC090 18/17 A2973 RMK AO2 P0012 T01830172 TSNO METAR KINT 130054Z 22004KT 4SM -RA BR SCT039 BKN050 OVC065 18/18 A2973 RMK AO2 RAB04 SLP060 P0035 T01830178
It appears ALDARS didn’t have a chance to report the lightning, because LAWRS disabled ALDARS upon closing the control tower.
York, Pennsylvania: METAR KTHV 102053Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW037 SCT045 OVC055 22/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB04E40 SLP140 P0041 60041 T02170194 55004 SPECI KTHV 102023Z AUTO VRB03KT 4SM -RA BR FEW012 BKN038 OVC085 19/18 A2995 RMK AO2 RAB04 P0040 T01940183 SPECI KTHV 102021Z AUTO 00000KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR FEW012 BKN038 OVC070 19/18 A2995 RMK AO2 RAB04 P0040 T01940183 SPECI KTHV 102015Z AUTO 10010G24KT 1/4SM +RA FG FEW012 BKN030 OVC075 20/18 A2994 RMK AO2 RAB04 P0039 T02000178 SPECI KTHV 102008Z AUTO 32016G24KT 1 1/2SM +RA FEW017 BKN030 BKN041 22/18 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB04 PRESRR P0015 T02170183 METAR KTHV 101953Z AUTO VRB04KT 10SM BKN044 BKN055 BKN080 24/18 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP133 T02440178
ALDARS reported LTG DSNT E on the 2053Z METAR; yet, missed LTG within 5 miles of THV at 1954Z and 1955Z:
Conroe, Texas: SPECI KCXO 112001Z 16006KT 3/4SM RA BR FEW009 BKN013 OVC019 22/20 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SW AND NW PRESRR P0013 T02170200 METAR KCXO 111950Z 00000KT 1/2SM VCTS +RA FG BKN014 OVC022 22/20 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW AND NW RAB32 SLP105 P0022 T02170200 SPECI KCXO 111942Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR BKN014 BKN022 OVC040 22/20 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W RAB32 P0006 T02220200
Lightning which struck 2.86 miles from where runways 1/19 and 14/32 cross at CXO, did not result in +TSRA being reported:
Dallas Executive Airport (formerly Redbird Airport), Texas: METAR KRBD 111253Z 33007KT 3SM +RA BR BKN005 BKN037 OVC070 13/13 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP142 P0019 T01330128 SPECI KRBD 111218Z 28008KT 6SM RA BR BKN005 OVC040 13/13 A2998 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0008 T01280128 SPECI KRBD 111204Z 31009KT 3SM RA BR FEW003 OVC036 13/13 A2992 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0007 T01280128 SPECI KRBD 111201Z 35007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN036 13/13 A2989 RMK AO2 P0006 T01280128 METAR KRBD 111153Z 06005KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW005 OVC036 13/13 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP118 P0042 60104 7//// T01280128 10133 20128 58003 SPECI KRBD 111141Z AUTO VRB03KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN027 OVC060 13/13 A2990 RMK AO2 P0024 T01280128 TSNO SPECI KRBD 111133Z AUTO 33006KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT004 BKN029 OVC060 13/12 A2992 RMK AO2 P0013 T01280122 TSNO SPECI KRBD 111024Z AUTO 01007KT 4SM RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC021 13/13 A2989 RMK AO2 P0011 T01330128 TSNO SPECI KRBD 110935Z AUTO 36008KT 10SM -RA SCT004 BKN023 OVC095 13/13 A2990 RMK AO2 P0005 T01330128 TSNO SPECI KRBD 110840Z AUTO 32007KT 4SM -RA BR BKN005 OVC010 13/13 A2993 RMK AO2 P0004 T01330128 TSNO SPECI KRBD 110614Z AUTO 30006KT 2SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN027 OVC032 13/13 A3000 RMK AO2 P0014 T01330128 TSNO SPECI KRBD 110604Z AUTO 31007KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT007 BKN013 OVC030 13/13 A3000 RMK AO2 P0008 T01330128 TSNO METAR KRBD 110553Z AUTO 32007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN007 BKN011 OVC016 13/13 A3000 RMK AO2 SLPNO P0010 60014 T01330128 10139 20133 401560106 53003 TSNO
All of the lightning on the next map, struck within 5 miles of RBD:
Lightning data showed at least 5 separate thunderstorms passed over the airport. However, none of them were reported! Most of the lightning occurred when the control tower was closed, and ALDARS was disabled (TSNO). However, LAWRS logged on to ASOS in time for the 1153Z METAR when heavy rain was falling; yet, lightning strikes at 1133Z (W) and 1148Z (W) weren’t mentioned on that METAR. Nor did the bolt which struck to the SW at 1218Z get any mention!
Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth, Texas: SPECI KFTW 111025Z 33005KT 4SM TSRA BR OVC005 13/12 A2991 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB0955 TSB19 P0004 T01280122 SPECI KFTW 110651Z 31006KT 4SM TSRA BR OVC006 12/12 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSB37 CIG 003V009 P0014
2 thunderstorms were reported by FTW on the 11th, UTC. However, notice that the nearest observed lightning to the airport, didn’t strike at those times:
Instead, LTG E-S within 5 miles of FTW from 0516Z-0525Z, was reported as VCTS:
SPECI KFTW 110548Z 02007KT 3SM VCTS RA BR BKN006 BKN035 OVC070 12/12 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW P0007 SPECI KFTW 110534Z 30005KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR OVC005 12/12 A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW CIG 004V009 P0004 T01220122 SPECI KFTW 110526Z 28007KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR OVC004 12/12 A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W CIG 003V009 PRESRR P0001 T01220122 SPECI KFTW 110515Z VRB03KT 7SM -RA OVC004 12/12 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW CIG 003V009 P0000 T01220122
The thunderstorm which began at 0516Z, was embedded in a 400-foot ceiling. Also, the lightning strike at 1152Z to the WSW of FTW, plotted in red, didn’t trigger ALDARS to change VCTS to TS:
SPECI KFTW 111209Z 29010KT 3SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT013 OVC030 13/12 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0005 T01280122 SPECI KFTW 111202Z 31009KT 4SM VCTS RA BR FEW006 SCT025 OVC030 13/12 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T01280122 METAR KFTW 111153Z 27004KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR SCT006 BKN025 OVC030 13/13 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP144 P0015 60059 70072 T01280128 10128 20122 53010
So while FTW did report 2 separate thunderstorms of the 11th, ALDARS did not report 2 thunderstorms caused by the nearest lightning strikes to FTW on the 11th.
Laredo, Texas: SPECI KLRD 100253Z 09011KT 10SM VCTS FEW120 23/19 A2977 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW TSB43E51B53RAE35
An 8-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
McAllen, Texas: SPECI KMFE 111226Z 30004KT 8SM VCTS -RA OVC006 20/18 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB24 PRESRR P0000 T02000178 METAR KMFE 111153Z 33007KT 10SM OVC007 20/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW SLP104 60002 70002 T02000178 10217 20200 58005 SPECI KMFE 111058Z 32007KT 10SM OVC006 20/18 A2986 RMK AO2 T02000183
27 lightning bolts (see insert) which struck within 5 miles of MFE, did not result in a thunderstorm (TS) getting reported. The 7 bolts whose times are plotted on the main map, struck from 1119Z (NE & SW) to 1200Z (ESE); yet, VCTS was not even begun until 1226Z.
Sugar Land, Texas: SPECI KSGR 111830Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM VCTS -RA BR BKN012 OVC022 22/20 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB26 P0009 T02170200 SPECI KSGR 111759Z 00000KT 10SM VCTS BKN012 BKN026 OVC060 22/20 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S T02220200 METAR KSGR 111753Z 00000KT 10SM VCTS FEW013 SCT026 OVC060 22/19 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW SLP109 60000 T02220194 10222 20206 55005 SPECI KSGR 111751Z 00000KT 10SM VCTS FEW013 SCT026 OVC060 22/20 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW SPECI KSGR 111731Z 36004KT 10SM VCTS SCT012 OVC026 22/19 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S T02220194
VCTS was reported, TS was warranted:
TS should have been reported from 1742Z-1801Z, and again from 1816Z-1831Z.
Norfolk Intl Airport, Virginia: SPECI KORF 120013Z 31004KT 10SM -RA SCT005 BKN050 OVC120 21/19 A2991 RMK AO2 P0010 T02060194 METAR KORF 112351Z 08007KT 10SM +RA BKN055 BKN070 OVC085 21/19 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB10 SLP124 P0015 60018 T02060194 10256 20206 55000 METAR KORF 112251Z VRB06KT 10SM FEW046 FEW055 BKN100 22/19 A2989 RMK AO2 RAE07 SLP122 P0000 T02170194
Heavy rain was reported; lightning wasn’t even mentioned:
TS ought to have been reported from 11/2331Z-12/0013Z, based on the data above.
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Post by tornado on May 17, 2019 13:09:27 GMT -5
Kissimmee, Florida: SPECI KISM 141651Z 20005KT 6SM +TSRA BR OVC039 24/23 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB36E43B45RAB05 PRESFR PNO $ SPECI KISM 141641Z 30003KT 2SM VCTS RA BR BKN037 OVC044 24/22 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W AND NW TSB36RAB05 PNO $ SPECI KISM 141634Z 21010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC035 24/23 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW RAB05 PNO $ SPECI KISM 141608Z 28004KT 10SM -RA SCT022 OVC037 27/22 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W RAB05 PNO $
ALDARS reported distant lightning at 1608Z and 1634Z; VCTS at 1641Z; and TS at 1651Z. However, lightning which struck about 2 miles to the north at 1616Z didn’t get properly reported:
The bolt which struck about 3 miles SW at 1624Z, also did not result in TS getting reported.
Lantana-Palm Beach County Airpark, Florida: METAR KLNA 142015Z AUTO 27006KT 10SM SCT070 BKN090 31/22 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S T03090223 METAR KLNA 141955Z AUTO 24012G16KT 10SM SCT070 31/23 A2991 RMK AO2 T03130225
ALDARS reported distant lightning for LNA at 2015Z, while not reporting lightning that met TS criteria from 1946Z-1957Z:
Space Coast Regional Airport, Titusville, Florida: METAR KTIX 141847Z 36005KT 5SM RA SCT020 OVC040 25/23 A2996 METAR KTIX 141751Z 33012KT 2SM RA OVC018 25/23 A2996
It remains legal for D level LAWRS sites to not report this much nearby lightning:
Vero Beach, Florida: METAR KVRB 151653Z 13007KT 10SM BKN035 OVC043 24/20 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAB03E22B40E51 TSB29 SLP158 P0001 T02390200 SPECI KVRB 151635Z 12005KT 10SM TS OVC035 23/19 A3001 RMK AO2 RAB03E22 TSB29 P0001 T02330194
No TSE time was recorded.
