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Post by tornado on Jun 21, 2016 11:27:34 GMT -5
Miami Executive Airport, Kendall, Florida, Tue 21 Jun 2016: Between 1300-1400Z, there’s no doubt a thunderstorm was within 5 miles of the airport:   The first map shows that lightning struck airport property twice: once at 1308Z, and once at 1341Z. The strike at 1341Z either hit [/p] runway 9L/27R, or narrowly missed it. The earlier bolt appears to have struck on or near SW 128th Street, between the Miami Skydiving Center, and Tamiami Aircraft Services. Yet, these were the reports that hour, from Miami Executive (KTMB) Airport:
METAR KTMB 211253Z 12003KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN025 BKN035 OVC048
23/22 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP189 P0026 T02330217
SPECI KTMB 211303Z 23005KT 3SM RA BR FEW026 BKN032 OVC047
23/22 A3008 RMK AO2 P0005 T02280217
SPECI KTMB 211317Z 16007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT021 BKN027 OVC050
23/23 A3009 RMK AO2 P0019 T02330228
SPECI KTMB 211322Z 12006KT 1SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN020 OVC036
23/23 A3011 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0045 T02330228
SPECI KTMB 211327Z 13009KT 090V160 1/2SM +RA FG BKN011 BKN018
OVC030 23/23 A3010 RMK AO2 P0080 T02330233
SPECI KTMB 211337Z 12013G19KT 1SM +RA BR FEW006 BKN011 OVC020
23/23 A3010 RMK AO2 P0110 T02330228
SPECI KTMB 211347Z 10009KT 3SM -RA BR SCT011 BKN021 OVC044
23/23 A3010 RMK AO2 P0117
METAR KTMB 211353Z 03007KT 10SM -RA FEW007 BKN018 OVC044
24/23 A3011 RMK AO2 SLP194 P0118 T02390233
Despite over an inch of rain that hour, and low IFR conditions by 1327Z; no thunder nor lightning was mentioned in any of those reports! Miami Executive Airport had an unreported thunderstorm on June 21st.
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, Kansas City, Missouri, Tue 21 Jun 2016:
Another C level airport, that had lightning issues, was Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (KMKC), in Kansas City, Missouri. A thunderstorm in the vicinity was recorded at 0454Z:
METAR KMKC 210454Z 07009KT 10SM VCTS BKN070 25/21 A3015 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NW-E SLP201 T02500211
The reports after that time, showed no thunderstorm activity within 10 miles:
METAR KMKC 210554Z 11009KT 10SM -RA SCT120 24/21 A3015 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT N-E RAB49 SLP198 P0000 60000 T02440211
10294 20244 50008
METAR KMKC 210654Z 11007KT 10SM BKN060 25/21 A3012 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT NE-SE RAE0558 SLP190 P0000 T02500211
METAR KMKC 210754Z VRB05KT 10SM CLR 26/21 A3009 RMK AO2 SLPNO
T02560211
However, lightning data showed otherwise. Looking NW from the airport, lightning strikes were recorded at 0600Z, 0657Z and 0720Z:
None of those strikes, triggered a report of TS. Looking SE from the airport, lightning strikes were recorded at 0549Z, 0717Z, 0720Z and 0724Z:
There should have been 3 separate thunderstorms, recorded to account for that cloud-to-ground lightning activity (0549-0615Z; 0657-0712Z; and 0717-0739Z). Instead, KMKC had unreported thunderstorms during that period.
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Post by tornado on Jun 23, 2016 14:37:26 GMT -5
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Thu 23 Jun 2016:
This morning, between 1300-1400Z, heavy rain showers moved across Norfolk International Airport (KORF):
METAR KORF 231251Z AUTO 21013KT 6SM RA BR BKN110 24/23 A2991 RMK AO2 RAB29 SLP127 P0001 T02440228 TSNO
SPECI KORF 231319Z VRB04KT 1SM R05/P6000FT +RA BR BKN010
BKN065 OVC110 24/23 A2994 RMK AO2 P0009 T02440228
SPECI KORF 231324Z 31007KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN008 BKN065 OVC085
24/23 A2995 RMK AO2 P0016 T02390228
SPECI KORF 231332Z VRB03KT 2 1/2SM R05/4500VP6000FT +RA BR
SCT006 BKN014 OVC070 24/23 A2992 RMK AO2 P0028
T02390228
SPECI KORF 231341Z 18008KT 2 1/2SM R05/3000VP6000FT +RA BR
SCT009 BKN035 OVC070 24/23 A2991 RMK AO2 P0035
T02390228
METAR KORF 231351Z 32006KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW006 BKN031 OVC070 24/23 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP141 P0040 T02440228
Once LAWRS logged on to ASOS, TSNO disappeared from remarks. There were no lightning or thunderstorm remarks during that hour.
There should have been:
 
