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Post by tornado on Mar 8, 2017 18:01:41 GMT -5
Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, Mississippi, 7 (8th UTC) Mar 2017:METAR KGPT 072353Z 16008KT 7SM BKN039 OVC070 21/19 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP217 T02110194 10233 20211 53007 METAR KGPT 080053Z 17005KT 3SM -RA BR SCT021 SCT030 OVC039 21/20 A3020 RMK AO2 RAB45 SLP226 P0012 T02110200 SPECI KGPT 080105Z 34010KT 6SM -RA BR FEW010 BKN024 OVC035 19/18 A3023 RMK AO2 P0001 T01890178 SPECI KGPT 080113Z 30010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW010 BKN026 OVC045 18/17 A3024 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4 P0017 T01830172 SPECI KGPT 080113Z 30010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW010 BKN026 OVC045 18/17 A3024 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4 P0017 T01830172 SPECI KGPT 080128Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR FEW010 BKN032 OVC070 18/17 A3023 RMK AO2 P0048 T01830172 SPECI KGPT 080135Z 10004KT 5SM -RA BR SCT034 BKN065 OVC080 18/17 A3022 RMK AO2 P0049 T01780172 METAR KGPT 080153Z 13006KT 5SM -RA BR OVC080 18/18 A3022 RMK AO2 SLP232 P0052 T01830178 Observations from Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport (KGPT) showed a heavy rain shower over the airport. At the same time, lightning data showed that a VCTS was missed (16 strikes 5-10 miles away), and also a TS was missed (1 strike 4 miles to the south). ALDARS didn't work as designed, and LAWRS didn't back up for thunder:  ------------------------------------------     
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Post by hlsto2 on Mar 9, 2017 20:43:44 GMT -5
LAWRS leaving ALDARS off when they leave...ref TSNO in AUTO mode. but the ltg map shows a number of ltg strikes within 5 miles of the ap. as a result...pilots only getting a report of moderate rain at 0153Z KCGI 100153Z AUTO 34009KT 8SM RA OVC080 17/14 A2997 RMK AO2 RAB02 SLP149 P0007 T01670139 TSNO KCGI 100053Z AUTO 16005KT 10SM FEW043 FEW060 BKN100 18/13 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP143 T01830128 TSNO KCGI 092353Z AUTO 14004KT 10SM CLR 18/11 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP142 T01780111 10217 20178 58019 TSNO KCGI 092253Z AUTO 20005KT 10SM CLR 19/11 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP151 T01940111 TSNO KCGI 092153Z AUTO 19009KT 10SM CLR 21/11 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP153 T02060106 TSNO KCGI 092053Z 19009KT 10SM CLR 21/11 A3001 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02060111 56029 KCGI 091953Z 19011KT 10SM CLR 21/11 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP164 T02110106  |
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Post by tornado on Mar 10, 2017 11:47:03 GMT -5
Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon, Georgia, Fri 10 Mar 2017:
SPECI KMCN 101001Z AUTO 25009KT 10SM VCTS FEW050 BKN110 16/08
A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-NE T01560083
SPECI KMCN 101027Z AUTO 26008KT 10SM FEW055 SCT090 BKN120
16/09 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND W T01610089
METAR KMCN 101053Z AUTO 33017KT 10SM FEW029 SCT043 BKN065
16/10 A3005 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE PRESRR SLP171
T01610100
SPECI KMCN 101104Z AUTO 35014G30KT 2 1/2SM RA FEW029 BKN040
OVC050 16/11 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 31034/1054 WSHFT
1050 VIS 3/4V5 LTG DSNT E-SW RAB1056 P0008 T01560106 $
SPECI KMCN 101115Z AUTO 35013G21KT 10SM -RA SCT029 SCT040
BKN050 16/11 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 31034/1054 WSHFT
1050 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB1056 P0008 T01560106
METAR KMCN 101153Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW070 BKN100 16/10
A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 31034/1054 WSHFT 1050 RAB1056E17
SLP173 P0008 60008 70008 T01560100 10167 20122
53014
Middle Georgia Regional Airport (KMCN) had 1 observation with VCTS last night, at 1001Z. By 1027Z,
the VCTS was over. No TS was recorded by ASOS/ALDARS at KMCN last night. That didn't seem
accurate:
According to lightning data, there were 12 strikes that met VCTS criteria, after the VCTS officially ended,
and prior to 1200Z. There were also 5 lightning strikes that met TS criteria, that didn't get reported. The
nearest lightning bolt struck at 1058Z, just west of the airport:
ALDARS failed to report 17 lightning strikes within 10 miles in this case.
