2022 Tropical Winds Winter Newsletter

Welcome to the Winter Edition of NWS Miami's Tropical Winds Newsletter! From a recent chilly cold snap resulting in the first 3 consecutive days of sub 60-degree temps in Miami for the first time since 1977 to a busy tropical season for our area with Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 (pre-Tropical Storm Alex), Major Hurricane Ian, and Hurricane Nicole it has certainly been an active year weather-wise in South Florida. We hope you have had an amazing holiday season and a great start to 2023.

Hurricane Ian Overview

By: Nicholas Carr, Sammy Hadi, Robert Molleda, and Robert Garcia

National Weather Service Miami & National Hurricane Center Staff Organize Donation Drive for Hurricane Ian Victims

By: Sammy Hadi

After Ian’s devastating impact to Southwest Florida, a massive relief and recovery effort was underway across the region. Several organizations across the region began donation drives in order to get supplies and resources to the hardest hit areas. Staff at the National Weather Service Miami and the National Hurricane Center also felt the need to help our neighbors and peers in Southwest Florida. By working together as a group, the staff was able to gather donations and deliver non-perishable goods such as canned soup, canned vegetables, cereal, oatmeal, and water bottles to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. 

After the Storm: Important Safety Tips

By: Sammy Hadi

Many deaths occur after the landfall and passage of a storm, after the winds and waves have long diminished. Unseen hazards can be lurking in the floodwaters, present in damaged buildings, and could pose a hazard during the recovery process. Let’s examine a few of these hazards through the following various explainer graphics. 

Long after the storm surge retreats and heavy rainfall abates, there can still be substantial flooding as residual water remains. A few potential hazards in flood waters are shown above: Hidden electrical hazards such as downed power lines, submerged debris that could be hazardous, chemical leaks from cars and other canisters, hazardous waste, and displaced wild animals such as snakes and alligators.

After a significant storm has affected the area, widespread power outages may be experienced across a large area. Many families and households have generators that can be used to generate power for basic necessities. However generators can also produce carbon monoxide which is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to humans. Follow these tips to ensure  that you are operating your generator in a safe manner: 

• Keep generators at least 20 feet from your house!

• Never run a generator indoors or inside a garage!

• Make sure cords are rated for the proper wattage!

• Always use grounded cords and GFCI!

• Make sure there is at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance around the generator! 

The Experiment Zone: Rain Cloud in a Jar!

By: Sammy Hadi

One of my favorite experiments to do with students (pre-school to early elementary grade level) is the Rain Cloud in a Jar! It is a great way to help students visualize how precipitation (in this case: rain drops) develops in a cloud and precipitates down to the surface!

Credit:  Natural Beach Living 

Ingredients needed: Shaving cream, food color (blue is standard but you may use other colors), a pipet, a small cup or bowl, and a clear glass or jar.

1) Add water and food coloring of choice to a small bowl or cup. Be sure to mix well to get the desired color.

2) Add water to the clear jar/cup to the brim and then add shaving cream at the very top. The shaving cream will serve as the "cloud" and the water below is the "air" below the cloud.

3) Have the student fill their pipet with the colored water and gently squeeze droplets into the shaving cream "cloud".

4) As the student continues to add droplets to the shaving cream "cloud", the food coloring will fall down into the water below creating a rain-like effect.

2022 Wet Season Recap

By: Robert Molleda

• Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 (Future Tropical Storm Alex) brought copious rainfall to many parts of South Florida in early June, especially Miami-Dade, Broward, and southern Palm Beach County. 10-20” common across metro SE Florida from June 1-15, and 6-10” elsewhere
• Abnormally dry over SE Florida second half of June, July, and August. Near to above normal western portions of S FL. Prevailing east wind flow due to persistent subtropical high over western Atlantic
• Return to average rainy season precipitation in September. Hurricane Ian delivered 4-8” to most of the area at the end of the month
• Dry air in the wake of Ian lingered through mid-October, effectively ending the rainy season pattern

2023 Dry Season Outlook

By: Robert Molleda

• Below normal precipitation (65-95% of normal). While the dry season may have started out on the wet side (Mainly due to Hurricane Nicole), the rest of the dry season looks to have below normal precipitation. Confidence: Moderate to High

• Near normal storminess (tornadoes, severe t’storms, hail, flooding) Confidence: Moderate to High

• Above normal temperatures (1-3F). Near normal chance for freeze (1-3 nights of freezing temperatures, mainly interior) Confidence: Moderate

• Near normal chance of moderate to severe drought development and wildfires, mainly second half of season Confidence: Moderate

 About NWS Miami StoryMap 

By: Luke Culver

Interested in learning more about the National Weather Service in Miami?  Check out our new ArcGIS StoryMap , which gives an inside look at our office, operations, staff, activities, and more!