There was plenty of lightning in the immediate area, none of which was reported! 3 strikes were about a mile from the airport. Other sites in the area, not only reported thunderstorms, but hail:
SPECI KPHF 231242Z 32007KT 3/4SM +TSRA BR BKN012 BKN031 OVC090
23/23 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB1155 TSB26
P0050 T02280228
SPECI KNTU 231349Z 29004KT 1 3/4SM +TSRA BKN012CB BKN065
OVC110 27/23 A2992 RMK AO2 TSB04 OCNL LTGICCC
NW TS NW MOV E SVR T1 SET P0016 T02670228
SPECI KNGU 231323Z VRB03G16KT 1SM +TSRAGR BR SCT007CB BKN030
OVC085 24/23 A2992 RMK AO2 GRB23 FRQ LTGICCG OHD
AND W-N TS OHD AND W-N MOV E GR 1/8 SVR T1 SET
P0028 T02390228
Those sites were Newport News (KPHF), Oceana NAS (KNTU), and Norfolk Naval Air Station (KNGU). But somehow, Norfolk International Airport
had an unreported thunderstorm this morning. |
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Post by tornado on Jun 27, 2016 11:30:37 GMT -5
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio, Sun 26 Jun 2016:
Between 2200Z and 2300Z, these were the reports transmitted from Toledo Express Airport (KTOL):
METAR KTOL 262152Z 22007KT 10SM OVC090 31/21 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP140 T03060211
SPECI KTOL 262235Z 24022G33KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW033 SCT046 OVC080 24/22 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 23033/2228 RAB04 PRESRR P0004 T02440222
SPECI KTOL 262239Z 22018G29KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW031 BKN060 OVC080 23/22 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 23033/2228 RAB04 P0009 T02330217 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 262249Z 22007KT 1 1/2SM RA BR SCT035 BKN065 OVC080 23/22 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 23033/2228 VIS 3/4V5 RAB04 P0025
METAR KTOL 262252Z 21007KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR FEW035 BKN065 OVC080 23/22 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 23033/2228 VIS 3/4V5 RAB04 SLP155 P0026 T02280217
The .26” of rain that fell, reduced the visibility to 3/4SM by 2235Z, causing the airport to go under low IFR conditions. Winds gusted to
33 knots. No thunder or lightning was mentioned in any of those reports, however. Yet, lightning data showed many strikes within 5 miles of Toledo Express Airport:
To the north, cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were detected from 2214-2237Z:
Toledo Express Airport had an unreported thunderstorm on June 26th.
Stillwater, Oklahoma, Sun 26 Jun 2016:
Between 2200Z and 27/0000Z, these were the reports transmitted from Stillwater (KSWO):
METAR KSWO 262153Z 20008KT 10SM SCT060 SCT080 33/21 A3000
RMK AO2 SLP145 T03280211
METAR KSWO 262253Z 31014G25KT 5SM -RA BR FEW034 BKN048 OVC060
23/22 A3005 RMK AO2 RAB42 SLP164 P0003 T02330217
SPECI KSWO 262300Z 31011G25KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW036 BKN055
OVC070 23/22 A3007 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0012 T02330217
SPECI KSWO 262316Z 24017KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW013 BKN027 OVC055
23/22 A3012 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0054 T02280217
SPECI KSWO 262326Z 34009G14KT 1SM +RA BR OVC025 22/22 A3010
RMK AO2 P0081 T02220217
SPECI KSWO 262335Z 02005KT 3SM RA BR BKN027 OVC095 22/21
A3008 RMK AO2 P0084 T02220211
SPECI KSWO 262345Z 09006KT 7SM RA SCT025 BKN080 OVC120 22/21
A3007 RMK AO2 P0086 T02220211
METAR KSWO 262353Z 10007KT 7SM -RA FEW034 BKN090 BKN110 23/21
A3006 RMK AO2 SLP169 P0087 60090 T02280211 10361
20222 53023
Heavy rain had caused the airfield to go into low IFR conditions at 2316Z. No thunder nor lightning was reported by KSWO during that
2-hour period. On the 2253Z METAR, there were no remarks pertaining to the approaching CB/TS activity, and the associated level 5 and 6 rain showers, which showed up on radar at 2250Z:
Lightning strike data shows plenty of cloud-to-ground strikes within 5 miles of Stillwater during that time:
To the west, there were 4 strikes at 2321-2322Z, and another one at 2242Z:
To the east, cloud-to-ground lightning struck as late as 2253Z:
Stillwater had an unrecorded thunderstorm on Sun 26 Jun 2016.
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Post by tornado on Jun 29, 2016 15:02:24 GMT -5
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey, Tue 28 Jun 2016:
Late enough on June 28th, that it was the 29th UTC; Caldwell (KCDW) had some heavy rainshowers:
SPECI KCDW 290133Z 00000KT 3SM RA BR SCT009 BKN030 OVC095
22/21 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0004 T02220206 $
SPECI KCDW 290141Z 31010G15KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN010 BKN030
OVC055 22/21 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0007 T02220206 $
SPECI KCDW 290148Z 30010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT010 BKN026 OVC035
22/19 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB02 P0017 $
METAR KCDW 290153Z 28007KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW008 SCT013 OVC029
21/19 A2991 RMK AO2 RAB02 SLP133 P0032 T02110194 $
SPECI KCDW 290202Z 33005KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW008 BKN019 OVC027
21/19 A2990 RMK AO2 P0025 T02060189 $
SPECI KCDW 290214Z 35003KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW004 OVC030 20/18
A2989 RMK AO2 P0039 T02000183 $
SPECI KCDW 290221Z 07005KT 2SM +RA BR BKN030 OVC110 20/18
A2989 RMK AO2 P0045 T02000183 $
SPECI KCDW 290232Z 00000KT 7SM -RA BKN038 OVC110 20/18 A2989
RMK AO2 P0046 T02000183 $
Notice that no mention was made of lightning or thunder. Yet, right at METAR time- 0153Z- there were several
nearby cloud-to-ground lightning strikes detected:
A bolt at 0142Z, struck just west of the airport. That did not trigger a report of a thunderstorm. Up to 27 lightning bolts struck within 5 miles of KCDW:
Caldwell had an unreported thunderstorm on June 28th.
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Post by tornado on Jul 7, 2016 10:13:19 GMT -5
Stillwater, Oklahoma, Thu 30 Jun 2016:
On the 30th between 2200-2300Z, there was lightning close to Stillwater (KSWO) Airport:
Yet, the reports showed this:
METAR KSWO 302153Z 19009KT 10SM CLR 32/19 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP118
T03170189
SPECI KSWO 302238Z 28017G27KT 2 1/2SM +RA BKN050 BKN060 BKN110
22/19 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 29027/2230 WSHFT 2224
RAB20 P0010 T02220189
SPECI KSWO 302246Z 27011G24KT 1SM +RA FEW038 BKN050 OVC110
22/19 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 29027/2230 WSHFT 2224
RAB20 P0027 T02220194
METAR KSWO 302253Z 28012G20KT 1 1/4SM RA BR SCT040 BKN050
OVC075 22/19 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 29027/2230 WSHFT
2224 RAB20 SLP128 P0031 T02170194
SPECI KSWO 302257Z 27013G20KT 3SM -RA SCT045 BKN050 OVC110
22/19 A2994 RMK AO2 P0000 T02170189
What of the cluster of LTGCG strikes to the west from 2216-2219Z? Beginning a thunderstorm then, would have given users plenty of warning of the hazards that arrived on the 2238Z SPECI. Even reporting the bolt to the east at 2228Z, could have provided several minutes of lead time of the heavy rain/poor visibility hazard- even though the gust to 27 knots struck at 2230Z. Of course, the best lead time would have been not to report clear skies at 2153Z:
The core of the level 6 cell to the west, was about 9 miles out; the core of the level 6 cell to the northwest, was about 12 miles away. The cells moved only very slowly; rather than moving east, they likely built to the east, affecting KSWO by 2235Z:
A remark on the 2153Z METAR of CB W MOV E, CB W MOV LTL, or CB W MOV SLOLY E; would have alerted users to the hazards that were to come. Instead, Stillwater had an unreported thunderstorm on June 30th.
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Fri 1 Jul 2016:
Between 2000-2300Z on July 1st, these were the reports transmitted from Norfolk Intl (KORF):
METAR KORF 011951Z 20009KT 10SM SCT036 BKN050 BKN070 29/23
A2989 RMK AO2 SLP121 T02940228
SPECI KORF 012020Z 34007G17KT 6SM -RA FEW016 BKN037 OVC060
25/22 A2992 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2000 RAB13 P0000 T02500222
METAR KORF 012051Z 27009G19KT 1 1/2SM R05/2400VP6000FT +RA
BR FEW036 BKN065 OVC120 23/22 A2991 RMK AO2 WSHFT
2000 RAB13 SLP127 P0010 60010 T02330217 55003
SPECI KORF 012105Z 13008KT 3SM -RA BR SCT046 SCT065 BKN080
23/21 A2995 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0011 T02330211
METAR KORF 012151Z 12007KT 10SM FEW050 SCT075 BKN100 24/22
A2991 RMK AO2 RAE17 SLP129 P0011 T02440222
METAR KORF 012251Z 14009KT 10SM SCT044 BKN055 24/20 A2992
RMK AO2 SLP130 T02390200
There were gusting, shifting winds; and brief heavy rain that caused IFR visibility. No mention was made of lightning or thunder, despite this:
 
At 2056Z, lightning struck on or very near the NE end of runway 5/23! That was during the time when 1 1/2SM +RA was being reported. It should have been +TSRA, but that didn’t happen. Norfolk Intl had an unreported thunderstorm that day.
Suffolk County Airport, Westhampton Beach, New York, Fri 1 Jul 2016:
This D level airport (KFOK) is not required to report thunderstorms. So, on the evening of July 1st, it didn’t:
METAR KFOK 012153Z 18008KT 10SM OVC005 22/21 A2991 RMK AO2
SLP128 T02220206
SPECI KFOK 012212Z 19009KT 9SM -RA OVC004 22/21 A2991 RMK
AO2 RAB10 P0000 T02220206
METAR KFOK 012253Z 19011G17KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT004 BKN017
OVC075 22/21 A2992 RMK AO2 RAB10 SLP133 P0007
T02220211
SPECI KFOK 012303Z 27015G32KT 1/2SM +RA BR SCT004 BKN017
OVC023 21/20 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT
2249 SFC VIS 1 P0029 T02110200
SPECI KFOK 012313Z VRB06G19KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW004 SCT017
OVC026 21/19 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT
2249 VIS 1/2V2 P0042 T02060189
SPECI KFOK 012323Z 19006KT 3SM -RA BR FEW007 BKN028 OVC070
22/21 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT 2249
P0045 T02170206
SPECI KFOK 012331Z 21007KT 2SM -RA SCT028 BKN075 OVC090 22/20
A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT 2249 SFC
VIS 7 P0045 T02170200
SPECI KFOK 012342Z 23006KT 5SM -RA BR FEW028 BKN090 OVC110
21/19 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT 2249
P0047 T02110194
METAR KFOK 012353Z 20005KT 3SM RA BR SCT032 BKN049 OVC110
21/19 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 24032/2259 WSHFT 2249
SLP130 P0051 60058 T02060194 10250 20206 56001
SPECI KFOK 020007Z 19010G17KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW015 BKN029
21/19 A2992 RMK AO2 P0018 T02060189
SPECI KFOK 020017Z 20006KT 3SM RA BR BKN027 BKN049 OVC090
20/19 A2991 RMK AO2 P0022 T02000189
SPECI KFOK 020025Z 17005KT 4SM RA BR SCT026 BKN048 OVC080
19/18 A2989 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0027 T01940183
METAR KFOK 020053Z 19006KT 7SM -RA FEW026 SCT055 BKN100 20/19
A2989 RMK AO2 SLP122 P0030 T02000189
METAR KFOK 020153Z 21005KT 9SM -RA FEW070 OVC110 19/18 A2990
RMK AO2 SLP123 P0006 T01940178
But is that a good practice, given how much lightning struck around this D level airport that evening?
 