La Grange, Georgia: METAR KLGC 162335Z AUTO 27006KT 10SM VCTS SCT050 BKN085 BKN100 22/22 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE THRU W T02240220 METAR KLGC 162315Z AUTO 14003KT 10SM -TSRA SCT048 SCT070 OVC100 22/22 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W T02220219
VCTS was reported at 2335Z; TS criteria was met at 2326Z:
Idaho Falls, Idaho: METAR KIDA 152153Z 17015G23KT 10SM FEW045 SCT080 BKN095 21/04 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/2132 SLP075 VIRGA ALQDS T02110039 METAR KIDA 152053Z 19010G19KT 10SM SCT080 BKN110 24/04 A2985 RMK AO2 SLP066 VIRGA ALQDS T02390044 57013
VIRGA was reported; the lightning wasn’t:
The lightning which struck within 5 miles of IDA at 2126Z and 2137Z wasn’t mentioned by either ALDARS or LAWRS.
Twin Falls, Idaho: SPECI KTWF 142026Z VRB05KT 10SM FEW075 SCT100 SCT110 24/06 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27029/1954 LTG DSNT E RAB05E20 P0000 T02390061 SPECI KTWF 142003Z 26014G29KT 10SM VCTS SCT100 SCT120 22/04 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 27029/1954 T02220039 METAR KTWF 141953Z 30019G31KT 10SM SCT100 22/04 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/1948 LTG DSNT S SLP090 T02170039
Lightning which struck about 4 miles WSW of TWF at 1955Z was reported as VCTS.
Alton, Illinois: METAR KALN 150715Z AUTO 09008KT 10SM SCT026 BKN036 BKN110 13/13 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQS T01330126 METAR KALN 150655Z AUTO 34007KT 10SM -RA SCT026 BKN036 OVC046 14/13 A2997 RMK AO2 P0004 T01360127 TSNO METAR KALN 150635Z AUTO 12009KT 7SM -RA BKN045 BKN055 OVC075 14/12 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQS P0004 T01360123
ALDARS had an outage at 0655Z (TSNO), while lightning was striking within 30 miles both before and after the outage.
Muncie, Indiana: SPECI KMIE 170000Z 21011G21KT 10SM FEW043 BKN090 OVC100 19/15 A2978 RMK AO2 RAE2356 P0000 T01940150 METAR KMIE 162353Z 22013G21KT 10SM -TSRA FEW043 OVC090 19/16 A2978 RMK AO2 TSB39 SLP078 TS OHD MOV E P0009 60026 T01890156 10261 20183 58022
No TSE time was reported.
Minneapolis-Crystal Airport, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota: SPECI KMIC 160936Z AUTO 24013G26KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR SCT042 BKN075 OVC110 17/17 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 22031/0905 LTG DSNT SE-SW TSE16B36 P0016 T01720167 SPECI KMIC 160922Z AUTO 25020G28KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW075 OVC100 18/16 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 22031/0905 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE16 P0001 T01780161 METAR KMIC 160853Z AUTO 22010KT 9SM -TSRA FEW049 SCT070 BKN100 18/15 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 21026/0755 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB03 TSB0758E25B43 SLP041 P0009 60009 T01780150 53003
ALDARS successfully reported thunderstorms- except for the 1 lightning bolt which struck the airport at 0918Z, near taxiway D:
TSE16B36 should have been TSE16B18. An “all clear” was given when it shouldn’t have been. Fortunately, ASOS is so slow at transmitting current lightning data, that a report ending the thunderstorm within 5 miles was not transmitted until 4 minutes after the strike to the airport. See Fargo ND for another case when the NOL (Nearest-Observed-Lightning) was not reported properly- which seems to be a growing trend.
St. Cloud, Minnesota: SPECI KSTC 160707Z AUTO 22009KT 10SM BKN100 BKN120 21/11 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-E T02110106 METAR KSTC 160653Z AUTO 20015KT 10SM VCTS BKN100 21/10 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE SLP038 T02060100 SPECI KSTC 160651Z AUTO 19017KT 10SM VCTS BKN100 21/10 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE METAR KSTC 160553Z AUTO 18011KT 10SM FEW100 20/09 A2964 RMK AO2 SLP041 T02000094 10228 20172 402390061 58029
VCTS was reported; TS criteria was met at 0651Z:
Spirit Of St. Louis Airport, Missouri: METAR KSUS 150554Z AUTO 18009G19KT 10SM VCTS FEW055 SCT070 BKN090 17/14 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW RAB21E53 SLP121 P0003 60003 T01720144 10228 20172 402390067 58014 SPECI KSUS 150523Z AUTO 22005KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT048 OVC085 19/13 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW RAB21 P0000 T01890128 METAR KSUS 150454Z AUTO 17007KT 10SM BKN100 19/12 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W SLP127 T01890122
VCTS was reported; TS criteria was met:
