Friday, February 1, 2008

Still Awake & Shoveling Too! Sleet Mixing in Due to Change in Storm Track

Kelly is in and we are using up all of our computer monitors. I have made some calls, Kelly is building her show and looking at models, and Lee Ann is checking out Precision 18 lightning. There is no new lightning to report. Our snowfall here at WLFI is now 2.5" and the question is will the heavy snow in Illinois pivot our way. Right now it looks like we will have at least another 2 to 4 inches. Total snow accumulations will likely be in the 5 to 8 inch range. The 8 inch areas will be in Benton, Warren, Fountain, and northern White County near Monon. Counties. Independence and Monon have the highest totals right now with closer to 4.5" in Independence and 5" in Monon.

Our morning crew is reporting slick roads, but not too much in the way of blowing and drifting snow since the snow is a heavy snow. We also had some sleet mix in on the east-side of Lafayette. This is also holding snow totals down. One thing to be careful of this morning is shoveling snow. It is a heavy wet snow. Here I am shoveling outside. Yes, I do windows also! :)



The main reasons we have had less snow than expected:

1) The dry slot cut down on our totals before midnight.

2) The storm track moved 100 miles farther to the northwest so Central Illinois became the bullseye.

3) An icy mix moved farther north and west as a result also cutting down on our snow totals.

4) Our weather models continue to have a southeast bias with storm tracks and it can mean huge changes to a snowfall forecast. This problem needs resolved.

I will keep you in the loop. I did call the National Weather Service and they also agree with this assessment. I am going to get a few hours sleep. In the meantime, please be careful on the roads and shoveling snow since it is so heavy. Remember to take frequent breaks. The average shovel loaded with 16 pounds of snow ends up moving 192 pounds of snow if you load your shovel about 12 times a minute. That's almost 2,000 pounds being lifted in just over 10 minutes!




43 comments:

Anonymous said...

I knew we weren't gonna get anything. We're in the part of Lafayette, we we 90% never get what they say or not at all. I only expected about an inch. I don't know why people get all excited. This happens 9 times out of 10--with rain and snow.

Anonymous said...

Thank you...they could pick anybody up off the street, throw them in a weather center and tell them they're a meteorologist. Usually, they are wrong with snow storms and your average person is right, like below. I live in kokomo and i made a 5 dollar bet we'd get less than half what was predicted...needless to say i'm cashing in now ha ha. So much for that new prediction 18 computer system, seems to be just as wrong as the ols ones!! Well, goodnight and for all those schools that cancelled last night, this is great,,,get hyped up over nothing as usual. Its probably all a way to get us into grocery stores and stimulate the economy!! Later and GOOD LUCK NEXT TIME!

Anonymous said...

I saw the dry slot yesterday evening and I don't even have a new weather computer. What a joke.

Anonymous said...

Look to the Weather Channel for predictions on snow amounts. They are consistently closer on the snow amounts than TV18. Oh well, your predictions are entertaining.

Anonymous said...

Sorry Mike, I have to agree with the guy who said to check the Weather Channel (I check Weather.com) and they've been more accurate on snowfall totals the last few times, but I really do appreciate your blog. You tell us what happened and why your prediction was off. I agree with the southwest bias; my wife's from GA and everybody hates her. JK.

Anonymous said...

I love it how Mike's forecast comes up short, and then the vultures swoop in to say "I knew it" "I predicted that" "Mike sucks and I am the greatest" etc, etc, etc. I especially love the anonymous vultures. Yes, you folks are indeed the best. That's why you're slamming the guy who actually IS a meteorologist and is PAID to be one and who actually HAS the creds, AND you're doing it at 4:25 a.m. Yep, you vultures are indeed in charge, on the mark, uptight and outa sight. I wish we had more people as smart as you vultures working the weather crew. Why -- why don't you put together some of your comments showing how very smart you are, call it a resume, and go steal Mike's job from him? No wait -- you're perfectly happy with your blue-collar, crappy hours manufacturing jobs and sweeping the halls at Purdue. THAT'S why he's the meteorologist and you vultures are just a bunch of ill-tempered BLOW-HARDS!!!
Thanks Mike. Stay enthusiastic!

Unknown said...

Wow! Why is it that average people with evidentaly less than
average intelligence seem to think that any weather realated
issue is an "exact" science?? Take a class or something! Please
by all means, let us all know when U can predict anything
to an exact amount! Or at the very least be brave enough to stand behind your comment and put your name!
P.S. dannyboy42 said it all!!

Anonymous said...

I think Mike does an outstanding job, he constantly updates his forecast with the ever-changing situations. The Wabash can make it difficult to forecast, but when he 99% correct, I don't think you can ask for more than that...there is snow on the ground and for me I would rather have my kids safe and not on a school bus today!

