|
|
Post by tornado on Jan 2, 2017 18:23:06 GMT -5
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Mississippi, Mon 2 Jan 2017:
METAR KGPT 021653Z 16011KT 1SM BR OVC002 21/21 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP150 T02060206 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 021747Z 16018G27KT 1SM -RA BR SCT003 BKN010 OVC050 22/21 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 15027/1738 RAB34 CIG 008V013 PRESFR P0001 RVRNO
METAR KGPT 021753Z 16016G23KT 1SM BR SCT003 BKN013 OVC055 21/21 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 15027/1738 RAB34E52 CIG 008V023 SLP131 P0001 60002 T02110206 10222 20189 58025 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 021757Z 17012G25KT 1SM VCTS BR FEW006 SCT014 OVC049 21/20 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSE57 P0001 T02110200 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 021822Z 16009G24KT 1SM VCTS +RA BR SCT006 BKN024 OVC047 22/22 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/1809 LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB01 TSE1757 P0030 T02170217 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 021833Z 17010G18KT 1SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 BKN010 OVC044 21/21 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/1809 LTG DSNT W-NE RAB01 TSE1757 P0035 T02110211 RVRNO
METAR KGPT 021853Z 17015G19KT 1 1/2SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 OVC040 21/20 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/1809 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB01 TSE1757 SLP114 P0035 T02060200
SPECI KGPT 021855Z 17014G21KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR SCT004 OVC042 21/20 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 T02060200
SPECI KGPT 021902Z 17014G23KT 5SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 OVC042 21/20 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T02060200
SPECI KGPT 021922Z 17011G18KT 2SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 OVC042 19/18 A2986 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V5 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0006 T01890178
SPECI KGPT 021931Z 18011G19KT 4SM VCTS RA BR BKN004 OVC042 19/18 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0008 T01940178
SPECI KGPT 021935Z 17013G19KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN004 OVC042 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 VIS 1V4 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0013 T01890178
SPECI KGPT 021950Z 17014G23KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 OVC042 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0019
METAR KGPT 021953Z 17015G24KT 6SM VCTS -RA BR BKN004 OVC042 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP108 P0019 T01940178
SPECI KGPT 022000Z 16015G24KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN023 BKN032 OVC055 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 T01940178
SPECI KGPT 022048Z 14014G23KT 2 1/2SM VCTS RA BR BKN014 BKN019 OVC024 20/19 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 16026/2016 VIS 1 1/2V4 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE03B28 P0004
METAR KGPT 022053Z 15010KT 2 1/2SM VCTS -RA BR BKN014 OVC019 19/19 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 16026/2016 VIS 1 3/4V4 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE03B28 SLP104 P0004 60058 T01940189 56011
SPECI KGPT 022100Z 14011KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR BKN014 OVC018 20/19 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 T02000194
SPECI KGPT 022128Z 18011G18KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR OVC008 21/21 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE03B23 CIG 006V011 P0002 T02110206
METAR KGPT 022153Z 24008G20KT 210V280 6SM VCTS BR BKN007 BKN018 OVC047 22/21 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE03B23E51 SLP110 P0002 T02220211
SPECI KGPT 022202Z 29017G28KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR BKN007 BKN016 OVC035 21/20 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/2159 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB2156 PRESRR P0009 T02060200
SPECI KGPT 022209Z 32013G25KT 1 3/4SM VCTS RA BR SCT007 BKN016 OVC031 19/18 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/2159 WSHFT 2155 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB2156 P0012 T01890183
SPECI KGPT 022212Z 32011G22KT 2 1/2SM TSRA BR SCT007 BKN016 OVC032 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/2159 WSHFT 2155 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB2156 TSB12 PRESRR P0013 T01890183
SPECI KGPT 022225Z 31014G20KT 1 1/4SM +TSRA BR FEW007 BKN021 OVC044 18/18 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 29028/2159 WSHFT 2155 VIS 1V2 1/2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB2156 TSB12 P0034 T01830178
According to the official reports above, VCTS began at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (KGPT), at 1757Z (even though TSE57 appeared in remarks on that SPECI). TS began at 2212Z. That means there should have been no lightning within 5 miles of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, before 2200Z. Yet, setting a lightning strike map to run from 1700-2200Z, shows otherwise:
It appears ALDARS is still having some issues with regards to ranging the distance to lightning strikes. |
|
|
|
Post by hlsto2 on Jan 2, 2017 22:21:43 GMT -5
but I have a memo from the FAA that says ALDARS is accurate!