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Fri 10 Mar 2017:
SPECI KHKS 100838Z AUTO 31004KT 10SM VCTS BKN055 BKN075 19/16
A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S T01890161
METAR KHKS 100853Z AUTO 00000KT 5SM -RA BR FEW038 BKN049
OVC080 19/17 A3012 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND SW RAB50
SLP193 P0003 60003 T01890167 50008
METAR KHKS 100953Z AUTO 26004KT 10SM SCT041 BKN055 BKN085
19/17 A3012 RMK AO2 RAE44 SLP191 P0002 T01890172
METAR KHKS 101053Z AUTO 27007KT 10SM BKN032 BKN044 BKN055
19/17 A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB36E52
SLP194 P0004 T01890172
SPECI KHKS 101102Z AUTO 36005KT 10SM FEW009 BKN025 OVC050
19/17 A3014 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S T01890172
SPECI KHKS 101114Z AUTO 30007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW009 BKN032
OVC044 18/17 A3015 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V5 RAB03 P0005
T01830167
SPECI KHKS 101117Z AUTO VRB05KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW009 BKN025
OVC060 18/17 A3014 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V5 RAB03 P0010
T01780167
SPECI KHKS 101124Z AUTO 20005KT 1SM +RA BR FEW009 BKN036
OVC080 18/17 A3011 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4 LTG DSNT
SE RAB03 PRESFR P0017 T01780167
SPECI KHKS 101130Z AUTO 23005KT 3SM -RA BR FEW024 BKN038
OVC090 18/17 A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAB03 PRESFR
P0018 T01780167
METAR KHKS 101153Z AUTO 24007KT 10SM VCTS FEW085 18/17 A3012
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAB03E46 SLP191 P0018 60027
70027 T01780167 10194 20178 57002
The worst weather last night at Hawkins Field, came between the reports of VCTS. So when I set a lightning map
to run from 0850Z-1150Z, there should not have been any lightning show up within 10 miles (with the possible
exception of the bolt(s) that began the 1153Z VCTS. Such a bolt would have shown up as a yellow strike position
plot, being the newest strike- but the map shows no such strikes). However, there was lightning in the intervening
time period between the 2 VCTS reports:
Not only were there 11 bolts that met VCTS criteria, there were 2 strikes that met TS criteria. Those were at 0851Z
and 0854Z:
Somehow, ALDARS missed those 13 lightning strikes.
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Post by tornado on Mar 21, 2017 9:26:46 GMT -5
Tri-State Airport, Huntington, West Virginia, Mon 20 (21 UTC) Mar 2017:Monday evening, Tri-State Airport near Huntington (KHTS) recorded some moderate rain: METAR KHTS 202351Z 35009KT 10SM SCT046 OVC060 11/05 A3003 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP173 60000 T01110050 10122 20061 53009 METAR KHTS 210051Z 15008KT 10SM RA SCT045 OVC070 09/07 A2998 RMK AO2 RAB16 SLP154 P0025 T00940072 METAR KHTS 210151Z 03005KT 10SM BKN100 BKN120 09/07 A2999 RMK AO2 RAE16 SLP158 P0005 T00890072 What wasn't mentioned- not even in remarks- was lightning:   10 lightning bolts met TS criteria, by striking within the red 5-mile range ring around KHTS. An additional 12 strikes met VCTS criteria, by hitting between the red and green rings. The closest strike, at 0015Z, hit just off the west end of runway 12/30. KHTS had an unreported
thunderstorm Monday evening.
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Post by tornado on Mar 29, 2017 11:30:20 GMT -5
Texarkana, Arkansas, Fri 24 (25th UTC) Mar 2017:
METAR KTXK 242353Z 17010KT 3SM +RA BR FEW022 BKN080 OVC100
18/17 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 13035/2308 LTG DSNT
ALQDS TSE04 SLP107 P0018 60039 T01830172 10256
20183 55003
SPECI KTXK 250045Z 17010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN039 OVC075 18/17
A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE P0029 T01780172=
METAR KTXK 250053Z 15013KT 1SM +RA BR BKN030 OVC070 18/17
A2982 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW PRESFR SLP095 P0069
T01780172
SPECI KTXK 250101Z 19013KT 1SM +RA BR BKN024 BKN055 OVC070
18/17 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W P0017 T01780172
SPECI KTXK 250139Z 17009KT 10SM VCTS SCT045 BKN070 OVC090
18/17 A2984 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE32 P0022
T01830172
A thunderstorm ended at 24/2304Z. VCTS began at 25/0139Z. In the meantime, lightning struck the airport at 0049Z, and didn’t get reported:
30 lightning detection stations recorded that bolt, and 11 were used in plotting its location.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sat 25 Mar 2017:
METAR KBTR 251453Z 18006KT 10SM VCTS FEW065 BKN085 19/16
A3006 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW RAE02 SLP180 P0000
60031 T01940156 56010
METAR KBTR 251553Z 21012KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW020 BKN055 20/18
A3008 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W RAB53 TSB06E07 PRESRR
SLP184 P0000 T02000178
SPECI KBTR 251603Z 22012G21KT 1 3/4SM VCTS +RA FEW021 SCT042
BKN060 19/16 A3008 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W P0004
T01940161
SPECI KBTR 251612Z 17018G23KT 3SM VCTS +RA FEW019 BKN065
OVC110 19/16 A3007 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W P0008
T01890161
SPECI KBTR 251612Z COR 17018G23KT 2SM VCTS +RA FEW019 BKN065 OVC110 19/16 A3007
SPECI KBTR 251621Z 16016KT 2 1/2SM VCTS -RA SCT055 BKN075
OVC090 18/15 A3006 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1606 LTG DSNT
ALQDS P0013 T01780150
SPECI KBTR 251628Z 15014KT 4SM VCTS RA SCT055 BKN070 OVC090
17/14 A3006 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1606 LTG DSNT ALQDS
P0013 T01720144
SPECI KBTR 251628Z COR 15014KT 2SM VCTS RA SCT055 BKN070 OVC090 17/14 A3006
SPECI KBTR 251651Z 15013KT 1 1/4SM VCTS -RA BR BKN060 BKN075
OVC095 16/14 A3009 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1606 VIS 1/4V5
LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESRR P0020
METAR KBTR 251653Z 16012KT 1 1/4SM VCTS -RA FEW050 BKN065
OVC090 17/14 A3009 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1606 LTG DSNT
ALQDS PRESRR SLP188 P0020 T01670139
METAR KBTR 251653Z COR 16012KT 6SM VCTS -RA FEW050 BKN065 OVC090 17/14 A3009 RMK AO2
WSHFT 1606 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESRR SLP188 P0020 T01670139
SPECI KBTR 251657Z 17012KT 6SM VCTS -RA SCT060 BKN075 OVC090
17/14 A3008 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0000 T01670139
SPECI KBTR 251744Z 17012KT 5SM BR OVC090 17/15 A3008 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE38 P0002 T01720150 $
METAR KBTR 251753Z 17015KT 7SM VCTS -RA OVC085 17/15 A3008
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE38B49 SLP186 P0003 60054
T01720150 10206 20161 50001 $
Between 1500Z and 1800Z, every report from KBTR except one (1744Z), included VCTS. That meant ALDARS detected plenty of lightning between 5-10 miles away from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, but none within 5 miles. Was that accurate?
