Severe Weather Awareness Week
April 21st ~ April 27th, 2024



April 23rd ~ April 29th, 2023 has been declared as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Vermont and Northern New York. The National Weather Service and other supporting organizations ask for your help in providing the public with information about severe weather safety. Advance planning and increased awareness will help residents of the North Country survive these deadly storms.

• Sunday ~ Introduction to Severe Weather Awareness Week
• Monday ~ Severe Weather Terminology
• Tuesday ~ Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes
• Wednesday ~ Severe Weather Safety
• Thursday ~ Lightning
• Friday ~ Flash Flooding

Informational Videos
What is Severe Weather Awareness Week?
Thunderstorms	Flash Flooding	Hail	Lightning Safety	Lightning Formation	Tornadoes	Microbursts	Thunderstorm Preparedness

Severe Weather Social Media Graphics
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Introduction	The Synthesis of Information	Ready - Set - Go!	Watch vs. Warning
Severe Thunderstorms	Thunderstorm Climatology	Thunderstorm Safety	Lightning Safety
Tornados	Lightning Safety	Types of Flooding	Flash Flooding
Social Media

Severe weather can happen at any time. Here are some events from the last few years:
Review of the Widespread Wind Damage in the Champlain Valley on August 30th, 2022: Widespread wind damage occurred across portions of the Champlain Valley on August 30th, 2022 with areas of northern New York getting hit particularly hard. During this event, we saw a long-lived, microburst-producing storm that produced widespread wind damage beginning in Moriah and Westport in Essex County before crossing Lake Champlain and causing additional damage to Burlington, Milton, Colchester, and St. Albans. Several mesonet sites in Essex County, NY, and at Diamond Island reported measured wind gusts between 52 and 57 mph as the storm began to move over Lake Champlain between 4:45 and 4:55 PM. The net result of this severe storm led to the declaration of a State of Emergency for Essex County. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped from Moriah to Westport to Essex. In addition to the tree damage in Westport, 45 power poles were broken and needed to be replaced with numerous power lines also needing to be replaced.

Review of the July 21st, 2022 Widespread Severe Event Across Vermont: July 21st, 2022 was one of the most active severe days across the BTV forecast area in over 4 years with 15 warnings and over 30 reports of severe weather reported to the National Weather Service. This event is very unique given that northern New York saw very little thunderstorm activity while Vermont had numerous long-tracked supercells move through the state. Anomalously warm temperatures in the middle of a 6-day heat wave, yielded impressive amounts of instability across the region, adding fuel for the storms and resulting in a very active severe day for Vermont.

Review of the Addison County Vermont Tornado Event on 18 July 2022: On 18 July 2022 a long track rotating low top shower produced two tornado touchdowns across Addison County, Vermont (VT), which caused property damage and uprooted or snapped off multiple trees. Figure 1 below shows the preliminary damage survey results from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington, VT. Based on damage and tornado videos, it was determined two touchdowns occurred. The first, an EF-1, occurred around 6:50 PM near the intersection of Route 17 and 22A in the town of Addison. Meanwhile, the second, a brief EF-0, touched down approximately 2 miles west-northwest (WNW) of Waltham, VT near the Otter Creek basin around 6:55 PM.

A Severe Weather Review of the Damaging Storms Across Rutland and Windsor Counties in Vermont on 12 July 2022: On 12 July 2022 a line of severe thunderstorms developed across the southern Champlain Valley and impacted central-southern Vermont with scattered damaging thunderstorm wind gusts. The primary focus of damage was across Rutland and Windsor counties, with additional isolated damage in the St. Lawrence Valley and northern Champlain Valley. At the peak over 10,000 customers were without power across Vermont, with many reports of trees and power lines down.

A Multiscale Analysis of the 26 March 2021 EF-1 Tornado in Middlebury, Vermont: On Friday, 26 March 2021, an EF-1 tornado struck the northeast side of Middlebury, Vermont, causing two injuries along with property and tree damage in the vicinity of Painter Road. A damage survey conducted by NWS Burlington determined that the tornado was on the ground for approximately 1 minute (around 1:40 pm EDT). The damage path covered approximately 0.6 miles with a maximum path width of 75 yards. Four homes suffered damage.

For a more comprehensive list of severe weather events, click here.