|
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Jan 3, 2017 10:29:48 GMT -5
Acadiana Regional Airport, New Iberia, Louisiana, Mon 2 Jan 2017:
During a severe weather outbreak in the south on the 2nd, Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) did not report any thunderstorm activity, between 1800-2100Z:
METAR KARA 021753Z 18020G30KT 6SM HZ BKN009 OVC017 24/21
A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 18031/1706 SLP104 T02390211
10244 20217 58024
METAR KARA 021853Z 21023G33KT 4SM BR BKN011 BKN026 OVC041
23/21 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 19034/1817 SLP103 T02330211
SPECI KARA 021903Z 22022G36KT 5SM HZ SCT011 BKN028 OVC055
23/21 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1855 T02330206
PNO $
SPECI KARA 021929Z 31015KT 10SM FEW012 BKN019 OVC075 19/16
A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1855 WSHFT 1909 PRESRR
T01890156 $
SPECI KARA 021936Z 32016KT 10SM BKN014 BKN023 18/16 A2987
RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1855 WSHFT 1922 T01830156 $
SPECI KARA 021944Z 29014G24KT 2 1/2SM BR BKN015 OVC023 18/16
A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1855 WSHFT 1922 T01830161 $
METAR KARA 021953Z 28013G19KT 1SM BR SCT015 BKN023 OVC047
18/16 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1855 WSHFT 1922
SLP109 T01830161 $
SPECI KARA 022005Z 25005KT 1 1/2SM BR FEW016 BKN035 OVC060
18/16 A2985 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 P0003 T01830161 $
SPECI KARA 022028Z 18004KT 3SM BR SCT045 BKN065 OVC110 18/17
A2984 RMK AO2 P0009 T01830167 $
METAR KARA 022053Z 19005KT 10SM FEW075 BKN095 19/17 A2983
RMK AO2 SLP101 P0016 6//// T01890172 58002 $
It seems, however, that there was plenty of lightning that should have been reported:
The nearest lightning was at 2009Z:
Somehow, both ALDARS and LAWRS missed the lightning. Late edit: It appears that rain was left out of present weather, during the period as well. For example, no rain was recorded on the 1853Z METAR, as having fallen since the previous METAR. Yet, radar showed a level 5-6 cell passing over the airport, at 1830Z:  Then, the 1944Z SPECI claimed 2 1/2SM BR as the visibility/obstruction to vision; with the 1953Z METAR claiming 1SM BR as the visibility/obstruction to vision. However, at 1950Z, radar showed a level 4-5 cell over the airport:  Somehow, both ASOS and LAWRS missed the rain. |
|
|
|
Post by skobie on Jan 3, 2017 12:20:42 GMT -5
How is that even possible? It's almost like the LAWRS observer took the time to edit the LTG and TS data out, but I highly doubt that.
skobie
|
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Jan 9, 2017 12:39:16 GMT -5
Long Beach Airport, California, Mon 9 Jan 2017:Nearby airports had pre-dawn thunderstorm reports: METAR KFUL 091153Z AUTO 09008KT 1 1/2SM +TSRA BR BKN041 OVC060 15/13 A3012 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB33 TSB34 SLP197 P0012 60012 70012 T01500128 10167 20150 58014 SPECI KSMO 091120Z AUTO 00000KT 4SM VCTS RA BR FEW009 OVC021 13/12 A3014 RMK AO2 P0011 T01280122 $ METAR KCNO 091153Z AUTO 35006KT 9SM VCTS OVC047 14/10 A3015 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB15E31 SLP204 P0000 60001 70001 T01440100 10156 20139 58016 $ METAR KLAX 091153Z 09009KT 3SM TSRA SCT008 BKN014 OVC026CB 13/13 A3013 RMK AO2 TSB24 SLP199 OCNL LTGIC VC E-SE TS VC E-SE MOV E P0030 60032 70032 T01280128 10178 20128 55016 But Long Beach had its ALDARS turned off: SPECI KLGB 091137Z AUTO 03007KT 2SM +RA FEW016 BKN025 OVC036 14/11 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB1059 P0006 T01390111 TSNOSPECI KLGB 091141Z AUTO 01007KT 2SM +RA BR FEW016 OVC033 14/12 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB1059 P0012 T01390117 TSNOMETAR KLGB 091153Z AUTO 05006KT 4SM RA BR FEW016 BKN040 OVC070 13/12 A3012 RMK AO2 RAB1059 SLP199 P0016 60016 70016 T01330117 10167 20133 58003 TSNOThat was despite lightning striking closer to Long Beach, than the other airports:  
|
|
|
|
Post by hlsto2 on Jan 15, 2017 17:35:16 GMT -5