No:
If ALDARS had been accurate, there would have been zero lightning strike position plots within the red 5-mile range ring around the airport. But as can be seen, there were 39 lightning strikes within the 5-mile range ring! A bolt at 1609Z, struck airport property:
In the zoomed in lightning map, 2 other bolts can be seen missing the airport, but not by much. Yet, only VCTS was reported by KBTR during this time frame. ALDARS failed to report TS at all for that 3 hour period!
Another point is, LAWRS sent 3 corrections during that time, none of which were to change VCTS to TS. The 1612Z COR changed the visibility from 3 to 2 miles; the 1628Z COR changed the visibility from 2 1/2 to 4 miles; while the 1653Z COR changed the visibility from 1 1/4 to 6 miles. It appears LAWRS trusted ALDARS to handle the lightning distance, but we see how well that worked! Why LAWRS trusted ALDARS to do so, after a bolt struck the airport at 1609Z, is puzzling.
One final note: ALDARS recorded a thunderstorm within 5 miles earlier in the day:
METAR KBTR 251253Z 12005KT 2 1/2SM TSRA BR FEW020 SCT041
OVC070 17/15 A3007 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW TSE17B30
SLP183 P0020 T01670150
So we see that ALDARS is inconsistent. Relying on an inconsistent lightning detection system, without proper human backup, is dangerous!
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Sat 25 Mar 2017:
METAR KHKS 251853Z 20013G26KT 10SM SCT039 BKN047 25/16 A2997
RMK AO2 PK WND 19026/1845 LTG DSNT E SLP140 T02500156
METAR KHKS 251953Z 21013G21KT 170V240 10SM BKN039 BKN047
BKN055 24/16 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E RAB41E53
SLP130 P0000 T02390156
METAR KHKS 252053Z 19012G20KT 10SM BKN040 BKN060 24/16 A2992
RMK AO2 PK WND 19026/2026 SLP124 60000 T02390156
56024
One would not suspect any lightning within 10 miles of KHKS, based on the above METARs. There were no SPECIs during the period. There should have been:
14 lightning bolts struck between the green 10-mile range ring around KHTS, and the 5-mile range ring; those bolts met VCTS criteria. In addition, 6 lightning bolts struck within the red 5-mile range ring, meeting TS criteria. Yet, LTG DSNT was all users were notified of, according to the official reports. That represented a failure of both ALDARS and LAWRS.
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Mon 27 (28th UTC) Mar 2017:
METAR KHKS 272353Z 20006KT 10SM FEW060 SCT070 BKN090 25/16
A2986 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE SLP104 60001 T02500161
10283 20222 53001
SPECI KHKS 280019Z 25024G32KT 2 1/2SM -RA SCT030 BKN047 BKN055
20/16 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/0017 RAB09 PRESRR
P0010 T02000161
SPECI KHKS 280025Z 25021G33KT 9SM -RA FEW037 BKN050 BKN065
19/15 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 25033/0020 WSHFT 0011
RAB09 P0010 T01940150
METAR KHKS 280053Z 04004KT 10SM FEW048 SCT100 BKN120 18/17
A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 25033/0020 WSHFT 0011 RAB09E51
SLP113 P0013 T01830167
Late enough on the evening of Monday, March 27th, that it was the 28th UTC; KHKS had gusty winds during a rainshower. Upon further review, lightning was detected within 10 miles of the airport- just not by ALDARS:
4 bolts met TS criteria by striking within the red 5-mile range ring around KHKS. A further 15 bolts met VCTS criteria that hour. Yet, neither ALDARS nor LAWRS reported a thunderstorm. The only report of lightning was outside 10 miles, and that was only at 2353Z.