Niagara Falls, New York: SPECI KIAG 152016Z 22005KT 1 1/4SM R28R/3000VP6000FT +RA FEW033 BKN065 OVC085 13/09 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB08 P0007 T01330089 SPECI KIAG 152014Z 23007KT 1 1/2SM R28R/3000VP6000FT VCTS +RA FEW035 BKN055 OVC090 14/09 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB08 P0006 T01390089 SPECI KIAG 152003Z 24009KT 10SM VCTS FEW060 BKN075 OVC100 15/07 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E T01500072 METAR KIAG 151953Z 21012KT 10SM FEW080 BKN100 16/08 A2981 RMK AO2 RAB41E50 SLP100 P0000 T01560078
VCTS was reported; TS criteria was met at 1958Z:
Bismarck, North Dakota: METAR KBIS 152252Z 20014G20KT 10SM VCTS BKN090 BKN110 22/16 A2961 RMK AO2 PK WND 22026/2216 LTG DSNT E-S RAB15E40 SLP026 P0003 T02220156 SPECI KBIS 152212Z 21015KT 10SM VCTS FEW110 27/12 A2960 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-NE T02720122 METAR KBIS 152152Z 20016KT 10SM CLR 28/12 A2960 RMK AO2 PK WND 20034/2057 LTG DSNT W-N SLP019 T02780122
VCTS was reported; TS criteria was met at 2215Z:
Fargo, North Dakota: SPECI KFAR 160321Z 1 3/4SM VCTS RA FEW037 BKN070 OVC110 19/14 A2964 RMK AO2 VIS 1V4 LTG DSNT NE AND E AND SW PRESRR P0008 T01940144 METAR KFAR 160253Z 17016G26KT 9SM VCTS -RA BKN090 BKN110 23/11 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/0209 LTG DSNT W-NE RAB50 SLP004 P0000 60000 T02330111 56031 METAR KFAR 160153Z 17014G25KT 10SM CLR 24/08 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 17030/0133 LTG DSNT N SLP013 T02390078
How is it that the NOL (Nearest-Observed-Lightning) to the airport, didn’t even get reported? A bolt which struck near runway 9/27 at 0243Z, didn’t result in TS being reported. VCTS didn’t even begin until 0253Z. Another strike which met TS criteria at 0311Z also did not result in ALDARS changing VCTS to TS.
Stillwater, Oklahoma: METAR KSWO 140153Z AUTO 35010KT 10SM -RA BKN060 OVC100 19/16 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S RAB09 TSE11B14E29B32 SLP114 P0005 T01890161
No TSE time was recorded for the thunderstorm which began at 0132Z.
Millington, Tennessee: METAR KNQA 160150Z 00000KT 10SM SCT070 BKN075 19/19 A2994 METAR KNQA 160050Z 03014G30KT 3/4SM OVC003 19/17 A2997 METAR KNQA 152350Z 07008KT 10SM FEW038 OVC050 22/20 A2991
There was no obstruction to vision listed at 0050Z, when the visibility was 3/4SM and the ceiling was OVC003. Surely, LTG/TS was missing from that report:
Lightning was striking near the airport as early as 0010Z (green box to the E) and 0011Z (red box to the NE). Strikes at 0008Z and 0009Z were also at the edge of the map.
Felts Field, Spokane, Washington: METAR KSFF 170053Z 00000KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR FEW018 SCT040 OVC070 14/13 A2951 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E AND W RAB04 TSE12E51 SLP986 P0060 T01440133 SPECI KSFF 170016Z 31005KT 1/2SM +TSRA FG SCT026 BKN042 OVC055 14/12 A2951 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB04 TSE12 PRESRR P0039 T01440122 METAR KSFF 162353Z 10SM TS BKN055CB BKN085 BKN110 21/09 A2947 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSB48 PRESRR SLP969 60001 T02110089 10239 20200 55015
ALDARS recorded a bogus TSE12 time for a thunderstorm that hadn’t even ended.
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Post by tornado on May 21, 2019 13:07:07 GMT -5
Auburn, Alabama: METAR KAUO 170256Z AUTO 32008KT 10SM VCTS CLR 22/18 A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S TSE06B32 SLP180 T02170178 53011
ALDARS reported VCTS earlier in the day. Later, ASOS recorded moderate rain:
METAR KAUO 171356Z AUTO 16003KT 8SM RA FEW044 OVC060 19/19 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP204 P0033 T01890189 METAR KAUO 171256Z AUTO 03008KT 10SM RA FEW021 BKN055 OVC070 19/ A3009 RMK AO2 RAB16 SLP203 P0023 T0194
Yet, during that hour, ALDARS missed all the lightning on the following map:
Lightning narrowly missed striking the runways at 1330Z and 1341Z. How good is ALDARS if it successfully reports lightning 5-10 miles away from an airport, but does not detect lightning within a mile of an airport?
Columbus, Georgia: METAR KCSG 170151Z AUTO 11004KT 10SM VCTS BKN100 21/18 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB15E50 TSE03 SLP151 P0002 T02110178 SPECI KCSG 170109Z AUTO 04014G23KT 10SM VCTS FEW028 BKN040 OVC065 24/18 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-E TSE03 T02390178 METAR KCSG 170051Z AUTO 07010KT 10SM TS BKN070 BKN085 OVC110 26/18 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE TSB48 SLP142 T02610178
ALDARS would have us believe that no lightning struck within 5 miles of CSG after 0048Z (TSE03). Lightning data shows otherwise:
Aurora, Illinois:
ALDARS missed that much lightning because it was disabled overnight.
