Hurricane Earl Post Storm Report and Analysis Including Link to Eastern Region Communications Test Results

Hello to all…

The following is the post storm report and analysis on Hurricane Earl and his impact to the Caribbean Islands, North Carolina, Southeast New England and the Canadian Maritimes. Hurricane Earl was the second major hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic Season with the first being Danielle and Danielle was a system that only affected shipping interests out at sea.

Earl passed through the Northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Monday August 31st, 2010. The storm’s worst effects were over St. Kitts, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla where an 88 MPH measured wind gust occurred before the wind instrument malfunctioned. Earl downed numerous trees and power lines with some minor structural damage noted. Rainfall of 7-9″ was common over this area and into Antigua where a 45 MPH measured gust was noted by an Amateur Operator on the island. Cars stuck in flood waters from the rain were reported along with storm surge issues on vulnerable portions of the islands. A 60 knot measured wind gust was recorded on the US Virgin Islands as well. Amateur Radio Operators and the stormcarib.com storm blogging network were critical in obtaining reports from this area.

Earl would traverse the open Atlantic Ocean waters northeast of the Bahamas before coming within 125 miles of the mid-atlantic coast of Eastern North Carolina where hurricane warnings were issued for Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks with tropical storm watches and warnings north and south of portions of Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. During this timeframe, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings would be issued over the course of Wednesday and Thursday for portions of New England. Earl was a dangerous Categrory IV hurricane at the time. The forecast was only for slow weakening and the storm to pass within 50-100 miles southeast of Nantucket Island and as a strong Category II to Category III hurricane. Given a system of that magnitude, it was expected that the system would stay fairly symmetrical and while Southern New England would be on the side of the storm with weaker winds, high sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane force wind gusts were expected particularly in the area of the hurricane warning from Plymouth to Westport Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands. Areas west and north of this region were expected to see tropical storm force winds in gusts and possibly low-end sustained tropical storm force winds.

As Earl approached North Carolina, Measured sustained winds to high-end tropical storm force with hurricane force wind gusts were recorded with storm surge in the 2-5 foot range. Rainfall was largely under 1″ except in the outer banks of North Carolina where 3.5-4.5″ rainfall amounts occurred. Earl’s eye would never make landfall in the outer banks of North Carolina and would stay offshore within 125 miles of the Outer Banks. Over the course of this time, Earl weakened considerably going from a Category-IV hurricane on Thursday Morning to a Category-I hurricane by Friday Morning due to southwest shear and dry air intrusion into the system. This was expected on Wednesday but instead the system intensified which raised concerns that Earl would affect the region as a stronger system but on Thursday these factors finally took their toll on Earl. Due to the rapid weakening, this made the storm that much more asymmetric and a much weaker system as it affected Southeast New England Friday Afternoon and particularly Friday Night and this meant the heavy rain would be along and west of the center with most of the wind along and east of the center of Earl with weaker winds to the west of the center. It is noted that non-tropical models had a better handle on the weakening wind field on the west side of the system and the asymmetry of the system. Also, while the system was moving at about 20 MPH, this is not the noted acceleration of historic New England hurricanes of the 1930s-1950s or even Hurricane Bob in 1991 and Hurricane Gloria in 1995 which moved at rates between 30 and 60 MPH. This meant more weakening due to cooler water temperatures despite those water tempratures being warmer than normal and the shear and dry air over the system also had significant impacts on Earl. Earl would weaken to a tropical storm as it made its closest approach to Southeast New England resulting in hurricane warnings being changed to tropical storm warnings over Cape Cod and the Islands late Friday Evening after the Hurricane Warnings were changed to Tropical Storm Warnings over the Hull to Plymouth area and from Woods Hole to Westport, Massachusetts late Friday Morning.

When Earl approached, winds only reached low-end tropical storm force criteria on Nantucket Island with tropical storm force winds in gusts over South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Measured wind gusts of 42 MPH were recorded on West Island Fairhaven, 41 MPH on Marstons Mills section Barnstable, Massachusetts, 44 MPH measured gust on Marthas Vineyard and 41 MPH measured gust in the Siasconsett portion of Nantucket Island. Storm surge from swells closed some shore roads in Newport, RI, Dennis, Mass. and threatened some homes with flooded beach areas in the Madaket section of Nantucket Island. A couple of isolated 50 Knot gusts were seen at the elevated platform at Horseshoe Shoals Nantucket Island and at the Kalmas weather station in Barnstable, Mass. via weatherflow with a 54 MPH gust measured at Nantucket Airport along with a sustained wind of 41 MPH. The winds downed isolated trees and caused isolated power outages in Chatham, Dennis, and on the Bourne/Falmouth line.

The bigger story was heavy rainfall with 2-4″ with isolated 6″ amounts occurring from West Island Fairhaven through Barnstable County, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. This resulted in urban flooding over portions of Cape Cod shutting down a few roads and intersections. The combination of storm surge and rainfall causing minor street flooding issues on Nantucket Island. Several flooded basements were reported on Martha’s Vineyard Island in Edgartown and portions of Cape Cod. Rainfall in the Greater New Bedford area west of Fairhaven through South Coastal Rhode Island and up through Taunton were between 1-2″ of rain with amounts 1″ or less over the remainder of Eastern Massachusetts, North-Central Rhode Island, Central Massachusetts and Northeast Connecticut. The storm departed Southeast New England by 5 AM where all tropical warnings were lowered for the area. Amateur Radio SKYWARN Nets were instrumental in gathering many of these reports with non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters calling in their rainfall reports in on Saturday Morning. Amateur Radio Nets were active on the 146.955-Barnstable, 145.49-Fairhaven Repeaters with the New England Reflector IRLP/Echolink system active and lined with the *WX_TALK* Echolink Conference Node: 7203/IRLP 9219 system for the VoIP Hurricane Net. HF was active on 3943 KHz LSB with the Hurricane Watch Net active on 14.325 MHz. Other repeaters and frequencies in the region were on stand-by for Earl.

