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Post by tornado on Jul 25, 2016 12:10:16 GMT -5
Allegheny County Airport, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
This LAWRS site had lightning issues on 3 straight days.
Fri 22 Jul 2016:
Compare the lightning data...
 
…to the reports from KAGC during the same hour:
METAR KAGC 221453Z 07006KT 8SM BKN085 24/18 A3007 RMK AO2
SLP177 T02390183 51003
SPECI KAGC 221537Z 02008G16KT 1 3/4SM R28/4000VP6000FT RA
OVC060 22/18 A3011 RMK AO2 RAB31 P0007 T02170183
SPECI KAGC 221546Z VRB05KT 1/2SM R28/3000V5500FT +RA OVC060
21/18 A3011 RMK AO2 RAB31 P0024 T02110183
METAR KAGC 221553Z VRB05KT 3/4SM R28/4500V5500FT +RA BR FEW021
BKN036 OVC060 21/19 A3012 RMK AO2 RAB31 SLP195
P0032 T02060189
A heavy rainshower causing low IFR conditions, wasn’t recorded as the thunderstorm that actually existed.
Sat 23 Jul 2016:
The next day, here were the reports from KAGC between 1900-2000Z:
METAR KAGC 231853Z 35010G18KT 4SM -RA SCT046 SCT065 BKN090
28/21 A2999 RMK AO2 RAB46 SLP147 P0002 T02830211
SPECI KAGC 231928Z 20018G32KT 1/2SM R28/2000VP6000FT +RA
SCT029 BKN090 OVC100 25/19 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND
26032/1921 P0026 T02500189
SPECI KAGC 231933Z 22008G24KT 190V260 1SM R28/3500VP6000FT
-RA SCT033 BKN070 OVC100 24/19 A2998 RMK AO2 PK
WND 26032/1921 WSHFT 1916 P0026 T02440189
SPECI KAGC 231937Z 20012KT 4SM R28/5500VP6000FT -RA SCT035
BKN065 BKN085 24/19 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 26032/1921
WSHFT 1916 P0026 T02440189
METAR KAGC 231953Z 22011KT 10SM FEW041 SCT090 BKN110 26/20
A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 26032/1921 WSHFT 1916 RAE43
SLP147 P0026 T02560200
Here was the lightning data for the same period:
  
Lightning struck about 2,342 feet west of the control tower, at the lower west ramp; possibly striking a hangar just north of Century 3 Kia. Yet, no thunderstorm was reported!
Sun 24 Jul 2016:
The next day, another heavy rainshower passed over the airport:
METAR KAGC 241953Z 20008KT 10SM FEW120 31/20 A2998 RMK AO2
SLP146 T03110200
METAR KAGC 242053Z 34015G26KT 2SM RA BKN044 BKN060 OVC080
23/20 A3003 RMK AO2 PK WND 32026/2043 RAB44 PRESRR
SLP167 P0003 60003 T02280200 53008
SPECI KAGC 242058Z 32013G22KT 3/4SM R28/3000VP6000FT +RA
FEW022 BKN042 OVC080 22/19 A3004 RMK AO2 WSHFT
2040 P0011 T02220194
SPECI KAGC 242128Z 31003KT 2SM -RA BR SCT028 BKN075 OVC090
22/21 A3004 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2040 P0041 T02220206
SPECI KAGC 242141Z 03003KT 3SM -RA BR FEW029 BKN090 BKN110
22/21 A3003 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2040 P0043 T02220206
METAR KAGC 242153Z 00000KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN100 OVC110 23/21
A3003 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2040 SLP165 P0045 T02280206
Yet, here was the lightning data for the same 2-hour period, 2000-2200Z;
 
KAGC missed reporting another thunderstorm on the 24th of July.
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Post by tornado on Jul 25, 2016 12:40:35 GMT -5
Kendall-Miami Executive Airport, Florida, Fri 22 Jul 2016:
This LAWRS site recorded a heavy rainshower on the 22nd:
METAR KTMB 221653Z 20004KT 10SM -RA FEW031 SCT065 BKN080
29/25 A3006 RMK AO2 RAB47 SLP179 P0001 T02890250 $
SPECI KTMB 221707Z 04018G24KT 2SM +RA SCT032 BKN055 OVC090
27/23 A3008 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/4V5 P0017 T02670228 $
SPECI KTMB 221715Z 35013G24KT 6SM -RA BKN032 BKN060 OVC080
27/23 A3007 RMK AO2 P0018 T02670233 $
SPECI KTMB 221726Z 32010KT 1 1/2SM -RA BKN030 OVC036 26/23
A3007 RMK AO2 P0023 T02610228 $
SPECI KTMB 221737Z 31010KT 3SM -RA BR BKN030 OVC035 26/24
A3007 RMK AO2 P0038 T02560244 $
METAR KTMB 221753Z 27011KT 10SM -RA FEW028 BKN034 BKN070
24/22 A3007 RMK AO2 SLP182 P0039 60040 T02390217
10317 20239 55003 $
Lightning data showed strikes within 10 miles:
KTMB should have reported a VCTS, then a TS, but did not do so.
Nantucket Memorial Airport, Massachusetts, Sat 23 Jul 2016:
From 0500-0800Z, there were heavy showers that affected Nantucket Island:
METAR KACK 230453Z 28012KT 5SM BR BKN006 OVC012 22/21 A2982
RMK AO2 SLP096 T02220211 402500206
SPECI KACK 230500Z 25014G20KT 5SM BR OVC004 22/21 A2981 RMK
AO2 T02220211
SPECI KACK 230516Z 26015KT 6SM BR OVC005 23/22 A2982 RMK
AO2 T02280217
SPECI KACK 230534Z 26020G27KT 3SM RA BR SCT006 BKN036 BKN080
23/21 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 26027/0532 RAB30 P0004
T02280211
METAR KACK 230553Z 27021G28KT 4SM RA BR FEW037 BKN090 OVC110
22/19 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 28028/0548 RAB30 SLP091
P0008 60008 T02170194 10228 20217 58006
SPECI KACK 230617Z 29018G29KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT036 BKN090
OVC110 22/21 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 28029/0614 P0017
T02170206
SPECI KACK 230629Z 30015G30KT 3SM RA BR BKN038 BKN075 OVC100
22/20 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 29030/0625 P0026 T02170200
METAR KACK 230653Z 34011KT 6SM RA BR FEW045 BKN070 OVC085
22/19 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 29030/0625 SLP093 P0033
T02170194
SPECI KACK 230705Z 31011KT 1 3/4SM R24/5000VP6000FT +RA BR
SCT033 BKN055 OVC080 21/19 A2982 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V3
P0020 T02060189
SPECI KACK 230714Z 01005KT 1SM R24/5000VP6000FT +RA BR BKN029
BKN055 OVC075 20/19 A2981 RMK AO2 P0036 T02000189
SPECI KACK 230730Z VRB04KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN031 BKN038 OVC050
21/19 A2982 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/2V4 P0054 T02060194
SPECI KACK 230737Z 07004KT 4SM RA BR FEW029 BKN041 OVC110
21/19 A2981 RMK AO2 P0056 T02060194
METAR KACK 230753Z 13009KT 5SM -RA BR FEW031 BKN100 OVC120
21/19 A2981 RMK AO2 SLP096 P0058 T02060194
Here was the lightning display from 0500-0800Z:
 
The cloud-to-ground lightning activity peaked between 0605-0630Z. During that time, KACK recorded a wind gust to 30 knots, and heavy rain; but no thunderstorm was recorded.
Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, Sat 23 Jul 2016:
On the evening of the 23rd, Atlantic City (KACY) had some lightning in the area:
 
But, the official reports showed none of that:
METAR KACY 232154Z 23007KT 10SM CLR 33/22 A2983 RMK AO2 SLP102
T03280217
SPECI KACY 232231Z 01023G40KT 4SM -RA SCT041 BKN050 BKN060
24/21 A2985 RMK AO2 PK WND 01040/2228 WSHFT 2211
RAB30 P0000 T02440206
METAR KACY 232254Z 00000KT 10SM FEW044 BKN055 24/21 A2987
RMK AO2 PK WND 01040/2228 WSHFT 2211 RAB30E44
SLP113 P0000 T02390206
SPECI KACY 232312Z 01010KT 3SM -RA BR FEW038 BKN050 BKN075
23/21 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB00 P0004 T02330211
METAR KACY 232354Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 24/21 A2988 RMK AO2 RAB00E20
SLP117 P0004 60004 T02440211 10350 20228 53016
Despite a wind gust to 40 knots at 2228Z, with lightning striking just north of Pinehurst a minute earlier; KACY did not report a thunderstorm that evening.
Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, Michigan, Sun 24 Jul 2016:
Another site with nearby lightning, especially between 1300-1400Z, was KBTL:
 
