<\/a>STATUS: IOP<\/p>\n
The researchers have arrived in Huntsville for the upcoming observing work.<\/p>\n
This morning, all of the high-resolution forecast models are showing a band of storms moving into AL tomorrow. \u00a0The forecasts vary from a midday passage near Huntsville to an after-dark passage. The uncertainty is huge. \u00a0Uncertainty here in AL is normally larger than anything I have experienced in the Plains, but this case is one of the most uncertain I remember.<\/p>\n
One thing that looks more certain is storm rotation. \u00a0CAPE and the wind profiles look supportive of rotating storms, with the wind shear in the lower atmosphere possibly supportive of a tornado threat.<\/p>\n
So… the researchers will meet at 8PM tonight to see if we have a better picture of what will happen tomorrow. \u00a0And likely we will meet one more time at 8 AM tomorrow to finalize our “plan-of-the-day”.<\/p>\n
Because of the uncertainty, the nighttime mission of the NOAA P-3 “hurricane hunter” aircraft has been cancelled. \u00a0There was no way to fly tonight, rest the crew, and take off again at a reasonable time tomorrow. \u00a0Instead, the flight is now scheduled to begin at 11 AM tomorrow, and finish by 11 PM.<\/p>\n
Because this is our first mission this year, and the weather looks particularly busy, I doubt I will be able to blog tomorrow. \u00a0Maybe when the mission wraps up…<\/p>\n
Here’s a cool set of pictures from our recent media day.<\/p>\n