The winds win! (H. Michael Mogil, CCM, CBM, NWA-DS*)

H. Michael Mogil February 12, 2017

Today through tomorrow evening, large areas of the Nation and some nearby ocean water areas are under various types of wind warnings. From hurricane-force wind warnings in New England’s offshore waters (large-scale winter storm and intense pressure gradient) to Santa Ana (canyon-channeled) winds in southern California (Fig. 1), the winds win!

In New England, for added measure, heavy snow and bitter cold will add to the misery. Across parts of west Texas, a wintry mix will develop. In the mid-Atlantic, it’s a combination of large-scale vertical mixing (high speed winds from higher altitudes mixed down to the ground) and the effects of downslope winds.

In all of these land areas, winds will be high enough to affect the travel of high-profile vehicles and even passenger cars. Offshore from New England, waves will build to heights of more than 30 feet. As noted in National Weather Service marine warnings, “seas are given as significant wave height…which is the average height of the highest 1/3 of the waves. Individual waves may be more than twice the significant wave height.” Hence, if a 60-foot wave does form, it would take on the scope of the self-proclaimed “George Clooney Memorial Wave” in “The Perfect Storm” movie.

Winds will die down in many locales by Tuesday, as a more tranquil weather pattern establishes itself. Until then, drive safely, act cautiously, and stay in safe places.

Originally posted 2/12/17

* The National Weather Association Digital Seal (NWA-DS) is awarded to individuals who pass stringent meteorological testing and evaluation of written weather content. H. Michael Mogil was awarded the second such seal and is a strong advocate for its use by weather bloggers.

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