 KFWS 152146Z 06003KT 1/4SM FG OVC001 14/14 A2993 at least FOUR CG strikes within 10 miles SE of FWS at 2231...last metar was 2146Z...it is now 2240...no action by the AWOS ltg sensor. I am 1.5 miles west of FWS (home) I have a portable lightning detector (in addition to weathertap) that is going crazy! It has counted SEVEN strikes within the last 15 minutes. KFWS 152245Z 00000KT 3/4SM BR OVC00 17/16 A2990 ...only action is incorrect SKY KFWS 152146Z 06003KT 1/4SM FG OVC001 14/14 A2993 |
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Feb 7, 2017 15:18:39 GMT -5
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Mississippi, Tue 7 Feb 2017:
METAR KGPT 071653Z 20009KT 6SM BR SCT008 BKN014 OVC025 19/18
A2990 RMK AO2 SLP124 T01940178
SPECI KGPT 071728Z 18005KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR BKN009 BKN025
OVC050 19/18 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB25
TSE26 P0000 T01940183
METAR KGPT 071752Z 19009KT 1 1/4SM VCTS RA BR BKN009 BKN019
OVC028 19/19 A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB25
TSE26B34E36 SLP112 P0009 60009 T01940189 10206
20178 58019
SPECI KGPT 071754Z 22008KT 180V260 3/4SM VCTS +RA BR FEW009
BKN019 OVC028 19/19 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS
P0005 T01940189 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 071801Z 20007G19KT 170V230 3/4SM VCTS RA BR BKN009
BKN019 OVC028 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS
P0008 T01890183 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 071810Z VRB04KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN009 BKN019
OVC055 19/18 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0009
T01890178
METAR KGPT 071853Z VRB03KT 3SM VCTS -RA BR BKN009 BKN019
OVC055 17/16 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP098
P0019 T01720156
METAR KGPT 071953Z VRB03KT 2SM VCTS +RA BR BKN009 BKN019
OVC055 17/17 A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP096
P0139 T01720167
SPECI KGPT 072012Z 10005KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN030 BKN041 OVC070
17/17 A2979 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESFR P0021
T01720167
TS was not recorded; lightning data indicates much of the activity was TS, in addition to VCTS criteria being met:
 
56 lightning bolts struck within the red 5-mile range ring. If accurate, that would mean ALDARS either
failed to detect those 56 lightning strikes; or that LAWRS locked in VCTS while TS was actually in progress.
That includes an apparent lightning strike to the north end of runway 14/32 at 1922Z, which hit less than a mile from the air traffic control tower. The bolt at 1942Z, hit a field about 2,070 feet from the control tower-
less than half a mile away- without triggering TS in present weather:
 |
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Feb 10, 2017 14:17:37 GMT -5
Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon, Georgia, Thu 9 Feb 2017:
SPECI KMCN 090609Z AUTO 24012G22KT 10SM TS SCT019 BKN027
BKN033 21/17 A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03
T02060172
SPECI KMCN 090625Z AUTO 23014G22KT 10SM FEW019 BKN040 OVC047
21/17 A2968 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS TSB03E25 PRESFR
T02060172
According to ALDARS, the thunderstorm at Middle Georgia Regional Airport (KMCN) near Macon,
ended at 0625Z. There wasn't any lightning reported within 10 miles after that time. Yet, a lightning map set to run from 0625Z-0700Z, showed lightning within 10, and even within 5 miles of KMCN:
Lightning within 5 miles, struck at 0641Z and 0647Z. The trouble was, a gust to 46 knots hit the airport at 0650Z:
SPECI KMCN 090646Z AUTO 24027G36KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT020
BKN034 OVC050 19/17 A2967 RMK AO2 PK WND 24036/0642
LTG DSNT E-S RAB37 TSB03E25 P0004 T01940172
METAR KMCN 090653Z AUTO 30020G46KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT019
BKN030 OVC048 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 25046/0650
LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB37 TSB03E25 PRESRR SLP058
P0015 T01940172
SPECI KMCN 090657Z AUTO 30015G46KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR SCT019
BKN030 OVC070 19/17 A2971 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0643 LTG
DSNT E AND SE P0005 T01940172
ALDARS ended a pre-dawn thunderstorm too early!