As at KBTR, ALDARS was inconsistent, as it had reported a thunderstorm at Hawkins Field hours earlier:
SPECI KHKS 271904Z 20010KT 10SM -TSRA FEW031 SCT044 BKN070
26/17 A2991 RMK AO2 TSB1858 P0000 T02610167 $
Joplin, Missouri, Sat 25 Mar 2017:
METAR KJLN 250953Z AUTO 34004KT 10SM VCTS -RA FEW070 BKN090
12/11 A2973 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E-SW RAB50 TSE49
SLP062 P0000 T01170111
METAR KJLN 251053Z 23010KT 7SM -RA OVC060 12/12 A2976 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E SLP074 P0008 T01220122
VCTS was in progress that hour, right up to the time of the 1053Z METAR. However, ALDARS didn’t account for lightning within 5 miles:
 
That bolt that struck at 1010Z, measured 2.57 miles from the airport terminal. Now, since the lightning strike position is estimated,
and it is not known exactly where the ARP at the Joplin airport is located; the figure of 2.57 miles could be off a bit. However, it is clear that the bolt struck within 5 miles of the airport, meaning that ALDARS failed by not reporting TS for at least 15 minutes that hour.
Springfield-Branson National Airport, Missouri, Sat 25 Mar 2017:
METAR KSGF 251152Z 15011KT 10SM OVC033 12/10 A2976 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT N AND NW SLP073 70160 T01170100 10128
20111 55001
SPECI KSGF 251212Z 15011KT 10SM FEW009 BKN036 OVC060 12/10
A2976 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS T01170100
SPECI KSGF 251242Z 15009KT 10SM VCTS FEW008 BKN035 OVC065
12/11 A2978 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB16E33
P0000 T01170106
METAR KSGF 251252Z 16010KT 6SM VCTS RA BR BKN035 BKN045 OVC065
12/11 A2978 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB16E33B43
SLP079 P0001 T01170106
VCTS began at 1242Z, according to official reports from KSGF. But what of the lightning bolt that struck the airport at 1217Z?
26 lightning detection stations recorded that bolt, and 11 were used in plotting its location.
If correct, lightning struck runway 2/20 at the airport, without getting reported as a thunderstorm!
Clinton-Sherman Airport, Oklahoma, Tue 28 Mar 2017:
SPECI KCSM 281605Z 07017KT 5SM -TSRA BR SCT008 BKN027 OVC039
11/09 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSB1559
P0002 T01060089
SPECI KCSM 281620Z 08010KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR SCT006 BKN025
OVC070 11/09 A2989 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE TSB1559E14
P0002 T01060089
METAR KCSM 281653Z 06009KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN004 BKN009 OVC025
11/09 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N-SE TSB1559E14 CIG
003V008 SLP110 P0005 T01060094
A thunderstorm began at 1559Z, ending 15 minutes later. That meant that ALDARS either detected one bolt at 1559Z (or prior to that, given processing time), or multiple strikes at or before 1559Z. Since only VCTS was recorded after that for the next 2 hours, there should be no lightning strikes within 5 miles of the airport, between 1600-1800Z. But that’s not what data showed:
ALDARS ended the thunderstorm too early, as the other strikes within 5 miles were at 1607Z to the west; and 1605Z, 1606Z and 1608Z to the east. The thunderstorm should have lasted until at least 1623Z.
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Post by tornado on Mar 30, 2017 9:31:38 GMT -5
Jack Brooks Regional Airport, Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas, Wed 29 (30th UTC) Mar 2017:
Between 2100Z and 2300Z, Jack Brooks Regional Airport (KBPT) near Beaumont; recorded VCTS, followed by TS:
METAR KBPT 292053Z 14015G25KT 7SM BKN015 BKN021 OVC027 23/21
A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 14035/2000 LTG DSNT SW-N
RAE15 TSB01E16B21E35 SLP074 P0003 60003 T02330211
56015
METAR KBPT 292153Z 15020G26KT 7SM VCTS -RA BKN017 BKN042
OVC065 23/21 A2974 RMK AO2 PK WND 14036/2117 LTG
DSNT ALQDS RAB09E14B48 SLP071 P0000 T02330211
SPECI KBPT 292212Z 16019G27KT 1 3/4SM R12/3000VP6000FT VCTS
BKN017 BKN042 OVC065 23/21 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND
15027/2210 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE06 TSB04E06 P0002
T02280211
SPECI KBPT 292214Z 14021G28KT 3/4SM R12/2000VP6000FT VCTS
BKN017 BKN042 OVC065 23/21 A2973 RMK AO2 PK WND
15028/2213 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE06 TSB04E06 P0005
T02280211
SPECI KBPT 292240Z 29008G27KT 3/4SM R12/2600VP6000FT VCTS
BKN017 BKN042 OVC065 19/17 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND
15028/2213 WSHFT 2220 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAE06 TSB04E06
PRESRR P0041 T01890167
METAR KBPT 292253Z 33007KT 300V010 3/4SM R12/2800VP6000FT
+TSRA BR BKN017 BKN046 OVC060 18/17 A2975 RMK
AO2 PK WND 15028/2213 WSHFT 2220 LTG DSNT ALQDS
RAE06B49 TSB04E06 SLP075 P0098 T01780167
VCTS was in progress from 2153Z, to 2253Z. At 2253Z, ALDARS finally detected lightning within 5 miles, and changed VCTS to TS. But was that accurate?
Setting a lightning strike map to run from 2100-2140Z, covers the time when the VCTS was in progress. That means no lightning should show up within 5 miles of KBPT on such a map.