The storm would approach Nova Scotia Canada on Saturday Morning. Earl would deviate slightly from his track and the center would come closer to the heavily populated Halifax Nova Scotia Canada area. The right side of Earl’s circulation with the strongest wind fields would affect the Greater Halifax area and much of Nova Scotia into the Prince Edward Islands. Weather stations in the area reported high-end tropical storm force sustained winds with frequent hurricane force wind gusts. This resulted in widespread tree and power line damage in the Greater Halifax Nova Scotia Canada with some minor structural damage noted to roofs of homes either from fallen trees and spotty direct roof damage from the winds. Contact was made with VE1JBL-Jim Langille, Radio Amateurs of Canada Maritime Section Manager using Amateur Radio Internet linking technology and Jim was at the Halifax Emergency Operations Center reporting on the severe damage done by Earl. The Canadian Hurricane Centre and National Hurricane Center were at odds as to whether the system made landfall as a Category-1 hurricane or a high-end tropical storm. It is noted that the difference in intensity between the two characterizations, however, is minimal. During the height of the storm, 216,000 people were without power. Outages were down to 70,000 by Sunday Morning and at the writing of this report were dropped to just 3,400 people. Earl would become extratropical over Newfoundland and Labrador Canada late Saturday Evening.

While Earl spared Southern New England severe conditions, this offered up a very good exercise to practice and put into place emergency response plans should a severe hurricane strike on the region. Many good things came out of practicing and executing preparedness plans. Where we still have another 4-5 weeks for New England to potentially be stricken by a tropical system, it was good to have an oppportunity to practice beyond an exericse with a real threat from a system like Earl despite its rapid weakening in the 24-36 hours prior to his arrival to our region. We hope all people will prepare the same way next time as limits in the science particularly with the intensity of these systems are still an area of research for tropical systems regardless of whether they are in the tropics or at higher latitudes. Combine the fact that Earl tracked through the higher latitudes and it wasn’t clear when the acceleration of the system would commence caused the prediction of the intensity of Earl to become that much more problematic. The track guidance between Nantucket Island and the 40 North/70 West benchmark went as expected.

Part of the preparedness steps included the Amateur Radio HF Eastern Region Communications Test which received extremely strong participation with over 50 Amateurs checking into the test and thoroughly impressed Tim Rutkowski-KB4FNQ, the Amateur Operator for the Eletronic Systems Division who requested this test be completed. Below is a link to the Communications test results where the signal report listed by each station was the signal of how they heard Eastern Region Headquarters and Tim Rutkowski-KB4FNQ’s comments:

http://beta.wx1box.org/files/erh_comms_test_results.txt

I really appreciated the contacts, yesterday.  It was the first time the
station at ERH was tested in an operational mode.  I never expected the
amount of cooperation that was received from your group. The three
stations that I received the best are: KA1IOR, K1CCT and W1RV. I will be
looking into other options to improve system performance.  Again, thanks
for all your help.

Tim Rutkowski, ER EPM

A huge thank you to all SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Emergency Management personnel for their response to Hurricane Earl and the threat posed to the region. Below are some reference links and supporting information for this report including the NWS Taunton Local Storm Reports, NWS Taunton Public Information Statement on ranfall and Hurricane Earl Post Tropical Cyclone report:

StormCarib:
http://stormcarib.com/

Amateur Radio VoIP Hurricane Net Report Viewer:
http://report.voipwx.net/qilan/nhcwx/list_VOIP_records?auth=OK

NWS Newport, North Carliona Storm Summary Information:
http://beta.wx1box.org/files/nws_moorehead_city_pns.txt

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-By Activation Statement:
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/node/530

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-by Activation Cancellation Statement:
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/node/531

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Situation Report to ARRL Headquarters:
http://www.arrl.org/news/massachusetts-ares-prepares-as-a-now-weakened-hurricane-earl-approaches

Nova Scotia Emergency Management Situation Report Archive:
http://gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100905001

Nova Scotia Power Company Storm Updates:
http://www.nspower.ca/en/stormupdates.aspx

Canadian Hurricane Centre Hurricane Information Statement Links Archive (Statements on 9/4/10 at 11:59, 1457, 1803, 2055 list reports of damage and wind speed information):
http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins_e.html

000
NWUS51 KBOX 041624
LSRBOX

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT…SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1223 PM EDT SAT SEP 04 2010

..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…
..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….
            ..REMARKS..

0330 PM     STORM SURGE      NEWPORT                 41.49N 71.32W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NEWPORT            RI   AMATEUR RADIO

            OCEAN DRIVE FROM FORT ADAMS TO BAILY BEACH CLOSED WITH
            SEAWATER AND DEBRIS FROM THE SEAWALL OVER THE ROAD.

0405 PM     STORM SURGE      NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MADAKET BEACH UNDERWATER…SEAWATER INUNDATING LONG POND.

0730 PM     TROPICAL STORM   ORLEANS                 41.79N 70.00W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE ROTARY.

1010 PM     TROPICAL STORM   HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28 NEAR EVELYNS WAY…PARTIALLY
            BLOCKING ROUTE 28.

1148 PM     TROPICAL STORM   CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING TRAINING FIELD ROAD.

1157 PM     FLOOD            CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TEN INCHES OF WATER FLOODED ORLEANS ROAD.

1234 AM     FLOOD            HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            A FOOT OF WATER INUNDATED THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 137
            AND PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

0100 AM     TROPICAL STORM   BOURNE                  41.73N 70.61W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28A ON THE BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

0138 AM     TROPICAL STORM   5 SSE BARNSTABLE        41.63N 70.28W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   MESONET

            MESONET AT KALMUS MASS RECORDED WIND GUSTS TO 58 MPH.

0210 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 NNW NANTUCKET        41.44N 70.19W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   BUOY

            ACK SOUND BUOY 44020 RECORDED SUSTAINED WIND OF 40 MPH.

0225 AM     TROPICAL STORM   NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/04/2010                   NANTUCKET          MA   ASOS

            ACK ASOS RECORDED SUSTAINED WIND OF 41 MPH.

0321 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 S HYANNIS            41.47N 70.31W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   MESONET

            HORSESHOE SHOALS CAPE WIND TOWER IN ACK SOUND RECORDED A
            WIND GUST OF 60 MPH.

&&

$$

KAB

000
NWUS51 KBOX 040756
LSRBOX

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT…SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
355 AM EDT SAT SEP 04 2010

..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…
..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….
            ..REMARKS..

0405 PM     STORM SURGE      NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MADAKET BEACH UNDERWATER…SEAWATER INUNDATING LONG POND.