The reports from KBTL, did not include lightning or thunder:
METAR KBTL 241253Z 17008KT 10SM BKN004 21/21 A2997 RMK AO2
SLP143 T02110211 $
SPECI KBTL 241328Z 33013G30KT 6SM R23R/5000VP6000FT -RA BR
BKN003 BKN030 OVC038 21/21 A3003 RMK AO2 PK WND
33030/1323 WSHFT 1314 RAB25 P0003 T02060206 $
SPECI KBTL 241338Z 31014G24KT 1 3/4SM R23R/4000VP6000FT +RA
BR SCT003 BKN025 OVC043 20/20 A3004 RMK AO2 PK
WND 33030/1323 WSHFT 1314 VIS 1V3 RAB25 P0019
T02000200 $
METAR KBTL 241353Z 28007KT 3SM RA BR SCT029 BKN041 OVC090
20/20 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND 33030/1323 WSHFT 1314
RAB25 SLP157 P0036 T02000200 $
Battle Creek had an unreported thunderstorm on July 24th.
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Post by tornado on Jul 27, 2016 11:20:56 GMT -5
Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, Mississippi, Mon 25 Jul 2016:
Right at METAR time, 0253Z, there were 2 lightning strikes near Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport (KGPT):
Those did not show up in subsequent reports, as LTG or TS:
METAR KGPT 260253Z 04007KT 10SM FEW028 SCT055 26/25 A2996
RMK AO2 RAB06E25 SLP145 P0000 60000 T02610250
53019 $
SPECI KGPT 260301Z 09010KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW020 SCT028 BKN060
26/24 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB0256 P0016 T02610244 $
SPECI KGPT 260311Z 06005KT 3SM -RA FEW023 BKN042 BKN055 25/22
A2994 RMK AO2 RAB0256 P0021 T02500222 $
The reason for the +RA, was an unreported TS.
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, Tue 26 Jul 2016:
Late enough on the 26th, that it was the 27th UTC; there was some lightning near Fargo:
That was the display in the half hour before 0200Z. By 0227Z, lightning struck within a mile of the airport:
Not only did the official reports show no lightning nor thunder; notice the winds:
METAR KFAR 270153Z 24005KT 10SM -RA SCT040 BKN050 23/19 A2994
RMK AO2 RAB0056 SLP136 P0000 T02280194
SPECI KFAR 270233Z 31042G56KT 1 1/4SM -RA FEW013 BKN036 OVC043
19/17 A2996 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 RAE11B28
P0000 T01940167
SPECI KFAR 270238Z 33035G56KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN013 OVC039
18/17 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 RAE11B28
P0007 T01830167
SPECI KFAR 270240Z 33024G56KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN010 BKN015
OVC039 18/17 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 RAE11B28
P0014 T01830172
SPECI KFAR 270247Z 01025G39KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN008 OVC041
19/18 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 WSHFT 0233
RAE11B28 PRESRR P0069
SPECI KFAR 270248Z 36022G36KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN008 OVC041
19/18 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 WSHFT 0233
RAE11B28 PRESRR P0078
METAR KFAR 270253Z 01012G31KT 3/4SM +RA BR BKN013 OVC041
19/18 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 32056/0233 WSHFT 0233
RAE11B28 SLP151 P0114 60114 T01940183 50014
SPECI KFAR 270255Z 01013G29KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR OVC015 19/18
A2998 RMK AO2 P0003 T01940183
SPECI KFAR 270303Z 36009KT 3SM RA BR BKN024 OVC070 21/18
A2998 RMK AO2 P0015 T02060183
Winds gusted to 56 knots at the airport! That was 64 miles per hour, of which there were 2 such gusts:
That met severe criteria; except that, there was no thunderstorm reported! At 0153Z, LAWRS didn’t mention any hazards,
even though this was the radar at 0150Z:
Level 6 rain echoes were about 7 and 10 miles to the NW. At a minimum, CB NW should have been reported. Lightning struck about 5 miles WNW of the airport at 0149Z, so even TS NW or TS VC NW could have been reported. By 0230Z, this slammed into the airport:
Even in the half hour after the gusts to 56 knots, there was more lightning; that too went unreported:
A severe thunderstorm went unreported at Hector Intl on the evening of July 26th; and that is after another severe thunderstorm went unreported on July 21st!
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Post by tornado on Jul 28, 2016 13:25:50 GMT -5
Central Nebraska Regional Airport, Grand Island, Nebraska, Wed 27 Jul 2016:
This pre-dawn case had ASOS in AUTO mode, but not TSNO mode; so this will demonstrate an ALDARS failure. Notice the big picture by 0800Z:
ALDARS at Grand Island (KGRI) mentioned distant lightning, but no lightning within 10 miles (VCTS), or 5 miles (TS):
METAR KGRI 270653Z AUTO 31023G39KT 10SM -RA FEW030 BKN042
BKN050 21/16 A3014 RMK AO2 PK WND 31039/0649 WSHFT
0632 LTG DSNT W AND NW RAB52 SLP193 P0000 T02110156
METAR KGRI 270753Z AUTO 33038G53KT 10SM -RA SCT050 BKN075
BKN085 23/13 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 33053/0753 LTG
DSNT W AND NW RAE01B32 SLP160 P0000 T02330133
The nearest lightning bolt struck at 0746Z to the NNE:
That was 7 minutes prior to the gust to 53 knots. TS was not recorded for that strike:
SPECI KGRI 270755Z AUTO 34033G53KT 10SM -RA SQ FEW050 BKN075
BKN085 23/13 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 33046/0754 WSHFT
0741 LTG DSNT NW P0000 T02330128
SPECI KGRI 270834Z AUTO 14031G38KT 5SM RA SCT050 BKN070 OVC110
22/14 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 34050/0758 WSHFT 0820
PRESFR P0005 T02170144
METAR KGRI 270853Z AUTO 18015G19KT 10SM FEW049 SCT080 SCT110
21/14 A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 34050/0758 WSHFT 0825
RAE49 SLP137 P0006 60006 T02110144 58052
A severe thunderstorm struck the Grand Island Airport, but ALDARS failed to identify it as a thunderstorm at all.
Also, the level 5 cells in central Nebraska, were closer to Hastings Municipal Airport (KHSI):
METAR KHSI 270653Z AUTO 33026G35KT 10SM FEW027 SCT037 22/16 A3015 RMK AO2 PK WND 33035/0652 LTG DSNT W AND NW SLP189 T02170161
METAR KHSI 270753Z AUTO 01010KT 10SM FEW055 SCT070 BKN090 21/14 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 33032/0654 LTG DSNT
N AND SW RAB12E28 SLP177 P0000 T02060144
Yet, Hastings recorded a peak gust to 35 knots, at 0652Z; while Grand Island had a peak gust to 53 knots, at 0753Z. The line of storms that
passed over Grand Island, never achieved level 5 rain echoes. It is dangerous to assume that the strongest winds in thunderstorm activity, will match where the strongest rain echoes are located.
Tri-State Airport, Huntington, West Virginia, Wed 27 Jul 2016:
A lightning strike plot map centered on Tri-State Airport (KHTS) near Huntington, from 27/2100-28/0100Z, shows 4 lightning strikes at disparate times:
Lightning was recorded as striking near KHTS at 2123Z, 2355Z, 0002Z and 0008Z.
While there was a dry thunderstorm recorded at KHTS Wednesday evening for the first strike at 2123Z, there was none for the 3 later strikes:
METAR KHTS 272351Z VRB04KT 10SM SCT041 BKN110 25/22 A2996
RMK AO2 SLP138 T02500217 10328 20250 53004
SPECI KHTS 280025Z 18008KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT015 BKN041 BKN048
23/21 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB19 P0020 T02280211
SPECI KHTS 280036Z 18006KT 4SM -RA BR SCT015 BKN041 BKN085
23/21 A2995 RMK AO2 RAB19 P0049 T02330211
METAR KHTS 280051Z 22006KT 10SM -RA SCT033 SCT065 BKN095 23/21 A2994 RMK AO2 RAB19 SLP130 P0050 T02330211
While the 2nd thunderstorm resulted in half an inch of rainfall, and IFR conditions; no lightning or thunder was recorded. The thunderstorm that had its worst conditions at 8:25 p.m., went unreported. It's a problem if ALDARS detects every other thunderstorm...
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, Thu 28 Jul 2016:
Between 0500-0600Z, or just after midnight on the 28th, Norfolk Intl (KORF) could not detect a thunderstorm, as it had placed its ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode:
METAR KORF 280451Z AUTO 19004KT 10SM CLR 28/26 A2991 RMK AO2 SLP128 T02830256 403560261 TSNO
METAR KORF 280551Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM FEW035 FEW060 29/26 A2991 RMK AO2 SLP128 60000 T02890256 10311 20283 50000 TSNO
METAR KORF 280651Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 28/24 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP125 T02780239 TSNO
So by those reports, while it appeared no bad weather was at or near Norfolk Intl, that wasn’t actually the case:
There was nearby lightning to the W and NW of KORF. There was also lightning to the north:
At 0535Z, Norfolk Intl was in between a level 6 cell to the north, and a level 5 cell to the southeast; both of which were within 5 miles of
the airport:
But one would never know of the hazards near KORF, looking at the official reports. By LAWRS placing ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode,
ALDARS was disabled, and a thunderstorm went unreported.
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Post by tornado on Aug 2, 2016 14:36:22 GMT -5
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey, Sat 30 Jul 2016:
There were 3 lightning strikes close to Essex County Airport (KCDW) between 1914-1924Z:
Those strikes didn’t get reported in a METAR or SPECI:
METAR KCDW 301853Z 13005KT 7SM -RA FEW080 OVC110 28/21 A2997
RMK AO2 RAB27 SLP153 P0000 T02780211
SPECI KCDW 301926Z 16010G19KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW024 BKN029 OVC110
27/22 A2999 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0000 T02670222
SPECI KCDW 301931Z 18008KT 1 1/4SM +RA BKN030 BKN060 OVC110
26/22 A2999 RMK AO2 P0000 T02560222
SPECI KCDW 301945Z 19007KT 3SM -RA BR FEW029 BKN043 OVC070
25/23 A2999 RMK AO2 T02500228 PNO $
METAR KCDW 301953Z 00000KT 3SM -RA BR SCT038 BKN070 OVC095
24/23 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP161 T02440228 PNO
Despite heavy rain causing the IFR conditions as a clue, a thunderstorm went unreported at Caldwell NJ on the 30th.
Hawkins Field Airport, Jackson, Mississippi, Sat 30 Jul 2016:
At almost the same time Caldwell was having lightning issues; Hawkins Field Airport (KHKS) in Jackson, Mississippi, also had issues. From 1919-1932Z, there were cloud-to-ground lightning strikes recorded to the north of Hawkins Field:
ALDARS at Hawkins Field mentioned lightning to the distant north:
METAR KHKS 301853Z 29009KT 10SM BKN036 32/23 A3001 RMK AO2
SLP154 T03170228
SPECI KHKS 301925Z 29013G24KT 1 1/2SM +RA SCT038 BKN048 OVC090
27/23 A3002 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 LTG DSNT N RAB20
P0008 T02670233
SPECI KHKS 301937Z 36006KT 3SM -RA FEW028 SCT036 BKN048 28/24
A3002 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N RAB20 P0012 T02830244
METAR KHKS 301953Z 03004KT 10SM FEW027 30/24 A3001 RMK AO2
LTG DSNT N RAB20E42 SLP155 P0012 T03000244
But TS nor VCTS was reported that hour. So was there really any lightning within 10 miles?
There were 10 strikes within 5 miles. KHKS had an unrecorded thunderstorm on the 30th, as ALDARS failed to range the distance to the lightning properly.
Florence Regional Airport, South Carolina, Sat 30 Jul 2016:
From 30/2300-31/0100Z, here was the lightning display around Florence Regional Airport (KFLO):
So there was certainly lightning within 5 miles. The nearest bolts struck in a cluster to the south, from 2347Z-0002Z:
The official weather reports showed heavy rain (showers), but no lightning nor thunder:
SPECI KFLO 302301Z 31016G24KT 1 1/2SM +RA SCT045 BKN065 OVC075
26/23 A2997 RMK AO2 P0011 T02610233
SPECI KFLO 302317Z 01009KT 4SM -RA SCT043 BKN070 OVC100 27/24
A2995 RMK AO2 P0021 T02670239
METAR KFLO 302353Z 23010KT 3SM RA BR FEW010 BKN060 OVC090
26/24 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP155 P0028 60028 T02610244
10361 20261 53025
SPECI KFLO 302356Z 24013G20KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW026 BKN060
OVC100 26/24 A3000 RMK AO2 P0009 T02610239
SPECI KFLO 310005Z 29005KT 3/4SM +RA SCT028 BKN060 OVC110
26/23 A2998 RMK AO2 P0023 T02560228
SPECI KFLO 310011Z VRB03KT 2SM RA FEW028 BKN060 BKN110 26/23
A2998 RMK AO2 VIS 1V4 PRESFR P0026 T02560228
SPECI KFLO 310019Z 00000KT 7SM -RA FEW028 SCT055 BKN120 26/22
A2997 RMK AO2 P0027 T02560222
Florence had an unreported thunderstorm on July 30th.
Cyril E. King Airport, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sun 31 Jul 2016:
Cyril E. King Airport (TIST) had a bit of lightning nearby between 1400-1730Z:
The problem was, there was missing data; followed by strong winds:
METAR TIST 311353Z 08015G25KT 10SM CLR 28/28 A2995 RMK AO2
PK WND 09028/1321 RAE1259 SLP141 P0000 T02830278 $
METAR TIST 311453Z NIL
METAR TIST 311553Z NIL
SPECI TIST 311601Z 11028G42KT 3/4SM +RA FEW014 SCT029 BKN038
29/26 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 11042/1600 RAB01 P0025
T02940256 $
A thunderstorm was not reported by TIST at all on July 31st, despite the heavy rain, and wind gust to 42 knots.
Kinston Regional Jetport at Stallings Field, North Carolina, Sun 31 Jul 2016:
Kinston Regional Jetport (KISO) is a D level LAWRS site, not required to report thunderstorms. Because of that rule, this lightning went
unreported:
 