One bolt even struck the airport, at 2258Z! Yet that still didn’t trigger a thunderstorm getting reported at Suffolk County Airport!
Miami Executive Airport (Tamiami), Kendall, Florida, Sun 3 Jul 2016:
On Sun 3 Jul, this was the lightning situation around Kendall (KTMB), Florida, between 1500-1800Z:
 
Yet, here were the reports from Miami Executive Airport during that time:
METAR KTMB 031453Z 09005KT 5SM -RA BKN031 BKN044 OVC065 27/24
A3014 RMK AO2 RAB31 SLP207 P0033 60033 T02670239
52015
SPECI KTMB 031538Z 19013G20KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW026 BKN047
OVC060 27/25 A3016 RMK AO2 RAE1458B26 P0023 T02670250
SPECI KTMB 031546Z 31011G33KT 260V330 1/2SM +RA BKN014 BKN036
OVC048 24/20 A3016 RMK AO2 PK WND 20033/1541 RAE1458B26
P0068 T02440200 $
METAR KTMB 031553Z 34007G17KT 1 1/4SM +RA BKN021 BKN044 OVC065
24/21 A3016 RMK AO2 PK WND 20033/1541 RAE1458B26
SLP212 P0078 T02440211 $
SPECI KTMB 031557Z VRB04KT 3SM -RA BKN023 BKN042 OVC095 25/22
A3016 RMK AO2 P0001 T02500217 $
SPECI KTMB 031605Z 14007KT 10SM -RA SCT023 BKN065 OVC095
25/23 A3015 RMK AO2 P0002 T02500228 $
METAR KTMB 031653Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW032 29/24 A3015
RMK AO2 RAE16B45 SLP209 P0003 T02940244 TSNO $
METAR KTMB 031753Z 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW040 BKN070 BKN090
29/26 A3014 RMK AO2 RAE1658B18 SLP205 P0000 60114
T02890256 10311 20244 58002 $
Somehow, heavy rain reducing the visibility to 1/2SM (low IFR conditions), and wind gusts to 33 knots; was officially due to a rain shower, not a thunderstorm. That was despite a bolt striking a couple of miles to the NE at 1530Z. Later, another bolt struck just off airport property at 1645Z. After that time, ASOS was placed into AUTO/TSNO mode! Why was that? More lightning within 5 miles was plotted as striking at 1721-1732Z, to the NE-E of the airport. The LAWRS observer didn’t report the thunderstorm- then turned off ALDARS during the event!
North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida, Sun 3 Jul 2016:
Up the road from Kendall, another level C airport had lightning issues at the same time: North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Hollywood. Here was the lightning situation around Hollywood, also from 1500-1800Z on July 3rd:
 
The reports from Hollywood, were as follows:
METAR KHWO 031453Z 26012G20KT 8SM RA BKN027 OVC038 27/24
A3016 RMK AO2 RAB22 SLP211 P0011 60011 T02670239
51014
SPECI KHWO 031507Z 29003KT 10SM SCT027 BKN050 OVC085 28/25
A3016 RMK AO2 RAE03 P0003 T02780250
SPECI KHWO 031527Z 01009KT 10SM -RA BKN025 BKN032 OVC055
28/25 A3017 RMK AO2 RAE03B09 P0006 T02780250
METAR KHWO 031553Z 34016G21KT 5SM +RA BR BKN027 BKN033 OVC045
26/23 A3019 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1538 RAE03B09 SLP222
P0009 T02560233
SPECI KHWO 031603Z 34010G18KT 8SM -RA SCT029 SCT034 OVC047
25/22 A3018 RMK AO2 P0000 T02500222
METAR KHWO 031653Z 25004KT 10SM -RA FEW033 BKN041 OVC085
27/24 A3016 RMK AO2 SLP214 P0004 T02720244
METAR KHWO 031753Z 00000KT 10SM SCT026 31/24 A3016 RMK AO2
RAE02 SLP213 P0003 60027 T03060244 10317 20250
50002
So there was brief heavy rain, that reduced visibility to 5SM. There was also a wind shift, and gusts to 21 knots. According to the NWS 5-MIN observation page, the visibility was 4SM at 1555Z. but from 1537-1551Z, there were 3 nearby lightning strikes to the NW. North Perry Airport should have reported +TSRA in present weather at 1553Z, but didn’t.
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Post by tornado on Jul 12, 2016 11:46:39 GMT -5
Clarksburg Benedum Airport (Aka North Central West Virginia Airport), West Virginia, Mon 4 Jul 2016:
Clearly, there was lightning within 5 miles of Benedum Airport (KCKB) around 2330Z:
 
Yet, reports showed heavy rain, which caused IFR visibility; but no mention was made of lightning nor thunder:
SPECI KCKB 042320Z 00000KT 10SM -RA BKN026 BKN034 OVC050
24/22 A2990 RMK AO2 P0000 T02390222
SPECI KCKB 042346Z 31006KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN014 BKN022 OVC050
23/22 A2991 RMK AO2 P0013 T02330222
SPECI KCKB 042351Z 30018G24KT 3/4SM +RA BR SCT008 BKN016
OVC046 23/22 A2994 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0042 RVRNO
METAR KCKB 042353Z 26010G24KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT005 BKN016
OVC049 23/22 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP121 P0061 60062
T02280222 10256 20217 55003 RVRNO
SPECI KCKB 050006Z 00000KT 2SM RA BR FEW005 BKN021 OVC060
21/21 A2990 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 P0015 T02110206
SPECI KCKB 050011Z 21004KT 7SM -RA FEW005 SCT016 OVC060 21/20
A2991 RMK AO2 P0016 T02110200
KCKB had an unreported thunderstorm the evening of July 4th.
Smyrna, Tennessee, Mon 4 Jul 2016:
On the evening of July 4th, but on the 5th UTC; Smyrna (KMQY) had some lightning around, from 0100-0300Z:
 
At 0201Z, a bolt struck just off airport property, hitting the golf course to the south. Reports transmitted from KMQY didn’t include thunder or lightning:
METAR KMQY 050156Z 34008KT 10SM -RA FEW049 SCT060 BKN075
26/24 A2995 RMK AO2 T02550244 BKN V SCT RAB56
P0001 SLP146
SPECI KMQY 050201Z 36008KT 2SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT027 BKN060
26/24 A2994 RMK AO2 P0009
SPECI KMQY 050203Z 35006KT 1SM +RA BR FEW006 SCT027 BKN047
25/24 A2995 RMK AO2 P0012
SPECI KMQY 050207Z 30005KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW003 SCT011 BKN027
25/24 A2996 RMK AO2 CIG 020V032 P0012
SPECI KMQY 050212Z VRB04KT 1 1/4SM -RA BR FEW001 SCT011 BKN027
25/24 A2996 RMK AO2 BKN V SCT P0013
SPECI KMQY 050219Z 16004KT 5SM -RA BR SCT011 BKN027 25/24
A2995 RMK AO2 P0013
METAR KMQY 050256Z 00000KT 4SM BR FEW060 SCT080 BKN100 25/24
A2995 RMK AO2 53012 60014 T02500244 BKN V SCT
RAE32 P0013 SLP147
METAR KMQY 050356Z AUTO 14005KT 3SM BR SCT070 BKN085 24/24
A2995 RMK AO2 T02440244 BKN V SCT LTG DSNT SW
AND W SLP146
Once LAWRS logged off ASOS for the evening, ALDARS recorded LTG DSNT SW at 0356Z. But why wasn’t lightning reported around 0200Z?
This same site, had another lightning issue the next evening. On Tue 5 Jul 2016, between 6/0000-6/0200Z, there was more lightning near Smyrna:
 
The closest lightning hit from 0114-0137Z. Yet, there was no SPECI taken between 0056Z and 0149Z; and no mention of lightning or thunder:
METAR KMQY 060056Z VRB06KT 10SM FEW048 SCT060 26/21 A3000
RMK AO2 T02610211 SLP162
SPECI KMQY 060149Z 12005KT 4SM +RA BR SCT017 BKN029 OVC044
25/23 A3002 RMK AO2 BKN V SCT RAB04E16B43 P0001
METAR KMQY 060156Z 14003KT 7SM -RA SCT017 BKN029 OVC044 24/23
A3003 RMK AO2 T02440227 BKN V SCT RAB04E16B43
P0001 SLP172
SPECI KMQY 060209Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW002 BKN017 OVC029
24/23 A3002 RMK AO2 BKN V SCT VIS 1 3/4V5 P0003
SPECI KMQY 060217Z 00000KT 4SM +RA BR BKN017 OVC029 24/23
A3003 RMK AO2 P0007
METAR KMQY 060256Z AUTO 20005KT 4SM BR BKN017 OVC029 24/23
A3001 RMK AO2 50005 60009 T02380227 RAE44 P0008
SLP166
So on 2 consecutive evenings, KMQY had unreported thunderstorms!
Midland International Air And Space Port, Wed 6 Jul 2016:
This case was first noticed by forum user hlsto2:
a number of lightning strikes within 5 and within 10 miles of the midland tx ap...ignored by the lawrs tower. also note that when they went AUTO they also left ALDARS off...ref the TSNO in remarks. so...they ignored blowing dust and they ignored tstms...but there is NO degradation??
METAR KMAF 070053Z 19022G35KT 9SM CLR 36/16 A2986 RMK AO2
PK WND 18035/0050 SLP054 T03610161
SPECI KMAF 070127Z 31032G46KT 2SM HZ FEW005 FEW080 28/15
A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 27046/0121 WSHFT 0110 VIS
1V5 T02780150
SPECI KMAF 070130Z 30046G56KT 3/4SM HZ FEW003 SCT080 26/15
A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 30056/0129 WSHFT 0110 T02560150
SPECI KMAF 070143Z 31032G51KT 2SM HZ SCT003 SCT080 27/13
A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 30056/0129 WSHFT 0110 VIS
1V5 T02670133
METAR KMAF 070153Z 32030G52KT 5SM HZ FEW003 SCT110 28/12
A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 30056/0129 WSHFT 0110 SLP094
T02830117
I’ll just add that, one could tell the storms were headed southeast- right for Midland- based on the colors of the lightning strike
position plots:
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Post by tornado on Jul 12, 2016 12:47:08 GMT -5
Westfield, Barnes Municipal Airport, Massachusetts, Thu 7 Jul 2016:
There was lightning within 5 miles of Westfield, Barnes Municipal Airport (KBAF) around 1850Z:
 