0730 PM     TROPICAL STORM   ORLEANS                 41.79N 70.00W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE ROTARY.

1010 PM     TROPICAL STORM   HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28 NEAR EVELYNS WAY…PARTIALLY
            BLOCKING ROUTE 28.

1148 PM     TROPICAL STORM   CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING TRAINING FIELD ROAD.

1157 PM     FLOOD            CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TEN INCHES OF WATER FLOODED ORLEANS ROAD.

1234 AM     FLOOD            HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            A FOOT OF WATER INUNDATED THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 137
            AND PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       YARMOUTH                41.71N 70.23W
09/04/2010  E3.74 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       EASTHAM                 41.83N 69.97W
09/04/2010  E2.01 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010  E2.58 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       FALMOUTH                41.55N 70.61W
09/04/2010  E2.30 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       WEST TISBURY            41.38N 70.68W
09/04/2010  E2.91 INCH       DUKES              MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       BARNSTABLE              41.70N 70.30W
09/04/2010  E2.27 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MARSTON MILLS.

0100 AM     TROPICAL STORM   BOURNE                  41.73N 70.61W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28A ON THE BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/04/2010  E2.18 INCH       NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0138 AM     TROPICAL STORM   5 SSE BARNSTABLE        41.63N 70.28W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   MESONET

            MESONET AT KALMUS MASS RECORDED WIND GUSTS TO 58 MPH.

0321 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 S HYANNIS            41.47N 70.31W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            HORSESHOE SHOALS RECORDED A WIND GUST OF 60 MPH.

&&

$$

RLG

000
NOUS41 KBOX 041828
PNSBOX
CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-NHZ011-012-015-RIZ001>008-050621-

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
225 PM EDT SAT SEP 4 2010

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 24
HOURS FROM HURRICANE EARL THAT AFFECTED OUR REGION.

APPRECIATION IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS…COOPERATIVE
OBSERVERS…SKYWARN SPOTTERS…COCORAHS OBSERVERS AND MEDIA FOR
THESE REPORTS.  THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR HOME PAGE AT
WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON

********************STORM TOTAL RAINFALL********************

LOCATION          STORM TOTAL    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                     RAINFALL       OF
                     (INCHES)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   CENTERVILLE           5.44   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   CENTERVILLE           5.35   132 PM   9/4   SPOTTER
   S. YARMOUTH           5.17   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   YARMOUTH              5.07   332 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   WELLFLEET             5.06   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   OSTERVILLE            4.75   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   HYANNIS               4.47   700 AM   9/4   ASOS
   EAST FALMOUTH         4.20   747 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WEST HARWICH          4.13   805 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   BREWSTER              4.10   900 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WELLFLEET             4.05   640 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WEST BARNSTABLE       4.00   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   CHATHAM               3.51   700 AM   9/4   ASOS
   ORLEANS               3.50   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   EAST HARWICH          3.40   336 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   CHATHAM               3.35   717 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   EASTHAM               3.19   329 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   FALMOUTH              3.18   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   EAST SANDWICH         2.90   700 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   EAST FALMOUTH         2.77   337 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   WOODS HOLE            2.76   600 AM   9/4   NWS COOP

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   FAIRHAVEN             2.44   339 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

…DUKES COUNTY…
   EDGARTOWN             6.21   730 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   VINEYARD HAVEN        4.30   700 AM   9/4   MVY ASOS
   VINEYARD HAVEN        3.95   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   WEST TISBURY          3.45   337 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET             2.73   338 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   NANTUCKET             2.29   700 AM   9/4   ASOS

…PLYMOUTH COUNTY…
   DUXBURY               2.24   630 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   PLYMOUTH              2.16   331 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   DUXBURY               2.15   330 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

********************SUSTAINED WIND SPEED ********************

LOCATION SUSTAINED WIND SPEED    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                                    OF
                        (MPH)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   HYANNIS                 31   135 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET               41   225 AM   9/4   ASOS
   NANTUCKET               31  1104 PM   9/3   ASOS

…NANTUCKET SOUND…
   HORSESHOE SHOALS        48   251 AM   9/4   CAPE WIND
   BUOY 44020              40   210 AM   9/4   NDBC
   NANTUCKET HARBOR        31   218 AM   9/4   NOS NTKM3

***********************PEAK WIND GUST***********************

LOCATION            PEAK WIND    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                         GUST       OF
                        (MPH)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   HYANNIS                 58   138 AM   9/4   KALMUS MESONET
   HYANNIS                 47   129 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET               54   223 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET SOUND…
   HORSESHOE SHOALS        60   321 AM   9/4   CAPE WIND
   BUOY 44020              52   250 AM   9/4   NDBC

$$

KAB

287
ACUS71 KBOX 042032 CCA
PSHBOX

POST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT…HURRICANE EARL…COR
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
430 PM EDT SAT SEP 4 2010

NOTE: THE DATA SHOWN HERE ARE PRELIMINARY….AND SUBJECT TO UPDATES
AND CORRECTIONS AS APPROPRIATE.

THIS REPORT INCLUDES EVENTS OCCURRING WHEN WATCHES AND/OR WARNINGS
WERE IN EFFECT FOR EARL.

COUNTIES INCLUDED…BARNSTABLE…NANTUCKET…DUKES…PLYMOUTH…
NEWPORT

A. LOWEST SEA LEVEL PRESSURE/MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS AND PEAK GUSTS
———————————————————————
METAR OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IS 10 METERS AND WIND AVERAGING IS 2 MINUTES
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
KHYA – HYANNIS MA                                                  
41.67 -70.28                    010/027  04/0535   360/041 04/0529 

KACK – NANTUCKET MA                                                
41.25 -70.06                    330/036  04/0625   330/047 04/0623 

KMVY – WEST TISBURY MA                                             
41.39 -70.61                    040/029  04/0135   030/038 04/0134 

KPVC – PROVINCETOWN MA                                             
42.07 -70.22     29.2 04/0635 I 020/024  04/0655 I 030/035 04/0555 I

REMARKS:

NON-METAR OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN
MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
HYANNIS                                                           
41.63 -70.28     29.1 04/0641   003/033  04/0538 I 003/050 04/0538 
                                     
REMARKS: KALMUS MESONET SITE.

