The Dover Police Department is proud to announce the launch of the Behavioral Health Unit. After months of research, planning, and program development with the contracted vendor (Dover Behavioral Health), the Unit officially hit the streets of Dover on May 24th with two Behavioral Health Clinicians partnered with two Dover Police Officers. The teams work 12-hour shifts, on opposite days, to ensure 365-day service.
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After getting acclimated to the police department and the City of Dover, the Clinician and Officer teams have been responding to calls for service and initiating proactive support to individuals throughout the city. The primary responsibility of the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) is to provide an opportunity for any person suffering from a mental health or substance abuse related issue, or both, the chance to be connected to services to help them. The behavioral health specialists, working under the title of Clinical Field Partners, are supported and protected by Dover Officers. They provide definitive care at initial contact when it is more likely the person needing help in that moment will accept it.
More often than not, the police are the first to respond to a disturbance or criminal incident that may be the result of a behavioral health related issue. The BHU provides the department, and more importantly the person needing assistance, with the opportunity to be connected to necessary services without a criminal arrest. Officers and their Clinical Field Partners will then follow-up with those contacted, as necessary, to ensure they are on the right path to improvement or recovery.
Patrolman First Class Michael Simpkiss, a four-year veteran, volunteered to take part in the program. He is joined by Patrolman First Class Thomas Rivera, a six-year veteran of the Department and former Dover Police Cadet. Both are full-time Community Policing Officers. Their Clinical Field Partners are Watara Heath and Vasile Mihai Rus, both of whom work with the Dover Behavioral Health (DBH) System and competed for the assignment. The Officers and Clinicians were formally introduced at a City Council Meeting on June 13th.
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Chief Johnson would like to thank all of the individuals who came together to implement this project. “The Criminal Justice Council facilitated the Grant application. The State of Delaware provided additional program funds. The University of Delaware offered the same support software they supplied to the New Castle County PD ‘Hero Help’ initiative. Hero Help is a similar program and the New Castle County Officers were a great resource for us. I wanted to make sure that our program was sustainable for the long haul and had the best chance for success. In the end, great collaboration brought together great service providers to try and help some of our most at-risk members of the community. I know that this will save lives and be another step towards a better Dover.”
DOVER, DE (JULY 12, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) is announcing the state’s first case of the monkeypox virus (MPX). This week, DPH received test results showing a 41-year-old New Castle County man tested positive for MPX. This positive case is considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Delaware man did not report any travel or exposure to someone known to have MPX but is believed to have been exposed to the virus after close intimate contact with an individual in early July.
The individual is self-isolating and DPH is working with him to identify any possible close contacts. Currently, DPH is working with the CDC to confirm the course of treatment for this individual.
“The Delaware Division of Public Health has prepared to respond to MPX cases,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “As we work to confirm our first case in the state, we encourage Delawareans to be aware of being in close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
MPX is a rare disease caused through infection with the monkeypox virus. It can make you sick, causing a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Transmission of MPX occurs when a person encounters the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
The overall risk of MPX is low, generally caused by close intimate contact. However there are other ways it can spread including:
direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
It’s also possible for people to get MPX from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
The incubation period of the illness (time from infection to symptoms) is typically seven to 14 days but can as long as 21 days. The illness itself typically lasts two to four weeks and is rarely fatal. People who do not have symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of MPX are similar to, but milder than, the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.
If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately:
Contact your health care provider – mention your concerns
Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed
Avoid being intimate with others
Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days
Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection. Instead, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used. CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been diagnosed with or exposed to MPX and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus, including:
People who have been identified as a contact of someone with MPX
People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with MPX
People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known MPX
People whose jobs may expose them to MPX such as laboratory, and some health care or public health workers
To prevent infection with MPX:
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPX.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred Monday night on Christiana Road (Route 273) in New Castle.
On July 11, 2022, at approximately 8:39 p.m., a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica was traveling westbound on Route 273 at the intersection of Prangs Lane. The Chrysler was in the left turn lane attempting to make a left turn onto Prangs Lane. At this time, a 2020 Kawasaki Zx6 motorcycle was traveling eastbound of Route 273 in the left lane approaching Prangs Lane at a high rate of speed. The Chrysler began its left turn for Prangs Lane across the eastbound lanes of Route 273 and into the path of the motorcycle. As a result, the front of Kawasaki struck right side of the Chrysler.
The operator of the motorcycle a 36-year-old male from Newark, DE was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The operator of the Chrysler, a 47-year-old female of New Castle, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The front seat passenger a 69-year-old female from Sun City, FL was pronounced deceased at the scene. The rear seat passenger a 16-year-old female of New Castle was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Identification of both victims is pending notification to the next of kin.
Route 273 was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are continuing to investigate this fatal collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Cpl/3 Forester at 302.365.8485. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
The Dover Police Department and City of Dover Fire Marshals Office is investigating an arson that occurred inside of the Target store located at 148 John Hunn Brown Road. Multiple agencies responded to assist in suppressing the fire and ventilating the building, to include fire departments from the following regions: Dover, Little Creek, Leipsic, Camden-Wyoming, Dover Air Force Base, Hartly, Cheswold, South Bowers Beach, St. Francis EMS and Kent County Paramedics. The fire was under control and crews were able to leave the scene by 12:30am, July, 11. Citizen’s Hose Company (Smyrna) covered the City of Dover during the incident.
Evidence obtained at this point in the investigation has shown the fire was intentionally set in the linen section, near the center of the store. The store was quickly evacuated of customers and employees with no injuries reported. Preliminary damage estimates range between $3 – $4 million dollars in merchandise damage from the fire, smoke, and Estimated damages to the structure were not readily available.
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: [email protected]
Delaware State Police have arrested 55-year-old Harry Anderson of Wilmington, DE on numerous criminal charges following a theft investigation that began on Monday morning.
On July 11, 2022, at approximately 3:00 a.m., troopers observed a male subject walking away from Gaz Auto Repair, located at 3400 Old Capitol Trail in Wilmington. The business was closed at this time and the male subject was carrying a reciprocating saw. When troopers attempted to contact the subject, he discarded the saw and began fleeing from the area on foot. Troopers gave chase and soon afterwards took the fleeing individual, identified as Harry Anderson, into custody without further incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that Anderson had utilized the saw to cut catalytic converters off several vehicles at Gaz Auto Repair. It was also determined that Anderson was the suspect who had committed four other commercial burglaries in the Wilmington area throughout June and July.
Anderson was transported to Troop 6 and charged with the following crimes:
Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500 – 5 counts
Resisting Arrest
Criminal Mischief – 5 counts
Breach of Release
Criminal Trespass Third Degree
Anderson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $20,700 unsecured bond.
Delaware State Police have arrested 32-year-old Maurice Howell of Wilmington, DE for several criminal charges following an investigation into a commercial burglary that began on Sunday morning.
On July 10, 2022, at approximately 12:20 a.m., troopers responded to the Shell gas station located at 3001 New Castle Avenue in New Castle regarding a burglary in progress. The store alarm had been activated after the front door had been shattered, and the owner was able to see a male suspect inside of the closed business through remote camera access. Troopers arrived and gave numerous verbal commands for the suspect to exit the store, but he refused to do so. A Delaware State Police canine was deployed into the building, and the suspect was apprehended inside. The suspect, identified as Maurice Howell, was in possession of several items of merchandise when he was taken into custody.
Howell was transported to an area hospital for treatment of an injury sustained while being apprehended by the police canine. He was later released from the hospital, transported to Troop 6, and charged with the following crimes:
Burglary Third Degree (Felony)
Attempted Theft Under $1,500
Criminal Mischief Over $1,000
Resisting Arrest
Howell was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and released on his own recognizance.
The Dover Police Department arrested Julius Powell (34) on drug and gun charges on Friday morning. Powell was known to have two active capias and was located in the Unit Block of South Governors Avenue. When officers contacted Powell and took him into custody without incident for the capias. Powell was then found to be in possession of a loaded revolver and 52 bags of heroin.
