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Post by tornado on Apr 7, 2016 10:35:10 GMT -5
Since lightning issues continue, I thought I’d start a separate thread for those. We’ve already seen these issues:
8 Jan, Beaumont, Texas (page 11 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
9 Jan, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (page 11 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
15 Jan, SW Florida Intl Airport (page 89 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
2 Feb, Hawkins Field, Mississippi (page 96 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
3 Feb, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (page 12 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
24 Feb, Kinston, N. Carolina (page 102 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
24 Feb, Martinsburg, W. Virginia (page 104 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
10 Mar, Alexandria, Louisiana (page 104 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
10 Mar, Houma, Louisiana (page 104 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
10 Mar, Olive Branch, Mississippi (page 104 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
16-17 Mar, South Bend, Indiana (page 105 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
18 Mar, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (page 14 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
23 Mar, Lincoln, Nebraska (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
23-24 Mar, Waco, Texas (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
24 Mar, Dothan, Alabama (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
24 Mar, Meridian, Mississippi (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
26 Mar, Pensacola, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
26 Mar, Titusville, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
27 Mar, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
27 Mar, Toledo, Ohio (page 14 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
28 Mar, Vero Beach, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
28 Mar, Kissimmee, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
28 Mar, Kendall, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
29 Mar, Kendall, Florida, a level 6 case (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
29 Mar, Vero Beach, Florida (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
30 Mar, Springfield, Illinois (page 107 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
30 Mar, Ft. Worth-Spinks, Texas (page 14 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
1 Apr, New Orleans-Lakefront, Louisiana (page 108 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
1 Apr, Macon, Georgia (page 15 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
2-3 Apr, Atlantic City, New Jersey (page 108 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
3 Apr, Philadelphia-Northeast, Pennsylvania (page 108 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread)
6 Apr, South Bend, Indiana (page 108 of the “more quality from the ATCT thread, reported by snowwx)
6-7 Apr, Macon, Georgia (page 15 of “the lightning project thread, reported by hlsto2)
2 more recent issues:
Minot, North Dakota, 6 Apr 2016:
Lightning struck very near the south end of runway 13/31 at 2223Z. No SPECI was taken to begin TS, though VCTS was begun at 2245Z.
37 stations detected that bolt, with 12 of them being used to calculate the strike position.
METAR KMOT 062154Z 28018G24KT 10SM FEW030 SCT036 BKN045 13/04 A2971 RMK AO2 SLP073 T01330039
SPECI KMOT 062245Z 28020G31KT 9SM VCTS -RA FEW038 BKN050
BKN060 11/03 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 27032/2232 LTG
DSNT N AND NE RAB35 P0001 T01060033
METAR KMOT 062254Z 30018KT 10SM VCTS FEW038 SCT049 BKN085
12/03 A2972 RMK AO2 PK WND 27032/2232 LTG DSNT
NE AND E RAB35E51 SLP074 P0001 T01170028
Florence, South Carolina, 7 Apr 2016:
METAR KFLO 070653Z AUTO 16008KT 10SM FEW060 SCT110 14/12
A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND NW PRESFR SLP107
T01440122
SPECI KFLO 070721Z AUTO 22011KT 5SM VCTS RA FEW036 BKN055
BKN075 15/12 A2988 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB15
PRESRR P0003 T01500122
SPECI KFLO 070732Z AUTO 21011KT 2 1/2SM VCTS +RA BR SCT039
BKN055 OVC070 14/13 A2987 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND
SE AND S RAB15 P0011 T01440128
SPECI KFLO 070740Z AUTO 19009KT 7SM VCTS -RA SCT041 SCT055
OVC070 14/13 A2985 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB15
PRESFR P0012 T01440128
METAR KFLO 070753Z AUTO 19009KT 10SM FEW039 BKN070 OVC110
14/13 A2983 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-S RAB15E52 SLP099
P0012 T01440128
At 0710Z, a lightning bolt struck about a mile NE of Florence Regional Airport. ALDARS ignored that, and went on to later report a VCTS that hour. According to the time stamp, 29 stations detected that bolt, with 11 of those being used to calculate the strike position:
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Post by tornado on Apr 11, 2016 13:32:49 GMT -5
Lawton, Oklahoma:SPECI KLAW 110415Z AUTO 29026G39KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW009 BKN028 OVC095 16/14 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 30039/0414 PRESRR P0029 T01610139 TSNO $ SPECI KLAW 110423Z AUTO 33012G39KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN030 BKN095 OVC120 14/13 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 30039/0414 WSHFT 0408 P0044 T01390128 TSNO $ SPECI KLAW 110427Z AUTO 33012G19KT 2SM RA BR FEW026 BKN041 OVC120 13/12 A2978 RMK AO2 PK WND 30039/0414 WSHFT 0408 P0046 T01330122 TSNO $ METAR KLAW 110453Z AUTO 16006KT 10SM SCT060 SCT085 BKN110 14/13 A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 30039/0414 WSHFT 0408 RAE49 SLP075 P0050 T01390128 TSNO $ Since KLAW placed its ASOS into TSNO mode overnight, a thunderstorm between 0400-0500Z was missed:  Stillwater, Oklahoma:METAR KSWO 110353Z 03004KT 10SM -RA FEW070 OVC100 18/15 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP074 P0001 T01780150 METAR KSWO 110453Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW021 BKN036 OVC090 18/17 A2980 RMK AO2 PRESFR SLP081 P0020 T01830167 SPECI KSWO 110502Z 36005KT 3SM RA BR BKN043 BKN065 OVC090 18/17 A2978 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0005 T01780167 METAR KSWO 110553Z 17005KT 6SM -RA BR BKN070 OVC090 17/17 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP075 P0017 60044 T01720172 10278 20172 403110144 56007 METAR KSWO 110653Z 28012G18KT 5SM RA BR FEW020 BKN070 OVC085 16/16 A2985 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP097 P0015 T01610156 Lightning data showed strikes within 5 miles of Stillwater Regional, from 0421Z-0558Z. None of that activity was mentioned by KSWO, [/p] even though it would have explained the heavy rain at 0453Z. That code ought to have been +TSRA instead of +RA
Abilene, Texas:
METAR KABI 110252Z 17019G28KT 10SM CLR 21/17 A2981 RMK AO2
PK WND 16028/0223 SLP073 T02110167 53020
SPECI KABI 110342Z 17019G28KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT023 SCT070
BKN095 19/18 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 17038/0305 RAB05
P0008 T01940183
METAR KABI 110352Z 20010G28KT 2SM -RA BR SCT019 BKN080 OVC110
19/18 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 17038/0305 RAB05 SLP092
P0033 T01940183
In the hour between 0300-0400Z, there were about 20 lightning strikes within 5 miles of Abilene, none of which were reported!