The reports from KBAF, didn't mention lightning:
METAR KBAF 071853Z 21022G30KT 10SM SCT040 BKN120 29/18 A2974
RMK AO2 PK WND 21030/1847 SLP068 T02890183
SPECI KBAF 071903Z 22019G37KT 7SM -RA FEW021 SCT042 BKN090
24/20 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 22037/1856 WSHFT 1843
RAB01 P0000 T02440200
SPECI KBAF 071910Z 22019G27KT 1 1/2SM R20/4000VP6000FT +RA
BR FEW030 BKN065 OVC110 23/21 A2976 RMK AO2 PK
WND 22037/1856 WSHFT 1843 RAB01 P0007 T02280206
SPECI KBAF 071926Z 21004KT 3SM -RA BR FEW038 BKN070 OVC100
23/21 A2975 RMK AO2 PK WND 22037/1856 WSHFT 1843
RAB01 P0018 T02280211
METAR KBAF 071953Z 00000KT 10SM SCT075 BKN100 OVC120 24/22
A2976 RMK AO2 PK WND 22037/1856 WSHFT 1843 RAB01E35
SLP075 P0018 T02390217
The reason for the heavy rain shower, was that a thunderstorm was actually in progress.
Donaldson Center Airport, Greenville, South Carolina, Thu 7 Jul 2016:
At 1750Z, there was a lightning strike to the airport. Yet, this D level site didn’t report a thunderstorm:
METAR KGYH 071647Z 24012G18KT 10SM SCT035 32/22 A2999
METAR KGYH 071747Z 24012G18KT 1SM +RA SCT008 28/22 A3000
SPECI KGYH 071751Z 28009G16KT 5SM -RA SCT010 26/21 A3000
METAR KGYH 071847Z 24005KT 10SM CLR 24/21 A2998
That was legal, because Service level D sites are not required to report thunderstorms. But is that a wise policy?
Dutchess County Airport, Poughkeepsie, New York, Thu 7 Jul 2016:
At 1948 and 2004Z, lightning struck within 5 miles of Poughkeepsie (KPOU) Airport:
KPOU briefly went IFR due to heavy rain:
METAR KPOU 071853Z 13004KT 10SM CLR 28/22 A2971 RMK AO2 SLP055
T02780217
SPECI KPOU 071946Z 31011KT 2 1/2SM +RA SCT016 BKN030 OVC050
24/22 A2975 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1926 RAB36 P0006 T02440217
METAR KPOU 071953Z 35006KT 3SM RA BR FEW017 BKN046 OVC090
24/22 A2975 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1926 RAB36 SLP069 P0008
T02440222
METAR KPOU 072053Z 14007KT 10SM FEW050 FEW095 SCT120 26/23
A2973 RMK AO2 RAE15 SLP062 P0001 60009 T02610228
56007
But a thunderstorm was not reported at KPOU that evening.
Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, Michigan, Thu 7 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 7th, that it was the 8th UTC; Battle Creek (KBTL) had some lightning which didn’t miss the airport by much:
The reports that hour didn’t mention lightning or thunder:
METAR KBTL 080253Z 35011KT 10SM -RA BKN039 BKN070 BKN120
23/22 A2983 RMK AO2 RAB44 SLP096 P0000 60000 T02330222
53003
SPECI KBTL 080323Z 33010KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN036 OVC050
22/22 A2983 RMK AO2 P0009 T02220222
SPECI KBTL 080333Z 34011KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN021 OVC036
22/22 A2983 RMK AO2 P0022 T02170217
METAR KBTL 080353Z VRB04KT 3SM -RA BR FEW006 BKN029 OVC060
21/21 A2985 RMK AO2 SLP102 P0040 T02110211
Battle Creek had an unreported thunderstorm that evening.
Coleman A. Young Airport, Detroit, Michigan, 8 Jul 2016:
The same storms that affected Battle Creek, rolled on towards Detroit, and arrived around midnight:
Coleman A. Young Airport (KDET) had plenty of lightning nearby, but didn’t report it:
METAR KDET 080453Z 03007KT 5SM -RA BR FEW018 SCT031 OVC048
24/22 A2979 RMK AO2 RAB17 SLP082 P0007 T02390217
403110217
SPECI KDET 080507Z VRB04KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW017 BKN032 OVC044
24/22 A2983 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0022 T02390217
SPECI KDET 080513Z 29007KT 1/4SM +RA FG SCT009 BKN029 OVC043
23/21 A2983 RMK AO2 P0097 T02330211
SPECI KDET 080520Z 02008KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN007 BKN027 OVC043
23/21 A2982 RMK AO2 P0126 T02280211
SPECI KDET 080532Z 04015KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN004 OVC008 22/21
A2984 RMK AO2 P0153 T02220211
SPECI KDET 080542Z 04013G21KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN006 BKN010
OVC018 21/19 A2984 RMK AO2 P0173 T02060194
METAR KDET 080553Z 04005KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN006 OVC010 21/19
A2988 RMK AO2 SLP112 P0224 60231 T02060194 10289
20206 53016
The visibility even met low IFR criteria (1/4SM) by 0513Z, due to the heavy rain. The ceiling was low IFR at 0532Z. At 0506Z, lightning struck very close to runway 15/33:
Even though lightning struck the airport, KDET did not report a thunderstorm!
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Post by tornado on Jul 12, 2016 13:46:21 GMT -5
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, Fayetteville-Springdale, Arkansas, Fri 8 Jul 2016:
Despite this much lightning around Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (KXNA)…
…plus 2 lightning strikes to the airport:
A thunderstorm was not recorded:
SPECI KXNA 081653Z 24011G18KT 10SM FEW023 BKN034 OVC044 26/23
A3009
SPECI KXNA 081717Z 240008KT 2SM +RA BR SCT026 BKN050 OVC080
23/21 A3010
SPECI KXNA 081753Z 09004KT 10SM -RA FEW039 FEW090 BKN110
22/21 A3007
That was the morning of the 8th. See the “missing METARs” thread to see what happened on July 9th.
Tri-State Airport, Huntington, West Virginia, Fri 8 Jul 2016:
There’s no doubt there was a lot of lightning near Huntington (KHTS) between 1700-1900Z on the 8th:
Zooming in shows the peak activity between 1820-1830Z:
Yet, here were the reports from KHTS:
METAR KHTS 081751Z 27005KT 10SM SCT020 BKN027 OVC033 27/23 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP131 T02720233 10283 20233 53001
SPECI KHTS 081821Z 27012G26KT 240V320 3/4SM +RA FEW012 BKN018
OVC024 24/21 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/1819 RAB20
PRESRR P0000 T02440211
SPECI KHTS 081830Z VRB06G18KT 1SM RA BR SCT018 BKN032 OVC080
22/19 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/1819 RAB20 P0021
T02170194
SPECI KHTS 081834Z 05005KT 3SM -RA SCT018 BKN035 BKN080 22/19
A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/1819 RAB20 P0023 T02170189
METAR KHTS 081851Z 00000KT 9SM -TSRA SCT050 SCT080 BKN110 22/20 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/1819 RAB20 TSB47 SLP123 P0023 T02170200
Yes, KHTS began a thunderstorm at 1847Z- but that was well after the peak activity. Lightning began striking within 5 miles at 1812Z, providing users with a lead time of -35 minutes.
Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, Fri 8 Jul 2016:
At 2057Z, lightning struck a parking lot, just south of some hangars at the airport:
Yet, according to the official reports, no thunderstorm occurred:
METAR KACY 081954Z 10011KT 10SM CLR 30/22 A2977 RMK AO2 SLP082
T03000222
METAR KACY 082054Z 06012KT 9SM FEW018 27/22 A2979 RMK AO2
SLP085 T02720222 55000
SPECI KACY 082113Z 36015G24KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT017 BKN036
BKN100 24/22 A2978 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0005 T02440222
SPECI KACY 082116Z 36013G24KT 3/4SM +RA BR SCT017 BKN030
BKN100 24/22 A2978 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0011 T02390217
SPECI KACY 082125Z 06006KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW014 BKN028 OVC100
23/21 A2979 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0042 T02330211
SPECI KACY 082142Z 02009KT 1SM +RA BKN032 OVC075 23/21 A2979
RMK AO2 RAB10 P0075 T02330206
SPECI KACY 082146Z 03011KT 2SM RA BR BKN038 OVC075 23/21
A2978 RMK AO2 RAB10 P0076 T02280206
METAR KACY 082154Z 04005KT 2SM +RA BR BKN041 OVC070 23/22
A2979 RMK AO2 RAB10 SLP087 P0080 T02330217
Lightning data shows that yes, there was a thunderstorm:
How can that happen, at the airport where the FAA has its technical training center? From Wikipedia:
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, Sat 9 Jul 2016: At 10/0336Z, lightning data showed a strike to the center of the runway complex at Hector International Airport (KFAR):  Plenty of other lightning struck around Fargo:  Yet, here were the reports transmitted from Fargo: METAR KFAR 100253Z 11011G17KT 10SM BKN060 OVC075 26/17 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND 14027/0227 SLP099 T02610167 55005 SPECI KFAR 100312Z 03018KT 10SM FEW021 BKN040 OVC060 21/17 A2986 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0252 T02110172 SPECI KFAR 100340Z 03023G30KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW026 OVC041 19/18 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 04030/0338 WSHFT 0252 RAB13 P0020 T01940183 METAR KFAR 100353Z 03014G21KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN016 OVC041 19/18 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 04030/0338 WSHFT 0252 RAB13 SLP129 P0065 T01890178 SPECI KFAR 100401Z 06015G21KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN014 OVC041 18/17 A2992 RMK AO2 P0043 T01830172 SPECI KFAR 100404Z 06017KT 1SM +RA BR VV019 18/17 A2990 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0350 P0051 T01830172 SPECI KFAR 100412Z 10012KT 3SM +RA BR BKN026 OVC080 18/17 A2990 RMK AO2 WSHFT 0350 P0060 T01830172 The poor conditions were caused by an unreported thunderstorm. Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, Mon 11 Jul 2016:See page 16 of “The lightning project” for a level 8 case on the FLAWD scale from Hector Intl.However, that was at about 1 a.m. Around 11 p.m. on the same calendar day, Hector Intl had another lightning issue! Between 0300-0500Z on the 12th UTC (11th CDT), there was more lightning within 5 miles of KFAR:  Reports did not show that lightning: METAR KFAR 120253Z 00000KT 10SM -RA SCT013 OVC034 21/18 A2958 RMK AO2 RAB13 SLP015 P0001 60003 T02060183 53021 METAR KFAR 120353Z 14007KT 10SM -RA OVC036 20/18 A2954 RMK AO2 SLP000 P0003 T02000183 SPECI KFAR 120405Z 27014G22KT 2SM +RA BR SCT007 SCT016 OVC034 20/18 A2958 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0000 T02000183 SPECI KFAR 120408Z 29014G22KT 3/4SM +RA BR SCT007 BKN016 OVC035 19/18 A2957 RMK AO2 P0013 T01940183 SPECI KFAR 120413Z 29013G26KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN014 OVC039 19/18 A2958 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/0409 WSHFT 0359 P0035 T01890178 SPECI KFAR 120417Z 31014G26KT 2SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN020 OVC050 19/18 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/0409 WSHFT 0359 VIS 3/4V4 P0037 T01890178 SPECI KFAR 120425Z 34008KT 7SM -RA FEW007 BKN019 BKN032 18/17 A2956 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/0409 WSHFT 0359 P0040 T01830172 SPECI KFAR 120434Z 01007KT 10SM FEW019 SCT044 SCT120 18/17 A2955 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/0409 WSHFT 0359 RAE30 P0040 T01830172 METAR KFAR 120453Z 20003KT 10SM CLR 18/17 A2957 RMK AO2 PK WND 30026/0409 WSHFT 0359 RAE30 SLP013 P0040 T01780167 3 unreported thunderstorms, one of which was severe, struck KFAR in less than 3 days! |
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Post by tornado on Jul 14, 2016 17:33:08 GMT -5
Missoula, Montana, Tue 12 Jul 2016:
At 12/2233Z, lightning struck within a mile of the Missoula International Airport (KMSO):
The weather reports, were as follows:
METAR KMSO 122153Z 22004KT 10SM SCT100 21/07 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP143 T02110072
SPECI KMSO 122240Z 25024G35KT 1 1/2SM +RA FEW024 SCT047 OVC065 14/09 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND 26035/2237 RAB17 PRESRR P0003 T01390094
SPECI KMSO 122242Z 26024G35KT 1SM +RA FEW021 SCT045 OVC065 14/09 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND 26035/2237 RAB17 PRESRR P0010 T01390089
SPECI KMSO 122247Z 16011G32KT 060V060 1/2SM +RA SCT017 BKN041 OVC065 14/08 A3003 RMK AO2 PK WND 26035/2237 WSHFT 2233 RAB17 PRESRR P0027
METAR KMSO 122253Z VRB06G20KT 1/2SM +RA BKN028 BKN045 OVC060 14/08 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 26035/2237 WSHFT 2233 VIS 1/4V2 RAB17 SLP173 P0052 T01440078
SPECI KMSO 122257Z 26010G20KT 1 1/4SM RA BKN037 OVC060 13/09 A3004 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V4 P0004 T01330089
SPECI KMSO 122259Z 26010G15KT 2SM RA BKN040 OVC065 13/09 A3004 RMK AO2 VIS 1V4 P0005 T01280094
The lightning struck before the strong winds and heavy rain hit the airport. Nevertheless, a thunderstorm was not recorded.
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio, Wed 13 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 13th, that it was the 14th UTC; there was a heavy rain shower that struck the airport:
METAR KTOL 140152Z 22007KT 10SM SCT075 BKN100 OVC110 22/20 A2986 RMK AO2 RAE26 SLP108 P0001 T02170200
SPECI KTOL 140233Z 22019G28KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW019 BKN050 OVC080 22/21 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/0233 VIS 1/2V5 RAB26 P0006 T02170206
SPECI KTOL 140235Z 22018G28KT 3/4SM +RA BR SCT023 BKN050 OVC080 22/21 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/0233 VIS 1/4V4 RAB26 P0009 T02170206 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 140245Z 21011KT 1 3/4SM -RA BR SCT021 OVC048 21/21 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/0233 RAB26 P0047 T02110206
SPECI KTOL 140247Z 21011G16KT 3SM -RA BR FEW019 SCT024 OVC050 21/21 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/0233 RAB26 P0047
METAR KTOL 140252Z 22008KT 10SM -RA SCT022 BKN050 OVC075 22/21 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 23028/0233 RAB26 SLP117 P0047 60048 T02170206 53018
Yet, lightning data showed a cluster of 6 lightning strikes, just east of the airport, from 0233-0236Z, with more lightning to the west:
Somehow, that thunderstorm did not get reported.
Stillwater, Oklahoma, Thu 14 Jul 2016:
Between 0400-0700Z, this was the lightning display around Stillwater (KSWO):
Zooming in, it can be seen that there was a lot of lightning striking around the airport, especially between 0500-0600Z:
2 lightning bolts struck the airport, at 0517Z and 0518Z:
Reports from KSWO showed that wind gusts met severe criteria from that storm:
METAR KSWO 140453Z AUTO 28009G14KT 10SM BKN075 BKN090 30/22 A2997 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP130 T03000222 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 140508Z AUTO 33038G54KT 3SM -RA SQ FEW044 BKN060 OVC075 22/17 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 32054/0505 WSHFT 0454 RAB06 P0003 T02220172 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 140510Z AUTO 34039G54KT 1 3/4SM RA SQ FEW044 BKN060 OVC075 21/18 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 32054/0505 WSHFT 0454 RAB06 P0008 T02110178 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 140520Z AUTO 34021G63KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN035 BKN044 OVC075 21/18 A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 33063/0511 WSHFT 0454 RAB06 PRESRR P0036 T02060183 TSNO
SPECI KSWO 140528Z AUTO 34011G35KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN041 OVC060 20/18 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND 33063/0511 WSHFT 0454 RAB06 P0049 T02000183 TSNO
METAR KSWO 140553Z AUTO 15014G23KT 1 3/4SM +RA BKN039 BKN070 OVC090 22/16 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 33063/0511 WSHFT 0454 VIS 1V5 RAB06 SLP139 P0091 60091 T02220161 10328 20200 403560200 51038 TSNO
But wait! Officially, that was not a severe thunderstorm, because ASOS had been placed into AUTO/TSNO mode overnight. No thunderstorm was recorded at all!
So hundreds of nearby lightning strikes, which hit the airport; plus winds gusting over 60 miles per hour, didn't result in a severe thunderstorm being reported!
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Post by tornado on Jul 19, 2016 10:21:31 GMT -5
Pascagoula, Mississippi, Thu 14 Jul 2016:
Pascagoula (KPQL) is a D level site, and as such is not required to report thunderstorms. Is that a wise rule, given that this happened on the 14th?
 