METAR KISO 312156Z 18008KT 3SM -RA SCT022 SCT029 BKN0046
25/22 A3002 RMK AO2
METAR KISO 312256Z 31014G23KT 1SM +RA BKN007 OVC013 23/21
A3008 RMK AO2
METAR KISO 312356Z 31014G23KT 10SM SCT009 BKN014 22/22 A3004
RMK AO2
Considering that a bolt struck just NE of runway 5/23 at 2246Z, the present weather code should have been +TSRA on the 2256Z METAR. For safety reasons, the rule that D level sites are not required to report thunderstorms, should be changed in FAA Order 7900.5 when it is next updated.
Coleman A Young Intl Airport (aka Detroit City Airport), Michigan, Sun 31 Jul 2016:
Lightning struck downtown Detroit, near Coleman A. Young Airport (KDET), between 2331-2351Z:
 
As a hazard, a thunderstorm was not mentioned around that time:
METAR KDET 312253Z 05009KT 10SM SCT028 BKN035 OVC055 26/20
A2999 RMK AO2 SLP153 T02560200
METAR KDET 312353Z 09010KT 8SM FEW028 BKN060 24/19 A3001
RMK AO2 SLP157 T02440194 10294 20244 53004
METAR KDET 010053Z VRB04KT 2 1/2SM +RA SCT042 OVC055 23/21
A3002 RMK AO2 RAB46 SLP164 P0007 T02330206
There was heavy rain which caused IFR conditions about an hour later, but the thunderstorm went unreported.
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Post by tornado on Aug 5, 2016 13:30:08 GMT -5
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida, Mon 1 Aug 2016:
SPECI KFXE 020417Z 16016G30KT 5SM RA FEW018 BKN032 OVC039
25/20 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 14030/0415 WSHFT 0357
RAB13 P0003 T02500200
METAR KFXE 020453Z 19003KT 10SM -RA SCT044 SCT075 BKN090
24/23 A3010 RMK AO2 PK WND 18030/0421 WSHFT 0357
RAB13 SLP194 P0021 T02440228 403280244
That wind gust to 30 knots, and the moderate rain, were actually due to a thunderstorm:
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida, Tue 2 Aug 2016:
The same airport had a nearby lightning strike at 2105Z, to the SW:
That would have explained the heavy rainfall causing IFR visibility, and the wind gust to 26 knots, on the 2104Z SPECI:
SPECI KFXE 022104Z 14018G26KT 1 1/2SM +RA FEW023 BKN032 BKN043
25/22 A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 10026/2056 VIS 1V5
RAB2058 P0006 T02500222
METAR KFXE 022153Z 28014G17KT 10SM -TSRA SCT018 BKN038 OVC060
24/23 A3005 RMK AO2 RAB2058B10 TSB53 SLP177 P0025
T02390228 $
A thunderstorm did not get reported until 2153Z. That was a lead time of -48 minutes.
North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida, Tue 2 Aug 2016:
Between 1930-2330Z, there were several reports that showed heavy rain at North Perry Airport (KHWO):
SPECI KHWO 021958Z 16018G30KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW012 BKN034 OVC090
25/21 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 15028/1955 WSHFT 1944
P0017 T02500211
SPECI KHWO 022005Z 16010KT 2 1/2SM +RA BKN026 BKN039 BKN049
25/21 A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 15028/1955 WSHFT 1944
VIS 1 1/2V4 P0029 T02500211
SPECI KHWO 022007Z 16008KT 3SM +RA FEW024 BKN034 BKN047 25/21
A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 15028/1955 WSHFT 1944 P0030
T02500211
METAR KHWO 022053Z 00000KT 10SM BKN060 27/24 A3004 RMK AO2
PK WND 15028/1955 WSHFT 1944 RAE33 SLP171 P0033
60035 T02670239 58010
METAR KHWO 022153Z 31015KT 10SM BKN018 BKN070 26/22 A3006
RMK AO2 SLP179 T02560222
SPECI KHWO 022222Z 33017G25KT 10SM RA SCT022 OVC032 24/22
A3007 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2141 RAB06 P0003 T02440217
SPECI KHWO 022232Z 35009G18KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW017 BKN026
OVC033 24/22 A3009 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2141 RAB06 PRESRR
P0023 T02390217
SPECI KHWO 022240Z 30005KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN026 OVC031 23/22
A3009 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2141 RAB06 P0040 T02330217
METAR KHWO 022253Z 29007KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR OVC028 23/22 A3007
RMK AO2 WSHFT 2141 RAB06 SLP183 P0070 T02330217
SPECI KHWO 022256Z 30008KT 3SM +RA BR FEW025 OVC032 23/22
A3006 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0001 T02330222
SPECI KHWO 022306Z 32009KT 2SM -RA BR BKN032 BKN095 23/22
A3006 RMK AO2 P0003 T02330222
Notice the lack of any TS or LTG data in the reports. That was despite the lightning data:
 
The closest lightning struck between 2216-2240Z from the SE-SW, but even that went unreported.
North Las Vegas Airport, Nevada, Wed 3 Aug- Thu 4 Aug 2016:
Between 0300 and 1100Z, there were 2 sets of lightning strikes near Las Vegas:
The closest lightning from the 1st storm, struck to the NE at 0447Z; while the nearest lightning from the 2nd storm, struck at 1021Z to the SE:
Yet, no thunderstorm was reported in either case:
METAR KVGT 040353Z 17007KT 10SM CLR 36/14 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP091
T03560144
SPECI KVGT 040440Z 07026G38KT 7SM BKN100 29/17 A2992 RMK
AO2 PK WND 07038/0433 WSHFT 0420 T02940167
METAR KVGT 040453Z 07028G37KT 10SM SCT095 28/17 A2992 RMK
AO2 PK WND 06039/0441 WSHFT 0420 SLP120 T02830167
METAR KVGT 040553Z 10016G26KT 10SM FEW100 27/18 A2997 RMK
AO2 PK WND 08037/0457 SLP137 T02670183 10394 20267
53045
METAR KVGT 040653Z 16015KT 10SM SCT080 27/17 A3000 RMK AO2
SLP146 T02720172
METAR KVGT 040753Z 18009KT 10SM CLR 26/16 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP142
T02610156 404000256
METAR KVGT 040853Z 22008KT 10SM OVC120 26/17 A2997 RMK AO2
SLP134 T02610172 58001
METAR KVGT 040953Z 18008KT 10SM CLR 26/17 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP135
T02610167
METAR KVGT 041053Z 15006KT 10SM BKN100 26/17 A2997 RMK AO2
SLP136 T02610167
KVGT had 2 unreported thunderstorms within 6 hours; despite one producing gusting, shifting wind.
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, Thu 4 Aug 2016:
Just after midnight, Fargo (KFAR) had many lightning strikes nearby, especially between 0515-0535Z:
2 of those strikes hit the airport: one at 0518Z on the north side of the runway complex, and one at 0526Z on the west side.
METAR KFAR 040453Z 17016G30KT 10SM SCT090 SCT110 27/22 A2963
RMK AO2 PK WND 15030/0449 SLP028 T02720222
SPECI KFAR 040531Z 21017G30KT 1 3/4SM +RA SCT020 SCT033 BKN046
26/23 A2967 RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0525 WSHFT 0517
RAB24 P0002 T02610228
SPECI KFAR 040539Z 19016G25KT 3SM -RA SCT033 BKN046 BKN075
26/23 A2965 RMK AO2 PK WND 24030/0525 WSHFT 0517
RAB24 P0023 T02610228
METAR KFAR 040553Z 22018G37KT 10SM -RA FEW024 SCT033 BKN090 24/18 A2971 RMK AO2
PK WND 22037/0545 WSHFT 0517 RAB24 SLP056 P0023 60023 T02390178 10306 20239
403110178 53008
Despite the heavy rain, and wind gust to 37 knots; Fargo had an unreported thunderstorm that hour.
Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport, Mississippi, Thu 4 Aug 2016:
Weather Tap, Inc. uses NAPLN data, another lightning network similar to the NLDN. Looking at this radar loop from Weather Tap, one can see lots of lightning moving over Gulfport Mississippi:
Lightningmaps.org agrees with the WeatherTap/NAPLN data:
 