Anonymous said...

I think Mike and the weather team have done a fine job informing everyone of the possibilities. On hand data seemed to have all the signs of a bunch of snow, just didn't work out... Get off their backs.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike, Don't you think its time for a new job?
Is it Deja Vu?
If I messed up on my job as much as you, I would have been fired along time ago.
Hope you didn't pay for that new computer yet, I'd be packing it up to send back. I can do better with a wet finger & body aches.

Anonymous said...

Mike, thank you to all of your weather team for your hard work! I don't really like snow since it causes such a mess, so I am always glad when the predictions are wrong, but you were so excited about the amount of snow that the models predicted, that I was sort of disappointed for you! In response to the rude blog comments, it's amazing to me that people get so upset when it doesn't snow as much as predicted. I wonder why they even watch TV18 or read this blog if they get so mad about better weather than predicted?

Anonymous said...

Dannyboy42 & Dusty have to be part of Mikes family. Who else would praise him for being so far off!

Anonymous said...

I just got in from shoveling and there is snow which was predicted, the totals have been updated overnight and are on target, it is also currently snowing. Get off Mike's back, he and the weather team did a great job on the storm. There are many time the WC gets the forecast wrong, do you all slam them too? I know Mike was right!

Anonymous said...

If people read the WC forcast close, their snow prediction was "by morning" It is still snowing in Benton County. And all of the Indy stations were under their estimate too. When you have 20 mph wind, there is not alot of difference between 6 and 8 inches of snow. Keep up the good work !

Anonymous said...

I guess there are two kinds of people: The kind that get excited and enthusiastic about snow, or the pessimistic jerks who don't. If you're not enthusiastic about it, then why read a weather blog? If you're looking for an exact science then look somewhere else because weather prediction is not it. I think this blog is here for all the weather geeks--like me--who like to follow this stuff. I don't think it's here for you to point out the discrepancy between a forecast and the weather. Are you actually reading the blog? Do you understand the infinite things that can and do affect the weather? What does it matter if we got 5 inches or ten?We got enough that it would keep a school bus from getting up our hill. Why verbally abuse a guy that stays up all night to give us updates? I'm very grateful that I can log on here and get personal information from somebody who lives here. I tell my kids all the time that it's very easy to type something on a computer that you would never dare say to someone's face. Did your mother teach you no manners? If you're not happy with the weather blog, then say off of it!

Anonymous said...

I guess there are two kinds of people: The kind that get excited and enthusiastic about snow, or the pessimistic jerks who don't. If you're not enthusiastic about it, then why read a weather blog? If you're looking for an exact science then look somewhere else because weather prediction is not it. I think this blog is here for all the weather geeks--like me--who like to follow this stuff. I don't think it's here for you to point out the discrepancy between a forecast and the weather. Are you actually reading the blog? Do you understand the infinite things that can and do affect the weather? What does it matter if we got 5 inches or ten?We got enough that it would keep a school bus from getting up our hill. Why verbally abuse a guy that stays up all night to give us updates? I'm very grateful that I can log on here and get personal information from somebody who lives here. I tell my kids all the time that it's very easy to type something on a computer that you would never dare say to someone's face. Did your mother teach you no manners? If you're not happy with the weather blog, then say off of it!

Anonymous said...

I guess there are two kinds of people: The kind that get excited and enthusiastic about snow, or the pessimistic jerks who don't. If you're not enthusiastic about it, then why read a weather blog? If you're looking for an exact science then look somewhere else because weather prediction is not it. I think this blog is here for all the weather geeks--like me--who like to follow this stuff. I don't think it's here for you to point out the discrepancy between a forecast and the weather. Are you actually reading the blog? Do you understand the infinite things that can and do affect the weather? What does it matter if we got 5 inches or ten?We got enough that it would keep a school bus from getting up our hill. Why verbally abuse a guy that stays up all night to give us updates? I'm very grateful that I can log on here and get personal information from somebody who lives here. I tell my kids all the time that it's very easy to type something on a computer that you would never dare say to someone's face. Did your mother teach you no manners? If you're not happy with the weather blog, then say off of it!

Anonymous said...

I am confident Dannyboy2 and Dusty are not relatives, loyal viewers, yes!

Anonymous said...

Great job, Mike P. and Co.! Don't get discouraged by these cranks. I appreciate your blog and know you are professionals who are doing all you can to have an accurate, up-to-date forecast, even if that means altering earlier predictions. Keep up the good work and the spirits!

Anonymous said...