SPECI KARR 181858Z 16004KT 4SM VCTS RA FEW039 SCT075 OVC095 18/16 A2977 RMK AO2 P0001 T01830156 METAR KARR 181852Z 10003KT 3SM RA SCT037 BKN075 OVC095 18/16 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1829 WSHFT 1812 RAB27 PRESFR SLP080 P0031 T01830156 SPECI KARR 181844Z 16006KT 2SM RA FEW032 BKN045 OVC075 18/15 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1829 WSHFT 1812 RAB27 P0029 T01830150 SPECI KARR 181832Z VRB04G29KT 1/2SM +RA FEW012 BKN043 OVC060 19/16 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1829 WSHFT 1812 RAB27 PRESRR P0024 T01890161 SPECI KARR 181830Z 24018G29KT 1 1/2SM -RA SCT028 BKN043 OVC060 20/17 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1829 WSHFT 1812 RAB27 PRESRR P0010 T02000172
TS was justified twice in 1 hour, for LTG at 1827Z (WNW) and 1845Z (E); VCTS was reported, but not until 1858Z.
Pal-Waukee Airport, Chicago/Wheeling, Illinois: METAR KPWK 182052Z 16015KT 5SM -RA FEW080 OVC100 19/17 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP086 P0016 60024 T01940167 56003 SPECI KPWK 182018Z 13008KT 5SM VCTS -RA FEW070 OVC095 18/15 A2978 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0006 T01780150
VCTS was reported; TS was justified at 2029Z:
Moline, Illinois: SPECI KMLI 181522Z 17003KT 2 1/2SM R09/5000VP6000FT -TSRA BR BKN035 BKN049 OVC070 19/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE15B16 P0034 T01890172 $ SPECI KMLI 181515Z 21005KT 1SM R09/3000VP6000FT VCTS +RA BR BKN031 BKN048 OVC065 18/17 A2976 RMK AO2 VIS 1/4V3 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE15 P0033 T01830172 $ SPECI KMLI 181506Z 27004KT 1 1/2SM R09/4500VP6000FT +TSRA BR BKN038 OVC065 18/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0018 T01780167 $
When ALDARS detects lightning strikes 16 minutes apart, it will end one thunderstorm and begin another one a minute later. However, ASOS still takes 5 minutes of processing time, and 1 minute of transmitting time. Even though VCTS was valid for only 1 minute, it was the latest weather reported for 7 minutes. A human can outperform ALDARS in such circumstances.
Dupage Airport, West Chicago, Illinois: METAR KDPA 181952Z 13008KT 6SM RA BR OVC100 19/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB01 SLP073 P0017 T01890167 SPECI KDPA 181924Z 11005KT 5SM -TSRA FEW055 SCT070 OVC090 21/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB01 PRESFR P0011 T02060167
No TSE time was recorded.
South Bend, Indiana: SPECI KSBN 170337Z 00000KT 10SM FEW021 BKN045 OVC055 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB0258E13 P0000 T01890172 METAR KSBN 170254Z 35004G16KT 10SM VCTS FEW022 BKN055 OVC085 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB17E32 TSB16E40 SLP057 P0008 60008 T01890172 55006 SPECI KSBN 170246Z 32007KT 10SM FEW018 OVC060 19/17 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W RAB17E32 TSB16E40 PRESRR P0008 T01890172 SPECI KSBN 170222Z 21012G18KT 4SM +TSRA FEW019 BKN055 BKN070 19/17 A2969 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W RAB17 TSB16 P0008 T01940167
ALDARS successfully reported a thunderstorm within 5 miles (TS) of SBN, ending it at 0240Z. LTG met TS criteria at 0250Z (red box), but TS was not restarted:
METAR KSBN 182154Z 29019G29KT 10SM -RA BKN070 OVC085 19/17 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 25049/2135 WSHFT 2126 RAB40 SLP100 P0000 T01890167 SPECI KSBN 182140Z 29025G49KT 10SM -RA SQ FEW047 BKN070 22/16 A2982 RMK AO2 PK WND 25049/2135 WSHFT 2126 LTG DSNT W RAB40 PRESRR P0000 T02170156 METAR KSBN 182054Z 23017G25KT 10SM FEW070 29/14 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 19026/2013 SLP078 T02890139 56015
Why didn’t ALDARS report VCTS for the 3 lightning strikes within 10 miles that hour?
An unreported thunderstorm caused the wind gust to 49 knots at SBN.
Terre Haute, Indiana: METAR KHUF 192153Z 20007KT 10SM FEW020 SCT070 OVC090 19/17 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 28045/2127 LTG DSNT NE RAB26E53 SLP072 P0021 T01890172 SPECI KHUF 192140Z 25007G21KT 2 1/2SM VCTS -RA BR SCT027 BKN075 OVC090 18/17 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 28045/2127 LTG DSNT NE RAB26 P0020 T01830167 SPECI KHUF 192135Z 26009G45KT 1/2SM R05/1400VP6000FT VCTS -RA FG FEW018 SCT030 BKN045 18/16 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 28045/2127 LTG DSNT NE AND SW RAB26 P0020 T01780161 SPECI KHUF 192128Z 28029G45KT 1 1/4SM R05/2600VP6000FT VCTS -RA SCT030 SCT043 BKN055 22/18 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 28045/2127 LTG DSNT SW RAB26 PRESRR P0009 T02220183 METAR KHUF 192053Z 20013G20KT 10SM BKN033 BKN040 24/18 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 21027/2025 LTG DSNT SW-N SLP060 T02390183 58014
While only VCTS was reported, TS produced the gust to 45 knots at HUF:
Waterloo, Iowa: SPECI KALO 190108Z AUTO 22004KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT055 BKN070 OVC080 18/17 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE P0007 T01830167 METAR KALO 190054Z 23005KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR FEW015 SCT037 OVC065 18/17 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SE TSE03 SLP038 P0091 T01830167 SPECI KALO 190049Z 24006KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR FEW016 BKN070 OVC085 18/17 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND SE TSE03 P0088 SPECI KALO 190031Z 23010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN034 OVC070 18/17 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-S TSE03 P0069 T01830172
Somehow, the lightning bolt which struck at 0045Z, didn’t get reported as TS.