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Thu 9 Feb 2017:
4 lightning strikes at 1903Z, met at least VCTS criteria. Reports from Martha's Vineyard (KMVY)
did not mention lightning or thunder during that time or afterwards:
METAR KMVY 091853Z 1/4SM R24/1200V1800FT +SN FG VV005 00/M01 A2920 RMK AO2 PK WND 36042/1841
SLP886 P0008 T00001006 $
SPECI KMVY 091944Z 01025G44KT M1/4SM R24/1000V1400FT FZFG VV004 M01/M02 A2919 RMK AO2 PK WND 36044/1940 SNEMM P0001 I1001 T10111017 $
 |
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Feb 23, 2017 16:12:39 GMT -5
St. Augustine Airport, Florida, Wed 22 Feb 2017:
St. Augustine Airport (KSGJ) recorded VCTS on the evening of the 22nd:
SPECI KSGJ 221827Z 10007KT 6SM VCTS HZ BKN021 BKN027 OVC070
22/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E TSB24
SPECI KSGJ 221849Z 17012G17KT 6SM VCTS -RA BKN013 BKN045
OVC055 22/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE TSB24RAB35
P0000
METAR KSGJ 221858Z 18010KT 4SM VCTS -RA BKN013 BKN045 OVC055
22/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE TSB24RAB35 SLP076
P0000 T02170172
SPECI KSGJ 221902Z 18009KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW021 BKN050 OVC095
21/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E P0000
SPECI KSGJ 221946Z 19008KT 4SM VCTS HZ BKN018 BKN048 OVC065
22/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND SE AND NW RAE22
P0000
METAR KSGJ 221958Z 18007KT 4SM VCTS HZ BKN018 BKN048 OVC065
22/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAE22 SLP073 P0000
T02170172
SPECI KSGJ 222002Z 17006KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT025 BKN037 BKN049
22/17 A2975 RMK AO2 RAB1959 P0000
SPECI KSGJ 222008Z 20007KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW020 BKN029 OVC050
21/18 A2975 RMK AO2 RAB1959 P0000
SPECI KSGJ 222023Z 13019G24KT 2SM VCTS +RA BKN008 BKN048
OVC065 22/17 A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAB1959
P0013
METAR KSGJ 222058Z 07003KT 3SM VCTS -RA BKN009 BKN048 OVC065
22/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB1959 SLP073
P0026 60026 T02170172 56010
SPECI KSGJ 222059Z 00000KT 8SM VCTS -RA FEW014 BKN055 OVC080
19/17 A2975 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE P0000
SPECI KSGJ 222113Z 04004KT 3SM VCTS -RA BKN010 BKN048 OVC065
22/17 A2975 RMK AO2 P0001
METAR KSGJ 222158Z 05012KT 3SM VCTS -RA BKN012 OVC060 22/17
A2976 RMK AO2 RAE14B41 SLP076 P0001 T02170172
SPECI KSGJ 222202Z 05013KT 5SM VCTS RA BR BKN016 BKN027 OVC049
18/17 A2976 RMK AO2 P0002
SPECI KSGJ 222235Z 07012KT 5SM -RA SCT028 OVC090 22/17 A2976
RMK AO2 TSE35 P0003
The thunderstorm (at this site, VCTS counted towards TSB time) began at 1824Z, and ended
at 2235Z. That seemed like a long time without either a break in the VCTS action, or VCTS
becoming TS at some point. In other words, the lightning continued striking 5-10 miles away
once every 15 minutes for more than 4 hours; so the situation warranted investigation. A
lightning map plotted to run for 12 hours, revealed the situation as such:
Since the lightning strike plots were all nearly the same color, they struck during roughly the same
period. But the 3 nearest bolts struck at 1833Z (closest), 1853Z, and 1905Z. Those were the only bolts that struck within the 5 and 10 mile range rings (or the red and green range rings). Why then, was the thunderstorm kept "in the vicinity" in present weather until 2235Z? |
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Feb 24, 2017 16:28:20 GMT -5
Elkhart, Indiana, Fri 24 Feb 2017:METAR KEKM 242150Z 20011KT G28KT 10SM -RA OVC010 14/12 A2944 D level site, is not required to report thunderstorms. A lightning strike map, set to run for the 10 minutes prior to 2150Z, showed plenty of lightning that could have been reported:  Gary, Indiana, Fri 24 Feb 2017:
METAR KGYY 241045Z VRB05KT 10SM OVC005 04/03 A2974
METAR KGYY 241145Z 00000KT 3SM BR SCT027 OVC048 06/06 A2949
METAR KGYY 241245Z VRB05KT 1 1/2SM BR SCT110 07/07 A2940
RMK PRESFR
FAA does not require D level sites to report thunderstorms; so one went unreported
at Gary (KGYY) this morning:
Coleman A. Young Airport (aka Detroit City Airport), Detroit, Michigan, Fri 24 Feb 2017:
C level LAWRS site, had moderate rain, plus a wind gust to 30 knots:
METAR KDET 242053Z 31008KT 10SM FEW043 OVC055 19/13 A2955
RMK AO2 SLP007 T01940128 55002
SPECI KDET 242109Z VRB05KT 2 1/2SM RA BKN039 OVC050 16/13
A2949 RMK AO2 PK WND 29030/2056 VIS 2V4 RAB2057
PRESFR P0018 T01610128
SPECI KDET 242116Z 14011G17KT 6SM -RA BR FEW035 BKN042 BKN050
16/13 A2948 RMK AO2 PK WND 29030/2056 RAB2057
P0018 T01560133
METAR KDET 242153Z 16007KT 10SM FEW120 17/14 A2949 RMK AO2
PK WND 29030/2056 RAB2057E22 SLP988 P0018 T01670139
Notice no lightning nor thunder was reported during that period. That was an omission:
According to raw lightning strike data, both TS and VCTS criteria were easily met.
In the grid just north of the airport, all but 1 of the 82 lightning strikes were within 10 miles. 46 total strikes can be counted within the red 5-mile range ring around KDET.