I would have to agree with the folks here who are showing some appreciation for our weather team. Our God is the only one who knows an exact number of inches we would be getting. Weather is ever changing and I think they have done an excellent job forecasting what we should expect. This is Indiana after all, right? My husband got out for work this morning and said the roads were very slick and I am very glad that I didn't have to get out and take kids to school and daycare, or go to classes myself. There are just way to many crazy drivers on the roads with ideal weather conditions. Less than ideal only makes them worse. Thanks Mike, Kelly, Lee Ann and the rest of the TV 18 team for keeping us informed! Y'all do a great job and are much appreciated!! :)

Anonymous said...

All I know is that it took 2 hours to drive 40 miles this morning. So if Mike is sooo wrong - what was all that slippery white stuff all over our roads?

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can not believe some of the comments that are being posted here. As a former citizen of Lafayette for 5 years my memories of Hoosier hospitality, and the individuals of Greater Lafayette was much better than some of the shallow comments posted here through the overnight hours. As a former employee that worked with Mike on and off of the screen for more than 4 years I can’t tell you how lucky this small city and surrounding areas are to have a chief Meteorologist like Mike. He is very original in his weathercasts day in day out with interesting facts, personality, and yes even accurate forecasts. We all have busted forecasts from time to time, it is life! Meteorology is not an exact science but it is getting better. It is a very humbling line of work and its not an easy road to become a Meteorologist. It takes at least a 4 year degree with 5 levels of Calculus classes, 4 levels of Chemistry and Physics and that is before you even get to Atmospheric Dynamics 1 & 2, Thermodynamics, and eventually forecasting. If you think you can do a better job, I welcome you to apply to Purdue University. They are accepting applications for fall enrollment right now. I will warn you that the pay is low and even you won’t be a perfect forecaster by the time you retire. Those of us who have chose this line of work do it because we love it, love the challenge, and love serving the public. Mike Prangley is no exception!

Anonymous said...

Every one of you people slamming Mike and the forecast team are simply CLUELESS when it comes to the weather!
Believe it or not, there ARE a few things left in this world that are not controlled by humans. Systems change, storm tracks change and all kinds of variables come into play.
I, among many, applaud Mike for putting his thoughts on the line...especially when he knows that there are lurkers out there ready to pounce with their "I told you so" attitude.
Thanks, Mike! Never mind them.

Anonymous said...

Gee folks,Mike is not the only one that predicted 10+ inches of snow, the Weather Channel weather did as well. My weather alarm started going off early yesterday morning, stating the same as Mike. We still have plenty of snow to shovel, and the roads are not good at all.
Thank you all at TV 18 for the hard work you do!

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike! Just wanted to let you know at 10:30 a.m. it has REALLY started coming down in northern Montgomery Co.! A snow revival!

Jen Shideler said...

It's coming down like crazy here in West Lafayette now. Maybe the predictions were expecting it to hit a bit earlier, but it's definitely here.

Thanks for the blog, Mike. It's much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Looks like the new weather computer was a bad investment. One quick call to the Weather Channel would have been a more cost efficient way to predict snow totals. I do have to say that the blog is helpful for all of the after thoughts about snow totals, but it would be nice to have an accurate forecast up front so there is no need to run to the gas station and grocery store...or maybe that's just it...WLFI probably gets a kickback for making people panic...sending them to the stores.

Anonymous said...

It is beautiful out there. the snow is still falling. So greatful the schools cancelled. Unlike when we had -15 wind chills after a heavy rain. The local schools should have cancelled then as well. Not pleasent when our kids have to huddle together to keep warm waiting on a late school bus.

Anonymous said...

Everyone that has downgraded mike for this should get lives!!! is that all you have to do is run people down???? who can predict the weather?? Mike and his crew are not God!!!! in my eyes its like playing the lottery you never really know what your going to get! The weather channel is 99% off most of the time!! Mike and his crew are usually closer than the dumb weather channel!!! they are always about 10 degrees off of their weather forecast!!! SO IN my eyes you all need to get lives and take some of that energy and help someone out!! and STOP downgrading someone that only tries to do the best for our area!!! I HATE PEOPLE LIKE THAT!!!!!!!! Live by this:

LIVE, LAUGH, AND LOVE!!!!!!!!!!

and to mike and his crew thanks for all you guys do!!!

Anonymous said...

Mike and team great job! I couldn't sleep all night my bf was on snow routes since 8:30 last night and still is at this time. You guys did a wonderful job Its snowing like crazy here in Brookston still. the only complaint I have is the frontier school corp. waiting till the last minute but hey nobodys perfect. Thanks again guys you did a great job and don't listen to the woohoos that drank to much last night in hopes they can't get there car out for work in the morning thats there problem not yours..lol Have a good one and thanks again guys..

Anonymous said...