Hutchinson, Kansas: SPECI KHUT 190133Z 13012KT 10SM VCTS BKN027 OVC033 19/15 A2953 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N TSE27 LTGICCG DSNT W-NW MOV E-NE T01890150 $ METAR KHUT 190052Z 15013G21KT 10SM BKN029 OVC036 19/15 A2951 RMK AO2 PK WND 15028/0034 LTG DSNT SW-N SLP975 T01940150 $
ALDARS put TSE27 when it meant TSB27.
Johnson County Executive Airport, Olathe, Kansas: METAR KOJC 181953Z 29007KT 1SM VCTS RA BR SCT031 BKN043 OVC090 17/17 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE29B38 TSB27E29E47 SLP031 P0040 T01670167 SPECI KOJC 181947Z 33007KT 1 1/4SM VCTS BR SCT030 BKN043 OVC095 17/17 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE29B38E47 TSB27E29E47 TS SW MOV NE P0037 SPECI KOJC 181940Z 24007KT 3SM TSRA BR FEW033 BKN055 OVC095 17/17 A2967 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE29B38 TSB27E29 TS SW MOV NE P0027 T01720167
TSE29 was bogus.
New Century Aircenter, Olathe, Kansas: SPECI KIXD 181129Z 30012KT 3SM -RA BR OVC024 18/16 A2973 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB12 TSB25E26 P0004 T01780156
A 1-minute thunderstorm was recorded.
SPECI KIXD 181427Z 00000KT 3/4SM -TSRA BR BKN031 BKN045 OVC055 17/16 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SW TSB23 TS SW MOV N OCNL LTGCG OHD P0042 T01670156 SPECI KIXD 181406Z 09009KT 1 3/4SM -RA BR SCT025 BKN045 BKN075 17/15 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND S P0017 T01720150
ALDARS began the thunderstorm at 1423Z, with ASOS transmitting the SPECI to begin the TS at 1427Z. Right at 1427Z, lightning struck at or near the Coleman Company Distribution Center, located at IXD airport. The trouble was, lightning had already struck the airport at 1418Z:
Hopefully, the Coleman Company has its own lightning detection subscription, and wasn’t relying on ALDARS to warn its workers outside of lightning hazards.
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan: SPECI KYIP 191839Z 23011G20KT 4SM R05R/5500VP6000FT -RA BR SCT023 BKN032 OVC048 21/18 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 23029/1803 RAB00 P0062 T02060183 $ SPECI KYIP 191835Z 23015KT 2SM R05R/4000VP6000FT RA BR BKN022 OVC048 21/18 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 23029/1803 VIS 1 1/4V5 RAB00 P0062 T02060183 $ SPECI KYIP 191811Z 23020G29KT 3/4SM R05R/3000VP6000FT +RA FEW018 BKN029 OVC049 22/18 A2970 RMK AO2 PK WND 23029/1803 LTG DSNT N RAB00 P0024 T02170183 SPECI KYIP 191806Z 24023G29KT 1 1/4SM R05R/3500VP6000FT +RA FEW024 BKN035 OVC049 23/18 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 23029/1803 VIS 1/2V5 LTG DSNT N RAB00 P0012 T02330183
LTG DSNT N was reported; TS was justified:
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi: SPECI KHKS 191102Z AUTO 18005KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW047 SCT070 OVC100 19/18 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T01890183 METAR KHKS 191053Z AUTO 18006KT 6SM -RA BR SCT036 BKN070 OVC100 19/18 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 SLP132 P0048 T01940183 SPECI KHKS 191051Z AUTO 19006G17KT 5SM -RA BR BKN036 BKN070 OVC100 19/18 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 P0048 SPECI KHKS 191043Z AUTO 21010G17KT 2SM +RA BR FEW011 BKN036 OVC070 19/19 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 P0047 T01890189 SPECI KHKS 191038Z AUTO 21006KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW010 BKN030 OVC070 19/19 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 P0044 T01890189 SPECI KHKS 191028Z AUTO 21008KT 1SM VCTS +RA BR FEW008 SCT014 OVC022 19/19 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 P0030 T01940189 SPECI KHKS 191021Z AUTO 26018G29KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN011 BKN016 OVC024 21/19 A2996 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 VIS 3/4V5 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 P0013 T02060189 SPECI KHKS 191016Z AUTO 24023G29KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN011 OVC016 23/22 A2996 RMK AO2 PK WND 24029/1016 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955E10 PRESRR P0002 T02280217 SPECI KHKS 191009Z AUTO 19009KT 9SM -TSRA OVC014 24/22 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB04 TSB0955 PRESRR P0000 T02390222 How can it be, that during an hour which TS and VCTS were reported; ALDARS did not report the second-nearest lightning strike to HKS?