How then, did ALDARS miss that thunderstorm?
METAR KGPT 041753Z VRB06G15KT 9SM FEW027 BKN035 OVC060 32/27
A2993 RMK AO2 SLP133 T03170267 10350 20267 58018
SPECI KGPT 041829Z 1 1/4SM +RA SCT014 BKN027 OVC075 29/25
A2998 RMK AO2 PK WND 10026/1823 RAB29 PRESRR P0010
T02940250 $
SPECI KGPT 041831Z 1/2SM +RA FEW009 BKN020 BKN034 29/25 A2998
RMK AO2 PK WND 10026/1823 RAB29 PRESRR P0027 T02940250
RVRNO $
SPECI KGPT 041835Z 08024G44KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN011 BKN027
26/24 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 09044/1833 RAB29 PRESRR
P0042 T02560239 RVRNO $
SPECI KGPT 041844Z VRB05G31KT 1/4SM +RA FG VV019 24/23 A3003
RMK AO2 PK WND 09044/1833 RAB29 P0076 T02440228
RVRNO $
METAR KGPT 041853Z 13013KT 1/4SM +RA FG VV015 24/22 A3000
RMK AO2 PK WND 09044/1833 RAB29 SLP157 P0142 T02390222
RVRNO $
SPECI KGPT 041902Z 18012G17KT 1SM +RA BR OVC030 24/23 A3000
RMK AO2 P0015 T02440228 RVRNO $
SPECI KGPT 041919Z COR 18012G17KT 2SM +RA BR OVC030 24/23
A3000 RMK AO2 P0015 T02440228 RVRNO $
METAR KGPT 041953Z 24006KT 9SM SCT060 24/23 A2995 RMK AO2
RAE49 SLP139 P0033 T02440228
Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; Fri 5 Aug 2016:
Noticed some lightning around the U.S. Virgin Islands:
St. Croix (TISX) didn't report lightning or thunder:
METAR TISX 051553Z 03005KT 10SM RA SCT042 28/26 A3001 RMK
AO2 SLP161 P0004 T02780261
SPECI TISX 051607Z 07020G27KT 1/2SM +RA OVC082 27/26 A3002
RMK AO2 PK WND 06027/1606 P0014 T02720261
SPECI TISX 051614Z 08019G30KT 1/2SM +RA OVC008 25/23 A3002
RMK AO2 PK WND 08030/1613 P0032 T02500228
SPECI TISX 051631Z 03007KT 6SM RA SCT010 SCT020 24/23 A3002
RMK AO2 PK WND 08030/1613 P0042 T02440228
METAR TISX 051653Z 36004KT 6SM RA SCT010 SCT020 25/24 A3001
RMK AO2 PK WND 08030/1613 SLP160 P0042 T02500239
Cyril E. King Airport, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Fri 5 Aug 2016:
St. Thomas (TIST) also had lightning nearby, especially between 1400-1500Z:
Lightning which didn't get reported:
SPECI TIST 051400Z 09013G23KT 5SM -RA BR FEW016 SCT025 BKN035
28/26 A3001 RMK AO2 P0000 T02780261 $
METAR TIST 051453Z NIL
METAR TIST 051558Z 09012G16KT 1 1/2SM +RA BKN025 BKN034 OVC041
29/26 A3002 RMK AO2 RAB56 P0015 T02890261 $
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Post by tornado on Aug 22, 2016 9:11:31 GMT -5
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio, 5 Aug 2016:
METAR KTOL 051552Z 23012KT 10SM FEW028 29/23 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP110 T02940233
SPECI KTOL 051618Z 34012G18KT 2 1/2SM RA BR FEW022 BKN027
BKN075 24/23 A2988 RMK AO2 RAB09 P0003 T02440228
SPECI KTOL 051629Z 34010KT 6SM -RA BR BKN025 BKN050 OVC070
23/23 A2988 RMK AO2 RAB09 P0004 T02280228
SPECI KTOL 051648Z 01003KT 10SM -RA SCT026 BKN040 OVC060
24/23 A2988 RMK AO2 RAB09 P0004
METAR KTOL 051652Z 1 3/4SM -RA BR BKN025 BKN040 OVC060 23/23 A2989 RMK AO2 RAB09
SLP118 P0004 T02330228 (missing winds were not backed up)
SPECI KTOL 051654Z 1 1/4SM RA BR SCT023 BKN033 OVC060 23/23 A2988 RMK AO2 P0002
T02330228 (missing winds were not backed up)
What could have explained the rain showers that hour? An unreported thunderstorm would have done so:
 
Cecil Airport, Jacksonville, Florida, 5 Aug 2016:
METAR KVQQ 052050Z 18010KT 3SM RA OVC090 28/24 A2996
METAR KVQQ 052150Z 18010KT 3SM RA OVC020 25/24 A2997
Florida site had moderate rain, but failed to include thunder:
That was even though lightning apparently struck airport property at 2048Z!
Reading Regional Airport, Pennsylvania, 6 Aug 2016:
SPECI KRDG 062123Z 01020G33KT 1 3/4SM R36/2200VP6000FT +RA
FEW015 SCT031 OVC040 25/22 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND
36033/2121 RAB18 P0016 T02500217
SPECI KRDG 062137Z 07007G16KT 3SM R36/2800VP6000FT -RA SCT020
BKN031 BKN040 24/21 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 36033/2121
RAB18 P0035 T02440211
METAR KRDG 062154Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM SCT020 BKN033 BKN070
26/23 A2971 RMK AO2 PK WND 36033/2121 LTG DSNT
E AND SE RAB18E46 SLP063 P0035 T02610228
Wind gusts to 33 knots, and heavy rain, didn’t clue LAWRS in to the possibility of thunder.
TS and VCTS could have been reported:
Pompano Beach Airpark, Florida, 6 Aug 2016:
There was some lightning around Pompano Beach (KPMP), especially between 2253-2311Z:
Reports from Pompano Beach mentioned lightning only outside 10 miles:
SPECI KPMP 062237Z 28020G30KT 9SM -RA FEW040 BKN050 27/21
A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 25030/2234 WSHFT 2223 LTG
DSNT ALQDS RAB35 P0000 T02670206
SPECI KPMP 062248Z 30012G25KT 1 1/4SM RA BR SCT020 BKN050
OVC065 24/22 A3001 RMK AO2 PK WND 25030/2234 WSHFT
2223 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB35 P0002
METAR KPMP 062253Z 29020G23KT 1/2SM +RA FG BKN021 BKN039
OVC055 23/22 A3000 RMK AO2 PK WND 25030/2234 WSHFT
2223 LTG DSNT ALQDS RAB35 SLP161 P0003 T02330222
SPECI KPMP 062304Z 33015KT 3/4SM RA BR BKN030 OVC047 23/21
A3001 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0001 T02280211
SPECI KPMP 062308Z 33008KT 2 1/2SM RA BR OVC036 23/21 A3002
RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T02330211
SPECI KPMP 062315Z 19009KT 4SM -RA BR BKN036 OVC110 24/22
A3003 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT ALQDS P0002 T02390217
The distance to the nearest bolt, to the WSW, was about 2 miles. ALDARS was not accurate in this case.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 8 Aug 2016:
Prior to the historic floods that swept over the region in mid-August; there was some lightning around Baton Rouge just after midnight on the 8th:
Yet, none of that lightning was reported:
METAR KBTR 080553Z 27008KT 10SM SCT031 BKN110 26/25 A2992
RMK AO2 RAE40 SLP129 P0006 60006 T02610250 10272
20256 403500233 50009
SPECI KBTR 080608Z 29016G23KT 7SM -RA FEW010 BKN016 OVC120
26/25 A2993 RMK AO2 RAB04 P0000 T02560250
SPECI KBTR 080616Z 30014G26KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT011 BKN016
OVC032 25/24 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/0609 VIS
1 1/4V5 RAB04 P0003 T02500244
SPECI KBTR 080625Z 31011G21KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN016
OVC048 24/24 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/0609 RAB04
P0018 T02440239
SPECI KBTR 080637Z 30007KT 2SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN037 OVC049
24/24 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/0609 RAB04 P0030
T02440239
METAR KBTR 080653Z 27006KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR FEW005 BKN039 OVC048
24/24 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 27026/0609 RAB04 SLP137
P0050 T02440239
Louisiana taxpayers deserve better, than relying on a faulty system for accurate weather information!
Lawton, Oklahoma, 9 Aug 2016:
On the morning of the 9th, Lawton had a heavy rainshower:
METAR KLAW 091253Z 36004KT 10SM SCT070 SCT090 26/23 A2995
RMK AO2 RAB1154E08 SLP128 P0000 T02610228
SPECI KLAW 091334Z 20012KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW023 BKN070 BKN090
24/22 A2997 RMK AO2 RAB30 P0005 T02440222
SPECI KLAW 091345Z 20014G23KT 3SM -RA BR FEW025 FEW034 BKN080
23/21 A2997 RMK AO2 RAB30 P0008 T02330211
METAR KLAW 091353Z 20012G23KT 6SM -RA FEW025 BKN080 OVC095
23/21 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB30 SLP134 P0009 T02330206
That was actually a thunderstorm:
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, 9 Aug 2016:
METAR KORF 091851Z AUTO 00000KT 3SM R05/1800VP6000FT +RA
SCT031 BKN042 OVC065 28/23 A3017 RMK AO2 RAB46 SLP214 P0001 T02780233 TSNO
SPECI KORF 091857Z AUTO 18014G19KT 2SM R05/1400V3000FT RA
BKN028 BKN044 OVC065 27/24 A3018 RMK AO2 PRESRR
P0002 T02670239 TSNO
SPECI KORF 091859Z 16020G26KT 1SM R05/1000V3000FT RA BR FEW009
BKN032 OVC055 26/24 A3018 RMK AO2 PK WND 15026/1859
PRESRR P0002 T02560239
SPECI KORF 091901Z 15017G26KT 1/2SM R05/1000V3000FT +RA FG
FEW007 BKN020 OVC050 24/23 A3018 RMK AO2 PK WND
15026/1859 P0008 T02440233
SPECI KORF 091905Z 16013G26KT 1/4SM R05/1000V2600FT +RA FG
BKN014 BKN024 OVC050 24/23 A3018 RMK AO2 PK WND
15026/1859 P0046 T02390228
SPECI KORF 091917Z 18008G21KT 1/4SM R05/1200V3000FT +RA FG
BKN010 BKN023 OVC031 24/22 A3017 RMK AO2 PK WND
15026/1859 WSHFT 1857 P0127 T02390222
SPECI KORF 091925Z 00000KT 1/2SM R05/2800VP6000FT +RA FG
BKN016 OVC065 23/22 A3017 RMK AO2 PK WND 15026/1859
WSHFT 1857 P0160 T02330222
SPECI KORF 091936Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR BKN022 BKN070 OVC080
24/23 A3016 RMK AO2 PK WND 15026/1859 WSHFT 1857
P0170 T02440228
SPECI KORF 091938Z VRB03KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR SCT022 BKN070 OVC080
24/22 A3016 RMK AO2 PK WND 15026/1859 WSHFT 1857
P0171 T02440222
LAWRS at KORF took ASOS out of AUTO/TSNO mode by 1859Z. A thunderstorm still didn’t get reported:
  