 

B. MARINE OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN
MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
NTKM3 – NANTUCKET HARBOR                                           
41.29  -70.10    29.2 04/0712   340/027  04/0618   350/039 04/0630 
                                   8.5
 
44020 – NANTUCKET SOUND                                            
41.44  -70.19    29.2 04/0750 I 347/035  04/0610   350/045 04/0602 
                                   5
 
44018 – BUOY 30NM E OF NANTUCKET MA                                
41.26  -69.31    28.9 04/0550   293/031  04/0920   290/039 04/0934 
                                   5
 
44008 – BUOY 54NM SE OF NANTUCKET MA                               
40.50  -69.25    28.7 04/0450   284/040  04/0810   290/052 04/0802 
                                   5
 
44024 – NORTHEAST CHANNEL GOMOOS                                   
42.31  -65.93    28.6 04/1104 I 150/043  04/1004   150/054 04/1004 
                                   4
 
HORSESHOE SHOAL – CAPE WIND                                        
41.47  -70.31    29.2 04/0432   333/042  04/0651   334/052 04/0721 
                                   20
 
REMARKS:

C. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL FROM 1100 UTC SEP 03 UNTIL 1100 UTC SEP 04
———————————————————————
CITY/TOWN                    COUNTY               ID         RAINFALL
LAT LON                                                       (IN)  
DEG DECIMAL
———————————————————————
EDGARTOWN                    DUKES                             6.21 
41.38  -70.52

2 SSE YARMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        5.17 
41.68  -70.20

WELLFLEET                    BARNSTABLE                        5.06 
41.93  -70.03

HYANNIS                      BARNSTABLE          KHYA          4.47 
41.67  -70.28

1 ESE VINEYARD HAVEN         DUKES                             3.95 
41.45  -70.61

CHATHAM                      BARNSTABLE          KCQX          3.51 
41.69  -69.99

ORLEANS                      BARNSTABLE                        3.50 
41.79  -70.00

1 S CHATHAM                  BARNSTABLE                        3.35 
41.66  -69.96

3 NNW FALMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        3.18 
41.59  -70.63

3 SSE SANDWICH               BARNSTABLE                        2.90 
41.71  -70.47

3 WSW FALMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        2.76 
41.53  -70.66

FAIRHAVEN                    BRISTOL                           2.44 
41.65  -70.82

NANTUCKET                    NANTUCKET           KACK          2.29 
41.25  -70.06

DUXBURY                      PLYMOUTH                          2.24 
42.04  -70.67

DUXBURY                      PLYMOUTH                          2.24 
42.04  -70.67

REMARKS: RAINFALL REPORTS TAKEN FROM NWS CO-OP REPORTS…ASOS…
SKYWARN SPOTTERS AND COCORAHS OBSERVATIONS. LIST IS REPRESENTATIVE
BY COUNTY… BUT NOT EXHAUSTIVE. OTHER RAINFALL OBSERVATIONS WERE
RECEIVED.

 

D. INLAND FLOODING…
———————————————————————
BARNSTABLE…ORLEANS ROAD WAS REPORTED FLOODED IN CHATHAM. ROUTE 137
IN HARWICH WAS ALSO INUNDATED AT PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

———————————————————————

E. MAXIMUM STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE…
OFFICIAL TIDE GAUGES NOTED WITH LEADING G
———————————————————————

COUNTY           CITY/TOWN        SURGE   TIDE   DATE/   BEACH      
                 OR LOCATION      (FT)    (FT)   TIME    EROSION    
———————————————————————
BARNSTABLE     G CHATHAM           2.05   2.83  04/0748  UNKNOWN  

NANTUCKET      G NANTUCKET         2.21   2.50  04/0636  UNKNOWN  

BARNSTABLE     G WOODS HOLE        1.57   2.12  04/0536  UNKNOWN  

BRISTOL        G FALL RIVER        1.55   2.49  04/0200  UNKNOWN  

SUFFOLK        G BOSTON            1.92   3.13  04/0636  UNKNOWN  

REMARKS:

 

F. TORNADOES…
———————————————————————
(DIST)CITY/TOWN              COUNTY           DATE/         EF SCALE
LAT LON (DEG DECIMAL                          TIME(UTC)    (IF KNOWN)
DESCRIPTION                                                         
———————————————————————

G. STORM IMPACTS BY COUNTY…
———————————————————————

COUNTY            DEATHS           INJURIES             EVACUATIONS 
DESCRIPTION
———————————————————————
NEWPORT                                                          

SPASHOVER WAS OBSERVED ON OCEAN DRIVE AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE
FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THE ROAD WAS CLOSED FROM FORT ADAMS TO BAILY BEACH
WITH SEAWATER AND DEBRIS.

BARNSTABLE                                                       

TREES WERE DOWNED IN ORLEANS BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE
ROTARY. TREES WERE ALSO DOWNED IN HARWICH ON ROUTE 28 PARTIALLY
BLOCKING THE ROAD NEAR EVELYNS WAY. A TREE ALSO BLOCKED TRAINING
FIELD ROAD IN CHATHAM. TREES WERE ALSO DOWNED ON ROUTE 28A ON THE
BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

NANTUCKET                                                        

STORM SURGE INUNDATED MADAKET BEACH WITH SEAWATER ALSO INUNDATING
LONG POND.

$$

LEGEND:
I-INCOMPLETE DATA
E-ESTIMATED

MANNING/BUTTRICK

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator   
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

Hello to all…

The following is the post storm report and analysis on Hurricane Earl and his impact to the Caribbean Islands, North Carolina, Southeast New England and the Canadian Maritimes. Hurricane Earl was the second major hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic Season with the first being Danielle and Danielle was a system that only affected shipping interests out at sea.

Earl passed through the Northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Monday August 31st, 2010. The storm’s worst effects were over St. Kitts, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla where an 88 MPH measured wind gust occurred before the wind instrument malfunctioned. Earl downed numerous trees and power lines with some minor structural damage noted. Rainfall of 7-9″ was common over this area and into Antigua where a 45 MPH measured gust was noted by an Amateur Operator on the island. Cars stuck in flood waters from the rain were reported along with storm surge issues on vulnerable portions of the islands. A 60 knot measured wind gust was recorded on the US Virgin Islands as well. Amateur Radio Operators and the stormcarib.com storm blogging network were critical in obtaining reports from this area.