As can be seen on the map, there was lighting within 5 miles of the airport during that time! 13 such lightning strikes were
plotted by the program. The 2 orange bolts were the earliest, striking at 2206Z and 2219Z. The closest bolts can be seen on this next map:
3 bolts struck within 5 miles, from 2226-2230Z. The strike at 2228Z, hit near some hangars at the airport. Yet, a thunderstorm
within 5 miles, was not begun at KBPT until 2253Z. That was 25 minutes after lightning struck the airport! That was one of 13 strikes that ALDARS did not properly range during that time period.
Scholes Intl Airport, Galveston, Texas, Wed 29 (30th UTC) Mar 2017:
METAR KGLS 292052Z 15019KT 3SM BR SCT006 OVC038 24/23 A2972
RMK AO2 PK WND 15028/2022 LTG DSNT NW-NE SLP064
60000 T02440228 56030
METAR KGLS 292152Z 16018KT 3SM -RA BR SCT012 SCT021 OVC030
24/23 A2973 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB27 SLP066
P0003 T02390228
While ALDARS recorded LTG DSNT, there were some gusty winds and a bit of rain at Scholes Intl Airport (KGLS) in Galveston. However, lightning data shows that there should have been a thunderstorm reported that hour:
 
The map on the left, shows that 2 lightning strikes met VCTS criteria, and 2 met TS criteria. The map on the right, shows that the 2
closest bolts, struck at 2106Z and 2109Z. The colors of the plots representing those 2 bolts, changed from purple to yellow, because the time frames of the 2 maps are different.
One more lightning strike met VCTS criteria at 0204Z. Again, ALDARS measured the distance to that lightning strike as being outside of 10 miles from KGLS, when it was actually about 8.5 miles to the NE.
METAR KGLS 300152Z AUTO 22008KT 10SM FEW090 23/21 A2979 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE SLP086 T02330211
METAR KGLS 300252Z AUTO 23009KT 9SM CLR 24/22 A2981 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT SE SLP095 T02390222 53020
So Scholes International Airport at Galveston had a missed TS on the evening of the 29th, followed by a missed VCTS.
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Post by tornado on Mar 31, 2017 15:14:52 GMT -5
Coleman A. Young Airport, Detroit, Michigan, Thu 30 Mar 2017:
Late enough on the evening of March 30th, that it was March 31st UTC; there was a lightning issue at Coleman A. Young Airport (KDET) in Detroit. METARs between 31/0000Z-31/0200Z included moderate rain and gusty winds, but no lightning:
METAR KDET 302353Z 09013G22KT 9SM -RA OVC006 03/03 A2976
RMK AO2 RAB13 SLP083 P0001 60031 T00330033 10039
20028 56019
METAR KDET 310053Z 08012KT 4SM RA BR OVC006 03/03 A2977 RMK
AO2 SLP087 P0022 T00330033
METAR KDET 310153Z 11018G28KT 9SM -RA BKN005 OVC050 03/03
A2968 RMK AO2 PK WND 09028/0151 PRESFR SLP057
P0024 T00330033
METAR KDET 310253Z 08008KT 10SM OVC005 04/03 A2974 RMK AO2
PK WND 10033/0205 RAE03 SLP076 P0000 60046 T00390033
55007
However, a lightning strike plot map, shows that 2 thunderstorms were missed during that 2-hour period:
The 2 blue lightning strike position plots to the SSE of the airport, represent a thunderstorm that was missed at 0006Z,
the time of those 2 strikes. So that hour, there was moderate rain (.22”), and IFR ceilings of 600 feet, but no reported thunderstorm. The 7 red lightning strike plots from the WNW-N, represent bolts that struck at 0112Z-0117Z. That meant a thunderstorm should have been reported from 0112-0132Z; or a bit later if processing and transmitting time is allowed for. But no thunderstorm was reported at all!
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Thu 30 Mar 2017:
METAR KHKS 300553Z AUTO 20005KT 5SM TSRA BKN024 BKN050 OVC085
21/18 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSE02B35 SLP117
P0003 60003 T02110183 10256 20211 402890183 50008
SPECI KHKS 300602Z AUTO 23005KT 5SM -RA BR SCT020 BKN028
OVC100 21/18 A2990 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S TSE0556
P0002 T02060183
ALDARS ended a thunderstorm at 0556Z, and appeared to be working properly that hour.