That was even despite the lightning strike to the airport at 1901Z! 2 lightning bolts struck within 3,000 feet of the control tower:
 
How can LAWRS not report such strikes?
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Post by tornado on Aug 22, 2016 9:22:28 GMT -5
Gulfport, Mississippi, 9 Aug 2016:
In the hour between 2000-2100Z, no thunderstorm was reported by Gulfport (KGPT):
METAR KGPT 091953Z 20004KT 10SM FEW060 29/26 A2988 RMK AO2
SLP117 T02940256
SPECI KGPT 092023Z 28006KT 1SM +RA SCT020 SCT039 29/26 A2987
RMK AO2 RAB14 P0011 T02890261 RVRNO
SPECI KGPT 092040Z 26006KT 3SM -RA BR SCT020 SCT039 27/26
A2988 RMK AO2 RAB14 P0019 T02720256
METAR KGPT 092053Z 27004KT 7SM FEW020 SCT045 BKN060 27/25
A2988 RMK AO2 RAB14E45 SLP117 P0020 60026 T02720250
56003
Yet, there was certainly lightning within 10 miles, that explained that heavy rain shower:
Fort Smith, Arkansas, 12 Aug 2016:
In the hour between 2000-2100Z, no thunderstorm was reported by Ft. Smith (KFSM):
METAR KFSM 121953Z 36007KT 10SM SCT060 BKN090 37/22 A2978
RMK AO2 SLP077 T03720217
SPECI KFSM 122016Z 03022G29KT 2SM R25/2600VP6000FT -RA SQ
BKN060 OVC090 30/22 A2981 RMK AO2 PK WND 03029/2014
RAB14 P0000 T03000222
SPECI KFSM 122036Z 10020G27KT 2SM R25/1600V4500FT +RA BKN012
OVC055 26/22 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 03029/2014 RAB14
P0081 T02560217
METAR KFSM 122053Z 14013G29KT 2SM -RA BKN010 BKN070 BKN085
27/21 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 11029/2046 RAB14 PRESFR
SLP081 P0084 60084 T02670206 55009
How could that happen, with this much lightning nearby?
 