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Post by tornado on Apr 12, 2016 10:19:13 GMT -5
Brookley Field, Mobile, Alabama:
Brookley did report VCTS overnight:
METAR KBFM 120553Z AUTO 35007KT 10SM VCTS -RA SCT032 OVC041
18/17 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 34026/0506 LTG DSNT
W AND NW SLP201 P0014 60014 T01780167 10217 20178
402440167 53015
SPECI KBFM 120614Z AUTO 30003KT 10SM -RA OVC043 18/17 A3013
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W-N P0001 T01780167
SPECI KBFM 120625Z AUTO 36004KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC045 18/17
A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW P0001 T01780167
METAR KBFM 120653Z AUTO 36008KT 10SM -RA OVC049 18/17 A3012
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW SLP200 P0003 T01780167
But, there was lightning that met TS criteria that hour, the closest of which was less than 2 miles from the airport:
ALDARS at KBFM recorded VCTS, when it should have also recorded TS from 0625-0646Z.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Between 0800-1100Z this Tuesday morning, a number of lightning bolts hit within 5 miles of Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport:
The bolt at 1004Z barely missed the airport. Yet, here were the reports from KBTR during that time:
METAR KBTR 120753Z 18006KT 10SM FEW013 BKN020 OVC045 22/19
A3001 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02220194 $
SPECI KBTR 120806Z 17007KT 10SM FEW020 SCT031 OVC045 22/19
A3000 RMK AO2 T02220194 $
SPECI KBTR 120829Z 20006KT 10SM SCT013 BKN020 OVC050 22/20
A3000 RMK AO2 CIG 017V028 T02220200 $
METAR KBTR 120853Z 21011KT 10SM FEW015 BKN025 OVC048 23/20
A3001 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02280200 56006 $
SPECI KBTR 120902Z 21008KT 10SM SCT027 BKN036 OVC060 22/20
A3001 RMK AO2 T02220200 $
SPECI KBTR 120919Z 17003KT 10SM FEW011 BKN027 OVC046 22/20
A3001 RMK AO2 T02220200 $
SPECI KBTR 120938Z 00000KT 10SM BKN011 BKN018 OVC028 22/20
A3002 RMK AO2 T02220200 $
METAR KBTR 120953Z 04011KT 10SM -RA OVC009 21/18 A3002 RMK
AO2 RAB43 CIG 007V012 SLP164 P0000 T02060183 $
SPECI KBTR 121006Z 05015G19KT 10SM -RA OVC009 19/17 A3001
RMK AO2 WSHFT 0946 P0000 T01890172 $
METAR KBTR 121053Z 05009KT 8SM -RA SCT007 OVC013 18/17 A3005
RMK AO2 WSHFT 0946 SLP175 P0008 T01780167 $
There was no mention of thunder or lightning at all, by KBTR during that time! Therefore, KBTR had an unreported thunderstorm this morning.
Meridian, Mississippi:
METAR KMEI 111858Z 07003KT 6SM -RA BR OVC035 19/17 A3002
RMK AO2 RAE33B49 SLP165 P0013 T01890172
SPECI KMEI 111927Z 34008KT 1 3/4SM R01/4500VP6000FT +RA BR
SCT030 OVC035 18/18 A3007 RMK AO2 P0007 T01830178
SPECI KMEI 111954Z 12003KT 2SM R01/6000VP6000FT -TSRA BR
BKN032 BKN039 OVC065 18/18 A3006 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT
ALQDS P0042
METAR KMEI 111958Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM R01/5500VP6000FT -TSRA
BR BKN032 BKN039 OVC065 18/18 A3006 RMK AO2 LTG
DSNT ALQDS SLP177 P0042 T01830178
No TSB time appeared in remarks; but the first observation with a thunderstorm, was at 1954Z. Setting the lightning map to cover 1800-1945Z,
shows that lightning was striking within 5 miles, as early as 1854Z:
The lead time on that thunderstorm, was exactly minus one hour.
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Post by tornado on Apr 13, 2016 12:38:46 GMT -5
Gulfport, Mississippi:
Upon reviewing lightning data this morning, I discovered that lightningmaps.org has increased their zoom level. Some sites were zoomable to a 500 foot scale (e.g. Pocatello, Idaho; Elko, Nevada), while others were zoomable to a 1000-foot scale. Gulfport was such a site, and the map above has a 1000-foot scale. The observations from KGPT around that time were as follows:
METAR KGPT 121253Z 09003KT 10SM -RA OVC033 18/16 A3010 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT E AND W RAB25 SLP193 P0001 T01780161 $
METAR KGPT 121353Z 09005KT 10SM -RA SCT032 BKN047 OVC080
18/16 A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W SLP192 P0010 T01780161
METAR KGPT 121453Z 10008KT 5SM -RA BR FEW030 BKN060 OVC110
18/16 A3009 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W SLP189 P0006
60017 T01780161 50004
SPECI KGPT 121516Z 11008KT 2 1/2SM +TSRA BR FEW025 BKN080
OVC110 18/17 A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-W P0008
T01780167
METAR KGPT 121553Z 13006KT 10SM VCTS BKN027 OVC047 18/17
A3013 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE-SW RAE38 TSE24 SLP202
P0010 T01830167
No thunderstorm was reported for the bolt that struck SW of the UPS Customer Center at 1327Z. Another strike at 1453Z, barely missed the airport; TS was not reported until 23 minutes later, at 1516Z (we don’t know the actual beginning time of that thunderstorm, as no TSB time was encoded. No SPECI was taken to end that TS either.)