Powell will be charged with the following offenses (bond unavailable at time of release): -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony -Possession of Firearm/Ammo by Person Prohibited (3x) -Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon -Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin -Drug Paraphernalia
On July 4, 2022, at about 0311 hours, Newark Police were notified by an area hospital that a female victim arrived suffering from multiple injuries caused by a knife. Newark Police located the crime scene in the unit block of O’Daniel Avenue.
The investigation at the scene determined that a female victim arrived at a residence to meet with Chakeir Ford-Hopkins, 22, of Bear. Ford-Hopkins and the victim are known to each other. An altercation occurred between the victim, Ford-Hopkins and a female resident identified as Dymesha Gary, 23.
During the course of the altercation, Ford-Hopkins punched the victim in the head. Gary then introduced a knife and cut the victim multiple times in the head, arms and hand. The victim was transported to an area hospital by private automobile suffering from serious physical injuries. The victim has since been released from the hospital.
After completion of the investigation by Newark Police detectives, warrants were obtained for the arrest of Ford-Hopkins and Gary.
On July 7, 2022, Newark Police executed a search warrant at Gary’s residence. Both Ford-Hopkins and Gary were taken into custody without incident. During the course of the search, two firearms and ammunition were located in the residence. Ford-Hopkins is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. They were both transported to Newark Police headquarters where they were charged with:
Gary Assault First Degree Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony Aggravated Menacing
Ford-Hopkins Possession of a Firearm By a Person Prohibited (2 counts) Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (2 counts) Offensive Touching
Both suspects appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video. Gary was ordered to be held in default of $41,000 cash bail. She was turned over to the custody of the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle.
Ford-Hopkins was ordered to be held in default of $10,000 secured bail. He was released after posting bond.
Teliam J. Austin, 20, of Millsboro, Del. was arrested Saturday afternoon after displaying what appeared to be a firearm to employees of Claws Seafood House while demanding a bushel of crabs.
On Saturday, July 2nd just before 3:00pm, Austin approached three female employees of Claws Seafood House, located in the second block of Rehoboth Avenue, and asked for a free bushel of crabs. One of the female employees was familiar with Austin as he had done this in the past; however, on this occasion Austin lifted his shirt displaying what appeared to be the handle of a firearm in his waistband while demanding the crabs. Nothing was given to Austin and he walked away laughing; however, the victims were left in fear of injury believing that the firearm was real. Police were able to later locate and identify Austin at which time they located in his front waistband a black and red “splat gun”, which is made to resemble a pistol.
No injuries resulted from the incident and no property was taken.
Austin was charged with three felony counts of aggravated menacing.
Austin has since pled guilty to a lesser offense of misdemeanor menacing in the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas receiving probation before judgement and fines.
Governor Carney Announces American Rescue Plan Act Housing Initiatives
New programs will strengthen communities statewide
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) on Thursday announced affordable housing and housing development initiatives to strengthen communities throughout Delaware.
DSHA will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to develop a multitiered approach to address the affordable housing crisis across the state. DSHA will create the following programs as part of this initiative, and will administer the programs through 2026:
Catalyst Fund (Expected launch: Summer 2022) – Creating and preserving affordable homeownership opportunities through the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant homes in Delaware’s neighborhoods. These funds will be administered in partnership with Cinnaire, a certified Community Development Financial Institution that offers lending options for community development construction.
Cinnaire will offer construction lending by leveraging ARPA funds to incentivize for-profit and nonprofit developers to purchase, renovate, or replace vacant and blighted properties. The for-profit or nonprofit developer will receive ARPA funding as part of their construction project financing so that the cost of the new or rehabilitated home remains affordable to low-income residents.
Market Pressure Relief Fund (Expected launch: Summer 2022) – Relieving economic cost pressures on Delaware’s affordable housing development community. This will provide additional financing to owners of affordable multifamily rental projects currently under construction that have faced construction cost increases due to supply chain disruptions and inflation to ensure these projects are completed.
Accelerator Fund (Expected launch: Fall 2022) – Leveraging once-in-a generation funding available to unlock Delaware’s development potential. The Accelerator Fund will provide an incentive to market-rate rental developers with planned construction projects to provide affordable rental units in their new or renovated properties. The developer will receive an upfront payment from DSHA, funded by ARPA, which will offset construction costs. As part of the funding agreement, the developer will commit to an affordable monthly rent for a specified number of units in a project that would otherwise be exclusively market-rate. This new program will also provide additional funds for traditional affordable rental developers that qualify for the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
Preservation Fund (Expected launch: Spring 2023) – Ensuring enduring affordability in Delaware’s existing affordable housing stock. These fundswill offer financial incentives to ensure nearly 1,000 existing affordable rental units eligible to convert to market rate instead remain in the affordable rental inventory.
“We are investing in affordable housing development across our state so that more Delaware families have access to safe, affordable housing,” said GovernorCarney. “We are using ARPA funds to make sure these affordable housing construction projects get through the finish line, support more Delawareans in becoming homeowners, and revitalize communities that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to members of our federal delegation and President Biden for providing these important resources through the American Rescue Plan Act.”
DSHA and its partners will host public meetings to gather feedback from the community and stakeholders before launching these new programs. The first meeting will focus on the Catalyst Fund and will take place the week of July 25. The purpose of the meetings is to ensure that the programs are designed to best meet the goal of increasing the availability of affordable housing in Delaware. More information, including upcoming meeting dates and program details, will be posted on destatehousing.com.
“DSHA is committed to stewarding these funds efficiently and transparently. With these historic investments, our state is firmly positioned to meet the critical needs of Delawareans across the state,” said Eugene Young Jr., Director of DSHA. “Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or develop, we look forward to working in partnership with you to make Delaware a better place to live.”
Governor Carney on Thursday also announced over $28 million in ARPA-funded housing initiatives that will help improve current properties through rehabilitation, expand homeownership opportunities, and secure property for additional affordable housing development for low-income Delawareans.
Below are the projects included in the announcement:
Sussex County – $9.9 million
NCALL Land Bank – $4 million to purchase property in Sussex and Kent counties for future affordable housing development.
NCALL – $2.9 million to leverage $5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the development of 40 affordable rental housing units for poultry industry workers.
Sussex Habitat for Humanity – $3 million to assist with Kimmeytown Revitalization in Georgetown, develop an Affordable Homeownership Creation project that will construct approximately 27 new affordable homes, and additional smaller projects.
Kent County – $6.9 million
Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing – $5 million to acquire and develop three properties in Dover to address blight and homelessness.
Milford Housing Development Corporation – $1.9 million to assist nearly 70 individuals in achieving homeownership through their homeownership programs and projects.
New Castle County – $11.5 million
Todmorden Foundation/Woodlawn Trustees – $4.5 million to provide seniors in the City of Wilmington with additional affordable housing options.
Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank – $4.5 million to address blight and provide revitalization to the houses around the new Bancroft School.
Wilmington Housing Authority – $1.5 million to rehabilitate homes in the City of Wilmington and address blight.
Southbridge Beautification – $1 million to address blight and provide repairs to more than 50 homes.
“Access to affordable housing is vital to a person’s health and well-being,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “The impacts of COVID-19 on our economy have made the dream of safe and affordable housing a more distant reality for many Delawareans. This ARPA investment will expand access to affordable housing options in communities that need it most, and make Delaware a stronger, healthier, more equitable state.”
“I applaud Governor Carney for addressing the affordable housing shortage in Delaware, a problem only made worse by the pandemic,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “When Senator Coons, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester and I were crafting the American Rescue Plan, this is just the kind of program we had in mind to help folks in need and strengthen our communities across the state.”
“I’m proud to have worked with President Biden to maximize the amount of housing money in the American Rescue Plan to give Delaware’s renters and homeowners access to the safe neighborhoods and affordable housing that they deserve,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “The lack of housing options for working Delawareans has pushed homeowners and renters to pay more than their fair share to find a decent place to live, and Governor Carney’s embrace of this federal money will create much needed housing all across our state that stays within the budgets of working Delawareans. I look forward to working with the governor and the rest of our state’s representatives in Washington to continue finding long-term solutions to our housing shortage.”
