At the National Weather Association Meeting last week in Norfolk, Greg Carbin, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center gave is top ten weather events so far in 2009. Here goes:

1. The Late January Ice Storm from the Ozarks to Kentucky, several episodes of precipitation fell into freezing air…although the moisture was not exceptionally high, ( only 150% of normal), 1-3 inches of ice accumulated across a wide area. There were even some 4 inch amounts. North of the ice area, 6-12+ inches of snow fell. Power was out for millions. It is the biggest natural disaster in Kentucky history and resulted in 40+ fatalities.

2. Feb 10 – Oklahoma Hail and Tornadoes – early for that part of country, produced by an atypical severe weather pattern with a deep cyclone over Minnesota. A total of 12 tornadoes. One struck the Edmond area of Oklahoma City. A long track, well warned supercell caused the deadliest tornado of the year at Lone Grove, Oklahoma (8 fatalities). A check was lofted from Lone Grove to Broken Arrow, a distance of over 150 miles.

3. The Red River Floods again – March and April. It was the third time a ten year flood occurred in the last ten years…probably will be back this year. Wet soil moisture, snowy winter…precipitation was highest in 100 year…temperatures above normal by March…300 injuries/illnesses…two deaths

4. Mt Redoubt eruptions: March and April.

5. April 9-10 fires and tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma. Combination of drought and 70 mph winds behind dry line resulted in fires. There were long track deadly tornadoes in SW Louisiana on day one, and Murfreesboro, TN on day two.

6. Serial Derechos in May and June – Derecho of year KS-MO-IL on May 8th. SPC’s Jack Hales said had never seen anything like it …46 MO counties declared disaster areas…several small spin up tornadoes…10 deaths, 100+ injuries.

7. A tornadoless Project VORTEX – busy early May, but flatlined 2nd week and tornadoes were rare for the researchers.

8. Where did summer go? Coolest July in 115 years from Midwest to Northeast.

9. Sep 20-21 Georgia rain and floods. 10 deaths, $250M damage

10. ?????? Hasn’t happened yet….

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