Del Rio, Texas:
This small airport in Texas, has ALDARS installed, as evidenced by the LTG DSNT remarks:
METAR KDRT 130153Z AUTO 03011KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN014 OVC020
19/19 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE RAB22 SLP138 P0069
T01940189
SPECI KDRT 130157Z AUTO 02010KT 1SM +RA BR SCT013 OVC019
20/19 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E P0013 T02000189
SPECI KDRT 130203Z AUTO 04012G16KT 3SM RA BR OVC017 21/18
A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE AND E P0016 T02060183
SPECI KDRT 130237Z AUTO 32007KT 10SM SCT022 BKN032 OVC055
20/18 A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE RAE16 P0017 T02000183
METAR KDRT 130253Z AUTO 30006KT 10SM SCT027 BKN034 OVC045
19/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAE16 PRESRR
SLP152 P0017 60089 T01940178 53027
SPECI KDRT 130302Z AUTO 31007KT 10SM -RA FEW022 BKN028 OVC045
19/18 A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE RAB02 P0000
T01890178
Yet, between 0100-0300Z, there was lightning within 10 miles of Del Rio (KDRT):
Not only that, lightning struck the airport at 0137Z!
That makes Del Rio another small airport, with ALDARS issues.
Stinson Field, San Antonio, Texas:
ALDARS at Stinson Field (KSSF) reported no SPECIs between the 0353Z METAR, and the 0453Z METAR:
METAR KSSF 130353Z AUTO 04007KT 10SM VCTS -RA OVC016 20/18
A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB25 TSE19 SLP144
P0001 T02000178 $
METAR KSSF 130453Z AUTO 01008KT 10SM -TSRA FEW010 OVC023
19/16 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND NW TSB51 SLP152
P0007 T01890161 $
A thunderstorm was begun at 0451Z. However, there was lightning very close to the airport, at 0421, 0423 and twice at 0426Z:
 
ALDARS should have triggered ASOS to take a SPECI for the 0421Z strike, but did not.
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Post by tornado on Apr 20, 2016 9:24:53 GMT -5
Tue 19 Apr-Wed 20 Apr 2016: Abilene, Texas:
METAR KABI 200352Z 16012KT 10SM BKN043 OVC055 19/18 A2996
RMK AO2 SLP126 T01940178
SPECI KABI 200441Z 33031G41KT 10SM -RA SQ SCT016 BKN029 OVC047
16/12 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 32041/0434 RAB38 TS
OVHD MOV E LTGICCG P0000 T01560122
The first report of a thunderstorm (albeit incorrectly) came at 0441Z. However, lightning data shows strikes that could have been reported
as TS, much earlier than that:
On the 0352Z METAR, ALDARS ought to have reported LTG DSNT. The nearest lightning strike, at 0343Z, measured at 11.64 miles
away from the ARP. 2 more bolts, near the town of Buffalo Gap, struck at 0347Z and 0349Z. ALDARS should have included those 3
bolts, as a minimum, in remarks on the 0352Z METAR; but did not. That could have been the first indication that a strong thunderstorm
was lurking just beyond 10 miles from the airport.
Actually, there was a line of thunderstorms approaching Abilene from the northwest, with isolated cells out ahead of it:
With level 6 cells within the line of thunderstorms; and isolated level 5 cells both N and S of the airport; why weren't there any CB remarks?
LAWRS must not have had time to include them.
Note that the SPECI that included the squall to 41 knots, was transmitted 7 minutes after the squall hit! So should a thunderstorm within 10 miles, have been reported earlier than 0441Z?
Yes:
 
At 0412Z, and again at 0423Z, lightning struck within 5 miles of the airport. ALDARS should have triggered ASOS to take a SPECI for TS
for the 0412Z strike, but did not. The 0412Z strike measured at 4.47 miles away from the ARP. The lightning strike at 0423Z, measured at
3.80 miles away from the ARP. The lead time for this strong thunderstorm was therefore -29 minutes; in other words, it had been thundering
at KABI for 29 minutes, before a thunderstorm was reported. If pilots and users on the ground received warning of a thunderstorm within
5 miles of KABI, they didn't get it from the weather reports, until 29 minutes after the fact.
David Wayne Hooks Airport, nr Houston, Texas:
As documented on the "Missing METARs thread", KDWH has not transmitted a METAR successfully to the NAS, since 18/0501Z. A line of
thunderstorms just passed through the Houston metro area:
 
Lightning narrowly missed striking the airport. One bolt struck about 1,000 feet east of airport property, on the other side of Stuebner Airport Road, at 1458Z:
A thunderstorm can't be reported by normal means, if METARs and SPECIs aren't being transmitted. |
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Post by tornado on Apr 27, 2016 18:23:44 GMT -5
Manhattan, Kansas:
Between 2000-2300Z, this was the lightning display around Manhattan (KMHK):
Note that lightning appears to have struck the airfield at 2211Z:
41 lightning detection stations detected that bolt, with 15 of those being used to calculate its strike position. Yet, no thunderstorm was reported during that 3-hour period:
METAR KMHK 261952Z 10013G20KT 10SM FEW047 FEW065 SCT080 26/19 A2957 RMK AO2 SLP004 T02560194
SPECI KMHK 262037Z 11016G24KT 2 1/2SM +RA BKN025 BKN065 21/18 A2953 RMK AO2 PK WND 08027/2025 RAB32 P0004 T02110183
SPECI KMHK 262047Z 08011G18KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT025 BKN034 BKN043 21/18 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 08027/2025 RAB32 PRESRR P0018
METAR KMHK 262052Z 06011G18KT 3SM -RA BR SCT025 BKN034 OVC095 21/18 A2951 RMK AO2 PK WND 08027/2025 RAB32 SLP986 P0019 60019 T02060183 58028
SPECI KMHK 262103Z 07014G22KT 10SM FEW025 SCT032 BKN095 21/18 A2949 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2043 RAE00 PRESFR P0000 T02060183
