2012 MWN storm chase season dedicated to Andy Gabrielson.

Courtesy of SevereStudios.com

        As most of the severe weather community knows, we lost a dear friend and unbelievably talented colleague last Saturday in a horrific car wreck.  Andy Gabrielson was so dedicated to storm chasing that he was awarded an Emmy in 2011.  He dedicated almost every moment of his life to storm chasing, racing, and his family.  Andy was 25 years old, from Luverne, MN, and leaves behind a wife and young daughter.  He will be missed dearly by all, and forgotten by none.  With that, I am honored to announce that our entire 2012 MaximumWeather.Net storm chase season will be dedicated to Andy.  Our chase vehicle will proudly display an "AG" all season and videos will include an "In memory of Andy" credit at the end.  If anyone is interested in learning more about Andy and what he did you can visit FindtheTornado.com (Andy's site) or SevereStudios.com where you can find information on services and donate to the Gabrielson family fund.  You will find full links below. 

       On a seperate note, I did not know Andy personally, however we followed each other on twitter and Andy occasionally replied to some of my tweets.  He seemed like the kind of person that would never judge and always give you a chance.  He is one of the reasons I do what I do.  Please Please Please join me in donating to his family's fund and celebrating the upcoming storm season for him.  In closing I will say this, Andy, this ones for you... #cheeseburger

To donate visit: http://severestudios.com/donate-andy-gabrielson-fund

***Late-Season Severe Outbreak Taking Shape***

A late season multi-day severe weather event is taking shape for parts of the South and Southeast for Monday-Wednesday.  Moisture from the Gulf, along with ample wind shear, will return to TX, AR, and OK.  These will provide the necessary fuel for significant severe weather with tornadoes, damaging winds, and destructive hail all becoming likely.  The primary threat areas for Monday will be over much of Central/Northeastern TX, up through Southern OK and Western AR. Tuesday will bring a more broad threat with severe storms possible through much of the mid/lower MS valley.  The cold front will continue East bringing the threat all the way to the Carolinas.  Many Watches and Warnings are anticipated so be sure to check back and stay tuned to local forecasts for updates.  Follow me on Twitter for up to the minute updates at @MaximumWeather.  These storms will have the potential to cause significant damage to life and/or property, be sure to have an emergency plan in place in case the weather turns quickly. -BW

***Early Season Snowstorm Taking Shape in the Northeast***

A rare late October snowstorm is taking shape over parts of the Northeast.  A swath of snow will fall through many states with an estimated 25 million people potentially affected.  Snowfall totals will very greatly with 8-12" amounts inland being common with some locally higher amounts.  The snow will be wet and heavy with the potential to create dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outages.  Expect major airport delays for anyone planning to travel by air.  If you are affected by watches and warnings be sure to have an emergency plan in place, stay tuned to local media, and listen NOAA weather radio for the latest updates for your area.  Check back for updates....

Hurricane Rina ***Updated 10.25.11***

Images: NOAA/NWS/NHC

Hurricane Rina is now a very strong Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110mph and a central pressure of 970mb and falling.  Hurricane warnings are in effect for the eastern Yucatan coastline including popular vacation spots such as Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, and Cancun.  Rina is forecast to further strengthen over the next 48hrs into a major Category 3 storm.  Any preparations to preserve life and property must be rushed to completion as conditions will quickly deteriorate in warned areas.  A storm surge of 5-7ft is anticipated along immediate coastal areas.  Rina will also bring 8-16 inches of rain which will most certainly cause flash flooding.  Conditions will begin to decline Wednesday afternoon/evening through Thursday.  This is a dangerous storm, if you are in the projected path have an emergency plan.  Updates will come as conditions warrant. See http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ for more detailed information.