Despite lightning striking the airport at 1911Z, and the corner of airport property at 1902Z; lightning or thunder wasn’t mentioned in the official reports:
METAR KPQL 141853Z 34010KT 10SM -RA BKN033 OVC042 24/22 A3009
RMK AO2 RAB11 SLP192 P0005 T02390222
SPECI KPQL 141900Z 34015G23KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN035 OVC044
23/22 A3010 RMK AO2 P0017 T02330222
SPECI KPQL 141909Z 31007G20KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT026 BKN036
OVC044 23/23 A3013 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0039 T02330228
SPECI KPQL 141920Z 29005G15KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN021 BKN036
OVC045 22/22 A3014 RMK AO2 P0094 T02220217
SPECI KPQL 141932Z 22005KT 1SM RA BR BKN031 OVC070 22/22
A3012 RMK AO2 P0103 T02220217
SPECI KPQL 141936Z 25004KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN029 BKN070 OVC090
22/22 A3012 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0103 T02220217
SPECI KPQL 141939Z 35005KT 4SM -RA BR SCT027 BKN070 OVC090
22/22 A3011 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0103 T02220217
METAR KPQL 141953Z 00000KT 10SM FEW050 FEW070 OVC095 23/21
A3011 RMK AO2 RAE47 SLP196 P0103 T02280211
That rule ought to be changed, in the interest of safety.
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey, Thu 14 Jul 2016:
As a level C airport, Essex County Airport in Caldwell (KCDW) is required to report thunderstorms. On the evening of the 14th, KCDW recorded a brief heavy rain shower:
METAR KCDW 141853Z 22006KT 10SM BKN038 32/23 A2981 RMK AO2
SLP099 T03220233
METAR KCDW 141953Z 25010G15KT 5SM -RA SCT050 BKN070 BKN090
29/23 A2982 RMK AO2 RAB49 SLP100 P0001 T02940228
SPECI KCDW 141956Z 27011G17KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT034 BKN070 OVC100
27/23 A2984 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0006 T02720228
SPECI KCDW 142010Z 23006KT 3SM -RA BR FEW022 BKN070 OVC100
25/23 A2980 RMK AO2 P0014 T02500228
METAR KCDW 142053Z AUTO 20004KT 10SM CLR 26/23 A2980 RMK
AO2 RAE16 SLP095 P0014 60015 T02610233 56017 TSNO
What was somehow ignored, was this:
 