“We know that one of the most pressing needs in our state throughout the pandemic and during our recovery is the need for affordable housing,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester.“That’s why I was so proud to help secure millions of dollars for Delaware through the American Rescue Plan Act to do just that. I commend Governor Carney and the State for deploying these resources as part of our mission to ensure that every Delawarean has access to safe and affordable housing.”
DSHA announced last week the launch of the Delaware Mortgage Relief Program, which can provide up to $40,000 in financial assistance to eligible households who experienced a COVID-19-related financial hardship that resulted in mortgage delinquency or forbearance. This program is supported by the federal Homeowners Assistance Fund, which was created under ARPA and distributed to states to provide relief for homeowners. Delaware received $50 million. Homeowners can apply for the program by visiting demortgagehelp.com.
In addition to the new projects announced on Thursday, Governor Carney previously announced a $26.4 million ARPA investment in housing funding for the purpose-built community in northeast Wilmington to accelerate the development of 350 affordable homes to completion.
ARPA was championed in Congress by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation – Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester – and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The Dover Police Department has identified the male subject that was located in the Saint Jones River on July 2nd as 27-year-old Jorge Valladares of Dover. The cause of death is still under investigation, but does not appear to be the result of foul play at this time.
On Saturday, July 2nd, 2022, officers from the Dover Police Department were called to the area of the Saint Jones River, behind Capitol Green for a report of a body being found in the river. A group of kayakers located the body on the shoreline of the river and notified police. With the assistance from the Dover Fire Department, the body was able to be removed from the water. The subject was a male, but additional details are unknown due to the advanced state of decomposition. No obvious signs of trauma were noticed on scene, but the cause of death is unknown. The cause of death and identification of the subject is pending further examination by the medical examiners office.
Jaden Jenkins of Dover, DEDaniel Fears of Dover, DE
The Dover Police Department arrested four people following a shooting incident on Wednesday afternoon. Officers responded to the area of White Oak Road and Stevenson Drive for a report of multiple shots fired at a vehicle that also resulted in two homes being struck. Upon arrival, officers located residences on Starboard Court and Fairwind Place that were struck by gunfire and checked to ensure that no occupants were injured. An occupied vehicle was struck by gunfire and was located on East Wind Drive after fleeing the area.
During the initial investigation, surveillance footage showed a black Hyundai with New Jersey tags turn onto Stevenson Drive from the east. The rear passenger exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at a vehicle, striking it at least twice before it fled onto East Wind Drive. The rear passenger/shooter was a tall and skinny black male that was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a gray bottom, black jogger style pants with a white stripe in the knee area, white socks over top of the pants, and black/gray sneakers with a white emblem. While the suspect was firing rounds, the operator of the suspect vehicle made a u-turn on Stevenson Drive and struck a curb, causing front end damage.
While searching the area for the vehicle and suspects, an officer located a black 2012 Hyundai Sonata with New Jersey tags in the area of Long Point Road and North Little Creek Road. The vehicle was disabled and had heavy front end damage from striking the curb, but was unoccupied. The vehicle has previously been reported stolen.
Officers then reviewed surveillance footage of city cameras and observed a suspect matching the shooters description leaving a residence in the 200 Block of West Reed Street jut over an hour prior to the shooting. At 3:12 p.m., officers watching the same cameras observed the suspect wearing the same clothing as the shooter return to the home in the 200 Block of West Reed Street. Officers were able to identify the suspect as Jaden Jenkins (20). Officers were also able to identify a 12-year-old juvenile and a 17-year-old juvenile that were with Jenkins.
As a result of this information, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence in the 200 Block of West Reed Street and executed it at approximately 7:30 p.m. During the search warrant, officers took Jenkins, both juveniles suspects, and Daniel Fears (24) into custody. Officers also located the clothing worn by Jenkins during the shooting and a 9mm Taurus handgun.
As the investigation continued, it was determined that Jenkins fired at the vehicle that was occupied by four people and that the 17-year-old juvenile was the driver of the vehicle, and the 12-year-old juvenile was the front seat passenger of the vehicle at the time of the incident.
No injuries resulted from this incident.
Jaden Jenkins (20) was committed to SCI on a $120,500 cash bond on the following offenses: -Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (5x) -Criminal Mischief (3x) -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony -Receiving Stolen Property -Conspiracy 2nd Degree (2x)
A 17-year-old Juvenile from Dover was committed to Stevenson House on a $16,000 secured bond on the following offenses: -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Conspiracy 2nd Degree (2x) -Receiving Stolen Property
A 12-year-old Juvenile from Camden, DE was committed to Stevenson House on a $13,000 secured bond on the following offenses: -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Conspiracy 2nd Degree (2x) -Receiving Stolen Property
Daniel Fears (24) was committed to SCI on a $20,000 secured bond on a single charge of Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited.
The Dover Police Department is issuing a Gold Alert for a missing 71-year-old Dover man. Mark O’Brien was last seen leaving his residence at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5th, 2022. O’Brien is a white male, 6’2″ in height, approximately 265 pounds, and was last seen wearing all black clothing. O’Brien suffers from multiple conditions that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored or treated.
If you have any information on Taylor’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
END DATE: JUL 5 2022 END TIME: 556 PM EDT END LOCATION: 1 N HARWOOD MD END LAT/LON: 38.895/-76.597
A SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORM SPAWNED A BRIEF TORNADO JUST NORTH OF HARWOOD, MD (4 SOUTHWEST OF LONDONTOWNE) IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON JULY 5, 2022, BETWEEN 5:55 AND 5:56 PM EDT.
THIS SUPERCELL ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED ALONG THE HOWARD/MONTGOMERY COUNTY LINE AS A RESULT OF A REMNANT MESOSCALE CONVECTIVE VORTEX (MCV) MOVING THROUGH THE REGION WHICH HAD EARLIER MOVED THROUGH THE OHIO VALLEY EARLIER IN THE DAY. IT EVOLVED INTO A CLUSTER OF CELLS INITIALLY BEFORE SPLITTING OFF INTO AN INDIVIDUAL SUPERCELL THAT WOULD DEVELOP ROTATION AS IT MOVED OUT OF SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY INTO NORTHWESTERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY. THE CELL DROPPED A TORNADO EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON NEAR BOWIE, AND WOULD THEN CYCLE TO PRODUCE THE SECOND TORNADO IN HARWOOD.
A BROADCAST MEDIA PARTNER PROVIDED VIDEO AND EYEWITNESS EVIDENCE OF A BRIEF SPIN-UP TORNADO WHILE LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF BIRDSVILLE RD AND SOLOMONS ISLAND RD. THIS INDIVIDUAL NOTED THAT THE TORNADO WAS LOCATED JUST TO THEIR NORTH IN AN OPEN FIELD AND WAS ON THE GROUND FOR ABOUT ONE MINUTE.
KLWX WSR-88D DOPPLER RADAR IN STERLING VA DEPICTED A BRIEF VELOCITY COUPLET THAT CORRESPONDED TO THE LOCATION OF THE VIDEO DESCRIBED ABOVE.
THE BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON WEATHER FORECAST OFFICE IN STERLING, THANKS OUR BROADCATST MEDIA PARTNERS WHO WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF A TORNADO ON THE GROUND.
EF SCALE: THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
EFU.........UNKNOWN WIND SPEED EF0.........65 TO 85 MPH EF1.........86 TO 110 MPH EF2.........111 TO 135 MPH EF3.........136 TO 165 MPH EF4.........166 TO 200 MPH EF5.........>200 MPH
...NWS Damage Survey for Bowie MD Tornado Event Wednesday
July 5 2022...
