Oct. 18, 2016 — Other info. & pics are on my Twitter acc't + Facebook fan page.
Our Jacksonville N.W.S. -- which did excellent work! -- has posted an early summary of some of the data. The highest storm surge at least approached 8 feet for parts of St. Johns & Flagler Co.... 2-5 feet for parts of Duval Co... & 4-6 feet, possibly higher in spots for Nassau Co. & Camden & Glynn Co. in Ga. Peak wind gusts were at least between 80 & 90 mph. Rainfall averaged 5-10", locally near 12" NOT including all the rain in the days leading up to "Matthew". Weekly (due to a strong onshore / 'Nor'easter' event) rainfall totals were as high as 15-20" across parts of Duval/St. Johns & Clay Co.
“It” all began Sept. 22nd in “Talking the Tropics With Mike” (TTTWM) as an active tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa though I talked about this pattern & wave in the days leading up to the 22nd. One of my concerns was that models -- particularly the GFS -- were too early in recurving tropical cyclones to the east this season. No way to know why, but my guess is the models were lowering pressures too much to the east of the cyclones.
So.... where to begin??!!
THE WAVE:
So .... dates to remember....
“Matthew” was a tropical wave -- a classic Cape Verde system -- that moved off the coast of Africa Sept. 22nd.
A BULLET POINT SUMMARY/RECOLLECTION AS I REMEMBER IT:
FORECAST MEMORIES THAT WILL STAND OUT FOR ME:
The USGS has also released before & after photos from "Matthew".....
Flagler Beach:
Vilano Beach:
New inlet near Matanzas River, St. Johns Co.:
From our Jax N.W.S. (preliminary):
POST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT...HURRICANE MATTHEW...UPDATED
E-Estimated
Other N.W.S. summaries:
-- Miami
-- Melbourne
-- Charleston
-- Norfolk, Va.
Hurricane hunter aircraft radar imagery when "Matthew" was Cat. 5!:
Concentric eyewalls on Oct. 4th:
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The First Alert Action News "general" wind forecast:
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General power outage threat:
Fri. morning about 7:15am - First Alert Doppler HD radial velocities showing 100+ mph winds offshore:
Thoughtful platter from the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: (many in the newsroom brought the First Alert weather m'gists drinks &/or food. None seemed better than the very simply but delicious instant oatmeal that Paige Kelton whipped up for me about 7pm Fri. Swear it tasted like filet mignon :) )
My wife heating up leftovers on the gas grill while the power is out:
News 1-0-4-5 WOKV Rich Jones pointed out in this tweet: "Can't recall seeing this from First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh":
Jax Beach did fare better than many other beaches, especially to the south. This can at least partially be attributed to an outgoing tide (vs. high) & the distance (45+ miles) offshore.
Talking with NHC Director, Dr.Rick Knabb Fri. afternoon, Oct. 14th:
Quick unplanned interview with Jason Hess, Jax N.W.S.:
Surf Station, St. Augustine:
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EverBank Field:
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..... & last but not least.... a precious message from Khloe Guthrie :)
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