Yet, not even LTG DSNT was reported that hour! The nearest lightning bolt struck at 2045Z:
How did both ALDARS, and then LAWRS, fail to report that thunderstorm?
The site's ALDARS interface was activated on 17 Mar 2000. The nearby CWO
at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (KDTW, about 22 miles to the
SW) not only reported a thunderstorm the same hour, but also had hail:
SPECI KDTW 242048Z 28018G26KT 4SM TSRAGR SCT025 OVC055CB
17/13 A2951 RMK AO2 PK WND 26026/2046 LTG DSNT
ALQDS RAB39GRB48 TSB03E26B28 PRESFR OCNL LTGICCG
NW-N TS NW-N MOV NE GR 3/4 P0000
Imagine KDTW not having a CWO, and providing airlines with the service
received at KDET today!
  Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey, Sat 25 Feb 2017:METAR KCDW 252153Z 16011G18KT 10SM SCT100 18/13 A2946 RMK AO2 SLP980 T01780128 METAR KCDW 252253Z VRB04KT 7SM -RA SCT050 BKN080 OVC100 17/13 A2950 RMK AO2 RAB34 PRESRR SLP993 P0001 T01720133 SPECI KCDW 252312Z 25013G21KT 2SM RA SCT017 BKN042 OVC049 14/12 A2956 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0011 T01440117 SPECI KCDW 252318Z 28007G21KT 1SM +RA BR SCT018 BKN028 OVC049 13/12 A2954 RMK AO2 P0034 T01330117 SPECI KCDW 252325Z 28010G20KT 1 1/4SM RA BR SCT018 BKN031 OVC070 13/11 A2954 RMK AO2 P0037 T01280106 SPECI KCDW 252329Z 27007G20KT 3SM RA BR SCT018 BKN035 OVC070 12/11 A2956 RMK AO2 P0038 T01220106 METAR KCDW 252353Z VRB05KT 4SM RA BR FEW016 BKN050 OVC070 12/11 A2956 RMK AO2 SLP015 P0047 60048 T01170106 10200 20117 53031 Visibility dropped to 1 mile with heavy rain, by 2318Z. That was actually due to a thunderstorm:  Both TS and VCTS criteria were met; yet, not even LTG DSNT was reported during that period! La Crosse, Wisconsin, Fri 24 Feb 2017:METAR KLSE 240753Z AUTO 03010G18KT 10SM UP BKN013 BKN019 OVC055 02/M01 A2972 RMK AO2 RAB39E49UPB49SNE35 SLP071 P0001 T00171006 TSNOMETAR KLSE 240853Z AUTO 03009KT 1 3/4SM -SN BR OVC013 01/00 A2967 RMK AO2 UPE20SNB20 SLP052 P0003 60011 T00110000 58033 TSNOMETAR KLSE 240953Z AUTO 35013G19KT 2SM -SN BR FEW011 OVC018 01/M01 A2973 RMK AO2 UPB26E30SNE26B30 SLP075 P0004 T00111011 TSNOLAWRS placed ASOS into TSNO mode (i.e., turned ALDARS off) overnight. ASOS thus had no chance to report this lightning: 
|
|
|
|
Post by hlsto2 on Feb 28, 2017 2:36:58 GMT -5
KPIA 280736Z 16012G19KT 10SM FEW018 BKN024 OVC050 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB23E32 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280727Z 17012KT 10SM -RA SCT022 BKN044 OVC110 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB23 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280654Z 16010G20KT 10SM BKN026 BKN033 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP127 T01060083 KPIA 280554Z 15013KT 10SM SCT036 BKN060 11/08 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W SLP132 60001 T01060078 10122 20100 401501028 58020 KPIA 280736Z 16012G19KT 10SM FEW018 BKN024 OVC050 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB23E32 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280727Z 17012KT 10SM -RA SCT022 BKN044 OVC110 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB23 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280654Z 16010G20KT 10SM BKN026 BKN033 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP127 T01060083 KPIA 280554Z 15013KT 10SM SCT036 BKN060 11/08 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W SLP132 60001 T01060078 10122 20100 401501028 58020 KPIA 280454Z 15009G18KT 10SM BKN075 BKN090 BKN110 11/07 A2994 RMK AO2 RAB20E44 SLP138 P0001 T01060072 KPIA 280354Z 13010KT 10SM SCT080 BKN120 11/06 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP150 T01110056 a number of strikes well within 10 miles of this LAWRS site...but ALDARS is asleep..  |
|
|
|
Post by hlsto2 on Feb 28, 2017 3:20:03 GMT -5
KPIA 280754Z 17011KT 10SM FEW018 BKN024 OVC034 11/08 A2988 RMK AO2 RAB23E32 SLP120 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280736Z 16012G19KT 10SM FEW018 BKN024 OVC050 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB23E32 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280727Z 17012KT 10SM -RA SCT022 BKN044 OVC110 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB23 P0000 T01060083 KPIA 280654Z 16010G20KT 10SM BKN026 BKN033 11/08 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP127 T01060083 KPIA 280554Z 15013KT 10SM SCT036 BKN060 11/08 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND W SLP132 60001 T01060078 10122 20100 401501028 58020 in this case 3/4" = 10 miles  |
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Feb 28, 2017 13:38:14 GMT -5
Evansville, Indiana, Tue 28 Feb 2017:
SPECI KEVV 281349Z 18006KT 5SM -RA BR OVC012 12/11 A2998
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE RAB26 P0001
METAR KEVV 281354Z 19006KT 9SM -TSRA OVC010 13/11 A2999 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE RAB26 TSB53 SLP154 P0001 T01280111
SPECI KEVV 281413Z 19006KT 7SM BKN010 OVC014 13/12 A2998
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-E RAE13 TSE08 P0007 T01280117
A thunderstorm began at Evansville at 1353Z, and ended at 1408Z. That was a minimum 15-minute
thunderstorm. For that to happen, lightning:
1) had to strike once at 1353Z (or whenever ALDARS detected it, allowing for processing time); or
2) had to have multiple strikes during the same minute.
