While we continue to clean up from the tornado damage from last weekend, the oil spill continues in the Gulf Of Mexico.

Here is a Google map with the current oil spill centered over Toledo.  You can see that in terms of areal coverage, the spill would encompass southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio.  Darker colors indicate where the oil is heavier.

The volcano in Iceland continues to release steam and ash.  The Reuters news service released these pictures of the northern lights that appeared in back of the volcano.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Northern-Lights-seen-Iceland-ash-plume/ss/events/sc/042310northernlight/im:/100423/ids_photos_wl/r1861452633.jpg/#photoViewer=/100423/ids_photos_wl/r1861452633.jpg

Many viewers sent in pictures from last night’s thunderstorms. (Thank you!)

They ranged from wind-blown tree damage andominous clouds to rainbows and gorgeous sunsets.

If you want to send us pictures or video, check out the See It, Snap It, Send It page.  You can also email them to us:  pics@wtol.com

The University of Wisconsin – Madison’s CIMSS department has released the following hi-res satellite pictures of the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

The first picture shows the volcano (yellow box), and the smoke (black lines shown by the arrows).  The second and third pictures are of the ash plume, taken on April 17 & 19 respectively.  Upper level winds have spread this ash across parts of Europe.  The presence of this ash in the atmosphere has been responsible for grounding flights across Europe.

All of the weather team is now on Facebook!

Robert’s Page

Mike’s Page

Chris’s Page

Tara’s Page

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

We have received a lot of questions about how to properly measure snowfall.  Here are some guidelines:

The best thing to do is find an area that isn’t blocked by fences or buildings, etc.  You also don’t want to pick the windiest spot in your area.

Over a large area, measure the snow in many different spots.  Hit spots all throughout the area.  Then, combine all the measurements and take the average.  The more readings you can take the better.

With strong winds, getting a very accurate measurement is quite difficult.  However, if you get many readings and take the average, that should give you a basic idea of the overall snowfall.

Snow is beginning to ease a little.  I just measured 7″ as of 9pm here in downtown Toledo.  Many other areas are coming in around the 7-9″ range.  Winds are calm now and will be throughout the early part of the overnight.   I expect winds to pick up around 5/6am to 15-20mph.  This means lots of blowing & drifting snow.  Snow will continue on your Wednesday – still thinking about storm totals in the 8-11″ range…although it’s going to be hard to measure due to the blowing and drifting tomorrow. 

Find out more & post your snowfall totals on our Facebook page – WTOL, Meteorologist Tara Hastings or Meteorologist Chris Vickers

We’re still on track for seeing 8-11″ total snowfall across most of the area.  Some of you may see a lull as there are small breaks in the radar but it will fill back in.  Snow overnight, tomorrow morning & tomorrow afternoon.  Winds not too bad right now but I do expect them to pick up later tonight & tomorrow.  This will blow & drift snow around & create low visibilities.  The snow has a low water ratio which means it’s very fine & powdery. 

We would love to hear how much snow has fallen in your area.  Try to find an open spot to avoid blowing & drifting…this will give you the best measurement.  Head over to our WTOL facebook page or post your amounts along with city & time you took your measurements on our FACEBOOK FAN PAGES – Meteorologist Tara Hastings or Meteorologist Chris Vickers. 

Tara