Other NOAA/NWS Severe Weather Links

• NOAA/National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center
• NOAA/NWS Severe Weather Awareness Page
• Lightning Safety Awareness
• WFO BTV Local Flooding Awareness Page
• NOAA What's a Watch? Video
• PlanIt Now - Young Meteorologist Program:
• Red Cross Thunderstorm Preparedness
• Red Cross Tornado Preparedness

The National Weather Service categorizes a hot day when temperatures reach 90 degrees or warmer. In the North Country, we average between 6 and 10 such days a year, with some years witnessing more than 20 days. In Burlington, the most 90 degree or above days observed was 26 days in 1949. In 2013, 9 days of 90 degree or warmer temperatures were observed. An "official" heat wave is defined as three or more consecutive days with the temperature reaching or exceeding 90 degrees. The longest heat wave in Burlington was 8 days in August 1944. In 2013, there was one heat wave, a 5 day heat wave from July 15 temperatures approaching 100 degrees.

The Hazards of Excessive Heat Although an "official" HOT DAY is classified when temperatures reach 90 degrees or warmer, heat related health effects can occur with temperatures in the 80s, combined with high humidity and prolonged sun exposure. During extremely hot and humid weather, the body's ability to cool itself is affected. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and heat-related illnesses may develop. Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to more serious heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.

Factors or conditions that can make some people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses include age (older adults and young children), obesity, fever, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drug and alcohol use, and sunburn.

Please refer to the following page for heat-related illness symptoms and first aid - https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
 

• Slow down and reduce strenuous activities
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.
• During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places if available.
• If you must be outside, try to lessen your exposure by seeking shade frequently and limiting your activities to the early morning or late evening.
• NEVER leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked vehicles. "Beat the heat, check the back seat!"

The National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont will issue Excessive Heat Watches, Heat Advisories or Excessive Heat Warnings when the Heat Index (Apparent Temperature) is expected to exceed 105°F for several hours or more. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.

IMPORTANT: Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F. Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.

The Heat Index Chart shaded zone above 105°F (orange or red) shows a level that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure or physical activity.

NWS BTV Heat Awareness Video

For more information and forecasts - visit us at http://www.weather.gov/btv/

Join us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Burlington.gov

Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington

Other links –

NY Health Department Heat Message - http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1243.pdf

VT Department of Health - http://healthvermont.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

April 15th ~ April 19th, 2024

Daily Topics
 

Monday Peak fire season across the North Country

Tuesday Main causes of fires across the North Country

Wednesday Ingredients linked to critical fire weather patterns and conditions

 

Thursday Fire Danger rating and what it means for fire behavior

Friday Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings

Additional Information and Presentations
 

Why is peak fire season April & May		What is a red flag event
2024 Spring Fire Weather Outlook	2023 Canadian Wildfires Burn	2023 GMNF Prescribed Burn	April 2023 Red Flag Event

• Weather Forecast Office Burlington Vermont Fire Weather Page
• National Weather Service Fire Weather Page
• North American Seasonal Fire Assessment and Outlook
• Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation for Wildfires
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for Wildfires

Rip Currents: Break The Grip of The Rip!^®

For families that are planning a trip to the beach this summer, it is important to realize the dangers of rip currents before swimming in the ocean. The majority of rip current fatalities each year are visitors from non coastal locations. Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore and are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers, especially for weak or non swimmers. According to the united states lifesaving association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents and more than 100 people die annually from drowning when they are unable to escape a rip current. Rip currents form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves at the beach. One of the ways this water returns to sea is to form a rip current, a narrow jet of water that moves swiftly offshore, roughly perpendicular to the shoreline. Under most tide and sea conditions the speeds are relatively slow, however under certain wave, tide and beach profile conditions, The speeds can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, Even the most experienced swimmers. Rip currents can be very narrow or extend in widths to hundreds of yards. The seaward pull of rip currents varies from just beyond the line of breaking waves to hundreds of yards offshore. Some of the clues beachgoers can use to identify rip currents including: a channel of churning, choppy water, an area having a notable difference in water color, A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward, or a break in the incoming wave pattern. The above clues may or may not indicate the presence of rip currents and rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. If you are concerned about the possibilities of rip currents occurring in the surf, it is best to ask an on duty lifeguard before entering the water. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Never fight against the current. Swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore. If you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help. If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim yourself, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current. Get help from a lifeguard, or f one is unavailable, have someone call 9 1 1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats such as a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball. Yell instructions on how to escape. It is important to note that under any conditions rip currents can occur and beachgoers should know how to swim and to heed the advice of beach patrol before entering the surf. For more information about rip currents, please visit www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov or if you are at the beach, ask a lifeguard.