How is it that lightning was not mentioned on the 1953Z METAR? How is it that a thunderstorm with 20 lightning strikes in the immediate area, and 280 strikes over a larger area, went unreported?
Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York, Thu 14 Jul 2016:
Farmingdale (KFRG) was another northeastern site which recorded a heavy rain shower on the evening on the 14th:
METAR KFRG 142053Z 23012KT 200V270 10SM CLR 27/23 A2984 RMK
AO2 PRESRR SLP103 T02720233 55015
SPECI KFRG 142116Z 23014KT 1 3/4SM +RA FEW020 BKN042 BKN050
25/22 A2983 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 RAB11 P0015 T02500222
SPECI KFRG 142122Z 18016G21KT 2SM +RA BR FEW020 BKN047 OVC100
24/22 A2981 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2107 VIS 1 1/4V5 RAB11
PRESFR P0017 T02390222
SPECI KFRG 142130Z 23009G21KT 190V250 8SM -RA SCT047 BKN100
25/22 A2982 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2107 RAB11 P0017 T02500222
METAR KFRG 142153Z 21004KT 10SM FEW100 26/23 A2981 RMK AO2
WSHFT 2107 RAB11E33 SLP093 P0017 T02560233
No lightning or thunder was mentioned that hour; but, did that reflect reality? No:
 
The reality was that hundreds of lightning bolts struck within 10 miles of the airport, with one bolt hitting Republic Airport at 2108Z.
That thunderstorm went unreported.
Allegheny County Airport, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thu 14 Jul 2016:
A third northeastern site which recorded a heavy rain shower on the evening on the 14th, was Allegheny County Airport (KAGC), near Pittsburgh:
METAR KAGC 142253Z 23007KT 10SM BKN050 30/18 A2988 RMK AO2
SLP113 T03000178
SPECI KAGC 142346Z 27016G27KT 1 1/4SM R28/3000VP6000FT +RA
FEW030 BKN050 BKN065 26/19 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND
25027/2345 RAB42 PRESRR P0012 T02560189
METAR KAGC 142353Z VRB05G27KT 3/4SM R28/3000VP6000FT RA SCT032
SCT043 BKN050 23/19 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 25027/2345
RAB42 SLP125 P0016 60016 T02330194 10311 20233
53009
SPECI KAGC 150000Z 21010KT 4SM R28/5000VP6000FT RA FEW034
BKN050 OVC070 24/19 A2991 RMK AO2 P0005 T02390194
METAR KAGC 150053Z VRB05KT 10SM SCT120 22/19 A2992 RMK AO2
RAE43 SLP126 P0006 T02220194
That rain shower caused the airfield to be low IFR at 2353Z. That was a “6-hourly” observation, which is ingested into some computer models. But it was lacking a key piece of data: a thunderstorm was in progress:
 
How are thunderstorm forecasts for this airport going to improve, if thunderstorms go unreported?
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Post by hlsto2 on Jul 19, 2016 10:40:07 GMT -5
the non-reporting of TS by lawrs site is another trump card the contractors have to prove that allowing the ATCT to be responsible for the aviation weather reporting can be a hazard to anyone that flys health. and of course, it has been shown that these are not isolated incidents, but in fact, very common occurrences. lawrs allowing ASOS to routinely report UP in winter weather events is another very serious and potentially deadly practice. common sense would tell the FAA to keep the professionals and give up on trying to get rid of highly trained and experienced CWO's. lawrs sites cannot even come close to the quality product put out by us.
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Post by tornado on Jul 21, 2016 9:08:44 GMT -5
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Fri 15 Jul 2016:
LAWRS site Norfolk Intl (KORF) reported a thunderstorm in the 2000Z hour on the 15th:
SPECI KORF 152000Z 24009KT 10SM VCTS BKN048 BKN055 35/24
A2991 RMK AO2 TS E MOV E OCNL LTGICCG DIST E T03500239
SPECI KORF 152028Z 27005KT 10SM BKN045 BKN060 34/24 A2990
RMK AO2 TS DIST E MOV E T03440239
Later, on the 2251Z METAR, a gust to 27 knots was recorded, with a peak wind of 36 knots earlier in the hour:
METAR KORF 152151Z 10008KT 10SM BKN049 31/23 A2989 RMK AO2 SLP121 T03110228
METAR KORF 152251Z 06016G27KT 10SM SCT049 BKN090 BKN110 25/21 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 04036/2225 RAB25E40 SLP142 P0000 T02500211
Why was it windy? The answer was, due to a nearby thunderstorm:
From 2230-2257Z, there were several nearby lightning strikes to Norfolk Intl. Not only did they not get reported, but the 2251Z METAR didn’t mention any nearby cumulonimbus activity. That was despite level 5 rain cells nearby, which would have been seen with the visibility at 10SM:
Norfolk Intl had a missed thunderstorm, 2 hours after reporting one.
Martin State Airport, Baltimore, Maryland, Sat 16 Jul 2016:
As a D level site, Martin State Airport (KMTN) is not required to report thunderstorms. Because of that rule, this went unreported:
 
Despite all of that lightning, the reports from KMTN during that time, didn’t mention any:
METAR KMTN 161945Z 14011KT 10SM SCT050 BKN100 32/23 A3001
METAR KMTN 162055Z 00000KT 7SM -RA SCT011 SCT028 BKN100 31/22
A3002
SPECI KMTN 162111Z 32014KT 1/2SM +RA SCT005 SCT013 BKN027
27/22 A3003
METAR KMTN 162155Z 15019G32KT 3SM +RA OVC005 22/20 A3007
METAR KMTN 162255Z 19013G18KT 5SM RA SCT009 SCT013 OVC023
23/21 A3007
So a D level site doesn’t have to report any of hundreds of nearby lightning strikes, even when 2 of those bolts strike the runway. Is that a wise rule?
Kenosha Regional Airport, Wisconsin, Sun 17 Jul 2016:
Kenosha (KENW) had a heavy rain shower that Sunday morning:
METAR KENW 171253Z 18009KT 10SM SCT039 BKN050 BKN080 20/14
A3001 RMK AO2 SLP158 T02000139
SPECI KENW 171346Z 16017G22KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN041 BKN095
OVC120 18/16 A2993 RMK AO2 RAB1254 PRESFR P0013
T01830161
METAR KENW 171353Z 16015G22KT 3SM -RA BR SCT041 BKN055 BKN090
19/17 A2991 RMK AO2 RAB1254 PRESFR SLP128 P0015
T01890167
The actual reason for that shower, was that a thunderstorm produced it:
 
But that thunderstorm went unrecorded.
Missoula, Montana, Sun 17 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 17th, that it was the 18th UTC; Missoula (KMSO) had some windy, rainy conditions:
METAR KMSO 180353Z 33017G26KT 10SM -RA BKN090 OVC110 21/10
A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 31026/0349 WSHFT 0330 RAB29
SLP145 P0000 T02110100
SPECI KMSO 180424Z 04020G32KT 6SM RA FEW036 BKN070 OVC090
18/12 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 05032/0421 WSHFT 0406
PRESFR P0001 T01830117
SPECI KMSO 180440Z 28012G28KT 230V320 10SM FEW032 SCT070
SCT090 18/11 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 05032/0421 WSHFT
0420 RAE37 PRESRR P0001 T01830111
METAR KMSO 180453Z 30015KT 10SM FEW026 17/12 A3002 RMK AO2
PK WND 05032/0421 WSHFT 0420 RAE37 SLP152 P0001
T01720117
The reason for those conditions, was a nearby thunderstorm:
 