That bolt, in the green box, struck at 1044Z. Only LTG DSNT was reported for the 15 minutes after that strike. Later, at 1141Z, the nearest strike (red box) was not reported as TS either:
METAR KHKS 191153Z AUTO 09003KT 6SM VCTS RA BR BKN100 BKN110 19/19 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-W SLP129 P0013 60061 70073 T01940189 10239 20189 55002 SPECI KHKS 191128Z AUTO 14004KT 7SM -RA BKN110 19/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0006 T01940189
Jefferson City, Missouri: SPECI KJEF 182301Z 28022G46KT 1SM +TSRA BR SQ SCT022 BKN050 OVC070 19/17 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 26046/2255 LTG DSNT SE AND S AND NW RAB2256 TSB01 P0000 T01890167 SPECI KJEF 182256Z 26033G46KT 2 1/2SM VCTS -RA SQ FEW011 BKN050 OVC110 25/17 A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 26046/2255 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB56 PRESRR P0000 T02500167 METAR KJEF 182253Z 21013G22KT 180V270 10SM VCTS SCT050 BKN070 OVC110 27/17 A2962 RMK AO2 PK WND 14026/2223 LTG DSNT SE-W SLP016 TS W MOV E T02720172
Lightning which struck 3 miles to the W of JEF at 2247Z, didn’t result in VCTS changing to TS- though that did happen 14 minutes later. If ALDARS/ASOS/LAWRS had handled the thunderstorm in a more timely manner, TS would have been the code at the time of the near-severe 46 knot wind gust instead of VCTS.
St. Joseph, Missouri: METAR KSTJ 181853Z AUTO 19010G25KT 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW016 BKN029 OVC075 19/18 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 18027/1843 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB08E25 SLP031 P0013 T01940183 SPECI KSTJ 181836Z AUTO 19006G19KT 2SM VCTS RA BR SCT017 BKN029 OVC080 20/18 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB08E25 P0009 T02000183 SPECI KSTJ 181828Z AUTO 16012KT 3SM VCTS RA BR BKN027 BKN080 OVC110 21/18 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB08E25 P0005 T02060183 SPECI KSTJ 181814Z AUTO 15009KT 4SM TSRA BR SCT080 OVC110 20/18 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB08 P0002 T02000183
ALDARS reported a thunderstorm within 5 miles (TS) of STJ from 1808Z-1825Z, with VCTS thereafter. Somehow, the nearest lightning strikes to the airport were misreported:
Lightning which struck at 1820Z and 1831Z met TS criteria. ALDARS either did not detect those 2 bolts, or ranged their distances incorrectly as being 5-10 miles from STJ.
Springfield Regional Airport, Missouri: SPECI KSGF 190738Z 25012G28KT 5SM -RA SCT016 BKN030 OVC070 17/14 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 26028/0732 WSHFT 0724 RAB07 P0013 T01670139 SPECI KSGF 190728Z 26017G27KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR BKN016 OVC022 17/15 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 24027/0728 LTG DSNT SW RAB07 PRESRR P0000 T01720150 VCTS was reported; TS was warranted:
The strikes plotted in the insert to the NNE-NE, also within 5 miles, were both at 0730Z.
Lincoln, Nebraska: METAR KLNK 171054Z 17008KT 10SM VCTS FEW075 FEW090 SCT110 21/18 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAE01B25E52 SLP021 P0001 T02110178 METAR KLNK 170954Z AUTO 18008KT 5SM VCTS -RA FEW047 SCT100 BKN120 22/17 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAB35 SLP021 P0000 T02170172
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted:
The bolt at 1024Z struck airport property.
METAR KLNK 190254Z 00000KT 3SM RA BR BKN027 BKN035 OVC065 15/13 A2967 RMK AO2 SLP039 P0126 60126 T01500133 53023 SPECI KLNK 190224Z 20004KT 3/4SM R36/5500VP6000FT +RA BR BKN021 OVC031 15/14 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW P0062 T01500139 SPECI KLNK 190213Z 00000KT 1 1/4SM R36/6000VP6000FT +RA BR SCT023 OVC031 15/13 A2965 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW P0025 T01500133 SPECI KLNK 190205Z 04006KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW014 OVC031 16/13 A2964 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND NW P0005 T01610133 METAR KLNK 190154Z 10008KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC031 18/12 A2963 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW-N RAB54 SLP027 P0000 T01830122
Lightning which struck at 0219Z at 0222Z, was reported as LTG DSNT.
According to the insert, those 2 bolts struck just within the green 5SM range ring. Remember, a 5NM range ring would be even larger (ALDARS measures distances in NM). Yet, ALDARS didn’t even report VCTS at the time, while conditions were 3/4SM +RA just 2 minutes after the 2nd bolt!
Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca, New York: SPECI KITH 190932Z AUTO 31005KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT055 BKN075 17/14 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-E TSE0858B26RAB17 P0000 SPECI KITH 190904Z AUTO 17009KT 10SM CLR 17/13 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-NE TSE0858
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted as of 0912Z:
Griffiss International Airport, Rome, New York: SPECI KRME 190916Z AUTO 08009KT 9SM -RA SCT039 OVC060 12/08 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW P0015 T01170083 SPECI KRME 190905Z AUTO 09008KT 2SM +RA BR BKN039 BKN050 OVC100 11/08 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW PRESFR P0014 T01060083 METAR KRME 190853Z AUTO 13006KT 4SM +RA BR SCT050 SCT070 OVC100 11/09 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB26 SLP146 P0005 60005 T01110089 55005
TS criteria was met at 0850Z; only LTG DSNT was reported.