Rip Current Social Media Graphics
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What Weather-Ready Looks Like: Beach	Shallow Water	Wave Safe Video Series	What are Rip Currents?
Break the Grip of the Rip!	Survive a Rip Current	Beach Dangers	Stay Dry When Waves are High
Survivor Story: Rip Current		Only Swim at a Beach with Lifeguards

The National Weather Service and EPA have designated April 29 - May 3, 2019 as Air Quality Awareness Week in the United States. This week was established to remind persons of the importance air quality and air quality forecasts can play in their daily lives. This year's theme is Check the AQI and Get Outside!

There are two kinds of pollutants commonly found in our area. The first is ozone, which is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are heated by the sun. As a result, ozone levels are usually highest in the summer. The second pollutant is particle pollution, which consists of microscopic particles in the air. Not only is particle pollution a problem in the summer, it is also found in the winter due to wood smoke from stoves and furnaces.

Ozone- and particle-forming pollutants come from a wide variety of sources, including cars, buses, power plants, and industries. Natural sources such as wildfires and dust storms contribute to particle pollution. Trees and other vegetation also emit organic compounds that contribute to particle and ozone pollution.

A perfect example of particle pollution occurred on Memorial Day 2010. Smoke from wildfires in Quebec spread south into Vermont and Northern New York resulting in poor air quality across much of the North Country. For a detailed explanation of the 2010 Memorial Day Smoke Out visit http://www.weather.gov/media/btv/events/31May2010.pdf

Weather plays a big role in the levels of ozone and particle pollution. Sunlight and heat promote ozone formation. Light winds and temperature inversions can keep pollution concentrated near the ground. The wind can bring in more pollution, sometimes from hundreds of miles away. Geography can affect pollution levels, too. Mountain ranges can prevent pollution from dispersing, with the pollutants settling in the surrounding valleys. 

Exposure to high levels of ozone and particle pollution is linked with a number of significant health problems. Children, people with lung disease, older adults, and people with heart disease tend to be more vulnerable. When pollution reaches high enough levels, the air can be unhealthy for everyone, especially those who are active outdoors.

Use the Air Quality Index (AQI) and daily air quality forecasts to help you determine when pollutant levels are high and what steps you should take to protect yourself. The AQI is a color-coded scale that tells you who will be most affected by current or forecast pollution levels. Local air quality forecasts and the AQI can be found at www.airnow.gov and you can subscribe to the daily AQI forecast at www.enviroflash.info.



You can help reduce pollution by following these steps:

• Carpool or use public transportation
• Delay using lawn mowers and other gasoline-powered lawn equipment until later in the day
• Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials
• Keep your car in good operating condition and get regular tune ups.

  The Hazard of Cold Water Boating

Particular caution is necessary early in the boating season across the North Country

 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington, Vermont urges extreme caution when boating, canoeing, or kayaking during the spring, when water temperatures typically remain dangerously cold in the event of a capsize. After a long North Country winter, thoughts naturally turn toward warm weather recreational activities. The first warm days of spring often attract boaters and other recreational enthusiasts to the many beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams across Vermont and northern New York. Those venturing out on area lakes and rivers need to be aware of the dangers posed by cold water temperatures. On pleasantly warm and dry days in April and May, it is easy to overlook the fact that the temperature of the water is much slower to respond to the change of season and warms much more slowly than the air temperature. Rivers are often still affected by runoff from melting snow from mountain summits. Lakes continue to up-well cold water from below until a temperature of 39°F, and then increase in temperature slowly based on amount and days of sunshine, near surface air temperature, and the size of the body of water. On Lake Champlain, climate records indicate that surface water temperatures are typically in the upper 30s in late April, and only rise into the 40s during May. Immersion in cold water can become life threatening very quickly. Should your craft capsize, hypothermia in waters with temperatures in the upper 30s and 40s can occur in just a matter of minutes. Since water conducts body heat away up to 26 times faster than air of the same temperature, the cold water rapidly causes extremities to become numb, weakening the ability of muscles to work effectively. Tragically, several individuals have lost their lives on North Country rivers and lakes in recent years, drowning in the very low water temperatures of early May. The NWS urges the following safety measures to protect yourself and maximize your enjoyment of area waterways: Consider postponing small craft boating activities until water temperatures become warmer in late spring and summer. If you do choose to boat, canoe, or kayak in April or May, wear a dry suit appropriate for water temperatures in the high 30s and 40s. Wear all recommended protective gear to guard against the cold water in the event of an accident or capsize. Remember, no matter the season, when you are on the water, always wear your life jacket. Safe boating is no accident! Please take the time to think safety first and plan appropriately for weather and water conditions before heading out on lakes, rivers, and streams. Supplemental Links: Cold Water Hazards and Safety From the United States Naval Safety Center: Hypothermia information Additional hypothermia information