The nearest lightning strike was at 0417Z, about a mile SW of the runway. But lightning and thunder were not mentioned in the official reports from Missoula.
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Post by tornado on Jul 21, 2016 9:46:33 GMT -5
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio, Mon 18 Jul 2016:
Toledo Express Airport (KTOL) had some pre-dawn bad weather on the 18th:
METAR KTOL 180652Z 23010KT 10SM BKN120 26/22 A3004
SPECI KTOL 180749Z 26019G29KT 3SM -RA FEW014 BKN029 OVC038
25/22 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 26029/0749 RAB37 P0000
METAR KTOL 180752Z 26031G40KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN021 OVC040 23/22 A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 26040/0750 RAB37 SLP169 P0006 T02330217 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 180758Z 30023G44KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN008 BKN021
OVC030 21/20 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 PRESRR
P0022 T02060200 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 180800Z 29022G44KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN010 BKN021
OVC030 21/19 A3009 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 PRESRR
P0033 T02060194 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 180804Z 29019G39KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN016 BKN021
OVC030 21/21 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 WSHFT
0748 P0063 T02110206 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 180808Z 29015G28KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW009 OVC022
21/20 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 WSHFT 0748
P0069 T02110200
SPECI KTOL 180815Z 27016G28KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW009 OVC030
21/19 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 WSHFT 0748
P0081 T02060194
SPECI KTOL 180823Z 24015KT 3SM RA BR BKN038 OVC070 21/19
A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 WSHFT 0748 P0088
T02060194
METAR KTOL 180852Z 19008KT 4SM RA FEW034 SCT095 OVC110 21/18 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 28044/0754 WSHFT 0748 SLP166 P0097 60103 T02060178 58002
So heavy rain showers, and winds gusting to 44 knots, struck the airport shortly before 0800Z. That would have been a near-severe thunderstorm, except that a thunderstorm was not reported. Should one have been reported?
 
Hundreds of lightning bolts struck within 10 miles of the airport, with 4 of those striking the airport! +TSRA should have been the weather code instead of +RA. This ranks as a level 7 case on the FLAWD scale.
Martinsburg, Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, Mon 18 Jul 2016:
As a D level site, Martinsburg (KMRB) is not required to report thunderstorms. Early Monday afternoon, it reported a heavy rain shower:
METAR KMRB 181753Z 19011G15KT 10SM FEW120 32/19 A3010 RMK
AO2 SLP186 T03170194 10328 20233 58015
SPECI KMRB 181830Z 30024G34KT 3/4SM +RA BR FEW025 SCT040
BKN050 23/21 A3015 RMK AO2 PK WND 29034/1822 RAB24
P0008 T02280206
SPECI KMRB 181833Z 30019G33KT 1/4SM +RA FG SCT021 BKN046
BKN060 22/21 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 29034/1822 WSHFT
1817 RAB24 P0013 T02220206
SPECI KMRB 181840Z 32011G31KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN024 BKN040
OVC050 22/20 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 29034/1822 WSHFT
1817 RAB24 P0020 T02170200
SPECI KMRB 181846Z 30009KT 2SM -RA BR SCT026 BKN045 OVC090
22/20 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 29034/1822 WSHFT 1817
RAB24 P0024 T02220200
METAR KMRB 181853Z 23006KT 6SM -RA BR SCT024 SCT049 BKN090
23/21 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 29034/1822 WSHFT 1817
RAB24 SLP198 P0028 T02280206
The winds gusted as high as 34 knots during that shower. Actually, that was a thunderstorm:
 
Sometimes D level sites take initiative, and report thunder anyway. Sometimes they don’t.
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Tue 19 Jul 2016:
On Tuesday evening, reports from Norfolk Intl (KORF) showed gusty winds , and some light rain:
METAR KORF 192251Z AUTO 06007KT 10SM CLR 29/22 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP188 T02890222 TSNO
METAR KORF 192351Z AUTO 19012KT 10SM FEW030 BKN037 OVC045 27/19 A3016 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP211 T02670194 10322 20267 53022 TSNO
SPECI KORF 200010Z AUTO 23014G32KT 5SM R05/4500VP6000FT -RA BR SCT036 BKN047 OVC110 22/21 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 22032/0004 WSHFT 2350 RAB2358 P0001 T02220206 TSNO
METAR KORF 200051Z AUTO 16008KT 10SM -RA FEW065 BKN120 22/19 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 22032/0004 WSHFT 2350 RAB2358 SLP199 P0003 T02170189 TSNO
The worst conditions were on the 0010Z SPECI, which was at 8:10 p.m. Why was ASOS placed in AUTO/TSNO mode at that time? Because ASOS was in TSNO mode, a thunderstorm was missed:
 
There’s no doubt a thunderstorm went unreported that evening at Norfolk Intl.
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Colorado, Tue 19 Jul 2016:
Another site that had lightning issues Tuesday evening, was Aspen (KASE). Inexplicably, after reporting a VCTS, a closer TS was not reported:
SPECI KASE 200121Z 21008KT 10SM VCTS SCT110 20/13 A3041 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT SW T02000133
METAR KASE 200153Z 15009KT 10SM BKN060 BKN085 BKN110 20/13
A3043 RMK AO2 SLP182 T02000133
SPECI KASE 200204Z 10011G20KT 060V140 1 3/4SM +RA FEW025
BKN055 OVC100 17/12 A3044 RMK AO2 RAB0154 P0017
T01720122
SPECI KASE 200212Z VRB06G20KT 3SM -RA FEW033 BKN055 OVC075
16/10 A3044 RMK AO2 RAB0154 P0020 T01610100
METAR KASE 200253Z 15009KT 10SM -RA BKN085 17/12 A3042 RMK
AO2 RAB0154E19B37 SLP180 P0020 60020 T01720122
55000
 
2 lightning bolts struck within 2 miles of the airport at 0201 and 0202Z. The SPECI with the heavy rain and gusty winds followed, but TS didn’t get reported.
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Post by tornado on Jul 22, 2016 11:40:08 GMT -5
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Wed 20 Jul 2016:
Hawkins Field (KHKS) recorded a brief heavy rain shower after 2100Z on the 20th:
METAR KHKS 202053Z VRB04KT 10SM FEW049 BKN070 35/22 A3012
RMK AO2 SLP191 T03500217 56018
SPECI KHKS 202118Z 15013G17KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT050 BKN070 BKN085
29/24 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB11 P0009 T02940244
SPECI KHKS 202143Z 13008G16KT 3SM -RA SCT050 BKN070 OVC110
27/24 A3013 RMK AO2 RAB11 P0037 T02720239
METAR KHKS 202153Z VRB06KT 10SM FEW041 BKN055 OVC100 27/24
A3014 RMK AO2 RAB11E51 SLP198 P0037 T02720239
However, that should have been reported as a thunderstorm:
VCTS and TS could have been reported during that period; but instead, no thunder or lightning was mentioned at all.
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, Thu 21 Jul 2016:
At 2340Z, the NWS issued a TAF for the airport, the contained no mention of thunderstorms:
TAF KFAR 202340Z 2100/2124 14010KT P6SM SCT025 FM210700 VRB06KT
P6SM SCT250 FM211400 35007KT P6SM SCT200
Yet, there was obvious thunderstorm activity, around and just after midnight on the 21st, near Hector International Airport, Fargo (KFAR).
Lightning struck about 5 miles to the NW, at 0459Z. Had a VCTS been reported quickly, the airport would have had some warning of what was about to happen:
The NWS amended its TAF at 0456Z to include strong thunderstorms:
TAF AMD KFAR 210456Z 2105/2124 14010KT P6SM VCTS SCT025CB BKN100
TEMPO 2105/2107 VRB40KT 2SM -TSRA BKN020CB OVC030 FM210830
VRB05KT P6SM SCT025 BKN050 FM211400 35007KT P6SM SCT200
As it turned out, the wind went from calm, to gusting to 46 m.p.h. in 15 minutes:
The wind gusted to 55 m.p.h. at 12:15 a.m. However, according to a SPECI, there had been even stronger winds:
METAR KFAR 210453Z VRB03KT 10SM CLR 28/25 A2983 RMK AO2 PRESRR
SLP096 T02830250
SPECI KFAR 210515Z 35028G48KT 10SM -RA FEW021 BKN029 BKN110
23/18 A2993 RMK AO2 PK WND 36060/0503 RAB14 P0000
T02330183
SPECI KFAR 210527Z 35028G42KT 7SM RA FEW021 BKN031 OVC043
21/19 A2993
METAR KFAR 210553Z 36015G27KT 10SM -RA FEW043 SCT070 BKN090
21/18 A2983 RMK AO2 PK WND 36060/0503 RAB14 SLP098
P0004 60004 T02110183 10311 20206 403170206 50018
Apparently, at 0503Z, the wind peaked at 60 knots, or 69 m.p.h. Yet, that didn’t trigger ASOS to take a SPECI, so that wind information didn’t get disseminated until the 0515Z SPECI. That gust to 60 knots was 4 minutes after lightning met VCTS criteria. But no VCTS nor TS was even reported by KFAR that hour!
Another issue was that clear skies were reported on the 0453Z METAR, with no mention of any hazards. The line of level 3-6 thunderstorms more than 10 miles away, was not mentioned:
At 0505Z, 2 minutes after the gust to 60 knots, radar showed that the rain still hadn’t reached Hector Intl:
ASOS began the rain at 0514Z. Yet the strongest wind was 11 minutes prior to that. Radar echoes are not always a reliable indicator of where the strongest winds are in thunderstorms. Yet, a severe thunderstorm struck Hector Intl, but wasn’t even reported as such!
Could it be that Hector International's track record of thunderstorm reporting- or the lack thereof; led to a TAF that didn't include thunderstorms at all, hours before a severe thunderstorm struck the airport? 
Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, Michigan, Thu 21 Jul 2016:
Kellogg Airport (KBTL) recorded a heavy rain shower, which produced a wind gust to 40 knots and IFR visibility:
METAR KBTL 211753Z 24014KT 10SM BKN036 BKN050 29/23 A3008
RMK AO2 SLP179 T02890228 10300 20217 58007
SPECI KBTL 211808Z 22014G25KT 1 1/4SM R23R/2000VP6000FT +RA
FEW019 SCT034 BKN044 27/23 A3009 RMK AO2 RAB07
P0014 T02720233
SPECI KBTL 211819Z 29018G32KT 5SM R23R/5500VP6000FT -RA BR
FEW024 BKN032 BKN045 25/24 A3010 RMK AO2 PK WND
30032/1819 RAB07 P0017 T02500244=
SPECI KBTL 211823Z 30026G40KT 2 1/2SM R23R/4000VP6000FT RA
BR SQ FEW024 BKN032 BKN049 23/23 A3015 RMK AO2
PK WND 30040/1820 RAB07 PRESRR P0021 T02330228
SPECI KBTL 211831Z 29014G28KT 1SM R23R/4000VP6000FT +RA BR
FEW028 BKN034 OVC045 21/21 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND
30040/1820 RAB07 P0034 T02110206
SPECI KBTL 211838Z 29004G21KT 2SM R23R/4500VP6000FT -RA BR
SCT030 BKN039 OVC080 21/21 A3009 RMK AO2 PK WND
30040/1820 WSHFT 1818 RAB07 P0037 T02060206
SPECI KBTL 211846Z 24006KT 10SM -RA FEW028 BKN090 OVC120
21/21 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 30040/1820 WSHFT 1818
RAB07 PRESFR P0037 T02060206
METAR KBTL 211853Z 00000KT 10SM -RA FEW040 SCT070 BKN120
21/21 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 30040/1820 WSHFT 1818
RAB07 PRESFR SLP175 P0037 T02060206
What wasn’t recorded, was the lightning strike to runway 5L/23R, or any of the other couple hundred lightning strikes near Battle Creek:
 