I never realized there were so many rude people with such low self-esteem that they find the need to slam someone for doing a fantastic job! If you read through the blog you would find that Mike and his team were right on target. Snow is snow and there is plenty of it out there.

Anonymous said...

I think it's crazy that people get on here, hide behind the computer, and lambast someone for just doing their job. I enjoy watching Mike and listening to his predictions. People mock him for his enthusiasm and love for snow. It's a shame that MORE people don't have the drive, passion, and enjoyment for their jobs that Mike does for his. It's nice to have someone light-hearted and level-headed on the news. We appreciate all of your hard work, Mike.

Anonymous said...

Dang, all these bloody wankers need to get a life and stop harassing Mike and the weather team. He's a meteorologist and a dam good one if I dont say so myself. honestly, I don't think I would watch WLFI news with a other up tight meteorologist.


Mike,, Keep up the Fantastic work and stay safe.

Anonymous said...

Some of you people out there who are just soooooo rude about this, GET A LIFE!!! Its Weather!!!! You should be glad we didnt get as much snow as we thought! Instead you type mean comments about how someone is stupid and cant do there job! Its mother nature, and you cant ever predict that! Mike is giving us information about something to the best he can! Nothing is ever 100 percent in this world! GROW UP! There is more important things in this world to worry about than someone being off several inches of snow, geeee, at least he even told us of a storm that was coming, we should be thankful we even have a weather team! You all who are complaining are rude!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for nothing, Mike. I do agree that if I was as wrong as you are most of the time, I would be out of a job. For all of the so-called "Prangley-Praisers", get a life and quit bashing us for having an opinion. That is all for now.

Anonymous said...

After reading many of the comments I wanted to say I am a bit embarrassed by what appears to be a growing population in Greater Lafayette of individuals that are self serving, disrespectful and plain mean. I also agree with the thought of others about "what has happened to Hoosier Hospitality?"
I've met Mike in real life, my daughter played basketball in one of the leagues as his daughter. He was kind, gentle and encouraging to all the girls that where on the team HE COACHED! He's a tremendous asset to our community and TV 18.
As for not being totally correct about the snow totals, yeah, I'm disappointed. But only because I love snow almost as much as Mike.
But, at least we were WARNED there was bad weather coming.
I was a young child in elementary school in the 60's. One day I wore a dress to school with bobby socks & saddle shoes.
School let out before noon as a bad storm came in no one was expecting. My mother didn't have a clue I was on my way home. When I got off the bus, I had a huge hill to climb to get home. The snow was already up to my knees. (no boots remember) I was only in 1st grade and I was so scared. I cried all the way up the hill cuz I was so afraid I wouldn't get to the top where I lived cuz it was slick and I kept falling. I'll never forget that day. It makes me truly grateful for Mike and our weather team and the most current technology. Mike gives up lots of his time to keep us up to date and he gives regulary to the community in various ways.
Perhaps the self serving population in Lafayette could take a step back and do as Mike does. Think of others and follow his amazing example as a fine citizen and as a professional.

Anonymous said...

I will never understand why some people have to be so nasty. Give Mike & the weather team a break. They are doing a great job. If you don't like their predictions then don't watch TV18. Simple as that!

Anonymous said...

If they are doing such a great job, then why could they not predict only half of what they orginally said? Horrible service to the Lafayette Community is what I think. My kids missed a day of perfectly good education because they were wrong. Shame on them!

Steve Scherer said...

Mike is a big boy. He can take the criticism. So can the rest of the weather team.

To those who like Mike: Thanks for watching.

To those who don't like Mike: Thanks for watching.

At least you're watching...

Anonymous said...

To the person who feels their kids missed a day of education I question your parenting skills. If you were on the roads this morning, you would know there is no way any child should have been on their way to school. The roads were trecherous and I can only imagine how many buses would have been off the road had your children gone to school today.

Anonymous said...

Great job, Weather Team 18! I'm glad people were cautioned enough that we had fewer school buses and other vehicles on the roads than we would have if the meteorologists had ignored a completely green radar screen. I heard about lots of crashes and slide-offs throughout the morning; these could've been more numerous if not for the early warnings.

(And I hope no one from Kokomo really thinks local TV stations conspire with grocery stores to boost the economy...I'm usually proud of my hometown, but that's a little embarrassing!)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to say that I too have lost faith in Mike's predictions. Even the hours before the storm is supposed to hit, he can't get it right. I guess I'll have to turn to the weather channel from now on.

Anonymous said...

Kandys sister says...Mike Prangley is a GREAT Weather Man. So we did not get the snow that he predicted, we still got enough!! Thank you Mike for being a very nice person and a great weatherman!! My sister so enjoys calling in every night with her weather totals and I sure get a big kick out of hearing her name on the air!!