Over the next 3 hours, while ASOS was recording moderate and heavy rain; the only lightning that ALDARS recorded, was beyond 10 miles:
SPECI KHKS 300619Z AUTO 22008KT 190V270 2SM +RA BR FEW008
BKN022 OVC095 21/19 A2994 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V3
LTG DSNT NE-SE TSE0556 PRESRR P0012 T02060189
SPECI KHKS 300630Z AUTO VRB03G22KT 3SM -RA BR FEW011 BKN040
OVC070 18/16 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E TSE0556
P0018 T01780156
SPECI KHKS 300641Z AUTO 26006KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW011 BKN042
OVC070 18/16 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E TSE0556
P0025 T01780156
SPECI KHKS 300643Z AUTO 25005KT 2SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN046
OVC070 18/16 A2992 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSE0556
P0026 T01780156
METAR KHKS 300653Z AUTO 23006KT 3SM RA BR BKN048 OVC070 18/16
A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE TSE0556 SLP129
P0030 T01780161
SPECI KHKS 300701Z AUTO 20007KT 2SM RA BR BKN048 OVC060 17/16
A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E P0004 T01720161
SPECI KHKS 300711Z AUTO 17006KT 3SM +RA BR BKN055 OVC065
17/16 A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E P0008 T01720161=
METAR KHKS 300753Z AUTO 13008KT 5SM RA BR SCT065 OVC090 17/16
A2991 RMK AO2 SLP119 P0029 T01720156
METAR KHKS 300853Z AUTO 16012KT 5SM +RA BR SCT055 OVC075
17/15 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP108 P0027 60086 T01720150
58009
However, lightning data continued to show lightning within 10 miles:
There were 12 lightning strikes between 0600-0900Z, that met TS criteria. 34 bolts met VCTS criteria. ALDARS didn’t detect or report any of those 46 strikes at all! So it becomes a question: when can users trust ALDARS? If it properly detects one thunderstorm, and misses the next, how can it be said to be reliable?
Kinston Regional Jetport, North Carolina, Fri 31 Mar 2017:
METAR KISO 311256Z 15010G15KT 3SM RA SCT050 BKN070 OVC090
19/17 A2980 RMK AO2
METAR KISO 311356Z 16014G17KT 4SM RA BKN007 OVC012 19/18
A2978 RMK AO2
METAR KISO 311456Z 21013G19KT 3SM RA BKN010 OVC017 19/19
A2977 RMK AO2
As a D level site, this small airport is not required to report thunderstorms. Having 9 lightning strikes within 5 miles go unreported, is considered an acceptable risk by the FAA:
Wilkes-Barre / Scranton International Airport, Pennsylvania, Thu 30 (31st UTC) 2017:
METAR KAVP 310154Z 00000KT 10SM OVC048 06/M03 A3006 RMK AO2
SLP182 T00611028
METAR KAVP 310254Z VRB04KT 10SM OVC043 06/M02 A3004 RMK AO2
SLP176 T00611022 58009
SPECI KAVP 310343Z VRB03KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC043 06/M02 A3003
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND W RAB27 P0000 T00611022
Wilkes-Barre / Scranton International Airport (KAVP) reported no lightning or thunder, between 0200-0340Z on the 31st, UTC. But there was some nearby lightning:
Those 2 bolts that struck at 0319Z, were less than 2 miles from the airport. ALDARS eventually began a thunderstorm in
the vicinity of KAVP, but not until 0343Z. So while ALDARS caught the VCTS, it missed a TS at KAVP earlier the same hour.
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Post by tornado on Apr 1, 2017 19:02:25 GMT -5
Lawton-Ft. Sill Regional Airport, Oklahoma, Sat 1 Apr 2017:SPECI KLAW 011718Z 20003KT 2 1/2SM VCTS RA BR SCT025 BKN065 OVC080 17/15 A2993 RMK AO2 VIS 1V5 RAB09 TSE1659 P0006 T01720150 SPECI KLAW 011725Z 00000KT 4SM VCTS -RA BR FEW025 SCT048 OVC080 17/16 A2993 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW RAB09 TSE1659 P0006 T01720156 METAR KLAW 011753Z 14003KT 10SM FEW046 OVC075 18/16 A2992 RMK AO2 RAB09E28 TSE1659 SLP127 P0006 60006 T01830156 10183 20100 58004 VCTS was reported, when lightning struck less than a mile SW of runway 17/35 at 1716Z:  Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Fri 31 Mar 2017:
Some of this lightning issue, crossed over into April 1st, UTC:
METAR KORF 312051Z 16012G17KT 10SM SCT021 BKN027 BKN050 22/17
A2961 RMK AO2 SLP025 60000 T02220167 55020
SPECI KORF 312138Z 16010KT 10SM SCT020 BKN030 BKN040 21/16
A2958 RMK AO2 T02060161
SPECI KORF 312148Z 14008KT 10SM BKN020 BKN030 21/17 A2958
RMK AO2
METAR KORF 312151Z 14009KT 10SM -RA SCT018 BKN025 OVC050
20/17 A2958 RMK AO2 RAB50 SLP016 P0000 T02000167
SPECI KORF 312202Z 13009KT 4SM R05/5000VP6000FT +RA SCT020
BKN048 OVC060 19/17 A2958 RMK AO2 P0003 T01940167
SPECI KORF 312207Z 14011KT 1 3/4SM R05/4500VP6000FT +RA BR
FEW020 BKN041 OVC060 19/17 A2958 RMK AO2 P0011
T01890167
SPECI KORF 312224Z 15004KT 2 1/2SM R05/4000VP6000FT -RA BR
FEW009 BKN050 OVC070 18/17 A2957 RMK AO2 VIS 1
1/2V4 P0026 T01830167
SPECI KORF 312231Z 21004KT 3SM RA BR FEW012 BKN050 OVC080
18/17 A2958 RMK AO2 P0027 T01780167
SPECI KORF 312237Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT012 BKN029 OVC065
18/17 A2958 RMK AO2 VIS 1 3/4V5 P0030 T01830167
SPECI KORF 312243Z 2SM R05/5500VP6000FT +RA BR FEW005 BKN013
OVC070 17/16 A2958 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/2V3 P0033 T01720156
METAR KORF 312251Z 06010KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN009 BKN049 OVC065
16/14 A2959 RMK AO2 VIS 2V3 SLP018 P0037 T01610144
SPECI KORF 312254Z 09009KT 3SM +RA BR SCT008 BKN016 OVC070 16/14 A2959
RMK AO2 P0002 T01610144
SPECI KORF 312305Z 04005KT 3SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN041 OVC055 16/14 A2958
RMK AO2 P0012 T01610144
METAR KORF 312351Z 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW037 BKN080 OVC100 16/16 A2958
RMK AO2 SLP016 P0025 60062 T01610156 10222 20156 58000
METAR KORF 010051Z 31006KT 10SM FEW006 BKN080 OVC095 17/16 A2960
RMK AO2 RAE18 SLP021 P0001 T01670156
That period was 5-9 p.m. EDT. Notice there were no reports of lightning or thunder. That meant
ALDARS either didn't detect lightning around Norfolk Intl, or that the ALDARS interface from
ADAS was down. But TSNO did not appear on any report either. LAWRS did not add any LTG
or TS remarks. So what explanation can be found for this lightning map?