Rating: EF1
Estimated Peak Wind: 90 mph
Path Length: 1.0 mile
Path Width: 125 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: Jul 5 2022
Start Time: 531 PM EDT
Start Location: 1 NW Bowie MD
Start Lat/Lon: 38.9710/-76.7470
End Date: Jun 5 2022
End Time: 534 PM EDT
End Location: 1 NE Bowie MD
End Lat/Lon: 38.9697/-76.7281
A supercell thunderstorm spawned a brief EF0 tornado just north
of Bowie, MD in Prince Georges County late on Wednesday afternoon
July 5 2022 between 5:31 and 5:34 PM EDT. This supercell spawned
along the Howard/Montgomery County line as a result of a remnant
mesoscale convective vortex moving through the region which had
moved through the Ohio Valley earlier in the day. It evolved into
a cluster of cells initially before splitting off into an
individual supercell that would develop rotation as it moved out
of southeastern Montgomery County into northwestern Prince Georges
County.
The tornado caused extensive tree damage in the Somerset
subdivision just north of Bowie, MD. There was also once incidence
where a tree had fallen on top of residence on Stafford Ln. The
most concentrated areas of damage occurred between Stafford Ln.
and Saber Ln. However, there were several other trees down in the
area outside of the more concentrated tornadic damage,
particularly along Buckingham Drive perpendicular to White Marsh
Branch. At this location along Buckingham Drive, trees fell upon
power lines, snapping several supporting utility poles.
The tornado initially touched down around Tarragon Ln. and tracked
eastward over the Bowie High School Annex before tracking into the
Somerset subdivision, where the majority of the damage was
observed. The tornado would then lift just before reaching
southern portions of Whitemarsh Park.
KLWX WSR-88D Doppler Radar in Sterling VA depicted a tight
velocity couplet that corresponded to the location of the damage
described above. Residents in the area noted that they received
the wireless emergency alert disseminating the Tornado Warning
issued by the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington
Weather Forecast Office prior to the damage occurring, and took
appropriate action to reduce their risk of injury from the
tornado.
The Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office in Sterling,
thanks the City of Bowie and the Prince Georges County Department
of Emergency Services for their assistance in this survey, along
with the residents of Prince Georges County that were witness to
this tornado event.
EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:
EF0.........65 to 85 mph
EF1.........86 to 110 mph
EF2.........111 to 135 mph
EF3.........136 to 165 mph
EF4.........166 to 200 mph
EF5.........>200 mph
The Dover Police Department has arrested three juveniles after a brief pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Wednesday morning. At approximately 5:41 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 100 Block of Thames Drive for a report of a stolen 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The investigating officer announced details of the stolen vehicle over the police radio while at the scene. An officer on patrol in the area of Route 8 and Dover High Drive observed the stolen vehicle traveling westbound. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the suspects fled, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed into a parked car in the Cannon Mills neighborhood. Three suspects (one white male and two black males) fled the vehicle on foot and were all apprehended without incident. All three suspects are juveniles.
The Dover Police Department issued an alert on July 3rd, 2022 to Hyundai Sonata and Elantra owners following a string of thefts in the area. At this time, it is unknown if the arrested suspects were involved in previous incidents. Those cases remain under investigation with additional charges pending if the suspects are linked to those prior incidents.
The suspects were charged as follows:
A 15-year-old white male from Dover was charged with: -Receiving Stolen Property -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Resisting Arrest -Reckless Driving -Disregard Police Officer Signal -Additional traffic violations
A 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with: -Receiving Stolen Property -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Resisting Arrest
A 15-year-old black male from Dover was charged with: -Receiving Stolen Property -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Resisting Arrest
Delaware State Police have arrested 34-year-old Misty Gleason of Camden, DE for burglary and other related charges following an investigation that began in the Hartly area on Tuesday morning.
On June 28, 2022, at approximately 6:21 a.m., troopers responded to the 1800 block of Slaughter Station Road regarding a theft complaint. The ensuing investigation revealed that a female subject had trespassed onto the property and stolen items from a vehicle parked in the driveway. Troopers also discovered that the same female had trespassed onto additional nearby properties, stolen other articles from parked vehicles, and burglarized a residential garage. Troopers canvassed the surrounding area and located Misty Gleason outside of a residence on Slaughter Station Road. Through investigative measures, it was determined that Gleason was the suspect involved in the thefts, and she was taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of Gleason led to the discovery of approximately 274 prescription-only pills that did not belong to her.
Gleason was transported to Troop 3 and charged with the following crimes:
Burglary Second Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Non-Controlled Prescription Drug – 2 counts
Theft Under $1,500 – 4 counts
Criminal Mischief
Criminal Trespass Second Degree – 3 counts
Criminal Trespass Third Degree
Gleason was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $5,110 secured bond.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Kent County residents who live or spend time near the area of Smyrna Landing Road in Smyrna that a positive case of rabies in a stray cat has been reported. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the stray cat in the residential neighborhood. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The exposed individuals have been contacted and advised to begin post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP).
Since Jan. 1, 2022, DPH has performed rabies tests on 118 animals, eight of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes two raccoons, three foxes, and three cats including this positive case. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contact with additional humans or pets. In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 188 animals, nineteen of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, four raccoons, and six bats.
Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched, or have encountered a cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a cat may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR SATURDAY JUNE 25...
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control has issued a code orange air quality alert Saturday
for Delaware.
A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution
concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children...people
suffering from asthma... heart disease or other lung
diseases...and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can
be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.
For more information on ground-level ozone and fine
particles...visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov
I will start off to say we for sure had a unicorn of hail storm here across areas of Delmarva. I’ve been studying a lot of storms over the years across Delmarva and this one was in the top tier of hail storms for the sure because of the damage it caused just from the hail alone.
Cloud Phase Distinction Satellite Of The Supercell
Let’s start off with the elephant in the room that this was a long tracked supercell thunderstorm as discrete as you could possibility get. Didn’t have to share resources with other storms in the environment. And I’m going to be real with you, the environment this storm was in for what it produced is actually astonishing. Storms of this magnitude producing widespread 2in diameter hail or greater for this long duration is something you would normally see out in the central plains. With the very cold air aloft and the very unstable atmosphere. Our supercell yesterday was only under 1500 j/kg of MLCAPE where storms I’ve normally seen with this kind of hail has at least twice that if not more. This one lone supercell took advantage of a disturbed free environment all to itself and used the maximum instability the region had. Not to mention tapping in the the 50kt bulk shear in the region to keep supercellular characteristics
Hail Streak Across Western Shore Of Maryland & Central Delmarva
This storm first developed just the west of Washington D.C as a single cluster before taking off as a HP Supercell throughout Prince Georges and Calvert County. Confirmed multiple locations with > 2in diameter hail with a single report of 3in in Diameter in Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County. Before moving across the Chesapeake keeping the same intensity across Delmarva.
Cross Section & SFC Radar In Dorchester County
Here’s what took me by surprise. Normally getting large hail of this size, you need a storm that is very tall in the atmosphere. On radar estimates, we had on average 40-45 kft (40-45,000 feet) cloud tops with one singular overshooting top to 45 kft. Normally seeing 2in hail you need very cold cloud tops closer to 50-55kft and cold temperatures aloft which is something we do not get here in the warmer seasons. Looking at radar from KDOX and GOES-16 Satellite we had one persistent updraft on the southern side of the storm. The hail core was astonishing. We had the updraft all the way to the very top of the storm at 40kft which is amazing for how small of an area it covered.
Keep in mind I want to share with you the logistics of how strong of a updraft is needed to suspend >2in hail in a storm. For the reported 2 to 3 in Diameter hail you need a updraft speed of 70-85 MPH upward velocity. Looking at some the hail sizes and shapes we have a mixture of round and spikey hail meaning there has been some warmer air with some melting on the way up. Even more evidence that there was some strong upward forcing of water molecules in this small but potent updraft.