SPECI KMHK 262115Z 11021G32KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW020 SCT075 BKN095 19/18 A2951 RMK AO2 PK WND 07032/2110 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 P0014 T01940183
SPECI KMHK 262122Z 06015G39KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN014 BKN075 BKN095 19/19 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 P0047 T01940189
SPECI KMHK 262127Z 09014G33KT 1SM +RA BR BKN016 BKN075 OVC095 20/19 A2953 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 PRESRR P0057 T02000189
SPECI KMHK 262132Z 08024G34KT 2SM -RA BR SCT018 BKN050 OVC095 19/18 A2950 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 P0059 T01940183
SPECI KMHK 262140Z 09028G36KT 3SM +RA BR SCT018 SCT065 OVC090 18/18 A2948 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 P0065 T01830178
SPECI KMHK 262143Z 10022G36KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT024 BKN060 OVC095 18/17 A2952 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 P0070 T01830172
METAR KMHK 262152Z 10022G32KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN033 BKN055 OVC090 18/17 A2954 RMK AO2 PK WND 10039/2116 WSHFT 2043 RAE00B09 SLP995 P0085 T01830172
SPECI KMHK 262202Z 10025G36KT 1SM +RA BR BKN024 OVC090 17/17 A2952 RMK AO2 PK WND 09036/2155 P0033 T01720172 $
SPECI KMHK 262212Z 09023G33KT 3/4SM +RA BR VV019 17/17 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 09036/2155 P0067 T01720172 $
SPECI KMHK 262226Z 09018G39KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW006 OVC014 18/17 A2954 RMK AO2 PK WND 11039/2218 P0117 T01780172 $
SPECI KMHK 262233Z 09020G36KT 2 1/2SM -RA BKN014 BKN065 OVC090 17/ A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 11039/2218 P0118 T0172 $
SPECI KMHK 262239Z 08016G29KT 10SM -RA BKN016 BKN070 OVC110 18/ A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 11039/2218 P0118 T0178 $
SPECI KMHK 262247Z 09014G28KT 10SM -RA SCT014 SCT070 OVC110 18/ A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 11039/2218 P0118 $
METAR KMHK 262252Z 11015G28KT 10SM -RA FEW018 BKN080 OVC110 18/ A2963 RMK AO2 PK WND 11039/2218 SLP026 P0119 T0183 $
That was between 3-6 p.m. So how did that happen?
Alexandria, Louisiana:
In those 2 hours, there were numerous cloud-to-ground strikes near KAEX; including 2 strikes to the airport, at 1353Z and 1414Z. The official reports didn’t show that:
METAR KAEX 271253Z 32003KT 6SM BR FEW060 BKN080 BKN120 22/22
A2977 RMK AO2 RAB18E27 SLP083 P0000 T02220217 $
METAR KAEX 271353Z 25005KT 4SM -RA BR FEW070 FEW085 OVC110
22/22 A2981 RMK AO2 RAB37 SLP097 P0000 T02220217
SPECI KAEX 271410Z VRB04G26KT 2SM +RA BR SCT022 BKN050 OVC110
19/18 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 28029/1400 P0028 T01890178
METAR KAEX 271453Z 12013KT 2SM -RA BR BKN090 OVC110 19/18
A2977 RMK AO2 PK WND 28029/1400 SLP085 P0041 60041
T01890183 50011
The lightning strike at 1414Z, was in the field between runway 18/36, and the taxiways. That bolt measured as striking 2,440 feet from the air traffic control tower. Its position was measured by 12 lightning detection stations. ALDARS completely failed to detect that thunderstorm; and LAWRS did not back up ALDARS.
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey:
Compare these lightning maps...
 
…to the reports from Caldwell (KCDW) that around that time:
METAR KCDW 261853Z 06009KT 7SM FEW027 BKN060 BKN070 18/12
A2963 RMK AO2 SLP037 T01780122
SPECI KCDW 261946Z VRB04KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT021 BKN038 OVC045
17/13 A2968 RMK AO2 RAB40 P0008 T01670128
METAR KCDW 261953Z 00000KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW021 BKN038 OVC047
16/13 A2967 RMK AO2 RAB40 SLP053 P0016 T01560133
SPECI KCDW 262004Z 10004KT 2SM RA BR BKN040 OVC070 16/14
A2967 RMK AO2 P0004 T01610139
Caldwell had an unreported thunderstorm on 26 Apr.
Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Pennsylvania:
METAR KPNE 262154Z 30003KT 10SM BKN075 BKN095 25/16 A2965
RMK AO2 SLP039 T02500156
SPECI KPNE 262229Z 08011KT 2SM -RA FEW023 BKN070 OVC085 19/16
A2968 RMK AO2 RAB16 P0008 T01940156
SPECI KPNE 262238Z 06010KT 8SM -RA FEW048 BKN080 OVC110 19/15
A2970 RMK AO2 RAB16 PRESRR P0008 T01890150
SPECI KPNE 262248Z VRB04KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT045 BKN070 OVC110
18/16 A2975 RMK AO2 RAB16 PRESRR P0011
METAR KPNE 262254Z 00000KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN036 BKN044 OVC110
18/16 A2974 RMK AO2 RAB16 SLP068 P0021 T01780161
RVRNO
Lightning struck about 4 miles to the west of the airport, but didn’t get reported. Northeast Philadelphia Airport had an unreported thunderstorm on 26 Apr.
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Post by tornado on May 3, 2016 12:29:49 GMT -5
Mon 2 May 2016:
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia:
Yesterday evening, there was some lightning near KORF:
Was it reported in a METAR or SPECI? No:
METAR KORF 022351Z AUTO 20012KT 10SM SCT110 27/18 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP114 T02720183 10300 20272 55002 TSNO
SPECI KORF 030036Z AUTO 21036G52KT 10SM SQ SCT038 BKN045 BKN120 24/17 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 21052/0033 PRESRR T02390167 TSNO
METAR KORF 030051Z AUTO 24025G34KT 3SM +RA SCT040 BKN090 OVC100 21/18 A2993 RMK AO2 PK WND 21052/0033 RAB37 SLP134 P0001 T02060178 TSNO $
There was a squall to 52 knots at 0033Z. Yet, no thunderstorm was reported, because LAWRS at KORF had placed ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode.