That wasn't the case:
 
Lightning data on the 2nd map, shows bolts striking at 1347Z, and 1352Z- 5 minutes apart.
Other lightning that struck within the green 10-mile range ring on the first map, hit as late
as 1356Z. What appears to have been a 24-minute thunderstorm, got pared down to 15
minutes by ALDARS. ALDARS also had a delay of 6 minutes from the time of the first strike, to the TSB time of 1353Z. 4 bolts had already struck within about 5 miles by then.
Coleman A. Young Airport, Detroit, Michigan,
Tue 28 Feb- Wed 1 Mar 2017:
A cluster of 9 lightning strikes within 5 miles, did not get reported by KDET.
The lightning map is set to run for the 10 minutes from 0205Z-0215Z:
METAR KDET 010153Z 20011G17KT 4SM RA BR BKN011 OVC050 12/12
A2970 RMK AO2 RAB32 SLP060 P0004 T01220117
SPECI KDET 010207Z 20012KT 4SM -RA BR SCT012 BKN065 OVC075
12/12 A2971 RMK AO2 P0003 T01170117
SPECI KDET 010226Z 22007KT 9SM BKN012 BKN060 OVC070 12/12
A2969 RMK AO2 RAE25 P0004 T01220117
METAR KDET 010253Z 19008KT 9SM -RA OVC010 12/12 A2966 RMK
AO2 RAE25B31 SLP047 P0004 60008 T01220122 58026
This site went on to have 2 more missed thunderstorms, early on March 1st:
METAR KDET 010453Z 18015KT 7SM -RA OVC007 13/13 A2955 RMK
AO2 RAE02B12 CIG 006V010 SLP009 P0002 T01280128
401280017
SPECI KDET 010531Z 25015G30KT 1SM +RA BR FEW004 BKN009 OVC030
13/12 A2959 RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0524 P0024 T01280122
SPECI KDET 010535Z 25011G29KT 1 1/2SM RA BR SCT009 OVC040
13/12 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0524 WSHFT 0518
P0025 T01280122
SPECI KDET 010538Z 25009KT 3SM RA BR SCT007 BKN046 OVC070
13/12 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0524 WSHFT 0518
P0027 T01280117
METAR KDET 010553Z 22011KT 9SM -RA SCT042 OVC080 12/11 A2957
RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0524 WSHFT 0518 SLP013 P0029
60039 T01170111 10133 20117 55033
METAR KDET 010653Z 21011KT 10SM -RA OVC070 12/11 A2954 RMK
AO2 SLP004 P0001 T01170111
METAR KDET 010753Z 20011KT 10SM -RA FEW038 OVC060 12/12 A2947
RMK AO2 SLP978 P0002 T01170117
METAR KDET 010853Z 25010G18KT 3SM RA BR BKN050 OVC065 12/12
A2949 RMK AO2 SLP988 P0017 60020 T01220117 55024
METAR KDET 010953Z 22013KT 5SM RA BR OVC070 12/11 A2948 RMK
AO2 SLP982 P0017 T01170111
The bluish-purple lightning strike plots, represent a thunderstorm around 0530Z;
while the yellow-orange plots represent a thunderstorm around 0830Z:
Notice the lightning data roughly matches when the moderate to heavy rain occurred at KDET.