Ft. Smith had an unreported thunderstorm on the 12th.
Battle Creek, Michigan, 12 Aug 2016:
In the hour between 2000-2100Z, no thunderstorm was reported by Battle Creek (KBTL):
METAR KBTL 121953Z 23011KT 10SM FEW035 FEW047 SCT060 31/23
A2984 RMK AO2 SLP094 T03110233
SPECI KBTL 122024Z 32015KT 10SM FEW019 BKN036 OVC100 26/23
A2985 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2004 T02610233
SPECI KBTL 122034Z 33009G19KT 1 3/4SM R23R/2800VP6000FT RA
BR FEW019 BKN037 OVC095 24/24 A2985 RMK AO2 WSHFT
2004 VIS 3/4V5 RAB29 P0007 T02440239
METAR KBTL 122053Z 20007KT 7SM R23R/5000VP6000FT +RA FEW011
BKN050 OVC100 23/23 A2987 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2004 RAB29
SLP107 P0016 60016 T02330233 50010
Lightning data showed 2 strikes just off airport property, to the E and SW:
Battle Creek had an unreported thunderstorm on the 12th.
Toledo Express Airport, Ohio, 12 Aug 2016:
Toledo (KTOL) just had a lightning incident on August 5th. A week later, Toledo went low IFR due to a heavy rain shower:
METAR KTOL 121952Z 28020G26KT 2SM +RA BR SCT036 BKN043 OVC080 27/26 A2987 RMK
AO2 PK WND 29026/1952 WSHFT 1934 RAB30 PRESRR SLP109 P0000 T02670256
SPECI KTOL 121955Z 28021G26KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT027 BKN034
OVC080 26/26 A2988 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/1953 TWR
VIS 1 PRESRR P0006 T02560256 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 122004Z 21004KT 1/4SM +RA FG SCT019 BKN034 OVC110
24/24 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/1953 TWR VIS
1/2 P0052 T02440244 RVRNO
SPECI KTOL 122013Z 27005KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR BKN030 BKN070 OVC100
24/24 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/1953 P0065 T02440244
SPECI KTOL 122018Z 26004KT 6SM -RA BR SCT028 BKN070 OVC120
24/24 A2986 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/1953 P0068 T02440244
METAR KTOL 122052Z VRB03KT 10SM BKN090 BKN110 24/24 A2984 RMK AO2 PK WND
29026/1953 RAE40 SLP101 P0068 60068 T02440244 58005
However, the airport took 2 or 3 lightning strikes:
Toledo Express Airport also had an unreported thunderstorm on the 12th.
Essex County Airport, Caldwell, New Jersey, 12 Aug 2016:
In the 90-minute period from 2200-2330Z on Aug. 12th, this was the lightning display around Caldwell (KCDW):
Zooming in shows that lightning barely missed the airport at 2245Z, with 2 bolts striking near the south side:
Yet, because LAWRS had placed ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode, a thunderstorm was not reported:
METAR KCDW 122153Z AUTO 23005KT 10SM CLR 34/24 A2984 RMK
AO2 SLP108 T03390244 TSNO
SPECI KCDW 122234Z AUTO 32022G36KT 1 1/4SM RA FEW047 SCT060
BKN080 31/23 A2989 RMK AO2 PK WND 31036/2231 RAB34
PRESRR P0008 T03060228 TSNO
SPECI KCDW 122242Z AUTO 29013G34KT 260V330 1/2SM +RA SCT020
BKN046 BKN060 25/22 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 31036/2231
RAB34 PRESRR P0029 T02500222 TSNO
SPECI KCDW 122246Z AUTO 24010G26KT 190V270 1/4SM +RA FG BKN018
BKN046 BKN080 24/22 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 31036/2231
WSHFT 2230 RAB34 P0051 T02440222 TSNO
METAR KCDW 122253Z 18008G26KT 150V210 1/4SM RA FG BKN014
BKN046 OVC060 25/23 A2987 RMK AO2 PK WND 31036/2231
WSHFT 2236 RAB34 SLP118 P0064 T02500228
SPECI KCDW 122256Z 28007G26KT 230V300 8SM -RA BKN020 25/23
A2987 RMK AO2 P0000 T02500233
ASOS should not have been in AUTO mode at that hour, let alone TSNO mode! Officially, no thunderstorm occurred.
LAWRS at Caldwell signed back onto ASOS, after the thunderstorm was over; that was 2256Z, or 6:56 p.m.
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 13 Aug 2016:
Ypsilanti (KYIP) had some lightning in the area, between 1900-2100Z:
Here were the reports from that time:
METAR KYIP 131853Z 21010KT 10SM SCT027 BKN043 BKN050 31/24 A2978 RMK AO2 SLP075
T03110239
SPECI KYIP 131920Z 23009KT 10SM -RA BKN023 BKN031 OVC043
29/24 A2978 RMK AO2 RAB13 P0000 T02940244
SPECI KYIP 131927Z 25022G28KT 1 1/4SM R05R/1800VP6000FT -RA
BKN023 OVC030 28/24 A2979 RMK AO2 PK WND 28028/1924
RAB13 P0010 T02830239
SPECI KYIP 131931Z 24009G28KT 1/4SM R05R/1600VP6000FT +RA
SCT012 BKN023 OVC030 26/23 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND
28028/1924 RAB13 PRESRR P0038 T02610233
SPECI KYIP 131944Z 21009KT 1 1/4SM R05R/3500VP6000FT -RA
BR FEW012 SCT023 OVC029 26/24 A2980 RMK AO2 PK
WND 28028/1924 RAB13 P0060 T02560239
SPECI KYIP 131946Z 21008KT 4SM -RA BR FEW012 SCT020 OVC029
26/24 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 28028/1924 RAB13 P0060
T02610239
METAR KYIP 131953Z 19008KT 10SM -RA FEW012 BKN017 OVC035
27/24 A2980 RMK AO2 PK WND 28028/1924 RAB13 SLP084
P0060 T02670239
SPECI KYIP 132008Z 21007KT 10SM -RA FEW017 BKN031 OVC050
27/24 A2979 RMK AO2 P0000 T02670244
METAR KYIP 132053Z NIL
No report showed lightning or thunder (the 2053Z METAR was missing). The heavy rain and gusty winds were
indicative of a thunderstorm, but no thunderstorm was reported.
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Post by tornado on Aug 22, 2016 9:38:42 GMT -5
Allegheny County Airport, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 13 Aug 2016:
Allegheny County Airport (KAGC) reported a thunderstorm in the vicinity on the 13th, ending it at 1934Z:
METAR KAGC 131853Z 27007KT 10SM VCTS FEW034 BKN075 BKN095
27/22 A2991 RMK AO2 SLP123 TS VIC N MOV E OCNL
LTGCCCG T02670217
SPECI KAGC 131934Z 20009KT 10SM CLR 32/22 A2990 RMK AO2 RAB1857E06
P0000 T03220222
After that time, lightning data showed 2 more storms, based on the purple and orange colors of the lightning strike position plots, up to 2200Z:
The “orange” thunderstorm was closer. Zooming in shows 3 lightning strikes between 2130-2135Z:
Yet, the reports from KAGC showed no 2nd or 3rd thunderstorm:
METAR KAGC 131953Z 18008KT 10SM SCT041 32/22 A2989 RMK AO2
RAB1857E06 SLP113 P0000 T03170217
METAR KAGC 132053Z NIL
SPECI KAGC 132136Z 20018G30KT 1 1/2SM R28/2800VP6000FT -RA
SCT044 BKN060 BKN070 28/22 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND
20030/2134 RAB35 P0007 T02830217
SPECI KAGC 132145Z 22007KT 3/4SM R28/2400VP6000FT -RA FEW030
BKN046 BKN060 27/21 A2991 RMK AO2 PK WND 20030/2134
RAB35 P0019 T02720211
SPECI KAGC 132150Z 23006KT 3SM -RA FEW030 SCT046 BKN060 28/22
A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 20030/2134 RAB35 P0019
METAR KAGC 132153Z 22007KT 10SM FEW032 SCT046 BKN055 28/23
A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 20030/2134 RAB35E53 SLP118
P0019 T02780228
Even allowing for the missing METAR at 2053Z; the lightning that struck the closest, between 2130-2135Z, went unreported. That was despite a wind gust to 30 knots, and low IFR visibility due to rain, as clues. So how does a thunderstorm go unreported at a LAWRS site, when one had been successfully reported a few hours earlier? See next entry.
Allegheny County Airport, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 14 Aug 2016:
The next day, there was more thunderstorm activity near Pittsburgh:
Since the lightning strike plots colored red, show the closest strikes to KAGC, let’s zoom in on that time frame. It is revealed as around 1835Z:
Here were the reports from KAGC around that time:
METAR KAGC 141753Z 31006KT 10SM SCT016 SCT095 28/23 A3007
RMK AO2 RAE15 SLP178 P0002 60008 T02780228 10283
20244 50004
SPECI KAGC 141805Z 32008G16KT 1 3/4SM R28/5000VP6000FT RA
FEW019 BKN048 BKN065 24/22 A3008 RMK AO2 VIS 1V5
RAB00 P0003 T02440217
SPECI KAGC 141818Z 33004KT 3SM -RA BR FEW018 BKN043 OVC090
24/22 A3007 RMK AO2 RAB00 P0008 T02440222
SPECI KAGC 141851Z 27004KT 1 3/4SM R28/6000VP6000FT -RA BR
SCT014 BKN050 OVC090 24/22 A3010 RMK AO2 RAB00
P0011
METAR KAGC 141853Z 27005KT 1 1/4SM R28/6000VP6000FT +RA FEW014
BKN048 OVC080 24/22 A3010 RMK AO2 RAB00 SLP187
P0013 T02440217
SPECI KAGC 141857Z 31003KT 3/4SM R28/5000VP6000FT +RA FEW009
BKN047 OVC085 24/22 A3009 RMK AO2 P0004 T02440217
Again, KAGC had an unrecorded thunderstorm. Since ALDARS reported a VCTS the day before; apparently, ALDARS works sometimes, but sometimes it doesn't.
North Central West Virginia Airport (Benedum Airport), Clarksburg, West Virginia, 14 Aug 2016:
To the north of Clarksburg (KCKB) on the 14th, between 2000-2130Z, there was some lightning:
KCKB transmitted these reports:
METAR KCKB 141953Z 22011G20KT 10SM CLR 31/21 A3008 RMK AO2
SLP169 T03060211 $
SPECI KCKB 142044Z 26013G36KT 1 3/4SM +RA FEW033 SCT041 BKN049
24/21 A3010 RMK AO2 PK WND 25036/2038 RAB39 P0007
T02440206 $
METAR KCKB 142053Z 30014G20KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR SCT038 BKN050
OVC085 23/21 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 25036/2038 RAB39
SLP182 P0015 60015 T02330211 53003 $
SPECI KCKB 142057Z 32014G21KT 2SM RA BR FEW036 BKN070 OVC085
23/22 A3011 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 P0000 T02330217 $
SPECI KCKB 142105Z 30011G24KT 6SM RA BR SCT040 BKN050 OVC065
23/21 A3013 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 PRESRR P0001 T02330211 $
SPECI KCKB 142115Z 27007G14KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR SCT036 BKN050
OVC065 23/21 A3014 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 P0013 T02280211 $
SPECI KCKB 142123Z 29007KT 3/4SM -RA BR SCT036 BKN050 OVC090
23/21 A3014 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 P0019 T02280211
RVRNO $
SPECI KCKB 142126Z 28006KT 2SM -RA BR SCT039 BKN050 OVC095
23/21 A3014 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 P0019 T02280211 $
SPECI KCKB 142133Z 26005KT 8SM -RA FEW034 BKN100 OVC110 23/21
A3015 RMK AO2 WSHFT 2042 P0019 T02280211 $
METAR KCKB 142154Z AUTO 19003KT -RA 23/21 A3014 RMK AO2 RAB48
SLP193 P0020 T02280211 TSNO RVRNO $
No thunderstorm appeared on any of those reports.
Owensboro, Kentucky, 14 Aug 2016:
To the east of Owensboro (KOWB) on the 14th, between 2000-2200Z, there was some lightning:
Neither TS nor VCTS, nor any LTG remarks were recorded:
METAR KOWB 141956Z 00000KT 10SM FEW026 SCT043 28/23 A3005
RMK AO2 T02830233 SLP173
METAR KOWB 142056Z 33009KT 1SM +RA BKN015 28/25 A3005 RMK
AO2 56016 60006 T02770250 RAB48 P0009 SLP171
SPECI KOWB 142058Z 34008KT 1/2SM +RA FG FEW009 SCT022 BKN065
27/26 A3005 RMK AO2 BKN V SCT P0006
SPECI KOWB 142105Z 03010KT 1SM +RA BR BKN009 BKN065 26/25
A3003 RMK AO2 P0034
SPECI KOWB 142110Z 02008KT 7SM -RA SCT001 BKN012 BKN034 25/24
A3004 RMK AO2 P0036
So a thunderstorm went unreported during that time. Which is strange, since TS was reported a few hours later:
METAR KOWB 150142Z 09005KT 10SM -TSRA SCT045 BKN080 26/24 A3006 RMK AO2 OCNL
LTGICCG S TS S MOV NE TSB42RAB30 P0000
As at KAGC, apparently, ALDARS catches only some thunderstorms while missing others. Of course, that one could have a LAWRS-initiated thunderstorm, which could still mean ALDARS missed it.
Wheeling, West Virginia, 15 Aug 2016:
VCTS was reported by Wheeling (KHLG) from 1429-1440Z:
SPECI KHLG 151429Z 16003KT 3SM VCTS RA BR BKN100 OVC110 24/22
A3023 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S AND W RAB15 P0003 T02390217
SPECI KHLG 151440Z 11005KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR BKN095 OVC110 23/21
A3021 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB15 P0006 T02330211
SPECI KHLG 151440Z 11005KT 1 1/2SM -RA BR BKN095 OVC110 23/21
A3021 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND S RAB15 P0006 T02330211
METAR KHLG 151453Z 00000KT 4SM -RA BR SCT090 OVC110 23/22
A3022 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SE AND SW RAB15 SLP228
P0008 60008 T02330217 53004
After the VCTS ended at 1440Z, lightning beyond 10 miles was recorded (LTG DSNT). That’s a problem, considering that lightning struck the airport at 1442Z!