That gust (squall) to 52 knots would have qualified as a severe thunderstorm! 0033Z was 8:33 p.m., so why was ALDARS at KORF not enabled?
Tue 3 May 2016:
North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida:
This hour, North Perry Airport (KHWO) had some heavy rain:
METAR KHWO 031953Z 21005KT 4SM RA FEW019 BKN055 OVC100 28/24
A2990 RMK AO2 RAB21 SLP126 P0005 T02780244
SPECI KHWO 032004Z 18010KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW017 BKN043 OVC070
27/25 A2991 RMK AO2 P0009 T02720250
SPECI KHWO 032018Z VRB03KT 4SM -RA BKN034 BKN045 BKN055 26/22
A2991 RMK AO2 P0013 T02610217
Nearby lightning strikes, from 1951-2024Z, didn't get reported, not even in remarks:
LTGCG NE-S could have been reported, along with TS in present weather- but wasn't.
Smith Reynolds Airport, Winston-Salem, North Carolina:
Recently, this airport had some heavy rain:
METAR KINT 031854Z 18006KT 10SM SCT035 24/15 A2979 RMK AO2
SLP079 T02440150
SPECI KINT 031920Z 30005KT 1 3/4SM +RA BKN042 BKN055 OVC080
22/15 A2979 RMK AO2 RAB15 P0000 T02220150
SPECI KINT 031932Z 19005KT 3SM -RA SCT040 BKN049 OVC090 20/17
A2978 RMK AO2 RAB15 T02000167 PNO $
METAR KINT 031954Z 17007KT 10SM SCT080 18/15 A2977 RMK AO2 RAB15E49 SLP073 T01830150 $
Upon investigation, it was discovered that lightning had struck close to the airport, at 1921 and 1925Z:
 
KINT had an unreported thunderstorm last hour.
At 1938Z, this was the display from WeatherTap:
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Post by tornado on May 4, 2016 16:11:44 GMT -5
Miami Executive Airport, Florida:METAR KTMB 041753Z 03011KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN031 OVC041 21/21 A2982 RMK AO2 RAE30B37 SLP095 P0041 60206 T02110211 10283 20206 58025 SPECI KTMB 041800Z 04010KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN033 OVC039 21/21 A2981 RMK AO2 P0013 T02110211 SPECI KTMB 041819Z 06010KT 3SM -RA BR FEW021 BKN033 OVC039 21/21 A2980 RMK AO2 P0041 T02110206 SPECI KTMB 041839Z 09003KT 2SM +RA BR FEW026 BKN034 OVC042 21/21 A2981 RMK AO2 P0056 T02110211 METAR KTMB 041853Z 31009KT 2SM +RA BR FEW012 BKN023 OVC040 22/22 A2985 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP106 P0098 T02170217 No lightning, according to the METARs and SPECIs. But not according to lightning data:  North Central West Virginia Airport, Clarksburg, West Virginia:This site had moderate or heavy rain showers, at 2 different times on May the 4th: SPECI KCKB 041729Z 14008KT 10SM SCT019 BKN028 OVC039 13/09 A2967 RMK AO2 RAB16E24 P0000 T01330094 SPECI KCKB 041748Z 26004KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT018 OVC026 10/08 A2969 RMK AO2 RAB16E24B33 P0007 METAR KCKB 041753Z 27003KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW018 BKN026 OVC030 10/08 A2969 RMK AO2 RAB16E24B33 SLP047 P0009 60013 T01000078 10150 20100 55007 SPECI KCKB 041759Z 24003KT 2SM RA BR FEW018 BKN033 OVC049 10/08 A2968 RMK AO2 P0001 T01000083 SPECI KCKB 041824Z 11005KT 7SM -RA OVC055 11/09 A2967 RMK AO2 P0007 T01060089 METAR KCKB 042153Z 35004KT 10SM FEW021 BKN050 BKN060 13/09 A2965 RMK AO2 SLP034 T01330094 METAR KCKB 042253Z 09005KT 2SM RA BR FEW021 BKN037 OVC050 12/09 A2965 RMK AO2 RAB29 SLP035 P0005 T01170094 Lightning data shows a cluster of 3 strikes, just NE of KCKB at 1746Z; as well as one bolt that nearly struck the airport at 2228Z:  It appears there were 2 unrecorded thunderstorms at Clarksburg WV on the 4th.
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Post by tornado on May 6, 2016 12:06:15 GMT -5
North Las Vegas Airport, Nevada:
A trio of lightning bolts, struck to the NW of the airport from 1425-1428Z:
A thunderstorm was not reported for any of that lightning:
METAR KVGT 061353Z 21010KT 10SM FEW080 BKN100 17/04 A2974
RMK AO2 SLP071 T01670039
METAR KVGT 061453Z 28005KT 9SM -RA FEW055 BKN075 OVC100 14/08
A2977 RMK AO2 RAB07 SLP082 FRQ LTG NNW P0025 60025
T01440083 53018
If an observer believes lightning is 5-10 miles away, the remark would be FRQ LTG VC NNW (not that NNW is permissible by rule). The absence of VC (or DSNT) means that the observer believed the lightning was within 5 miles.
So why wasn't a thunderstorm reported? |
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Post by tornado on May 12, 2016 12:04:43 GMT -5
Owensboro, Kentucky:
Lightning was striking close to the airport, as early as 2336Z:
The observations did not show the nearby lightning; instead, pilots and other users were told that the lightning was “distant”:
SPECI KOWB 112322Z 33020G34KT 10SM FEW030 BKN041 25/18 A3005
RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW PK WND 31034/2315 PRESRR
SPECI KOWB 112329Z 34018G29KT 6SM -RA FEW005 SCT030 BKN041
23/17 A3006 RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW RAB29 P0001
WSHFT 2314 PK WND 31034/2315
SPECI KOWB 112333Z 33016G29KT 1 1/2SM +RA FEW005 SCT017 BKN029
21/18 A3006 RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW BKN V SCT
RAB29 P0003 WSHFT 2314 PK WND 31034/2315
SPECI KOWB 112335Z 35013G28KT 1SM +RA FEW009 SCT017 BKN029
21/18 A3005 RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW RAB29 P0006
WSHFT 2314 PK WND 31034/2315
SPECI KOWB 112338Z 35017G25KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT013 BKN029
OVC070 19/18 A3005 RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW
OVC V BKN RAB29 P0013 WSHFT 2314 PK WND 31034/2315
METAR KOWB 112356Z 35013G21KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW008 BKN018 OVC031 18/18 A3005 RMK AO2 OCNL LTG DSNT N-NW 53024 60031 T01830177 10283 20183 RAB29 P0032 WSHFT 2314 PK WND 31034/2315 SLP175
SPECI KOWB 120004Z 35010G17KT 2 1/2SM TSRA BR SCT016 BKN026
OVC043 18/17 A3006 RMK AO2 FRQ LTGCACG ALL QUADS
TS OHD MOV E TSB2358 P0004
That situation persisted until 2358Z.
