Image reference: http://casi.simplenet.com/j/oldsite/wx/severe.html The Storm Prediction Center in OK has issued a HIGH RISK of severe thunderstorms for the Northern CASI area today, including most of Pennsylvania and New York. High Risks are rarely issued for the United States and it is extremely rare for an area in the Northeast to be in a High Risk. This indicates that forecasters are sure of the probability of severe weather in these areas. The SPC says: "STRONG WIND FIELDS AT ALL LEVELS INDICATE A DISTINCT THREAT FOR WIDESPREAD DAMAGING WINDS. IF MORE CELLULAR CONVECTION CAN DEVELOP...HELICITY AND STORM RELATIVE FLOW APPEAR FAVORABLE FOR ISOLATED SUPERCELL TORNADOES." In addition a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms exists for areas North and West of North Carolina and a Moderate Risk exists for most of the Northeast US. UPDATE: Local forecast discussions from State College at 11:30am indicate that the SPC has moved the High Risk area to NE PA and NJ. I am undecided as to whether to leave HQ to attempt to see the severe weather at this time. I know that Bud and others have mobilized to NW PA early this morning and I am not getting answers from other potential chase parters phone numbers this morning. CASI Members in the Northeast US should be prepared to record this unusual and likely severe event. -- ============================================================== Jesse Ferrell - Meteorologist/Web Dev. - j{at}weatherwatchers.org Central Atlantic Storm Investigators - www.weatherwatchers.org "And here a twister comes... here comes the twister." --Talking Heads || ICQ No. 136862 ||