Earl would traverse the open Atlantic Ocean waters northeast of the Bahamas before coming within 125 miles of the mid-atlantic coast of Eastern North Carolina where hurricane warnings were issued for Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks with tropical storm watches and warnings north and south of portions of Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. During this timeframe, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings would be issued over the course of Wednesday and Thursday for portions of New England. Earl was a dangerous Categrory IV hurricane at the time. The forecast was only for slow weakening and the storm to pass within 50-100 miles southeast of Nantucket Island and as a strong Category II to Category III hurricane. Given a system of that magnitude, it was expected that the system would stay fairly symmetrical and while Southern New England would be on the side of the storm with weaker winds, high sustained tropical storm force winds with hurricane force wind gusts were expected particularly in the area of the hurricane warning from Plymouth to Westport Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands. Areas west and north of this region were expected to see tropical storm force winds in gusts and possibly low-end sustained tropical storm force winds.

As Earl approached North Carolina, Measured sustained winds to high-end tropical storm force with hurricane force wind gusts were recorded with storm surge in the 2-5 foot range. Rainfall was largely under 1″ except in the outer banks of North Carolina where 3.5-4.5″ rainfall amounts occurred. Earl’s eye would never make landfall in the outer banks of North Carolina and would stay offshore within 125 miles of the Outer Banks. Over the course of this time, Earl weakened considerably going from a Category-IV hurricane on Thursday Morning to a Category-I hurricane by Friday Morning due to southwest shear and dry air intrusion into the system. This was expected on Wednesday but instead the system intensified which raised concerns that Earl would affect the region as a stronger system but on Thursday these factors finally took their toll on Earl. Due to the rapid weakening, this made the storm that much more asymmetric and a much weaker system as it affected Southeast New England Friday Afternoon and particularly Friday Night and this meant the heavy rain would be along and west of the center with most of the wind along and east of the center of Earl with weaker winds to the west of the center. It is noted that non-tropical models had a better handle on the weakening wind field on the west side of the system and the asymmetry of the system. Also, while the system was moving at about 20 MPH, this is not the noted acceleration of historic New England hurricanes of the 1930s-1950s or even Hurricane Bob in 1991 and Hurricane Gloria in 1995 which moved at rates between 30 and 60 MPH. This meant more weakening due to cooler water temperatures despite those water tempratures being warmer than normal and the shear and dry air over the system also had significant impacts on Earl. Earl would weaken to a tropical storm as it made its closest approach to Southeast New England resulting in hurricane warnings being changed to tropical storm warnings over Cape Cod and the Islands late Friday Evening after the Hurricane Warnings were changed to Tropical Storm Warnings over the Hull to Plymouth area and from Woods Hole to Westport, Massachusetts late Friday Morning.

When Earl approached, winds only reached low-end tropical storm force criteria on Nantucket Island with tropical storm force winds in gusts over South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Measured wind gusts of 42 MPH were recorded on West Island Fairhaven, 41 MPH on Marstons Mills section Barnstable, Massachusetts, 44 MPH measured gust on Marthas Vineyard and 41 MPH measured gust in the Siasconsett portion of Nantucket Island. Storm surge from swells closed some shore roads in Newport, RI, Dennis, Mass. and threatened some homes with flooded beach areas in the Madaket section of Nantucket Island. A couple of isolated 50 Knot gusts were seen at the elevated platform at Horseshoe Shoals Nantucket Island and at the Kalmas weather station in Barnstable, Mass. via weatherflow with a 54 MPH gust measured at Nantucket Airport along with a sustained wind of 41 MPH. The winds downed isolated trees and caused isolated power outages in Chatham, Dennis, and on the Bourne/Falmouth line.

The bigger story was heavy rainfall with 2-4″ with isolated 6″ amounts occurring from West Island Fairhaven through Barnstable County, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Islands. This resulted in urban flooding over portions of Cape Cod shutting down a few roads and intersections. The combination of storm surge and rainfall causing minor street flooding issues on Nantucket Island. Several flooded basements were reported on Martha’s Vineyard Island in Edgartown and portions of Cape Cod. Rainfall in the Greater New Bedford area west of Fairhaven through South Coastal Rhode Island and up through Taunton were between 1-2″ of rain with amounts 1″ or less over the remainder of Eastern Massachusetts, North-Central Rhode Island, Central Massachusetts and Northeast Connecticut. The storm departed Southeast New England by 5 AM where all tropical warnings were lowered for the area. Amateur Radio SKYWARN Nets were instrumental in gathering many of these reports with non-Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters calling in their rainfall reports in on Saturday Morning. Amateur Radio Nets were active on the 146.955-Barnstable, 145.49-Fairhaven Repeaters with the New England Reflector IRLP/Echolink system active and lined with the *WX_TALK* Echolink Conference Node: 7203/IRLP 9219 system for the VoIP Hurricane Net. HF was active on 3943 KHz LSB with the Hurricane Watch Net active on 14.325 MHz. Other repeaters and frequencies in the region were on stand-by for Earl.

The storm would approach Nova Scotia Canada on Saturday Morning. Earl would deviate slightly from his track and the center would come closer to the heavily populated Halifax Nova Scotia Canada area. The right side of Earl’s circulation with the strongest wind fields would affect the Greater Halifax area and much of Nova Scotia into the Prince Edward Islands. Weather stations in the area reported high-end tropical storm force sustained winds with frequent hurricane force wind gusts. This resulted in widespread tree and power line damage in the Greater Halifax Nova Scotia Canada with some minor structural damage noted to roofs of homes either from fallen trees and spotty direct roof damage from the winds. Contact was made with VE1JBL-Jim Langille, Radio Amateurs of Canada Maritime Section Manager using Amateur Radio Internet linking technology and Jim was at the Halifax Emergency Operations Center reporting on the severe damage done by Earl. The Canadian Hurricane Centre and National Hurricane Center were at odds as to whether the system made landfall as a Category-1 hurricane or a high-end tropical storm. It is noted that the difference in intensity between the two characterizations, however, is minimal. During the height of the storm, 216,000 people were without power. Outages were down to 70,000 by Sunday Morning and at the writing of this report were dropped to just 3,400 people. Earl would become extratropical over Newfoundland and Labrador Canada late Saturday Evening.