If ALDARS had been accurate, it would have restarted the thunderstorm, and placed TS in present weather. Since that didn’t happen, Wheeling had an unreported thunderstorm. Only lightning beyond 10 miles, was reported after the airport had a lightning strike. Adverse weather conditions continued for awhile:
SPECI KHLG 151559Z 24007KT 1/2SM R03/2800VP6000FT +RA FG
BKN029 OVC075 22/19 A3025 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S-NW
P0005 T02170194
SPECI KHLG 151603Z 25006KT 1SM R03/4500VP6000FT RA SCT033
OVC075 22/19 A3026 RMK AO2 VIS 1/2V2 1/2 LTG DSNT
ALQDS P0007 T02220194
SPECI KHLG 151610Z 24004KT 4SM -RA BR SCT029 BKN075 OVC110
22/20 A3026 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S AND NW P0007
T02220200
SPECI KHLG 151628Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM RA BR SCT008 BKN070 OVC080
22/20 A3026 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND S P0014 T02170200
Martinsburg, West Virginia, 15 Aug 2016:
Between 2000-2100Z, there was some lightning near Martinsburg (KMRB):
There were 2,142 lightning strikes in the grid south of the airport, and 221 strikes in the same grid as the airport. None of that lightning was reported, possibly because as a D level site, KMRB is not required to report thunderstorms:
METAR KMRB 151953Z 02005KT 10SM -RA FEW050 SCT110 29/23 A3015
RMK AO2 RAB22 SLP204 P0000 T02890233
SPECI KMRB 152028Z 36007KT 2 1/2SM RA FEW043 BKN050 OVC100
27/24 A3018 RMK AO2 P0007 T02670239
SPECI KMRB 152040Z 29009KT 1SM +RA BR FEW013 BKN039 OVC090
26/24 A3021 RMK AO2 PRESRR P0021 T02610239
METAR KMRB 152053Z 25010KT 1 1/2SM RA BR SCT013 BKN024 OVC038
24/23 A3023 RMK AO2 PRESRR SLP232 P0030 60030
T02390228 53017
SPECI KMRB 152100Z 26007KT 3SM -RA BR SCT013 BKN024 OVC038
23/22 A3022 RMK AO2 P0002 T02280217
But, considering how much of that lightning was nearby, is it a good policy to allow D level sites to omit thunderstorm data from their METAR and SPECI reports?
Martin State Airport, Baltimore, Maryland, 15 Aug 2016:
Martin State Airport (KMTN) is another D level site not required to report thunderstorms. It too had a lot of nearby lightning; the below map is valid from 15/2300-16/0000Z:
1,844 bolts struck in the same grid in which the airport is located! Did a LAWRS observer take initiative and report that storm? No:
METAR KMTN 152255Z 00000KT 10SM SCT095 31/26 A3016
METAR KMTN 152334Z 29023G35KT 2SM +RA SCT027 OVC045 24/23
A3022
METAR KMTN 152355Z NIL
SPECI KMTN 160013Z 01004KT 3SM -RA SCT011 BKN042 23/22 A3017
The LAWRS observer didn’t even ensure the 2355Z METAR made it to the field. Perhaps they were too busy, directing aircraft around this:
+TSRA didn’t get reported, when it could have been.
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Post by tornado on Aug 22, 2016 9:48:28 GMT -5
Southeast Texas Regional Airport, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas, 15 Aug 2016:
Also known as Jack Brooks Regional Airport, Beaumont (KBPT) had some lightning around, between 15/2000-16/0200Z:
Of the 2 storms, only the one whose lightning strikes are plotted in orange, were within 10 miles. The closest lightning struck at 0030Z:
Reports transmitted from KBPT, showed heavy rain causing IFR visibility, but no lightning or thunder:
METAR KBPT 152353Z 08007KT 8SM -RA BKN026 BKN045 27/24 A2996
RMK AO2 RAB51 SLP146 P0000 60006 T02670239 10294
20256 55000
SPECI KBPT 160012Z 10011KT 4SM RA BR BKN010 OVC025 26/24
A2997 RMK AO2 P0002 T02560244
SPECI KBPT 160015Z 09011KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN012 OVC027
26/24 A2997 RMK AO2 VIS 1 1/2V5 P0003 T02560244
METAR KBPT 160053Z 12005KT 9SM SCT017 BKN028 OVC070 25/24
A2999 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT SW RAE33 SLP155 P0009 T02500244
Clarksburg, West Virginia, 16 Aug 2016:
In the 5 minutes between 2310-2315Z on the 16th, there were 3 lightning strikes near Clarksburg (KCKB):
The reports from KCKB didn’t show the lightning:
METAR KCKB 162253Z 23008KT 10SM FEW075 SCT110 29/20 A3008
RMK AO2 SLP167 T02890200
SPECI KCKB 162314Z 29014G22KT 1 1/4SM +RA FEW022 BKN050 BKN070
27/22 A3010 RMK AO2 RAB11 PRESRR P0014 T02670217
SPECI KCKB 162322Z 29018G26KT 3/4SM RA BR FEW017 BKN033 OVC065
24/22 A3011 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/2322 RAB11 P0022
T02390217 RVRNO
SPECI KCKB 162325Z 27016G26KT 2SM RA BR SCT021 BKN033 OVC065
24/22 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/2322 RAB11 PRESRR
P0028 T02390217
SPECI KCKB 162331Z 25013G26KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR BKN019 BKN033
OVC050 23/22 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/2322 RAB11
P0047 T02330217
SPECI KCKB 162340Z 26009G19KT 3SM RA BR SCT023 BKN033 OVC100
23/22 A3012 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/2322 RAB11 P0050
T02330217
METAR KCKB 162353Z 29005KT 10SM -RA FEW021 SCT060 BKN095
23/22 A3013 RMK AO2 PK WND 29026/2322 RAB11 SLP186
P0050 60050 T02330217 10311 20233 53012
The gusty winds and heavy rain, were from a thunderstorm, not just a rain shower.
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 17 Aug 2016:
Ypsilanti (KYIP) just had a lightning issue on August 13th. On the 17th, KYIP reported a heavy rainshower:
METAR KYIP 171953Z 20011KT 10SM FEW033 FEW065 SCT100 29/22
A3002 RMK AO2 SLP156 T02940217 $
SPECI KYIP 172005Z 29023G31KT 2 1/2SM +RA FEW029 SCT038 BKN055
24/19 A3007 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/2001 WSHFT 1946
RAB1954 PRESRR P0005 T02390189 $
SPECI KYIP 172013Z 28009G27KT 1 1/4SM R05R/2400VP6000FT +RA
FEW024 BKN033 OVC100 23/18 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND
30031/2001 WSHFT 1946 VIS 3/4V2 RAB1954 P0017
T02280183 $
SPECI KYIP 172023Z 32006KT 10SM FEW029 BKN055 OVC110 23/19
A3005 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/2001 WSHFT 1946 RAB1954E23
P0019 T02330194 $
METAR KYIP 172053Z VRB03KT 10SM FEW075 FEW110 26/20 A3002 RMK AO2 PK WND
30031/2001 WSHFT 1946 RAB1954E23 SLP158 P0019 60019 T02610200 55014 $
What should have been reported, was TS and/or VCTS:
Martinsburg, West Virginia, 17 Aug 2016:
D level site Martinsburg (KMRB) had another round of nearby lightning strikes on the 17th:
METAR KMRB 172053Z 25006KT 10SM FEW090 32/21 A3002 RMK AO2
SLP158 T03170206 56027
METAR KMRB 172153Z 04010KT 10SM CLR 27/21 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP161
T02670211
SPECI KMRB 172247Z 27016KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT041 OVC050 24/22
A3005 RMK AO2 VIS 3/4V5 RAB41 PRESRR P0007
METAR KMRB 172253Z 16004G18KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT022 BKN040
OVC050 22/21 A3003 RMK AO2 RAB41 SLP163 P0028
T02220211
SPECI KMRB 172256Z 13004KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN022 BKN040 OVC050
22/21 A3002 RMK AO2 P0002 T02220211
SPECI KMRB 172302Z 02003KT 1 1/4SM -RA BR BKN022 BKN040 BKN070
22/22 A3003 RMK AO2 P0002 T02220217
SPECI KMRB 172306Z 11005KT 6SM -RA BR SCT022 BKN039 BKN049
23/22 A3003 RMK AO2 P0002 T02280217
SPECI KMRB 172323Z 24011KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR SCT017 BKN050 OVC090
23/22 A3008 RMK AO2 P0024 T02280217 $
SPECI KMRB 172327Z VRB05KT 1/4SM +RA FG SCT012 BKN039 OVC090
22/22 A3006 RMK AO2 P0062 T02220217 $
SPECI KMRB 172334Z VRB06KT 1/4SM +RA FG BKN010 BKN047 OVC090
22/22 A3005 RMK AO2 P0083 T02220217 $
SPECI KMRB 172339Z 15004KT 1SM -RA BR SCT010 BKN050 BKN090
23/22 A3005 RMK AO2 P0083 T02280217 $
SPECI KMRB 172342Z 15005KT 5SM -RA BR SCT010 BKN050 BKN090
23/22 A3005 RMK AO2 P0083 T02280217 $
METAR KMRB 172353Z 16003KT 10SM FEW008 BKN050 BKN075 23/22
A3006 RMK AO2 RAE43 SLP174 P0083 60111 T02280217
10317 20222 53015
None of that lightning was required to be reported, and so was not reported.
Salisbury, Maryland, 17 (18) Aug 2016:
This LAWRS site had some lightning around, later enough on the 17th, that it was the 18th UTC:
But before leaving for the night, after the 0154Z METAR; LAWRS placed ASOS into AUTO/TSNO mode:
METAR KSBY 180154Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 27/24 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP170 T02670239 $
SPECI KSBY 180238Z AUTO 22009G29KT 1 3/4SM +RA FEW027 SCT055
BKN070 27/21 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 22029/0232 VIS
3/4V5 RAB32 P0015 T02720211 TSNO $
SPECI KSBY 180243Z AUTO 18008G21KT 3SM +RA FEW038 SCT055
BKN070 26/21 A3004 RMK AO2 PK WND 22029/0232 RAB32
P0017 T02560211 TSNO $
METAR KSBY 180254Z AUTO 21006KT 10SM -RA FEW033 SCT055 BKN070
26/23 A3006 RMK AO2 PK WND 22029/0232 RAB32 SLP179
P0018 60018 T02560228 53014 TSNO $
SPECI KSBY 180303Z AUTO 27029G37KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR SCT027
BKN065 BKN080 24/23 A3009 RMK AO2 PK WND 25037/0303
P0015 T02440228 TSNO $
SPECI KSBY 180317Z AUTO 26012G37KT 1 1/2SM +RA BR BKN030
BKN070 OVC100 22/22 A3008 RMK AO2 PK WND 26041/0304
WSHFT 0257 P0040 T02220217 TSNO $
SPECI KSBY 180328Z AUTO 26008KT 3SM RA BR BKN035 BKN120 22/22
A3009 RMK AO2 PK WND 26041/0304 WSHFT 0257 P0050
T02220217 TSNO $
METAR KSBY 180354Z AUTO 31007KT 2SM -RA BR FEW120 22/22 A3007
RMK AO2 PK WND 26041/0304 WSHFT 0257 SLP184 P0051
T02220217 TSNO $
Lightning won’t get reported when ASOS is in TSNO mode.
Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota, 18 Aug 2016:
Heavy rain and gusty winds, struck Fargo (KFAR) in the hour prior to 1453Z on the 18th:
METAR KFAR 181353Z 30005KT 10SM -RA BKN038 OVC048 20/17 A2996
RMK AO2 RAB44 PRESRR SLP141 P0000 T02000172
SPECI KFAR 181414Z 32024G31KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN032
OVC039 19/17 A2999 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/1406 P0007
T01890172
SPECI KFAR 181431Z 02014G29KT 3SM RA BR FEW010 BKN043 OVC100
19/17 A2997 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/1406 P0019 T01890172
SPECI KFAR 181438Z 05019G25KT 4SM RA BR FEW026 BKN080 OVC100
19/17 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/1406 WSHFT 1418
PRESFR P0021 T01890172
METAR KFAR 181453Z 05019G23KT 5SM RA BR FEW070 BKN090 OVC110
19/17 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 30031/1406 WSHFT 1418
PRESFR SLP123 P0025 60025 T01890167 58000
Lightning or thunder was not reported. Lightning data shows that TS/VCTS could have been reported:
Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, 19 Aug 2016:
As on the 9th of August, Norfolk International Airport (KORF) had a lightning issue on the 19th. The overriding issue was that ASOS was placed in TSNO mode, at a time when it shouldn’t even have been in AUTO mode:
METAR KORF 191751Z AUTO 12004KT 10SM BKN031 OVC038 27/22
A2995
SPECI KORF 191842Z AUTO 06019G25KT 1 1/2SM +RA FEW019 OVC036
23/21 A2995 RMK AO2 RAB01 P0011 T02330206 TSNO
METAR KORF 191851Z AUTO 07013G25KT 1 1/4SM +RA BR FEW022 BKN038 OVC046 23/21
A2997 RMK AO2 RAB01 SLP146 P0029 T02280211 TSNO
SPECI KORF 191901Z AUTO 09015KT 2 1/2SM +RA BR FEW032 BKN040
OVC050 23/21 A2996 RMK AO2 VIS 1 3/4V5 P0010 T02280211
TSNO
SPECI KORF 191908Z AUTO 09011KT 5SM -RA BR FEW029 SCT040
OVC050 23/21 A2997 RMK AO2 P0014 T02280211 TSNO
SPECI KORF 191929Z AUTO 09007KT 1 3/4SM R05/3000VP6000FT
+RA BR SCT034 OVC050 23/21 A2996 RMK AO2 P0036
T02280206 TSNO
METAR KORF 191951Z AUTO 13005KT 6SM R05/2600VP6000FT -RA
BR SCT038 BKN065 OVC080 23/21 A2995
As long as ASOS was in AUTO/TSNO mode, the storm to the N-E had no chance of being reported:
 Why was ASOS in AUTO mode from 1:51 to 3:51 p.m. anyway?
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Post by tornado on Oct 26, 2016 13:26:43 GMT -5
Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan, Wed 7 Sep 2016:
Lightning struck Willow Run Airport (KYIP) at 2123Z:
 