Battle Creek had an unreported thunderstorm on Thursday.
Kenosha, Wisconsin, Thu 21 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 21st, that it was 0000-0400Z on the 22nd, Kenosha (KENW) had some lightning in its area:
 
The closest strikes were at 0039Z, 0101Z, 0123Z and 0318Z. However, the reports transmitted from Kenosha showed none of that activity:
METAR KENW 212353Z 23010KT 10SM CLR 32/24 A2995 RMK AO2 SLP135
T03170239 10339 20250 58003
SPECI KENW 220021Z 31019G27KT 10SM BKN035 27/19 A2997 RMK
AO2 PK WND 28031/0010 WSHFT 0007 T02670189
SPECI KENW 220045Z 33021G32KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT031 BKN046
OVC070 23/21 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 34034/0029 WSHFT
0007 RAB33 P0021 T02280211
METAR KENW 220053Z 30012G32KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN029 BKN055
OVC070 23/21 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 34034/0029 WSHFT
0007 RAB33 SLP154 P0028 T02280211
SPECI KENW 220055Z 30012G25KT 2SM +RA BR BKN033 BKN055 OVC070
23/21 A3000 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0001 T02280211
SPECI KENW 220103Z 28008KT 5SM RA BR BKN042 OVC070 22/21
A3000 RMK AO2 P0003 T02220211
METAR KENW 220153Z 26010KT 10SM -RA FEW055 BKN100 OVC120
23/21 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP150 P0006 T02280206
METAR KENW 220253Z AUTO 15017KT 10SM -RA FEW095 SCT120 25/20
A2995 RMK AO2 SLP137 P0008 60042 T02500200 50001
TSNO
Despite recording heavy rain, and strong wind gusts; Kenosha had an unreported thunderstorm late Thursday.
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Post by tornado on Jul 25, 2016 11:34:34 GMT -5
Trent Lott International Airport, Pascagoula, Mississippi, Wed 20 Jul 2016:
METAR KPQL 201953Z 14012KT 10SM -RA SCT043 BKN050 OVC070
31/26 A3011 RMK AO2 RAB52 SLP197 P0000 T03060256
SPECI KPQL 202012Z AUTO 24007KT 1/4SM +RA FG 24/24 A3018
RMK AO2 RAB05 P0078 T02390239 TSNO $
SPECI KPQL 202019Z AUTO 00000KT 1SM -RA BR 24/24 A3016 RMK
AO2 RAB05 P0080 T02390239 TSNO $
SPECI KPQL 202024Z AUTO 31005KT 4SM -RA BR 24/24 A3017 RMK
AO2 RAB05 P0080 T02390239 TSNO $
D level site is not required to report thunderstorms. Instead, they placed ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode when the weather worsened.
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, Thu 21 Jul 2016:
There was plenty of lightning around Ypsilanti, the hour of 2000-2100Z on the 21st:
 
None of that lightning was recorded:
METAR KYIP 211953Z 23014G19KT 10SM SCT055 BKN070 33/21 A3003
RMK AO2 SLP160 T03330211
SPECI KYIP 212027Z 29033G42KT 1 3/4SM R05R/3500VP6000FT -RA
SQ SCT047 BKN065 OVC080 28/20 A3006 RMK AO2 PK
WND 29042/2026 WSHFT 2013 RAB27 PRESRR P0004 T02830200
SPECI KYIP 212035Z 31012G42KT 1/2SM R05R/3500VP6000FT +RA
SCT036 BKN044 OVC080 24/21 A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND
29042/2026 WSHFT 2013 RAB27 P0019 T02440211
METAR KYIP 212053Z 04004KT 9SM -RA SCT039 SCT075 BKN120 24/22
A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 29042/2026 WSHFT 2013 RAB27
SLP153 P0029 60029 T02440217 56025 $
A strong thunderstorm produced a wind gust to 42 knots at the airport; but, it wasn’t reported as a thunderstorm at all.
Dannelly Field, Montgomery, Alabama, Thu 21 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 21st, that it was the 22nd UTC; a thunderstorm in the vicinity had just ended at KMGM:
METAR KMGM 220053Z 17009KT 4SM VCTS RA FEW032 BKN041 OVC110
27/23 A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E RAB42 PRESRR SLP189
P0004 T02720228
SPECI KMGM 220057Z 16013G19KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW034 BKN048 OVC110
27/23 A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E PRESRR P0003 T02670228
SPECI KMGM 220114Z 14011KT 1 1/2SM +RA BKN033 OVC045 26/22
A3010 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE P0040 T02560222
SPECI KMGM 220123Z 12013KT 2SM +RA BKN034 BKN048 OVC070 25/22
A3011 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE P0050 T02500222
SPECI KMGM 220131Z 14011G20KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR OVC039 25/23
A3011 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT NE-SE P0074 T02500228
SPECI KMGM 220141Z 10009KT 2SM +RA OVC042 25/22 A3012 RMK
AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE P0088 T02500222
METAR KMGM 220153Z 14007KT 2SM +RA BR OVC045 25/23 A3012
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE SLP195 P0109 T02500228
SPECI KMGM 220204Z 16008KT 4SM RA BR BKN043 BKN075 OVC095
25/23 A3011 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT E AND SE P0006 T02500228
But for the hour from 0100-0200Z, heavy rain causing IFR visibility continued. What wasn’t reported, was the thunderstorm within 5 miles:
The all clear was given too soon in this case.
Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, Mississippi, Fri 22 Jul 2016:
Between 1500-1600Z, there was plenty of lightning around Gulfport (KGPT):
The reports showed none of that lightning:
METAR KGPT 221453Z 05011KT 10SM FEW027 SCT035 OVC043 27/24
A3010 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP192 60000 T02670239 53013
SPECI KGPT 221506Z 08018G23KT 10SM FEW014 BKN020 OVC043 26/23
A3010 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1452 T02560228
SPECI KGPT 221532Z 10011G20KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN025
OVC036 24/23 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 11031/1516 WSHFT
1452 RAB11 P0013 T02390228
SPECI KGPT 221538Z 12014G22KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW008 BKN013
OVC025 24/23 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 11031/1516 WSHFT
1452 RAB11 P0041 T02390228 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 221544Z 15020KT 1/4SM +RA FG FEW008 BKN013 OVC027
24/23 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 11031/1516 WSHFT 1530
RAB11 P0059 T02390233 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 221548Z 15017KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW008 BKN017 OVC030
24/23 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 11031/1516 WSHFT 1530
RAB11 P0061 RVRNO
METAR KGPT 221553Z 15012G23KT 3/4SM RA BR BKN017 OVC039 24/23
A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 11031/1516 WSHFT 1530 RAB11
SLP197 P0063 T02390233 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 221600Z 16012G20KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN017 BKN041
OVC060 24/23 A3010 RMK AO2 P0004 T02390228
Despite the low IFR conditions, a thunderstorm went unreported at KGPT that day.
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