James Phillips Jr / East New MarketCory Polidore / Linkwood, MDMegan Elzey / Linkwood, MDLianne Hosmer / Laurel, DE
Impressive damage across areas of Dorchester and Western Sussex County from this one storm yesterday. Severe damage to vehicles, windows blown out, siding a complete loss. Not to mention reports of a hail accumulations for areas around Cambridge. Very common for hail sizes around baseballs causing significant damage to property.
Average of >2in Hail Events In The US. Delmarva Is At The Bottom Of The Scale
Goes to show you, Delmarva can defy the odds of getting Central Plains type of storms. Whether it’s a tornado outbreak, a derecho or in our case this time around, a severe hail event. Always remember, it can only take one storm to make a disaster. We had a very rare event happen yesterday that unfortunately had some devastating consequences. Luckily nobody was hurt and property can be rebuilt.
Top Stories: Delaware State Police are looking for a Delmar, Delaware man wanted on numerous charges. The Delaware House of Representatives voted for the second time this session to legalize marijuana, and this time it passed. And First Lady Jill Biden was in Slovakia over the weekend meeting with displaced Ukrainians.
Weather: it may be sunny and all the rain is gone, for now, we are still dealing with the issues with this late-season coastal storm here on Delmarva. Clouds will return a little bit tonight with more cooler days ahead. Not to mention more rounds of coastal flooding with each high tide this week. But the good news is warmer weather is finally on the way later this week.
Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss. “Every Delawarean should make sure that they are prepared for unexpected flood events,” said Governor Carney. “Flood Awareness Week allows for federal, state and local emergency agencies to increase public awareness of flood risks. Explore the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s resources to make sure that you’re prepared.”
Throughout next week DNREC and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will highlight numerous resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include an interactive quiz, webinar and floodplain mapping tool.
“Delaware is the lowest-lying state and has the lowest average land elevation in the country – we are already susceptible to flooding and becoming more at risk from sea level rise,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “With climate change spawning more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes, flooding is an issue that we must confront with greater urgency. It’s imperative to get word out on flooding and flood risk management.”
“Delaware is experiencing significant flooding with increasing frequency in areas that have not previously experienced flood events. We encourage residents to be proactive to understand how flooding could affect them and take the appropriate precautions to protect their property and families,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
Much of the impetus behind Delaware Flood Awareness Week is helping the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage. Delawareans can learn how much they know with a new interactive online flood quiz, available on Monday, May 9 from @DelawareDNREC social media pages. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness also can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.
Much of the focus for Flood Awareness Week is on the tools and resources available to help Delawareans understand flood risk and be proactive addressing it on a personal property level. DNREC and DEMA staff will be on hand virtually and via social media during the week to explain flood insurance issues, to help residents access a flood insurance policy, and to advise on mitigation assistance resources in Delaware.
On Tuesday, May 10, DNREC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a flood insurance virtual open house, with two hour-long discussions, in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. and an evening session from 6 to 7 p.m. The open house offers expert commentary from the state and federal level, and the private sector on flood insurance and Risk Rating 2.0, the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) new risk rating and pricing methodology. At the end of each open house, the panel will address general questions from attendees via Zoom chat. More information, including Zoom registration, can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.
DNREC’s Floodplain Management program will drive more flood insurance and flood awareness outreach later this month, with a DART bus traveling Sussex County routes outfitted with a graphic depiction of a flooded Delaware community under the heading “FLOODS. Are You Prepared?”
The flood awareness theme for Thursday, May 12 is “Know Your Flood Risk,” with a goal of encouraging Delawareans to research flood risk for their property. DNREC supports this effort by providing the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be found at de.gov/floodplanning. DNREC’s social media awareness message for the day is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”
For the Friday, May 13, and the flood awareness theme of “Remediation and Mitigation,” DEMA will turn to social media for explaining how actions taken now can reduce Delaware’s vulnerability to future disasters – how, on average, $1 spent on hazard mitigation provides Delawareans $4 in future benefits. The theme extends to helping Delawareans understand the benefits of mitigating at the local level, including how they can apply for mitigation grants through their local communities.
The finale for flood awareness week outreach efforts is a bonus for the next generation of Delaware property owners. DNREC’s Floodplain Management Program will unveil a working model of a floodplain Saturday, May 14 at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship’s “Water Family Fest” at the James Farm Ecological Reserve that helps young people understand flooding and its impacts. The Enviroscape tabletop is a hands-on way to demonstrate flooding and floodplain management concepts – along with showing how flooding on the floodplain can be caused by unplanned development, and the role wetlands play in helping mitigate flooding impacts.
Top Stories: Dover Police arrest suspect in Irish Mike’s shooting. Two charges in boating equipment thefts in Sussex County. Millsboro man arrested on drug & weapons charges.
Weather: Showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are possible for the rest of this afternoon into the early evening hours. We get a break from the wet weather for your Thursday with slightly cooler conditions. But the big story is a late season nor’easter that will be battering the coastlines during the holiday weekend.
The Visitor Center at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility is reopening to the public beginning May 6, 2022, after being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on Fridays and Saturdays through June 4. Beginning June 7, the center will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Photos of the new sounding rocket display at NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Visitor Center! While we have enjoyed our busy virtual schedule, we’re so excited to introduce visitors to our new in-person pop-up programs and activities!” said Amy Barra, Visitor Center director.
The Visitor Center staff has brought the excitement of NASA research to the public virtually for the past two years. During this time, over 539 programs have been conducted, reaching more than 28,315 people from 46 states and 16 countries across five continents.
Photos of the new sounding rocket display at NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center.
“The virtual field trips have been enthusiastically received by the public,” Bara said. “These will continue and will be available to groups on Tuesdays once the Visitor Center returns to normal operations in June. In-person programs also will resume this summer.”
The Visitor Center is open to the public with no admission fee. The center showcases the research activities at Wallops and throughout NASA through exhibits, full-scale rocket displays, and hands-on activities.
A Virginia man has died following a serious crash with a tractor trailer near Bridgeville.
According to Delaware State Police, the crash occurred just before 2 p.m., Wednesday as a 2022 Freightliner Truck Tractor towing a 2012 Viking Trailer was traveling westbound on Seashore Highway approaching the intersection of Scotts Store Road.
A 2021 Nissan Altima was stopped at the stop sign on at the intersection.
For unknown reasons, police say the driver of the Altima failed to remain stopped as the Freightliner approached and pulled into its path while turning left onto Seashore Highway.
The Freightliner tried to brake and swerve to avoid striking the Nissan, but was unable to resulting in the front right side of the Freightliner striking the left side of the Altima.
The driver and sole occupant of the Freightliner, a 64-year-old Milford man, was properly restrained and was not injured.
The driver of the Nissan, an 80-year-old Alexandria, VA man, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital by helicopter in critical condition.
Unfortunately, on Thursday, he passed away as a result of his injuries.
A 77-year-old Alexandria, VA, woman was properly restrained in the front passenger seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.
The road was closed for about 3 and a half hours while the crash was investigated and later cleared.
Top Stories: Legislation introduced to treat bills equally regardless of the party in Delaware. Governor announces a $16 million dollar investment for vulnerable Delawareans. Millsboro man arrested on vehicle theft charges in Dagsboro.
Weather: Sunny and breezy conditions will continue throughout the rest of the afternoon hours as an area of high pressure begins to settle in for the rest of this week. we are in store for a rather chilly night similar to what we would see during the winter months. more sunny skies for Thursday with more in the way of windy conditions before a nice warm-up on the way this weekend.
Geneva, 27 April 2022 (WMO) – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has retired Ida from the rotating lists of Atlantic tropical cyclone names because of the death and destruction caused by the category 4 hurricane in the United States of America in 2021.
The naming convention – whilst attracting the most public attention – is only a small part of the life-saving work of the Hurricane Committee, which focuses on operational priorities including the provision of forecasts and warnings for wind, storm surge and flooding hazards, as well as impact assessments.