While Earl spared Southern New England severe conditions, this offered up a very good exercise to practice and put into place emergency response plans should a severe hurricane strike on the region. Many good things came out of practicing and executing preparedness plans. Where we still have another 4-5 weeks for New England to potentially be stricken by a tropical system, it was good to have an oppportunity to practice beyond an exericse with a real threat from a system like Earl despite its rapid weakening in the 24-36 hours prior to his arrival to our region. We hope all people will prepare the same way next time as limits in the science particularly with the intensity of these systems are still an area of research for tropical systems regardless of whether they are in the tropics or at higher latitudes. Combine the fact that Earl tracked through the higher latitudes and it wasn’t clear when the acceleration of the system would commence caused the prediction of the intensity of Earl to become that much more problematic. The track guidance between Nantucket Island and the 40 North/70 West benchmark went as expected.

Part of the preparedness steps included the Amateur Radio HF Eastern Region Communications Test which received extremely strong participation with over 50 Amateurs checking into the test and thoroughly impressed Tim Rutkowski-KB4FNQ, the Amateur Operator for the Eletronic Systems Division who requested this test be completed. Below is a link to the Communications test results where the signal report listed by each station was the signal of how they heard Eastern Region Headquarters and Tim Rutkowski-KB4FNQ’s comments:

http://beta.wx1box.org/files/erh_comms_test_results.txt

I really appreciated the contacts, yesterday.  It was the first time the
station at ERH was tested in an operational mode.  I never expected the
amount of cooperation that was received from your group. The three
stations that I received the best are: KA1IOR, K1CCT and W1RV. I will be
looking into other options to improve system performance.  Again, thanks
for all your help.

Tim Rutkowski, ER EPM

A huge thank you to all SKYWARN Spotters, Amateur Radio Operators and Emergency Management personnel for their response to Hurricane Earl and the threat posed to the region. Below are some reference links and supporting information for this report including the NWS Taunton Local Storm Reports, NWS Taunton Public Information Statement on ranfall and Hurricane Earl Post Tropical Cyclone report:

StormCarib:
http://stormcarib.com/

Amateur Radio VoIP Hurricane Net Report Viewer:
http://report.voipwx.net/qilan/nhcwx/list_VOIP_records?auth=OK

NWS Newport, North Carliona Storm Summary Information:
http://beta.wx1box.org/files/nws_moorehead_city_pns.txt

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-By Activation Statement:
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/node/530

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Stand-by Activation Cancellation Statement:
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/node/531

Eastern Massachusetts ARES Situation Report to ARRL Headquarters:
http://www.arrl.org/news/massachusetts-ares-prepares-as-a-now-weakened-hurricane-earl-approaches

Nova Scotia Emergency Management Situation Report Archive:
http://gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100905001

Nova Scotia Power Company Storm Updates:
http://www.nspower.ca/en/stormupdates.aspx

Canadian Hurricane Centre Hurricane Information Statement Links Archive (Statements on 9/4/10 at 11:59, 1457, 1803, 2055 list reports of damage and wind speed information):
http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins_e.html

000
NWUS51 KBOX 041624
LSRBOX

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT…SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1223 PM EDT SAT SEP 04 2010

..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…
..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….
            ..REMARKS..

0330 PM     STORM SURGE      NEWPORT                 41.49N 71.32W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NEWPORT            RI   AMATEUR RADIO

            OCEAN DRIVE FROM FORT ADAMS TO BAILY BEACH CLOSED WITH
            SEAWATER AND DEBRIS FROM THE SEAWALL OVER THE ROAD.

0405 PM     STORM SURGE      NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MADAKET BEACH UNDERWATER…SEAWATER INUNDATING LONG POND.

0730 PM     TROPICAL STORM   ORLEANS                 41.79N 70.00W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE ROTARY.

1010 PM     TROPICAL STORM   HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28 NEAR EVELYNS WAY…PARTIALLY
            BLOCKING ROUTE 28.

1148 PM     TROPICAL STORM   CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING TRAINING FIELD ROAD.

1157 PM     FLOOD            CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TEN INCHES OF WATER FLOODED ORLEANS ROAD.

1234 AM     FLOOD            HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            A FOOT OF WATER INUNDATED THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 137
            AND PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

0100 AM     TROPICAL STORM   BOURNE                  41.73N 70.61W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28A ON THE BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

0138 AM     TROPICAL STORM   5 SSE BARNSTABLE        41.63N 70.28W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   MESONET

            MESONET AT KALMUS MASS RECORDED WIND GUSTS TO 58 MPH.

0210 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 NNW NANTUCKET        41.44N 70.19W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   BUOY

            ACK SOUND BUOY 44020 RECORDED SUSTAINED WIND OF 40 MPH.

0225 AM     TROPICAL STORM   NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/04/2010                   NANTUCKET          MA   ASOS

            ACK ASOS RECORDED SUSTAINED WIND OF 41 MPH.

0321 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 S HYANNIS            41.47N 70.31W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   MESONET

            HORSESHOE SHOALS CAPE WIND TOWER IN ACK SOUND RECORDED A
            WIND GUST OF 60 MPH.

&&

$$

KAB

000
NWUS51 KBOX 040756
LSRBOX

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT…SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
355 AM EDT SAT SEP 04 2010

..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…
..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….
            ..REMARKS..

0405 PM     STORM SURGE      NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/03/2010  E0.00 FT         NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MADAKET BEACH UNDERWATER…SEAWATER INUNDATING LONG POND.

0730 PM     TROPICAL STORM   ORLEANS                 41.79N 70.00W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE ROTARY.

1010 PM     TROPICAL STORM   HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28 NEAR EVELYNS WAY…PARTIALLY
            BLOCKING ROUTE 28.

1148 PM     TROPICAL STORM   CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN BLOCKING TRAINING FIELD ROAD.

1157 PM     FLOOD            CHATHAM                 41.68N 69.96W
09/03/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TEN INCHES OF WATER FLOODED ORLEANS ROAD.