Lawton, Oklahoma:
Between 0700-0800Z on May 12th, there were several lightning strikes close to the airport:
 
The observations did not show any lightning:
METAR KLAW 120653Z AUTO 02018G27KT 10SM OVC032 22/16 A3000
RMK AO2 PK WND 03027/0644 SLP147 T02220156 TSNO
SPECI KLAW 120731Z AUTO 30022G33KT 2SM RA OVC038 20/16 A3013
RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711 WSHFT 0714 RAB15 PRESRR
P0000 T02000156 TSNO
SPECI KLAW 120733Z AUTO 28020G31KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW003
FEW011 OVC038 18/16 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711
WSHFT 0719 RAB15 PRESRR P0000 T01780156 TSNO
SPECI KLAW 120739Z AUTO 26015G31KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW003 BKN013
OVC038 17/16 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711 WSHFT
0719 RAB15 P0000 T01670156 TSNO
SPECI KLAW 120744Z AUTO 26010G31KT 1SM +RA BR SCT015 OVC038
17/16 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711 WSHFT 0719
RAB15 T01670156 TSNO PNO $
SPECI KLAW 120750Z AUTO 00000KT 2SM +RA BR FEW007 SCT025
OVC037 18/16 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711 WSHFT
0719 RAB15 TSNO PNO $
METAR KLAW 120753Z AUTO 00000KT 2 1/2SM RA BR FEW007 BKN030
OVC070 18/16 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 03038/0711 WSHFT
0719 RAB15 SLP191 T01780161 TSNO PNO $
The reason being, ASOS was placed into AUTO/TSNO mode overnight. The rain gage sensor failed, because the thunderstorm put it out.
The thunderstorm sensor failed, because a human turned it off.
Allegheny County Airport, nr Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
METAR KAGC 121753Z 19010G15KT 10SM BKN040 26/15 A2999 RMK
AO2 SLP152 T02560150 10256 20139 58019
SPECI KAGC 121829Z 25016G27KT 2 1/2SM R28/4500VP6000FT +RA
SCT028 BKN037 OVC046 19/14 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND
21028/1814 WSHFT 1812 RAB26 PRESRR P0008 T01890144
SPECI KAGC 121844Z 25012KT 6SM -RA FEW026 BKN065 OVC100 18/16
A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 21028/1814 WSHFT 1812 RAB26
VIS W-NW 2 P0010 T01830156
METAR KAGC 121853Z 26009KT 10SM -RA FEW035 BKN090 OVC110
19/16 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 21028/1814 WSHFT 1812
RAB26 SLP160 VIS W-NW 2 P0010 T01890156
Gusty winds, and heavy rain, should be a clue as to thunderstorm activity. No lightning nor thunderstorm remarks appeared that hour;
even though LAWRS took the time to include VIS W-NW 2. Lightning data showed activity nearby:
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Post by tornado on May 17, 2016 11:01:03 GMT -5
Pueblo, Colorado:
The nearest lightning strike to the Pueblo Airport, came at 2311Z:
ALDARS took 17 minutes to report a VCTS:
METAR KPUB 162253Z 11014KT 10SM OVC024 14/07 A2994 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT W SLP109 T01390072
SPECI KPUB 162321Z 14013KT 1 1/2SM R08R/3500VP6000FT +RA
OVC019 12/08 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB14 P0004 T01220083
SPECI KPUB 162328Z 12012KT 1SM R08R/3500V5500FT VCTS +RA
BKN019 OVC030 12/08 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND
NW RAB14 P0026 T01170083
In the meantime, the airfield had gone IFR (1.5 miles visibility) due to heavy rain.
Ardmore, Oklahoma:
The lightning map revealed 2 strikes close to the airport:
One bolt struck at 0806Z, and the other at 0920Z. One would think both of those strikes, would cause ALDARS to generate a report of TS. Here are the pertinent observations:
METAR KADM 170755Z AUTO 36020G37KT 4SM +RA BKN019 BKN028
OVC040 16/14 A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W THRU N P0006
T01570144
METAR KADM 170815Z AUTO 02013G18KT 10SM -RA SCT040 BKN049
OVC060 16/15 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W THRU NE
P0002 T01550146
METAR KADM 170835Z AUTO 03006KT 10SM +VCTSRA OVC055 16/15
A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW AND W P0004 T01580150
LTGCG near just SE of airport property, near the end of runway 13/31; striking at 0806Z, was not reported. Even VCTS did not begin until 0835Z, 29 minutes later!
METAR KADM 170855Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM VCTSRA OVC065 16/15
A2998 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE SW AND NW P0008 60008
T01580151
METAR KADM 170915Z AUTO 02004KT 7SM VCTSRA SCT030 SCT037
OVC065 16/15 A2997 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S THRU NW
P0005 T01600152
METAR KADM 170935Z AUTO 05007G14KT 7SM TSRA SCT032 BKN039
OVC075 16/15 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQS P0011
T01610152
The bolt that struck at 0920Z, struck within half a mile of runway 13/31. Yet, TS was not reported for another 15 minutes. That appears to be because ASOS generates an observation every 20 minutes at this small airport, regardless of the weather. However, pilots flying in and out of Ardmore, ought to be aware that its ALDARS, has some accuracy issues.