|
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Mar 1, 2017 18:09:30 GMT -5
St. Louis Downtown Airport, Cahokia, Illinois, Wed 1 Mar 2017:
Between 0800Z-1000Z, this was how much lightning struck around Cahokia (KCPS):
One would expect to see thunderstorms reported for that 2-hour period, both TS and VCTS. But LAWRS had disabled ALDARS for the night:
METAR KCPS 010753Z AUTO 34021G27KT 10SM SCT026 BKN034 OVC041
18/08 A2959 RMK AO2 PK WND 36027/0747 SLP016 T01780083
TSNO $
SPECI KCPS 010818Z AUTO 29022G61KT 4SM RA SQ FEW033 BKN041
OVC060 13/09 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 32061/0812 RAB07
PRESRR P0003 T01330089 TSNO $
SPECI KCPS 010829Z AUTO 29018G30KT 2SM +RA FEW019 BKN033
OVC060 13/09 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 32061/0812 RAB07
P0022 T01280094 TSNO $
SPECI KCPS 010834Z AUTO 31018G29KT 3SM +RA SCT019 BKN027
OVC055 13/10 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 32061/0812 RAB07
P0025 T01280100 TSNO $
SPECI KCPS 010842Z AUTO 31018G31KT 3SM +RA SCT021 OVC030
13/10 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 32061/0812 RAB07 P0031
T01280100 TSNO $
METAR KCPS 010853Z AUTO 30016G22KT 4SM RA FEW012 BKN044 OVC070
13/10 A2962 RMK AO2 PK WND 32061/0812 RAB07 SLP029
P0035 60035 T01280100 53023 TSNO $
METAR KCPS 010953Z AUTO 21006KT 10SM -RA SCT060 BKN080 OVC110
13/11 A2957 RMK AO2 SLP010 P0011 T01280106 TSNO $
A wind gust to 61 knots struck the airport at 0812Z; yet, a thunderstorm was not even reported!
That gust well exceeded severe criteria for a thunderstorm! This was not an isolated case, read on.
Owensboro, Kentucky, Wed 1 Mar 2017:
In just the 1 hour between 0600Z and 0700Z, Owensboro (KOWB) was struck by a severe thunderstorm, with a wind gust to 57 knots:
METAR KOWB 010556Z AUTO 21018G22KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW045 SCT120
20/17 A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW TSB20E35B42RAB48
SLP065 P0000 60000 T02000167 10200 20183 402000106
58036
SPECI KOWB 010642Z AUTO 22039G57KT 2SM VCTS +RA FEW005 BKN050
OVC100 18/14 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 23057/0641 VIS
3/4V5 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0035
SPECI KOWB 010649Z AUTO 20029G57KT 1 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT007
BKN029 OVC100 16/14 A2966 RMK AO2 PK WND 23057/0641
VIS 3/4V5 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0050
SPECI KOWB 010653Z AUTO 20028G41KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR FEW007
BKN047 OVC065 15/13 A2967 RMK AO2 PK WND 23057/0641
LTG DSNT ALQDS P0053
METAR KOWB 010656Z AUTO 21025G41KT 7SM VCTS +RA FEW007 BKN047
OVC095 15/14 A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 23057/0641 LTG
DSNT ALQDS SLP060 P0055 T01500139
The entire time, ASOS/ALDARS reported that as a "thunderstorm in the vicinity". That is, the automated lightning
detection system- ALDARS- detected no lightning within 5 miles of the airport. However, lightning data shows
otherwise:
Based on reports of VCTS, with no TS, there ought to have been no lightning strikes within the red 5-mile range ring around KOWB. I counted 80 bolts within the red range ring! Judge for yourselves whether ALDARS is accurate or not.
Late edit: within a few hours, this site had another issue.
METAR KOWB 011056Z AUTO 23018KT 10SM SCT032 BKN041 BKN055
21/17 A2967 RMK AO2 PK WND 22030/1017 SLP055 T02060167
SPECI KOWB 011109Z AUTO 32022G34KT 10SM BKN026 BKN037 BKN055
16/11 A2973 RMK AO2 PK WND 33034/1103 WSHFT 1052
PRESRR
SPECI KOWB 011119Z AUTO 32019G28KT 6SM RA BR SCT018 BKN027
OVC036 13/11 A2973 RMK AO2 PK WND 33034/1103 WSHFT
1059 RAB10 P0001
METAR KOWB 011156Z 31014G25KT 3SM +TSRA BR OVC010 12/11 A2974
RMK AO2 PK WND 33034/1103 WSHFT 1059 LTG DSNT
ALQDS TSB50RAB10 SLP082 P0025 60088 7//// T01220111
10211 20122 53037
A thunderstorm supposedly began at 1150Z. Yet, a lightning map set to run from 1100Z-1145Z, showed
15 strikes within 5 miles of the airport:
The earliest of those strikes, was at 1123Z. ALDARS failed for 27 minutes, to detect and report that lightning.