35 lightning bolts struck within the red 5-mile range ring around KORF! An additional 69 bolts
hit between the red and green range rings; those bolts met VCTS criteria. So how did a total of
104 lightning strikes within 10 miles of KORF, go unreported? The nearest strike was at 2253Z:
The lack of accurate reporting is troubling, especially when there was severe weather in the area.
For example, there were 2 reports of tornadoes, and reports of hail up to 1 3/4" diameter:
The church mentioned on the stormersite map:
I talked to a retired weather forecaster that lives in the area. She told me the local TV stations were on the
air for most of the afternoon and evening, covering the severe weather live. Also, each control tower is supposed to have a weather radio that alarms in the tower cab, when warnings are issued. Yet, LAWRS did not add any LTG or TS remarks!
KORF is a busy enough airport, that it needs Contract Weather Observers again!
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Post by tornado on Apr 6, 2017 15:27:06 GMT -5
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sun 2 Apr (3rd UTC) 2017:
METAR KBTR 022153Z 14018G30KT 10SM BKN025 BKN046 OVC055 27/21
A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 14030/2148 LTG DSNT W AND
NW RAE09 SLP064 P0000 T02670211 $
METAR KBTR 022253Z 16017G25KT 10SM VCTS BKN025 BKN046 BKN055
27/21 A2973 RMK AO2 PK WND 14029/2225 LTG DSNT
W-N SLP066 T02670211 $
METAR KBTR 022353Z 16016G27KT 10SM VCTS BKN025 BKN046 BKN055
26/21 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 14029/2318 LTG DSNT
N AND NW RAB02E03 SLP061 P0000 60000 T02610211
10272 20256 56017 $
METAR KBTR 030053Z 15015G21KT 10SM VCTS BKN025 OVC047 26/22
A2970 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW SLP055 T02610217 $
METAR KBTR 030153Z 16014G24KT 10SM VCTS BKN021 BKN030 OVC050
25/22 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 15029/0059 LTG DSNT
N AND NE SLP064 T02500217 $
METAR KBTR 030253Z 16012KT 10SM VCTS BKN021 BKN025 OVC045
25/22 A2971 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NE SLP060 P0004
60004 T02500217 56001 $
METAR KBTR 030353Z 17013G18KT 10SM VCTS BKN021 BKN025 OVC045
24/22 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS SLP065 P0002
T02440222 $
METAR KBTR 030453Z AUTO 17014G21KT 10SM BKN021 BKN025 OVC045
24/22 A2972 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S SLP062 T02440222
TSNO $
Between 02/2200Z-03/0500Z, Baton Rouge reported VCTS, but not TS. Therefore, a lightning display map set to those times, ought not reveal any lightning within 5 miles of the airport. But that was not the case:
The nearest bolts, struck at 0108Z, 0136Z, 0137Z, and 0156Z:
But those were only 4 of the 12 bolts that struck within the red 5-mile range ring around KBTR. In this case,
ALDARS recorded the lightning within the VCTS zone around KBTR, but none of the lightning in the TS zone.