Aurora State Airport, Oregon: SPECI KUAO 190031Z 23010G19KT 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW046 BKN055 OVC100 13/11 A2965 RMK AO2 PK WND 19030/0011 LTG DSNT NW RAB22 P0009 T01330111 SPECI KUAO 190022Z 19013G26KT 4SM VCTS RA FEW046 BKN055 OVC100 14/11 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 19030/0011 RAB22 PRESRR P0004 T01440106 SPECI KUAO 190015Z 20019G30KT 10SM FEW048 BKN085 OVC110 17/09 A2963 RMK AO2 PK WND 19030/0011 PRESRR T01670094 SPECI KUAO 190000Z VRB04KT 10SM VCTS BKN110 19/09 A2957 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW T01940089
VCTS was reported; TS was warranted as of 0013Z:
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: SPECI KFSD 180641Z AUTO 11020G28KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR OVC004 14/13 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 12031/0605 LTG DSNT S-NW RAB40 TSE35 P0000 T01440133 METAR KFSD 180556Z AUTO 11025G33KT 4SM BR OVC003 14/13 A2952 RMK AO2 PK WND 11033/0556 RAE01 SLP994 P0000 60000 T01440133 10172 20144 402060117 58017
ALDARS put TSE35 when it meant TSB35.
Ogden, Utah: SPECI KOGD 171129Z AUTO 26004KT 5SM VCTS RA BR OVC018 06/04 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S P0007 T00610044 METAR KOGD 171053Z AUTO 26008KT 10SM -RA BKN024 OVC029 08/05 A2969 RMK AO2 RAB50 SLP017 P0000 T00780050
Lightning about 3 miles WNW of OGD wasn’t detected by ALDARS:
Or, possibly, the distance to that strike wasn't ranged accurately.
Charlottesville, Virginia: METAR KCHO 180053Z VRB03KT 1 1/4SM +TSRA BR BKN026 BKN055 OVC110 21/19 A2987 RMK AO2 RAB29 SLP109 P0053 T02110189 SPECI KCHO 180041Z 35008G23KT 1SM +RA BKN020 BKN055 OVC080 22/19 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB29 P0034 T02170189
ALDARS did not report a TSB time. So what time did the TS begin? Data suggests 0044Z (green boxes):
Wheeling, West Virginia: SPECI KHLG 172358Z 26004KT 3SM R03/6000VP6000FT -RA BR BKN031 BKN042 OVC060 19/18 A2989 RMK AO2 P0000 T01890178 METAR KHLG 172353Z 30004KT 1 1/2SM R03/6000VP6000FT +RA BR FEW025 BKN031 OVC060 19/18 A2989 RMK AO2 RAE2256B44 SLP121 P0006 60008 T01890178 10233 20189 53013 SPECI KHLG 172350Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM R03/6000VP6000FT +RA BR SCT028 BKN035 OVC060 19/18 A2988 RMK AO2 RAE2256B44 P0006 SPECI KHLG 172347Z 34004KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN028 BKN035 OVC070 19/17 A2988 RMK AO2 RAE2256B44 P0004 METAR KHLG 172253Z 25008KT 10SM -RA FEW025 BKN046 OVC080 19/17 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB33 SLP113 P0002 T01940172
Although ALDARS reported LTG DSNT NE at 2253Z, it did not report lightning within 5 miles of HLG from 2336Z-2348Z:
Green Bay, Wisconsin: METAR KGRB 191853Z 03013KT 6SM RA BR BKN007 OVC011 08/07 A2958 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE RAB00 TSB31 SLP021 P0015 T00830067 SPECI KGRB 191837Z 02013KT 5SM TSRA BR OVC007 08/07 A2959 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE RAB00 TSB31 P0011 T00780067
No TSE time was recorded.
Kenosha, Wisconsin: SPECI KENW 191850Z 25013G24KT 2SM -RA BR SCT036 SCT050 BKN070 17/15 A2956 RMK AO2 PK WND 25041/1832 LTG DSNT N RAE09B34 TSB37E38E50 P0008 $ SPECI KENW 191841Z 25020G41KT 1 3/4SM RA BR BKN034 17/14 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 25041/1832 VIS 1/2V5 LTG DSNT N RAE09B34 TSB37E38 PRESRR P0005 T01670144 $ METAR KENW 191753Z 21019G34KT 10SM -RA FEW035 BKN042 BKN055 23/16 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 20037/1714 LTG DSNT W RAB52 SLP007 P0000 60000 T02280156 10244 20089 58009 $
ALDARS had a glitch, reporting TSB and TSE times in remarks, without ever reporting TS in present weather.
TS criteria was met, for lightning strikes at 1835Z and 1842Z. That was right after a wind gust to 41 knots struck the airport.
La Crosse, Wisconsin: SPECI KLSE 190311Z AUTO 05010KT 3SM VCTS RA BR FEW006 BKN033 OVC075 11/08 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E P0027 T01060083 SPECI KLSE 190306Z AUTO 07009KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT007 BKN026 OVC030 11/08 A2975 RMK AO2 P0025 T01060083 SPECI KLSE 190300Z AUTO 08010G18KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 BKN022 OVC026 11/08 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E P0019 T01060083 METAR KLSE 190253Z AUTO 08009G15KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 OVC027 11/09 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB16 TSB34E49 SLP077 P0029 60029 T01060089 53020 SPECI KLSE 190239Z AUTO 05006KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR OVC007 11/09 A2974 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB16 TSB34 PRESRR P0003 T01110089
There are 2 lightning strikes plotted on the map. The one at 0230Z, was likely the one for which ALDARS began the thunderstorm, albeit 4 minutes later at 0234Z (TSB34; or, a delay of 9 minutes to get ASOS to transmit the report containing TS). But the 2nd bolt struck at 0257Z, near the end of runway 18/36. ALDARS kept VCTS in present weather, and did not change the code to TS.
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