The Hurricane Committee consists of experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and serves North America, Central America and the Caribbean (WMO Regional Association IV). It reviewed the unusually active 2021 Atlantic season and fine-tuned preparations for 2022 at its annual session, held virtually from 25 to 28 April.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially lasts from 1 June to 30 November. Named storms have formed prior to the official start of the hurricane season in about half of the past 10-15 years, including each of the past seven years (2015-2021). Pending the outcome of a technical study by the U.S. National Weather Service, the Hurricane Committee did not discuss any resolution to bring forward the official season date.
2021 Tropical Cyclones
2021 was the third most active year on record in terms of named storms, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It marked the sixth consecutive above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. For the second straight year, it exhausted the regular names from WMO’s rotating list (the first time this has ever happened).
Ida was the most devastating storm of the season. It peaked as a category 4 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) that caused severe to catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana. Ida later became an extratropical low that caused heavy rain and deadly flooding in the northeastern United States. Ida is responsible for 55 direct fatalities and 32 indirect fatalities in the United States. NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimated that Ida’s wind, rain, storm surge and tornadoes caused a total of $75 billion in damage in the United States.
Another damaging storm was Elsa, which formed as was an early-season category 1 hurricane over the central tropical Atlantic. It was the first hurricane to directly impact Barbados since Hurricane Janet in 1955 and it also affected other Caribbean countries as well as the USA.
In total, there were 21 named storms with winds of 64 km/h (39 mph) or greater, including seven hurricanes (winds of 118 km/h (74 mph) or greater) of which four were major hurricanes (hurricanes reaching category 3 and above according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale which is a 1 to 5 rating, with winds of 178 km/h (111) mph or greater).
Climate factors, including La Niña, above-normal sea surface temperatures earlier in the season, and above-average West African Monsoon rainfall were the primary contributors for the above-average 2021 season. Another contributing factor is a phenomenon known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, which entered a warm phase in 1995 which favors more, stronger, and longer-lasting storms.
NOAA will issue its outlook for the 2022 season on 24 May.
In 2021, the National Weather Service assembled a team to determine quantitative thresholds for adding or removing dates from the official Atlantic hurricane season, along with an examination of potential ramifications of moving the beginning of hurricane season to May 15. While this team continues its work, no changes to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season will occur in 2022.
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning in the Newark area.
On April 27th, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., a silver Buick LeSabre was traveling westbound on Chestnut Hill Road (Delaware Route 4) west of Salem Church Road. For unknown reasons, the driver veered left off of the roadway and continued traveling in a southwestern direction before the car struck a steel overhead street sign support and a guardrail. The Buick then overturned onto its right side in the center median.
The driver, a 31-year-old Newark female, was not properly restrained and unfortunately was pronounced deceased at the scene due to her injuries. Identification is pending notification to the next-of-kin.
There were no passengers in the Buick, and no one else was reported injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the collision was being investigated. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
6-year-old Shawn Taylor of Houtzdale, PA and 25-year-old Naim Abdullah of Aston, PA.
Delaware State Police have arrested two subjects for weapons and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred on Sunday evening.
On April 24th, 2022 at approximately 8:51 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Wilmington, DE area observed a black Dodge Challenger traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Interstate 495 in the area of Cauffiel Parkway. A traffic stop was initiated and the trooper made contact with the occupants, which included 26-year-old Shawn Taylor of Houtzdale, PA and 25-year-old Naim Abdullah of Aston, PA. Upon contacting the occupants, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. A subsequent search of the Challenger led to the discovery of approximately 0.68 grams of marijuana and a loaded Springfield handgun. Computer checks of Taylor and Abdullah revealed that both subjects were convicted felons prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Taylor and Abdullah were taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 1, where they were both charged with the following crimes:
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana
Both Taylor and Abdullah were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $30,001 cash bond.
Delaware State Police have arrested 26-year-old Devon McCray of Frankford, DE on drug charges following a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon.
On April 24th, 2022 at approximately 3:04 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Millsboro, DE area observed a motorcycle stopped on the east side of Cannon Road just north of Devon Road. The motorcycle did not have a registration plate displayed, and the operator was observed standing on the roadside. The trooper attempted to contact the individual, but the operator attempted to flee the scene on the motorcycle and then on foot. A foot chase ensued and the operator, identified as Devon McCray, was taken into custody without incident. A search of McCray led to the discovery of approximately 1.743 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 12.22 grams of cocaine.
McCray was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Numerous traffic charges
McCray was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on $31,350 unsecured bond.
Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Arkeem Adkins of Millsboro, DE for theft of a motor vehicle and other charges following a traffic stop that occurred on Saturday afternoon.
On April 23rd, 2022 at approximately 3:32 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Dagsboro, DE area observed a black Mercedes C300 traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Iron Branch Road in the area of Bunting Road. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Colonial Estates Avenue east of Iron Branch Road and made contact with the operator, identified as Arkeem Adkins. Upon contacting Adkins, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. A subsequent search of the Mercedes led to the discovery of approximately 0.078 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry of Adkins showed that he had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant for his arrest. Computer checks also revealed that the Mercedes C300 had been reported as stolen by Delaware State Police Troop 4 on April 21st, 2022.
Adkins was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following offenses:
Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500
Possession of Marijuana
Driving While Suspended / Revoked
Speeding
Adkins was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $500 secured bond.
Delaware State Police have arrested 19-year-old Dyquan Snead of Harrington, DE following a traffic stop that occurred on Thursday night.
On April 21st, 2022 at approximately 11:45 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Lewes, DE area observed a white Nissan Altima traveling northbound on Coastal Highway in the area of Nassau Road. A computer inquiry of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the owner of the Altima, who was listed as Dyquan Snead, had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant for his arrest. The trooper confirmed Snead was the operator, and a traffic stop was initiated. Upon contacting Snead, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. Snead was taken into custody without incident, and a subsequent search of the Altima led to the discovery of approximately 90.19 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, over $380 in suspected drug proceeds, and a Smith & Wesson handgun with an obliterated serial number.
Snead was transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Weapon With an Obliterated Serial Number (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
Snead was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $70,500 cash bond.
Delaware State Police have arrested 23-year-old Kyree Robinson of Dover, DE for murder and other related charges following a shooting incident that occurred in Dover in May 2021.
On May 15th, 2021, at approximately 5:42 p.m., troopers responded to Uplift Barber Shop located at 1534 Governors Avenue, Dover, DE for a shooting incident. The investigation determined 23-year-old Javon D. Jones of Dover was a patron in the barbershop when an unknown male suspect entered through the front door of the business and fired multiple shots at Jones, striking him in the upper torso before fleeing on foot. Jones was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit identified Kyree Robinson as the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. On April 20th, 2022, Robinson was charged with the following crimes:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and issued a $1,070,000 cash bond. Robinson, who was incarcerated at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution at the time of his arraignment, remained in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective M. Ryde of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-698-8557. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com.
Top Stories: $300 rebate payment for Delaware taxpayers signed into law. 51 arrested, 4 wanted in a large-scale drug investigation. Dover man arrested following a police chase, crashes in Wyoming.
Weather: Warm, sunny, and mild conditions will continue this evening before more clouds arrive tonight. Saturday will be filled with clouds, mild temperatures, and some isolated rain chances in the evening hours. And a dry Easter Sunday is ahead!
38-year-old Tara Madden, of Selbyville, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.
A Selbyville woman was arrested on several warrants following a traffic stop in Greenwood.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:56 p.m., Thursday as an officer with the Greenwood Police Department witnessed a tan Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the area of Market Street.
The driver of the Cruze failed to stop at the red light and a traffic stop was initiated. The officer made contact with the driver and owner of the vehicle, 38-year-old Tara Madden. A computer check revealed she had four active criminal warrants for her arrest, stemming from numerous incidents that occurred throughout March and April in the Frankford, Millville, and Millsboro areas.
Madden was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5 where she was charged with Theft of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony), Theft From a Senior (Felony) – 2 counts, Criminal Mischief, and Offensive Touching. She was arraigned and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.
Dozens were arrested and Delaware State Police are searching for others wanted in connection with a large-scale drug investigation on Delmarva.