1234 AM     FLOOD            HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            A FOOT OF WATER INUNDATED THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 137
            AND PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       YARMOUTH                41.71N 70.23W
09/04/2010  E3.74 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       EASTHAM                 41.83N 69.97W
09/04/2010  E2.01 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       HARWICH                 41.69N 70.07W
09/04/2010  E2.58 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       FALMOUTH                41.55N 70.61W
09/04/2010  E2.30 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       WEST TISBURY            41.38N 70.68W
09/04/2010  E2.91 INCH       DUKES              MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       BARNSTABLE              41.70N 70.30W
09/04/2010  E2.27 INCH       BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            MARSTON MILLS.

0100 AM     TROPICAL STORM   BOURNE                  41.73N 70.61W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            TREE DOWN ON ROUTE 28A ON THE BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

0100 AM     HEAVY RAIN       NANTUCKET               41.27N 70.10W
09/04/2010  E2.18 INCH       NANTUCKET          MA   AMATEUR RADIO

0138 AM     TROPICAL STORM   5 SSE BARNSTABLE        41.63N 70.28W
09/04/2010                   BARNSTABLE         MA   MESONET

            MESONET AT KALMUS MASS RECORDED WIND GUSTS TO 58 MPH.

0321 AM     TROPICAL STORM   13 S HYANNIS            41.47N 70.31W
09/04/2010                   ANZ232             MA   AMATEUR RADIO

            HORSESHOE SHOALS RECORDED A WIND GUST OF 60 MPH.

&&

$$

RLG

000
NOUS41 KBOX 041828
PNSBOX
CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-NHZ011-012-015-RIZ001>008-050621-

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
225 PM EDT SAT SEP 4 2010

THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 24
HOURS FROM HURRICANE EARL THAT AFFECTED OUR REGION.

APPRECIATION IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS…COOPERATIVE
OBSERVERS…SKYWARN SPOTTERS…COCORAHS OBSERVERS AND MEDIA FOR
THESE REPORTS.  THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR HOME PAGE AT
WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON

********************STORM TOTAL RAINFALL********************

LOCATION          STORM TOTAL    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                     RAINFALL       OF
                     (INCHES)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   CENTERVILLE           5.44   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   CENTERVILLE           5.35   132 PM   9/4   SPOTTER
   S. YARMOUTH           5.17   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   YARMOUTH              5.07   332 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   WELLFLEET             5.06   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   OSTERVILLE            4.75   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   HYANNIS               4.47   700 AM   9/4   ASOS
   EAST FALMOUTH         4.20   747 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WEST HARWICH          4.13   805 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   BREWSTER              4.10   900 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WELLFLEET             4.05   640 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   WEST BARNSTABLE       4.00   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   CHATHAM               3.51   700 AM   9/4   ASOS
   ORLEANS               3.50   630 AM   9/4   WQRC – MEDIA
   EAST HARWICH          3.40   336 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   CHATHAM               3.35   717 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   EASTHAM               3.19   329 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   FALMOUTH              3.18   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   EAST SANDWICH         2.90   700 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   EAST FALMOUTH         2.77   337 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   WOODS HOLE            2.76   600 AM   9/4   NWS COOP

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   FAIRHAVEN             2.44   339 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

…DUKES COUNTY…
   EDGARTOWN             6.21   730 AM   9/4   NWS COOP
   VINEYARD HAVEN        4.30   700 AM   9/4   MVY ASOS
   VINEYARD HAVEN        3.95   700 AM   9/4   COCORAHS
   WEST TISBURY          3.45   337 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET             2.73   338 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   NANTUCKET             2.29   700 AM   9/4   ASOS

…PLYMOUTH COUNTY…
   DUXBURY               2.24   630 AM   9/4   SPOTTER
   PLYMOUTH              2.16   331 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO
   DUXBURY               2.15   330 AM   9/4   HAM RADIO

********************SUSTAINED WIND SPEED ********************

LOCATION SUSTAINED WIND SPEED    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                                    OF
                        (MPH)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   HYANNIS                 31   135 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET               41   225 AM   9/4   ASOS
   NANTUCKET               31  1104 PM   9/3   ASOS

…NANTUCKET SOUND…
   HORSESHOE SHOALS        48   251 AM   9/4   CAPE WIND
   BUOY 44020              40   210 AM   9/4   NDBC
   NANTUCKET HARBOR        31   218 AM   9/4   NOS NTKM3

***********************PEAK WIND GUST***********************

LOCATION            PEAK WIND    TIME/DATE    COMMENTS
                         GUST       OF
                        (MPH)   MEASUREMENT

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   HYANNIS                 58   138 AM   9/4   KALMUS MESONET
   HYANNIS                 47   129 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET COUNTY…
   NANTUCKET               54   223 AM   9/4   ASOS

…NANTUCKET SOUND…
   HORSESHOE SHOALS        60   321 AM   9/4   CAPE WIND
   BUOY 44020              52   250 AM   9/4   NDBC

$$

KAB

287
ACUS71 KBOX 042032 CCA
PSHBOX

POST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORT…HURRICANE EARL…COR
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
430 PM EDT SAT SEP 4 2010

NOTE: THE DATA SHOWN HERE ARE PRELIMINARY….AND SUBJECT TO UPDATES
AND CORRECTIONS AS APPROPRIATE.

THIS REPORT INCLUDES EVENTS OCCURRING WHEN WATCHES AND/OR WARNINGS
WERE IN EFFECT FOR EARL.

COUNTIES INCLUDED…BARNSTABLE…NANTUCKET…DUKES…PLYMOUTH…
NEWPORT

A. LOWEST SEA LEVEL PRESSURE/MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS AND PEAK GUSTS
———————————————————————
METAR OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IS 10 METERS AND WIND AVERAGING IS 2 MINUTES
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
KHYA – HYANNIS MA                                                  
41.67 -70.28                    010/027  04/0535   360/041 04/0529 

KACK – NANTUCKET MA                                                
41.25 -70.06                    330/036  04/0625   330/047 04/0623 

KMVY – WEST TISBURY MA                                             
41.39 -70.61                    040/029  04/0135   030/038 04/0134 

KPVC – PROVINCETOWN MA                                             
42.07 -70.22     29.2 04/0635 I 020/024  04/0655 I 030/035 04/0555 I

REMARKS:

NON-METAR OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN
MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
HYANNIS                                                           
41.63 -70.28     29.1 04/0641   003/033  04/0538 I 003/050 04/0538 
                                     
REMARKS: KALMUS MESONET SITE.

