Devan Reynolds
Staff Writer
Meteorologist and Millersville Campus Weather Service (CWS) Director Kyle Elliott and Meteorology Professor Dr. Greg Blumberg give insights into this summer’s severe weather season locally and across the US.
As winter ends and warmer temperatures spread across the country, pools will open, and beaches will be packed. While warm weather is associated with summer fun, many also associate it with atmospheric dangers.
“Yes, it does look like winter is finally over,” Elliott says, confirming that consistently warm temperatures are here to stay.
Blumberg believes that cooler temperatures may still present locally; however, from a climatological standpoint, he states, “April, that would be in the spring.”
These conditions are precursors to the severe weather season.
“Our number one severe weather hazard in Lancaster County is actually flash flooding,” Elliott says. He explains that, since Lancaster tends to receive many intense downpours from thunderstorms, flooding of roads and rivers is more likely.
“We usually don’t get a lot of tornadoes around here…” Blumberg says, stating that wind damage is “one of the bigger things that we get along the east coast”.
Hurricanes, which often form in the summer and fall, also influence local weather due to their remnants moving into the Mid-Atlantic States. These storms mostly impact Lancaster County from August through October. The rain from hurricanes is one of the main culprits of Lancaster County’s flash flood hazard. Likewise, storms such as derechos, which are powerful, long-lasting storms that can span across multiple states, are responsible for the East Coast’s wind damage.
Another danger that Lancaster County may face in the presence of severe weather is how wind and heavy rain may overall lead to increased damage. Blumberg explains “…if you have a lot of water that can actually loosen up some roots, you might have more wind damage.”
As for the rest of the U.S., the Great Plains, better known as Tornado Alley, tends to begin its severe weather season before the East Coast, beginning in mid-to-late March and reaching a lull around the end of May. On the other hand, the East Coast receives its most intense storms from May through July. Overall, the month of May is generally known as the peak of severe weather across the US.
Both meteorologists agree that there is more severe weather on the way, especially locally. The best action to take when faced with severe weather threats is to remain informed and aware. Blumberg recommends “staying on top of the forecasts” while creating an action plan before the storm hits. During the storm, Elliott says “seek[ing] shelter in an interior room away from doors and windows or the lowest level of your house” is the best way to keep yourself safe.
Storm season has just begun, and sometimes it is in your favor to keep your head in the clouds.