In November 2020, Delaware State Police began a large-scale drug investigation named “Operation Dawg House.”
Operation Dawg House targeted the George Johnson Drug Trafficking Organization, where George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville, was identified as the organization head. Johnson’s organization was targeted due to the increase of heroin overdoses and Clenbuterol profile possession of heroin cases occurring in Sussex County and Worcester County, Maryland.
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In Delaware, 16 overdose cases were reported, four being fatal. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred in Worcester and Wicomico County, Maryland.
The year-long investigation involved local and state agencies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania working together to combat the heroin and opioid drug distribution.
During the investigation, numerous members of Johnson’s organization were identified, and a hierarchy of distribution was established. In total, 55 individuals were indicted or arrested on street warrants.
Currently, 51 individuals have been arrested and four individuals are still wanted, including George Johnson.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: DelDOT continues to ignore our inquiries as hundreds receive false toll violations. Webinar held to discuss broadband expansion in Kent & Sussex counties. DPH asks parents to test children for COVID before returning to school.
Weather: As we head into the afternoon and evening hours. we are watching for the chance of some isolated thunderstorms with a cool down on the way this weekend.
Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Arthur Darden of Dover, DE for weapons and drug offenses following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.
On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 12:41 p.m., a trooper on patrol in Laurel, DE observed a black Kia Sportage speeding and changing lanes without signaling on Sussex Highway south of Gordy Road. A traffic stop was initiated on Sussex Highway at Dorothy Road and contact was made with the operator, identified as Arthur Darden. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Darden and opened alcohol containers inside the vehicle. A subsequent DUI investigation ensued and Darden was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 13.79 grams of marijuana, a pair of brass knuckles, and a 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed Darden is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Darden was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana
Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
Speeding
Improper Lane Change
Darden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,300 cash bond.
Delaware State Police arrested 50-year-old Richard Cook of Lincoln, DE for 8th-offense DUI and other charges following a crash investigation on Monday afternoon.
On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 2:57 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of southbound Dupont Boulevard and Redden Road, Georgetown, DE regarding a motor vehicle collision. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted Richard Cook, the operator of a black Nissan Quest. The Quest had overturned onto its side in the wooded area west of Dupont Boulevard, and the two passengers, a 49-year-old female victim, and a 45-year-old male victim had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victims were transported to Bayhealth Sussex Hospital for medical treatment. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Cook and a DUI investigation ensued. Cook was subsequently taken into custody without incident at the scene. A search of Cook’s vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.04 grams of marijuana, suspected liquid heroin, drug paraphernalia, two fixed-blade knives, and a Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. revolver. Cook is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or deadly weapons.
A computer inquiry revealed that Cook’s driver’s license was suspended and he had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses. Cook was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) – 2 counts
Vehicular Assault Second Degree – 2 counts
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving While Suspended or Revoked
Possession of Marijuana
Cook was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $39,501 cash bond.
Top Stories: Delawareans continue to speak out on DelDOT toll scandal. $300 rebate bill passes House, now heads to the Senate in Delaware.
Weather: Sunny skies will lead to mostly cloudy skies tonight. More rain showers are possible tomorrow morning before temperatures soar into the 70’s this week.
EXCLUSIVE: Delawareans speak out after they were sent false toll violations.
Top Stories: Cracker Jack launches new brand “Cracker Jill.” Dover Man wanted in Laurel for felony theft & forgery.
Weather: Misty/Foggy conditions will continue into the overnight hours. More rain is on the way for Thursday with the chance of some thunderstorms as well.
Top Stories: Two bills were introduced to legalize marijuana in Delaware. Dover Police arrested a man with eight warrants on his record. And a tinted windows violation leads to drug and weapons charges arrest.
Weather: Rain, rain, and more rain is on the way tonight. Some of which will be quite heavy at times. And a major warm-up is expected going into next week.
As we head into the middle portions of April, we could be looking at some very warm temperatures across the Eastern third of the Nation. A large trough will begin digging into the Western US starting this coming weekend. This will help lift the Jetstream into Canada as a Sub-Tropical Ridge develops off the Southeast US coastlines pumping warm air all the way into New England.
Temperatures could be running 10-20 degrees above normal during the mid and late portions of next week with this warm southerly flow. High temperatures are expected to be well into the 70’s with some low 80’s not out of the question. The average temperature for this time of year here on Delmarva is around 60 degrees during the daytime hours. I’m sure many will not be complaining about the welcomed warmth ahead.
Top Stories: Early morning fire destroys home in Milford. Millsboro man charged with his 10th DUI. Millsboro man arrested on drug, weapon charges in Georgetown. Navy service member identified in the Chincoteague plane crash last week.
Weather: Increasing clouds will be on the way tonight before the rain will be developing for Tuesday. Some of which could be heavy at times.
Top Stories: Lincoln pastor was indicted for unlawful sexual contact. Magnolia man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover. Fox tests positive for rabies in Frankford.
Weather: Rain showers will begin to die out once we get to sundown with clearing skies. More rain is in the forecast for this weekend and even more rain chances going into next week.
Top Stories: Delaware bill introduced to protect parental rights in schools. Dover Police arrest West Virginian women on murder charges. And a Navy aircraft crashed near Wallops Island killing a crew member.
Weather: Strong to severe storms are in the forecast tonight with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Tornado Watch until this evening.
The US Navy reports that a plane went down in the Chincoteague Bay just outside of the NASA Wallops Island Flight around 7:30PM on Wednesday. A Navy E2-D Hawkeye was conducting normal routine flight operations when, for unknown reasons, the aircraft went down into the waters of the Chincoteague Bay.
Upon arrival of the Coast Guard, the Ocean City Dive Team, Accomack County VA’s, and Wicomico County first responders found two individuals who escaped to the top of the aircraft.
TV Delmarva News has learned that a third person was still inside the aircraft at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Navy E2-D Hawkeye Aircraft
An investigation remains ongoing at this time to determine what caused the crash of the E2-D Hawkeye. The names of the crew members and pilot are being withheld at this time.
Top Stories: Sussex County woman speaks out after her dog was stolen in Rehoboth. La Baguette in Dover had flower plants stolen. And a great white shark was pinged off the Delaware coast.
Weather: A warm front will be moving through today setting the stage for some thunderstorm action on Thursday. Some of which could be on the severe side.
While we are now in the short term model guidance, we had a big shift in the timing of this event. On Tuesday many of the medium range model guidance showed this event to be extremely underwhelming and much later into the night. Now into Wednesday, we have pushed the timing up about 6-8 hours into the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday. That big shift in timing boosted our chances to match with the SPC’s Slight Risk of Severe Weather they had all week.
A good agreement between the HRRR/RAP as well as the CAMS showing ample thunderstorm development across the Mid-Atlantic States. An increase in instability as well with dew points going into the lower 60’s. Storms should be developing from west to east from 2-10pm.
With the main threat being wind damage within these storms. No surprise with the strong winds aloft and in the lower level Jetstream. Strong winds at 5000 feet of 60-70 kts giving ample speed shear for storms to produce some gusty downbursts. Using TEHI for the tornadic threat and the good news is once more, fairly low probabilities. TEHI values under 2 (20%) chance of these storms producing a tornado in this environment. Also when we take a look at the Updraft Helicity Streaks, there is very little if any which is good news for shows storms with potential rotation on the models.
Top Stories: Chuck Welch withdraws from AG race amid health concerns. FDA authorizes a second COVID booster for those aged 50 or older. President Biden pressed on Putin, Ukraine comments.
Weather: Another cooler night in-store with a warm front expected to push through tomorrow with some isolated rain chances. Thunderstorms are possible on Thursday with much warmer temperatures.
Top Stories: $300 rebate, gas tax holiday proposed by lawmakers to ease the pain at the pump in Delaware. Delaware State Police conducting a homicide investigation in Dover.
Weather: The sunshine has returned but much colder air is moving into the region this weekend. More showers in the forecast for Saturday with some small hail? Could very well be!