Mid Delta Regional Airport, Greenville, Mississippi, Wed 1 Mar 2017:
METAR KGLH 011553Z 22014KT 6SM HZ SCT022 24/20 A2991 RMK
AO2 PK WND 22026/1501 LTG DSNT W SLP134 T02440200
SPECI KGLH 011610Z 29019G25KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT022 BKN036 BKN055
22/18 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W RAB07 P0007 T02170178
SPECI KGLH 011613Z 28013G25KT 3/4SM VCTS +RA FEW016 BKN022
BKN036 20/17 A2993 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1559 LTG DSNT
W RAB07 P0018 T02000172
SPECI KGLH 011622Z 24011KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN020 BKN038 BKN065
20/18 A2993 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1559 LTG DSNT NE RAB07
TSB16 P0029 T02000183
Officially, Greenville (KGLH) began a thunderstorm within 5 miles of the airport, at 1616Z. Yet, there had already been
3 lightning strikes within 5 miles, prior to 1610Z, as the following map shows. The earliest of those strikes was at 1557Z.
Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Missouri, Wed 1 Mar 2017:
METAR KCGI 010953Z AUTO 21020G25KT 10SM BKN027 BKN032 OVC041
21/17 A2964 RMK AO2 PK WND 20030/0924 SLP034 T02060167
TSNO
SPECI KCGI 011032Z AUTO 25027G42KT 9SM -RA SCT029 BKN039
OVC090 21/16 A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 23042/1025 RAB23
P0000 T02060161 TSNO
METAR KCGI 011053Z AUTO 28036G52KT 2SM +RA FEW032 BKN055
OVC075 14/12 A2974 RMK AO2 PK WND 28053/1037 VIS
1 1/2V3 RAB23 PRESRR SLP068 P0004 T01440117 TSNO
SPECI KCGI 011106Z AUTO 26014G32KT 8SM -RA FEW035 SCT055
BKN070 14/12 A2969 RMK AO2 PK WND 27038/1054 P0002
T01390117 TSNO
Because this D level site placed ASOS into TSNO mode overnight- that is, turned off ALDARS-
a severe thunderstorm went unreported. 5 lightning strikes within 10 miles, met VCTS criteria
between 1000Z-1100Z:
Tri-State Airport, Huntington, West Virginia, Wed 1 Mar 2017:
METAR KHTS 011351Z 21015G28KT 7SM FEW043 SCT050 BKN060 21/13
A2961 RMK AO2 PK WND 21028/1348 SLP021 T02110133
SPECI KHTS 011417Z 28016G31KT 7SM +RA SCT020 BKN038 OVC065
14/12 A2974 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1359 WSHFT 1357
RAB10 PRESRR P0001 T01390117
SPECI KHTS 011424Z 27015G31KT 7SM -RA FEW017 BKN024 OVC060
13/11 A2976 RMK AO2 PK WND 22036/1359 WSHFT 1357
RAB10 P0020 T01330111
METAR KHTS 011451Z 29017G33KT 3SM RA FEW016 BKN023 OVC090
13/11 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 29038/1436 WSHFT 1357
RAB10 TSB48 SLP098 P0023 60023 T01330106 53047
A thunderstorm began at 1448Z. Fair enough. But what about all the lightning that hit within 5 miles of
the airport before then?
The 3 bolts on the west side of the Big Sandy River, in Kentucky; struck at 1411-1414Z. ALDARS or
LAWRS started the thunderstorm 37 minutes late. Even then, TS did not make it into present weather.
|
|
|
|
Post by tornado on Mar 6, 2017 23:26:03 GMT -5
La Crosse, Wisconsin, Mon 6 Mar 2017 (7th Mar UTC):
METAR KLSE 070153Z 17015G28KT 10SM SCT032 SCT039 BKN055 18/13
A2927 RMK AO2 PK WND 18030/0130 SLP909 T01830128
METAR KLSE 070250Z 24018G46KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW027 BKN037
OVC047 12/09 A2933 RMK AO2 PK WND 24046/0242 WSHFT
0230 RAB42 SLP933 P0013 60013 T01170094 53001
SPECI KLSE 070252Z 24021G27KT 2SM +RA BR FEW034 OVC042 12/09
A2933 RMK AO2 PK WND 23027/0252 WSHFT 0237 P0001
T01170094
SPECI KLSE 070300Z AUTO 20012G27KT 5SM +RA FEW037 OVC049
12/09 A2931 RMK AO2 PK WND 23027/0253 WSHFT 0237
P0004 T01220094 TSNO
By 0300Z, LAWRS had signed off ASOS, placing it in AUTO mode. ALDARS was also disabled,
as evidenced by the TSNO remark. But what happened before 0300Z? There had been a wind gust to 46 knots, and heavy rain. Was that due to a thunderstorm?
Yes:
23 lightning bolts met TS criteria, by striking within the red 5-mile range ring. More lightning met
VCTS criteria. Yet neither was recorded that hour! Somehow, both ALDARS and LAWRS failed
to report a line a thunderstorms moving through La Crosse:
 
(lightning map at left animates when clicked upon) |
|
