GWC Weather Journal–June 5, 2016–Severe Weather Threat in NJ

Here is a timeline of weather conditions at Greg’s Weather Center in South Plainfield, New Jersey during the day on Sunday as a severe weather event unfolded across the Mid-Alantic.

7:21 AM–Woke up to see that the skies were quite dark.

8:30 AM–Stepped outside, and skies were overcast, but no rain yet.

10:00 AM–Saw the latest update from the Garden State Weather page that indicated moderate CAPE, some shear, but not much in the way of rising air or vertical development yet due to the cloud cover. Severe weather still possible.

11:00 AM–Checked out the Storm Prediction Center web site, which indicated that there is still an enhanced risk of severe weather for much of New Jersey late this afternoon and evening. SPC did point out that the ingredients for severe weather aren’t quite there yet due to cloud cover, but there could still be a significant rain and wind event.

12:00 PM–Rain came through earlier and I posted an article in the blog on both the severe weather threat for New Jersey on Sunday, and the newly formed Tropical Depression Three in the Gulf of Mexico. Rainfall came down fairly intensely in a short period of time. GWC WX Station rain gauge received 0.12 inches of rain.

1:35 PM–Just came back inside after going outside for a walk. Skies remained overcast, but no rain occurred during the walk. Air was very moist, thick, and humid. If there is some sun later this afternoon, things could get interesting.

2:04 PM–Just checked the local weather radar. Showers and storms currently in Central Pennsylvania with a narrow line of strong to severe storms leading the way near State College. The Weather Channel app indicates a large area of severe weather possible from New York to Georgia. Strong storms also possible from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. TWC also indicates thunderstorm possible by 3:30 PM.

4:30 PM–Went outside to do a time lapse video, and noticed that the skies were becoming a bit more threatening. I also learned from the TWC app that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for Eastern Pennsylvania and all of New Jersey until 10:00 PM. Made sure that all my electronic devices had enough power available. I also got my weather radio ready.

6:00 PM–Several severe thunderstorm warnings came through for Western New Jersey. Also took a look outside at the latest conditions and shot some video. Clouds definitely moving at a pretty good clip overhead, and continue to become more impressive despite the lack of sunshine today.

7:00 PM–Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for Middlesex County. Set up the GoPro Cam on the roof of the house to take some video footage of the storm coming through. A few moments later, at about 7:10 PM, the storm began to come through with heavy rains and really strong gusts of wind. You couldn’t see anything outside because the window was awash with water from the rain and wind.

8:06 PM–Checked data on the GWC WX Station. The storm that came through brought about 0.41 inches of rain with it and at a rainfall rate of 1.63 inches per hour. Winds were about 35 miles per hour. Checked the debris outside the house and there were no trees branches or wires down as well as no structural damage. Only debris from fallen leaves. High temperature today was only 75 degrees, but the dew point peaked at 73. Total rainfall so far for the day has been 0.53 inches for a total of 0.56 inches so far this month, and 13.61 inches so far for this year.

9:20 PM–Just came in from taking a walk around a portion of the town. Didn’t see any serious damage only a few decently sized tree branches by Sacred Heart School, and some more flimsy tree branches down in my neighborhood. Lot of leaves down. My guess that the winds in my neighborhood and surrounding areas on the north side of town had only 40 mile per hour winds.