 

B. MARINE OBSERVATIONS…
NOTE: ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IN METERS AND WIND AVERAGING PERIOD IN
MINUTES INDICATED UNDER MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND IF KNOWN
———————————————————————
LOCATION  ID    MIN    DATE/     MAX      DATE/     PEAK    DATE/
LAT  LON        PRES   TIME      SUST     TIME      GUST    TIME
DEG DECIMAL     (MB)   (UTC)     (KT)     (UTC)     (KT)    (UTC)
———————————————————————
NTKM3 – NANTUCKET HARBOR                                           
41.29  -70.10    29.2 04/0712   340/027  04/0618   350/039 04/0630 
                                   8.5
 
44020 – NANTUCKET SOUND                                            
41.44  -70.19    29.2 04/0750 I 347/035  04/0610   350/045 04/0602 
                                   5
 
44018 – BUOY 30NM E OF NANTUCKET MA                                
41.26  -69.31    28.9 04/0550   293/031  04/0920   290/039 04/0934 
                                   5
 
44008 – BUOY 54NM SE OF NANTUCKET MA                               
40.50  -69.25    28.7 04/0450   284/040  04/0810   290/052 04/0802 
                                   5
 
44024 – NORTHEAST CHANNEL GOMOOS                                   
42.31  -65.93    28.6 04/1104 I 150/043  04/1004   150/054 04/1004 
                                   4
 
HORSESHOE SHOAL – CAPE WIND                                        
41.47  -70.31    29.2 04/0432   333/042  04/0651   334/052 04/0721 
                                   20
 
REMARKS:

C. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL FROM 1100 UTC SEP 03 UNTIL 1100 UTC SEP 04
———————————————————————
CITY/TOWN                    COUNTY               ID         RAINFALL
LAT LON                                                       (IN)  
DEG DECIMAL
———————————————————————
EDGARTOWN                    DUKES                             6.21 
41.38  -70.52

2 SSE YARMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        5.17 
41.68  -70.20

WELLFLEET                    BARNSTABLE                        5.06 
41.93  -70.03

HYANNIS                      BARNSTABLE          KHYA          4.47 
41.67  -70.28

1 ESE VINEYARD HAVEN         DUKES                             3.95 
41.45  -70.61

CHATHAM                      BARNSTABLE          KCQX          3.51 
41.69  -69.99

ORLEANS                      BARNSTABLE                        3.50 
41.79  -70.00

1 S CHATHAM                  BARNSTABLE                        3.35 
41.66  -69.96

3 NNW FALMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        3.18 
41.59  -70.63

3 SSE SANDWICH               BARNSTABLE                        2.90 
41.71  -70.47

3 WSW FALMOUTH               BARNSTABLE                        2.76 
41.53  -70.66

FAIRHAVEN                    BRISTOL                           2.44 
41.65  -70.82

NANTUCKET                    NANTUCKET           KACK          2.29 
41.25  -70.06

DUXBURY                      PLYMOUTH                          2.24 
42.04  -70.67

DUXBURY                      PLYMOUTH                          2.24 
42.04  -70.67

REMARKS: RAINFALL REPORTS TAKEN FROM NWS CO-OP REPORTS…ASOS…
SKYWARN SPOTTERS AND COCORAHS OBSERVATIONS. LIST IS REPRESENTATIVE
BY COUNTY… BUT NOT EXHAUSTIVE. OTHER RAINFALL OBSERVATIONS WERE
RECEIVED.

 

D. INLAND FLOODING…
———————————————————————
BARNSTABLE…ORLEANS ROAD WAS REPORTED FLOODED IN CHATHAM. ROUTE 137
IN HARWICH WAS ALSO INUNDATED AT PLEASANT BAY ROAD.

———————————————————————

E. MAXIMUM STORM SURGE AND STORM TIDE…
OFFICIAL TIDE GAUGES NOTED WITH LEADING G
———————————————————————

COUNTY           CITY/TOWN        SURGE   TIDE   DATE/   BEACH      
                 OR LOCATION      (FT)    (FT)   TIME    EROSION    
———————————————————————
BARNSTABLE     G CHATHAM           2.05   2.83  04/0748  UNKNOWN  

NANTUCKET      G NANTUCKET         2.21   2.50  04/0636  UNKNOWN  

BARNSTABLE     G WOODS HOLE        1.57   2.12  04/0536  UNKNOWN  

BRISTOL        G FALL RIVER        1.55   2.49  04/0200  UNKNOWN  

SUFFOLK        G BOSTON            1.92   3.13  04/0636  UNKNOWN  

REMARKS:

 

F. TORNADOES…
———————————————————————
(DIST)CITY/TOWN              COUNTY           DATE/         EF SCALE
LAT LON (DEG DECIMAL                          TIME(UTC)    (IF KNOWN)
DESCRIPTION                                                         
———————————————————————

G. STORM IMPACTS BY COUNTY…
———————————————————————

COUNTY            DEATHS           INJURIES             EVACUATIONS 
DESCRIPTION
———————————————————————
NEWPORT                                                          

SPASHOVER WAS OBSERVED ON OCEAN DRIVE AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE
FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THE ROAD WAS CLOSED FROM FORT ADAMS TO BAILY BEACH
WITH SEAWATER AND DEBRIS.

BARNSTABLE                                                       

TREES WERE DOWNED IN ORLEANS BLOCKING ROUTE 6 FROM EXIT 12 TO THE
ROTARY. TREES WERE ALSO DOWNED IN HARWICH ON ROUTE 28 PARTIALLY
BLOCKING THE ROAD NEAR EVELYNS WAY. A TREE ALSO BLOCKED TRAINING
FIELD ROAD IN CHATHAM. TREES WERE ALSO DOWNED ON ROUTE 28A ON THE
BOURNE/FALMOUTH TOWN LINE.

NANTUCKET                                                        

STORM SURGE INUNDATED MADAKET BEACH WITH SEAWATER ALSO INUNDATING
LONG POND.

$$

LEGEND:
I-INCOMPLETE DATA
E-ESTIMATED

MANNING/BUTTRICK

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator   
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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