Barnstable Municipal Airport, Hyannis, Massachusetts, Thu 6 Apr 2017:
METAR KHYA 062256Z 13010G24KT 1/4SM FG VV002 09/09 A2940
RMK AO2 PK WND 13028/2233 SLP956 T00940094
SPECI KHYA 062313Z 14012G21KT 1/2SM -RA FG VV002 10/10 A2937
RMK AO2 RAB13 PRESFR P0000 T01000100
SPECI KHYA 062342Z 14013G25KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR OVC002 11/11
A2935 RMK AO2 RAB13 P0003 T01110111
METAR KHYA 062356Z 14013G24KT 3SM -RA BR OVC002 12/12 A2933
RMK AO2 PK WND 14027/2346 RAB13 SLP933 P0003 60049
T01170117 10117 20050 56043
3 lightning bolts that struck near the airport, from 2314Z-2322Z, didn't get mentioned; so a thunderstorm went unreported at KHYA:
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Thu 6 Apr 2017:
METAR KMVY 062153Z AUTO 13015G24KT M1/4SM R24/1000V1200FT
FG VV002 11/09 A2945 RMK AO2 SLP971 T01060094 TSNO
METAR KMVY 062253Z AUTO 14019G31KT 1/4SM R24/1600V2400FT
FG VV002 11/11 A2939 RMK AO2 PK WND 15031/2253
SLP951 T01110106 TSNO
SPECI KMVY 062300Z AUTO 14018G31KT 1/2SM R24/2200V3500FT
-RA FG VV002 11/11 A2938 RMK AO2 PK WND 15026/2257
RAB2254 P0003 T01110106 TSNO
Operator error; LAWRS isn’t supposed to disable ALDARS (TSNO) when leaving for the night. But right before 7 p.m.,
at 2254Z, lightning struck at the SW end of runway 6/24 (the other bolts whose yellow deviation circles can be seen on the map, struck at 2256Z [W] and 2258Z [NE]):
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Thu 6 Apr 2017:
SPECI KLNS 061724Z 04008KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC008 07/07 A2932
RMK AO2 P0012 T00670067
SPECI KLNS 061735Z 36007KT 3/4SM +RA BR OVC008 07/07 A2934
RMK AO2 PRESRR P0038 T00670067
SPECI KLNS 061745Z 34008KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN009 OVC013 07/07
A2933 RMK AO2 P0047 T00670067
METAR KLNS 061753Z 35010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW006 BKN013 OVC022
07/07 A2933 RMK AO2 SLP930 P0052 60103 T00670067
10089 20067 56068
SPECI KLNS 061802Z 02010KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT014 OVC021
07/07 A2930 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0011 T00670067
SPECI KLNS 061823Z 02011KT 2SM +RA BR BKN019 OVC026 07/07
A2926 RMK AO2 P0031 T00670067
SPECI KLNS 061835Z 04011KT 4SM -RA BR BKN015 BKN024 OVC028 07/07 A2923 RMK AO2 P0032
T00670067
SPECI KLNS 061849Z VRB05KT 2SM +RA BR FEW007 OVC013 07/07 A2926 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V3 PRESRR P0038
METAR KLNS 061853Z 06012KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN013 OVC033 07/07 A2923 RMK AO2 SLP898 P0040 T00670067
None of the above reports, included any mention of lightning or thunder. Yet, at 1744Z, lightning struck not far from the
west end of runway 8/26:
That bolt would have been right in the flight path of any aircraft using the runway, approaching or departing to/from the west.
Zooming out, it can be seen how much lightning went unreported:
While there were 4 lightning strikes within 5 miles of Lancaster Airport, there were 28 strikes that met VCTS criteria, by striking between the red and green range rings. ALDARS failed to report any lightning during the heavy rain, and LAWRS did not have time to back up for thunderstorms.
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Thu 6 Apr 2017:
METAR KORF 061551Z 16016G31KT 10SM BKN022 OVC027 20/16 A2940
RMK AO2 PK WND 17032/1512 LTG DSNT SW SLP956 T02000156
METAR KORF 061651Z 25007G25KT 210V280 1 1/4SM R05/1200VP6000FT
+RA BKN016 BKN023 OVC034 19/16 A2933 RMK AO2 PK
WND 15029/1619 RAB47 SLP933 P0002 T01890156
SPECI KORF 061655Z 18013G25KT 1/2SM R05/1200VP6000FT +RA
BKN014 BKN019 OVC026 18/16 A2934 RMK AO2 P0022
T01830156
SPECI KORF 061706Z 21027G41KT 1/2SM R05/3000VP6000FT +RA
FG SCT016 BKN026 OVC047 17/16 A2934 RMK AO2 PK
WND 22041/1704 P0052 T01720156
SPECI KORF 061715Z 21029G39KT 2 1/2SM R05/5000VP6000FT RA
BR FEW016 BKN029 OVC075 17/15 A2933 RMK AO2 PK
WND 22041/1704 P0062 T01720150
SPECI KORF 061720Z 19022G39KT 7SM -RA SCT029 BKN050 OVC090
18/16 A2934 RMK AO2 PK WND 22041/1704 P0062 T01830156
METAR KORF 061751Z 21022G27KT 10SM FEW055 SCT075 22/16 A2931
RMK AO2 PK WND 22041/1704 LTG DSNT S-W RAE24 TSB33E36
SLP924 P0062 60064 T02170156 10217 20167 56051
It appeared that ALDARS was working correctly, at 1551Z; lightning was detected to the distant SW.
But despite the heavy rain and gusty winds as strong as 41 knots (1704Z), a thunderstorm didn’t get reported in present weather by KORF, between 1600Z-1800Z. ALDARS may have tossed in a bogus 3-minute thunderstorm remark, timed at 1733-1736Z. So setting a lightning strike map, to end at 1725Z, would reveal if there was any lightning in the area before that time. There was:
At least 13 bolts met TS criteria during that 85-minute period; another 26 bolts met VCTS criteria. Some of the lightning was so close, it had to produce audible thunder at KORF:
The bolts that struck at 1644Z, 1645Z (2 of them), and 1648Z didn’t miss the airport by much. Why then, if ALDARS didn’t detect that lightning, did LAWRS not augment ASOS to include a thunderstorm in present weather? As a result, a thunderstorm went unreported by KORF during a period that included wind gusts as strong as 41 knots!
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