Plus, there was plenty of lightning strikes within 5 miles, from 2030-2200Z. Did any of that lightning get
reported? No:
METAR KYIP 071953Z 23011KT 10SM FEW043 SCT050 SCT070 33/24 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP143 T03330239
METAR KYIP 072053Z 21009KT 10SM CLR 34/24 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP141 60014 T03440239 56016
SPECI KYIP 072107Z AUTO 02026G36KT 340V050 1 1/2SM R05R/2800VP6000FT RA FEW014 SCT041 BKN049
27/23 A2995 RMK AO2 PK WND 33036/2103 RAB03 P0006 T02720228 TSNO
SPECI KYIP 072111Z 07019G37KT 3/4SM R05R/2600V5000FT +RA SCT018 SCT041 BKN055 27/22 A2996 RMK
AO2 PK WND 06037/2109 WSHFT 2057 RAB03 P0023 T02720222
SPECI KYIP 072123Z 21006G29KT 1/2SM R05R/1600VP6000FT +RA BKN019 BKN041 OVC110 27/24 A2999
RMK AO2 PK WND 06037/2109 WSHFT 2057 RAB03 P0058 T02670239
SPECI KYIP 072132Z 11008KT 10SM R05R/4500VP6000FT -RA FEW012 BKN018 OVC075 27/25 A2998 RMK AO2
PK WND 06037/2109 WSHFT 2057 RAB03 P0059 T02670250
By 2107Z (5:07 p.m.), LAWRS had signed off ASOS. That was after the 2053Z METAR recorded clear skies, with no mention of lightning in remarks. The heavy rain that made the airfield low IFR at 2111Z (3/4SM) and 2123Z (1/2SM), should have been attributed to a thunderstorm, but wasn’t. LAWRS then signed back on to ASOS for the 2111Z SPECI; yet, still no thunderstorm was reported.
Cuyahoga County Airport, nr Cleveland, Ohio, Thu 8 Sep 2016:
Lightning struck within 10 miles of Cuyahoga County Airport (KCGF) between 1800-2000Z on Thu 8 Sep 2016:
As a D level LAWRS site, KCGF is not required to report thunderstorms. So, it didn’t:
METAR KCGF 081845Z 25012G21KT 6SM -RA BR FEW010 BKN020 OVC035 30/23 A2985
SPECI KCGF 081900Z 30016G25KT 1SM RA BR BKN007 OVC015 28/24 A2986
SPECI KCGF 081905Z 28016G25KT 1/2SM +RA BR VV006 25/25 A2988
SPECI KCGF 081920Z 26010KT 7SM -RA BKN006 BKN030 OVC050 24/24 A2987
The worst conditions were low IFR, at 1905Z. The nearest lightning strike, was to the SSW of the airport
At 1907Z, about 1.5 miles away:
The 28016G25KT 1/2SM +RA BR VV006 was due to a thunderstorm.
Richard L. Jones, Jr. Airport, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wed 5 Oct 2016:
There was a lot of lightning near Richard L. Jones, Jr. Airport (KRVS) between 0500-0900Z on the
5th of October, especially to the E-S:
One would expect to see lots of lightning remarks during that period, but none were reported by KRVS:
METAR KRVS 050453Z 18008KT 10SM -RA SCT050 BKN060 25/16 A2977 RMK AO2 RAB29 SLP082 P0000 T02500156 $
METAR KRVS 050553Z 23008G17KT 200V260 10SM SCT018 SCT060 BKN080 23/18 A2982 RMK AO2 RAE40
PRESRR SLP098 P0000 60000 T02280178 10283 20222 403060183 53026 $
METAR KRVS 050653Z 03006KT 10SM BKN037 OVC046 20/17 A2982 RMK AO2 RAB04E18 SLP101 P0001 T02000167 $
METAR KRVS 050753Z 06007KT 8SM -RA BKN039 OVC049 19/17 A2983 RMK AO2 RAB17 SLP105 P0011 T01940172 $
SPECI KRVS 050804Z 12006KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR SCT023 BKN039 OVC055 19/17 A2982 RMK AO2 P0014 T01890172 $
SPECI KRVS 050811Z 08005KT 10SM -RA FEW023 BKN039 OVC055 19/17 A2982 RMK AO2 P0014 T01940172 $
METAR KRVS 050853Z 09008KT 10SM -RA OVC039 19/18 A2983 RMK AO2 RAE13B33 SLP105 P0014 60026 T01940178
50005 $
While there was .14” of rainfall in the hour before the 0853Z METAR, no lightning was reported for the
4-hour period, when clearly there should have been lightning in remarks. Also, thunderstorm ought to
have been reported in present weather, for the lightning strikes within 5 miles of the airport at 0620Z
and 0721Z:
KRVS had an unreported thunderstorm that morning.
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Mon 17 Oct 2016:
Mon 17 Oct 2016, did not go down as a “thunderstorm day” at Eau Claire (KEAU), Wisconsin; since no official
report contained thunder that day, or even lightning. While during the overnight hours, ASOS had been
placed in AUTO/TSNO mode; there was a thunderstorm issue between 17/2100Z-18/0000Z:
On the above map, there were about 100 lightning strikes plotted within 30 miles of Eau Claire.
But no LTG DSNT remarks appeared in any of the reports during that time, which was 5-8 p.m.:
METAR KEAU 172056Z 06006KT 10SM -RA BKN045 OVC060 22/19 A2932 RMK AO2 RAB10E16B44 PRESFR SLP925 P0000 60000 T02220189 58028
METAR KEAU 172156Z 24010KT 4SM +RA BR FEW024 BKN037 OVC048 20/19 A2933 RMK AO2 RAE05B31 PRESRR SLP928 P0010 T02000189
SPECI KEAU 172204Z 16004KT 2SM +RA BR SCT024 BKN036 OVC046 20/19 A2931 RMK AO2 P0006 T02000194
SPECI KEAU 172217Z 33005KT 2 1/2SM RA BR SCT015 BKN022 OVC035 19/19 A2930 RMK AO2 P0010 T01940189
SPECI KEAU 172233Z 31005KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN013 OVC026 19/19 A2930 RMK AO2 P0015 T01940189
SPECI KEAU 172244Z 32005KT 2 1/2SM RA BR BKN007 OVC012 19/19 A2930 RMK AO2 CIG 004V010 P0019 T01940189
METAR KEAU 172256Z 05008KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN007 OVC011 19/19 A2927 RMK AO2 CIG 004V009 PRESFR SLP909 P0020 T01940189
SPECI KEAU 172303Z 07009KT 8SM -RA BKN007 OVC013 19/18 A2926 RMK AO2 CIG 004V009 PRESFR P0000 T01940183
METAR KEAU 172356Z 33013G18KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW008 BKN012 OVC025 19/19 A2934 RMK AO2 VIS 1V3 RAE08B41 PRESRR SLP932 P0023 60053 T01940189 10250 20189 53006
SPECI KEAU 180011Z 01008G19KT 3SM RA BR FEW007 BKN013 OVC022 18/18 A2933 RMK AO2 P0034 T01830178
No VCTS nor TS was reported either, despite lightning narrowly missing the airport at 2234Z:
ALDARS reported both TS and VCTS at Eau Claire, on 6 Sep 2016. ALDARS is sometimes spot on-
but sometimes it fails miserably! In this case, LAWRS should have backed up ALDARS, but didn’t.
Tri-State Airport, Huntington, West Virginia, Thu 20 (21) Oct 2016:
Late enough on the 20th that it was the 21st UTC; there was some lightning within 10 miles of Huntington
(KHTS):
The map above is valid for the hour 21/0100-21/0200Z, which was 9-10 p.m. local time. VCTS was not
reported that hour (or at any time that day):
METAR KHTS 210051Z 00000KT 3SM BR SCT002 OVC031 20/19 A2986 RMK AO2 SLP104 T02000189
SPECI KHTS 210131Z 27007KT 1 3/4SM +RA BR FEW007 BKN041 OVC075 20/19 A2986 RMK AO2 RAB27
P0000 T02000189
SPECI KHTS 210135Z VRB03KT 1/2SM +RA FG SCT007 BKN023 OVC075 20/19 A2986 RMK AO2 RAB27 P0005
T02000189
SPECI KHTS 210148Z 21003G16KT 2SM RA BR FEW006 BKN025 OVC085 19/17 A2985 RMK AO2 RAB27 P0049
METAR KHTS 210151Z 22003KT 3SM RA BR FEW006 BKN025 OVC085 19/17 A2985 RMK AO2 RAB27 SLP102
P0050 T01890172
A thunderstorm would have explained the heavy rainfall that hour, which dropped the visibility down
to 1/2SM at one point. A “thunderstorm in the vicinity” was missed at Huntington that evening.
Palm Springs, California, Mon 24 Oct 2016:
Palm Springs (KPSP) had some lightning nearby, between 24/1900Z and 25/0000Z:
 
So when a bolt struck NW of the airport at 2057Z, and even closer to the NW of the airport at 2159Z;
it would be expected that Palm Springs would have either reported 2 separate thunderstorms, or 1
thunderstorm lasting at least 77 minutes (2 bolts, 62 minutes apart, plus the mandatory 15 minutes
after thunder last heard). Instead, these were the pertinent reports:
METAR KPSP 242053Z 31015KT 8SM RA BKN075 OVC110 22/15 A3003 RMK AO2 RAB1955E14B49 SLP166
P0005 60005 T02220150 58005
METAR KPSP 242153Z 36009KT 10SM RA OVC080 22/15 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP155 P0001 T02220150
METAR KPSP 242253Z 24006KT 10SM SCT075 BKN095 22/16 A3000 RMK AO2 RAE52 SLP156 P0001 T02220156
So while moderate rain was reported by KPSP, thunder was not. Palm Springs had an unreported
thunderstorm that Monday afternoon.
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