It is the most deadly severe weather hazard…Flash Flooding.   More fatalaties are attributed each year to flash flooding than hurricanes and tornadoes combined.  Interestingly, while it is the most deadly, many experts regard it as one of the most preventable.  Here is what you need to know to be safe:

Most of the deaths from flash flooding occur in vehicles.  Many people will attempt to drive through roads that are covered in water.   A simple rule can save your life.  If a roadway is covered with water, no matter the depth, turn around and find an alternate route.   Less than two feet of water will sweep most vehicles off the road and some vehicles may become buoyant in one foot or less.  Those attempting to walk through flowing water often underestimate the power of flowing water.  Moving water can knock an adult off their feet if it is much deeper than their ankles.  Some simple safety tips and common sense can keep you safe when flooding occurs.

On a sunny Wednesday morning at 9:50 AM EDT the roar of the tornado sirens screamed across the state of Ohio.  This time it was only a drill, but next time it may be the real deal.  As part of spring severe weather awareness week, implementing a disaster plan, such as a tornado drill at work, home or school could save lives when the real danger threatens. 

Keep in mind that when a tornado watch is issued, that means conditions are favorable for strong storms capable of producing tornadoes.  When a warning is issued, that means a tornado has either been spotted or indicated by Doppler radar.  It is necessary to take cover immediately when a warning is issued. 

If you are indoors, go to the lowest level of the building, like a basement.  If there is no basement, a closet or bathroom without window in the center of the building will do.   If you are outside, seek shelter in the nearest sturdy building.  If no shelter is available, lie down in a low area such as a ditch and cover your head.  If inside a vehicle or mobile home, these are not sufficient shelter even for the weakest of tornadoes.  Vacate either location and find a fixed building that would provide the necessary shelter from the potential tornado.

This week, March 21-27,  is Spring Severe Weather Awareness week across Ohio.  This means it is time to review your severe weather action plan for home, work and school.  Also know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING so you know what to do when one is issued for your area. 

For more information about severe weather safety in Ohio click here: http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/

For more information about severe weather safety in Michigan click here: http://michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-25488-232495–,00.html

Don’t forget, Daylight Saving Time goes into effect at 2AM this Sunday morning.  Remember to spring the clocks forward one hour!

Blasted by a snow storm in the first half of the month and steady periods of light snow to end the month put this February of 2010 nearly on top of the all time snow record for the month.  All totaled this February had 23.9″ of snow at Toledo Express Airport.

Here is where this February ranks compared to other years and it shows just how close we came to the all time record.

I am still hoping for an early spring…it is March now after all!

The wintry mess is spreading across the area tonight.  Here is the latest thinking on where the snow, rain, freezing rain and sleet will fall and how much. 

Snow accumulations across southern Michigan will be in the 3-6″ range

Snow accumulations across far northern Ohio will be in the 1-3″ range with some ice accumulations

No snow accumulations to the south with mainly rain expected, but a wintry mix for a period can be expected.

A winter storm will impact the area on Monday bringing a variety of weather.  A mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain are all likely on Monday.  However, actual weather conditions will vary significantly with this storm system depending on how far north or south you are within the viewing area.   Here is the latest map of what the predominant precipitation type on Monday:

Lower Michigan:  Mainly a wet heavy snow.  Several inches of accumulation possible.  Sleet or freezing rain may briefly mix in.

Northern Ohio Counties:  A few hours of snow early overnight Sunday, then mixing with sleet and freezing rain for a good portion of the day.  Precipitation may briefly change to rain in the afternoon before changing back over to all snow Monday night.  Snow accumulations will be limited due to the sleet and freezing rain.

Southern Ohio Counties:  Some brief snow, but mainly freezing rain early Monday morning.  Changing over to all rain showers by the afternoon.  No snow accumulations expected.

A rare winter storm brought significant snow to the southern USA, from Texas through the Carolinas.  This recent snowfall has led to a staggering statistic from February 12:  Snow covers at least a part of all 50 States!  (There are patches of snow on the mountains of Hawaii)

Check out the latest snow cover analysis from Saturday, February 13th.  About 67% of the land area of the USA has snow cover.

Just how much snow fell within the city limits of Toledo?  No, not just in your back yard, your neighbors, or even downtown.  I am talking how much snow total, if it could all be put into one big pile!  After one incorrect crack at it, I gave it a try again and I think my calculations are right now.  See the graphic below and my math to support it. 

Okay, the Toledo city limits is 84 square miles, which I calculate to be 206,988,400 square yards.  The recent snowfall was just above 12″ which is 0.33 yards.

Multiply an area by a depth and Poof!  You have a volume…so 206,988,400 square yards multiplied by 0.33 yards equals 85,865,472 cubic yards!

WOW, that means this past storm dropped 85,865,472 cubic yards of snow just within the Toledo city limits.  Unbelievable!  Let me know your thoughts or comments.  cvickers@wtol.com

Here is the latest satellite pictures from above Lake Erie showing the extent of the ice cover that has developed this winter so far.  It is clear that the western basin of the lake, which also happens to be the shallowest part of Lake Erie has the most extensive ice cover. 

Date Taken: January 31st 2010:

Date Taken: January 21st 2010:

At this point last year, the extent of the ice cover was much greater due to a frigid January.  Here is the month to month comparison for the average monthly temperature for the past two January’s:

January 2009:  The average temperature was -7.4 degrees below normal

January 2010: The average temperature was +0.4 degrees above normal