Lawton, Oklahoma:
Several lightning strikes near the airport, from 0650-0727Z, did not get reported; since ASOS was placed in TSNO mode overnight:
METAR KSWO 170653Z AUTO 16006KT 3SM -RA BR BKN019 OVC025
18/17 A2989 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 6 RAB20 SLP112 P0003
T01780172 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 170713Z AUTO 27013G18KT 3SM RA FEW009 BKN017 OVC050
17/15 A2991 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 8 P0003 T01670150 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 170722Z AUTO 33013KT 3SM RA SCT009 BKN015 OVC055
16/15 A2992 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0702 SFC VIS 7 P0006
T01610150 TSNO
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Post by tornado on May 17, 2016 23:03:40 GMT -5
Vero Beach, Florida, Tue 17 May 2016: METAR KVRB 171653Z 12020G25KT 10SM BKN014 29/24 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP177 T02940239 SPECI KVRB 171700Z 13018G25KT 4SM -RA SCT014 BKN022 BKN034 28/24 A3005 RMK AO2 RAB1658 P0000 T02780244 SPECI KVRB 171716Z 11014KT 7SM -RA FEW012 BKN032 OVC090 27/25 A3003 RMK AO2 RAB1658 PRESFR P0006 T02720250 SPECI KVRB 171728Z 13014G20KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT012 BKN031 OVC095 27/25 A3001 RMK AO2 RAB1658 PRESFR P0013 T02670250 SPECI KVRB 171736Z 15020G25KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT009 BKN026 OVC095 26/25 A3003 RMK AO2 RAB1658 P0018 T02610250 SPECI KVRB 171744Z 16021G34KT 1/4SM +RA FG FEW009 BKN017 OVC080 22/21 A3007 RMK AO2 PK WND 15034/1740 RAB1658 PRESRR P0051 T02220206 METAR KVRB 171753Z 12007G30KT 1/4SM +RA BKN017 OVC100 23/20 A3003 RMK AO2 PK WND 15034/1740 RAB1658 SLP169 P0107 60107 T02280200 10306 20222 58018 SPECI KVRB 171758Z 13011G19KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW008 OVC017 22/20 A3003 RMK AO2 P0021 T02170200 SPECI KVRB 171803Z 12016G25KT 090V150 1/4SM +RA FG FEW008 OVC013 22/21 A3004 RMK AO2 P0046 T02220206 SPECI KVRB 171829Z 08016G22KT 1/4SM +RA FG VV008 22/20 A3004 RMK AO2 P0278 T02170200 METAR KVRB 171853Z 06013KT 1/4SM +RA FG VV008 23/22 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP164 P0470 T02330222 In a 2-hour period, there was 5.77" of rainfall. Yet, no lightning or thunder was recorded until after that 2-hour period, until 1905Z: SPECI KVRB 171905Z 06022G35KT 1/4SM +TSRA FG VV007 23/22 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 07035/1901 LTG DSNT ALQDS PRESFR P0123 T02280217 [/p]
Note there was 1.23" of rainfall in just 12 minutes. But between 1700-1900Z, this was the lightning display around Vero Beach:
There had been plenty of lightning within 10 miles! Within 5 miles, I counted 122 bolts!
Plus, lightning struck the airport:
It appears lightning struck the airport 3 times: at 1816Z, lightning struck runway 12R/30L. At 1832Z, lightning struck north of the runways;
and at 1854Z, lightning struck just south of the end of runway 4/22.
This is easily a level 7 case on the FLAWD scale. |
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Post by tornado on May 19, 2016 11:13:45 GMT -5
Miami Executive Airport, Kendall, Florida, Wed 18 May 2016:Between 1753Z and 1948Z, lightning strike data shows 6 strikes plotted near the airport:  There just wasn't any mention of lightning or thunder in the METARs (there were no SPECIs) during that period: METAR KTMB 181753Z 19012G22KT 10SM FEW028 BKN049 OVC065 28/22 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP156 60000 T02830222 10311 20261 58012 METAR KTMB 181853Z 18012G17KT 10SM FEW038 SCT065 BKN090 25/21 A2999 RMK AO2 RAB37E46 SLP156 P0000 T02500206 METAR KTMB 181953Z 21016G27KT 8SM -RA FEW045 OVC060 24/22 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 22027/1950 RAB1854 SLP163 P0013 T02390217 However, nearby lightning would explain what happened the next hour: SPECI KTMB 182001Z 18016G29KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT032 SCT050 OVC060 23/21 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0016 T02280211 SPECI KTMB 182010Z 20011G23KT 3SM RA BR FEW027 BKN060 OVC075 22/21 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0019 T02220211 SPECI KTMB 182020Z 20015G23KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT027 BKN055 OVC075 22/22 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0035 T02220217 SPECI KTMB 182026Z VRB06G23KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN023 BKN036 OVC075 22/21 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0053 T02220211 SPECI KTMB 182032Z 33003KT 1SM +RA BR SCT021 BKN039 OVC075 23/22 A2996 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0066 T02280222 SPECI KTMB 182039Z 00000KT 4SM -RA BR FEW021 BKN060 OVC080 24/24 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 18029/1957 P0066 T02440244  TS, then either VCTS (if ALDARS) or TS VC (if LAWRS) ought to have been reported between 1800-2100Z. Fulton County Airport, Atlanta, Georgia, Wed 18 May 2016:At 0028Z, lightning struck within a half mile to the SE of the airport:  The reports from Fulton County Airport that hour, were as follows: METAR KFTY 182353Z 21005KT 10SM SCT037 SCT047 26/18 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W SLP134 T02560183 10278 20239 53000 SPECI KFTY 190041Z 32008G28KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW027 BKN036 OVC050 19/17 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 31028/0034 WSHFT 0024 VIS 1 1/4V4 LTG DSNT W-NE RAB29 P0000 T01940172 SPECI KFTY 190046Z 21008KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR SCT025 BKN036 OVC048 19/17 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 31028/0034 WSHFT 0024 LTG DSNT N AND NE RAB29 TSE46 T01940172 PNO $ METAR KFTY 190053Z 19004KT 3SM VCTS +RA BR BKN032 BKN050 OVC090 19/18 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 31028/0034 WSHFT 0024 LTG DSNT NE RAB29 TSE46 SLP148 T01940178 PNO $ Not only was VCTS reported, when TS was warranted; the VCTS wasn't begun until 18 minutes afterTS criteria was met. Abilene, Texas, Thu 19 May 2016:
METAR KABI 190752Z 10007KT 10SM OVC007 13/12 A3005 RMK AO2
SLP166 TS W MOV E LTGICCGCC T01280122
SPECI KABI 190830Z 32014KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC006 13/12 A3011
RMK AO2 RAB25 P0002 T01280122
SPECI KABI 190837Z 35010KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN006 OVC013 12/12
A3008 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0817 RAB25 P0017 T01220122
SPECI KABI 190844Z 34004KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT006 BKN027 OVC065
12/12 A3010 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0817 RAB25 P0021 T01220122
SPECI KABI 190846Z 35005KT 3SM RA BR SCT006 BKN030 OVC065
12/12 A3009 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0817 RAB25 P0022
METAR KABI 190852Z 36006KT 5SM -RA BR SCT006 BKN028 OVC060
12/12 A3008 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0817 RAB25 SLP178 P0023
60023 T01220122 55004
LAWRS at Abilene, didn’t report the thunderstorm in present weather at 0752Z, despite the remarks of TS W MOV E LTGICCGCC. Nor was thunderstorm reported for the rest of the hour leading up to the 0852Z METAR. Lightning data shows that there was activity close to KABI:
That view is to the northeast of the airport. It shows there were lightning strikes at 0811Z to the north; 0833Z to the NE; and 0842Z to the east. Looking to the west, lightning barely missed the airport:
A bolt struck south of E Industrial Blvd at 0824Z; 2 more bolts struck at 0826Z. So with cloud-to-ground lightning striking nearby, from at least 0811-0842Z; why wasn’t a thunderstorm reported that hour?
By the way, this is a screen shot of a radar overlaid with lightning strikes, showing bolts striking up to 15 miles ahead of the main line of storms. From Cotulla, Texas: 
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Post by tornado on Jun 13, 2016 9:31:46 GMT -5
Sun 12 Jun 2016:Lawton, Oklahoma:
Lawton (KLAW) was in AUTO/TSNO mode overnight, until 8:21 a.m. CDT (1321Z):
METAR KLAW 121253Z AUTO 16003KT 7SM BKN013 BKN032 OVC041 24/22 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 28029/1221 RAE49 SLP152 T02390222 TSNO $
SPECI KLAW 121321Z 13007KT 10SM OVC009 23/21 A3003 RMK AO2 P0001 T02280211 $
After that time, LAWRS logged on to ASOS, and the AUTO and TSNO remarks disappeared. Heavy rain ensued after 1400Z:
SPECI KLAW 121420Z 07007KT 7SM BKN007 OVC010 22/21 A3005 RMK AO2 T02220211 $
SPECI KLAW 121442Z 07012KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC007 22/20 A3003 RMK AO2 RAB42 PRESFR P0000 T02170200 $
SPECI KLAW 121451Z 06013G24KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN007 OVC011 21/20 A3007 RMK AO2 RAB42 PNO $
METAR KLAW 121453Z 03013G24KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN007 OVC011 21/20 A3006 RMK AO2 RAB42 SLP171 6//// T02110200 50016 PNO $
SPECI KLAW 121457Z 04023KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN007 OVC011 21/20 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 05028/1457 WSHFT 1440 T02110200 PNO $
SPECI KLAW 121508Z 05014KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW006 OVC010 21/21 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 05028/1457 WSHFT 1440 T02110206 PNO $
SPECI KLAW 121530Z 03015G33KT 1/4SM +RA FG VV006 21/20 A3010 RMK AO2 PK WND 03033/1525 WSHFT 1440 T02110200 PNO $
SPECI KLAW 121545Z 03008KT 1/2SM +RA FG VV012 21/20 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 03033/1525 WSHFT 1440 T02110200 PNO $
METAR KLAW 121553Z 09008KT 3/4SM +RA BR VV016 21/19 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 03033/1525 WSHFT 1440 SLP175 T02060194 PNO $
SPECI KLAW 121601Z 21/20 A3009 RMK AO2 RAEMM P0000 T02060200 $
By 1601Z, there was much missing data, including the wind group, visibility, obstruction to vision, and sky condition. But was there anything else missing between 1400-1600Z, perhaps lightning and thunder? Yes:
There were perhaps 2,000 lightning strikes within 30 miles of KLAW; yet, lightning was not mentioned at all during that 2-hour period! Zooming in shows 2 lightning strikes at the airfield:
Those strikes were at 1457Z and 1511Z. Even though the weather conditions at the airport were low IFR at those times, thunder was not mentioned! Why is this considered safe and acceptable?
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia:At 2051Z, clear skies were reported, with no hazards other than wind gusts to 16 knots: METAR KORF 122051Z AUTO 25011G16KT 10SM CLR 32/19 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP073 T03220194 56014 TSNOWas that accurate? Why was ASOS in AUTO/TSNO mode, with a level 6 thunderstorm cell lurking to the northwest?  No thunderstorm was recorded on June 12th at KORF: METAR KORF 122151Z AUTO 04007G24KT 10SM FEW045 SCT055 BKN095 26/18 A2976 RMK AO2 PK WND 36035/2134 WSHFT 2133 RAB35E48 SLP078 P0000 T02610178 TSNOMETAR KORF 122251Z AUTO 25013G19KT 10SM CLR 28/19 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP072 T02780194 TSNOMETAR KORF 122351Z AUTO 24006KT 10SM FEW075 28/21 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP072 60000 T02830206 10339 20250 58001 TSNOYet, between 2100-2300Z, this was the lightning display around Norfolk:   There was an unreported thunderstorm at Norfolk Intl on June 12th.
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Post by tornado on Jun 18, 2016 22:20:22 GMT -5
One reason why CB DSNT W MOV E could be a needed remark:  Some severe thunderstorms in Montana today, were moving at 85 miles per hour!  |
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