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a homicide investigation that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when an unknown male entered the backseat of the car. The male engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. The unknown male suspect then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.
At this time, there is no suspect information available. Delaware State Police Homicide Unit asks anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident to contact Det. Mark Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
BREAKING NEWS | Delaware bill introduced to suspend gas tax. Meanwhile, Sen. Coons praises Biden’s Supreme Court pick, and Surf Bagel is coming to Milford!
Weather: Rain will continue to overspread the region tonight and pick up in intensity. Rain will be heavy times throughout the night into the morning hours Thursday. Don’t be surprised to hear a couple of rumbles of thunder as well.
Top Stories: Kim Petters officially files to run for State Senate. Attorney General candidate Chuck Welch crime plan for Delaware.
Weather: Clouds will be on the increase tonight with rain chances for Wednesday into Thursday. Not to mention a big cool-down expected towards the weekend.
A two-stage suborbital sounding rocket is scheduled for launch March 21, 2022, for a mission managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Air Force Office of Scientific Research, from NASA’s launch range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The launch of the Terrier-Improved Malemute rocket is scheduled between 7-10 p.m. EDT, March 21. The backup launch dates are March 22 through April 1.
The purpose of the mission, called Boundary Layer Turbulence 2, or BOLT-2, is to increase the understanding of boundary layer transition, turbulent heating, and drag on vehicles flying at hypersonic conditions. Boundary layer transition to turbulence is the process where smooth, laminar flow becomes unstable after which turbulence dominates and significantly increases heating and drag on high-speed vehicles.
Live coverage of the mission is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. EDT on the Wallops YouTube site. Launch updates will be available on the Wallops Facebook and Twitter pages.
The rocket launch is expected to be visible from the Chesapeake Bay region. The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will not be open for viewing the launch.
We are getting closer and closer to our typical Severe Weather Season here on the shore. And we get a bit of a taste for it on Saturday. Now here’s the setup we are looking at.
Low Pressure system Over The Great Lakes Driving A Cold Front Through The Eastern US
First off we have a fairly strong area of low pressure moving across the Great Lakes region with a strengthening mid level Jetstream across the Mid-Atlantic States. That’s the first set of ingredients for the storm setup for tomorrow.
Futurecast With Forecasted Dew Points | Sufficient for Storm Development
Now storm formation will be isolated in nature based on the latest high resolution model guidance. One thing is for sure we got the warmer temperatures and bit of surface moistures with dew points getting into the 60’s. So it’s going to be a little bit muggy out there by the early afternoon hours.
Model Outputs Regarding Instability and Wind Shear
Now we will see ample instability and wind shear across the region before our cold front arrives during the evening hours. MLCAPE (a product used to measure instability) showing values in the moderate instability category which is very crucial for thunderstorm development. Not to mention with the decent amount of instabilty, mid level lapse rates are fairly steep as well. Anytime we get Lapse Rates in the mid levels over 7C/km, that increases our hail threat just a bit with the colder air higher into the atmosphere. This is why we have a bit of a higher threat for seeing quarter size hail in storms that may develop. Not to mention we have some decent bulk shear (wind shear in a storm environment). 50-60kts is more than plenty to get a mix of line segments or even a couple of isolated supercell thunderstorms.
Brand New Product To Help Forecast Tornado Threats | Forecast Slice Through The Atmosphere
Now in production for a little while, we have been working very hard at developing to really narrow down tornado threats in a 0-10 scale (0-100%). We are testing the waters on this one since there is a little bit of a tornado threat going into tomorrow. our TEHI product showing a level 1-2 threat out of 10 for tornadoes here on the shore. meaning storms will have a 10-20% chance of producing a tornado. Low level environment showing sufficient turning in the lowest levels which is very important for tornadogenisis.
One limiting factor for storms tomorrow is the time of year we are in. Our coastal water temperatures do play a role in our storm threats with them being in the upper 40’s. This can create some stable air near the surface and cause storms to climb upscale and scrapping any tornado threat all together.
Model trends today have a uptick in the snow department with that surge of cold air moving in much quicker. This will allow a change over of heavy rain to snow just before noon Saturday across the northern portions of Delmarva and northern Maryland. The heaviest accumulations will occur the closer you get to the Appalachian mountains near Frederick and Westminster Maryland. A band of 1-3 inches is possible through Cecil and New Castle counties here on Delmarva. While other locations here on the shore will see some minor accumulations under 1 inch on grassy surfaces.
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM EST
SUNDAY...
* WHAT...Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE...Portions of New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania, the
eastern shores of Maryland and Delaware.
* WHEN...From 10 AM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds develop late Saturday morning
and continue into the afternoon. There may be a lull Saturday
evening before increasing once again.
----------------------------------------------------------------
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 7 PM EST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3
inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...Portions of northern New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania
and northern Delaware.
* WHEN...From 6 AM to 7 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could
bring down tree branches.
High Res Window Model Showing Major Coastal Low Over Delmarva
We have been talking about this scenario throughout the week about a major storm system will be developing in the Eastern half of the nation. An area of low pressure will be rapidly developing from the Gulf States and runs parallel through the Mid-Atlantic states during the morning hours on Saturday.
Large Trough In the Eastern US
Phasing of the Northern Jet and the Sub-Tropical Jet will set the stages of a potential Bomb Cyclone (air pressure that drops more than 24mb’s in 24 hours) to develop. By the time this storm system moves north of New England we could be looking at some serious low pressures by Greenland.
Low Location Will Be Key
Depending on the placement of this area of low pressure will determine if we are in the path of the powerful low level Jetstream to setup. The blend solution has the area of low pressure going right over the Delmarva region keeping those powerful winds off of our coasts. But if the low positions further west, this will allow for a short term duration of strong winds exceeding 50 mph at times.
Low Level Jetstream 90-100kts offshore
To add more dynamics to the mix, cold air will be crashing on the northwest side of the storm which we may see a burst of snow on the backside during the evening hours. Any snow that does fall will have a extremely difficult time accumulating here on the shore. It’s a matter of how quickly can those temperatures crash on that backside of the storm. And the position of the low. If we have a further east solution like the NAM3km, then our chances are high but I have that one as my outlier as of now. I’m leaning more with the HRW-ARW with the further west solution overall.
Model Solutions Regarding The Backside Snow Threat
This is going to be the week for heavy rain that is for sure here on Delmarva. Once again we are in the sights of another storm system coming in from the south during the morning hours of Wednesday. An area of low pressure will be developing along the southern jet stream and moving right over top of the Mid-Atlantic States. Areas in PA that saw 70 degree temperatures yesterday will now be seeing some accumulating snowfall.
Although here on the shore we will see all rain, we will get some beneficial amounts to say the least. Latest high resolution guidance showing up to a half inch of precipitation for areas north of Dover. Areas in Central Delmarva up to about an inch of rainfall. And the southern tip of the shore will likely see the greatest amounts between 1- 1.50″ before tapering off Wednesday Afternoon.
With the extremely warm temperatures on this March day here on the shore, we have a strong cold front on the move this evening. With barely any instability in place today, this storm threat is strong shear dominate. We have the chance of some storms that could reach severe limits during the evening hours today. Computer guidance has been hinting at a thin squall line to develop along the front with already very strong surface winds expected today.
Slight Risk of Severe Weather For Northern Delmarva and Northern Maryland
The biggest driver for today’s Slight Risk of Severe Weather is the very strong low level shear and steep lapse rates. With strong winds fairly close to the surface and with a strengthening low level jet to 60 knots, when that front arrives some of those stronger winds aloft will be brought down to the surface.
Steep Low Level Lapse Rates indicating some great mixing of the stronger winds aloft to be brought down to the surface.
Anytime you see Lapse Rates greater that 7.5 in the lowest levels, that’s the perfect case scenario for a damaging wind potential. Damaging winds are really the only threat with today’s setup. Tornado threat is very low today because the wind direction throughout the atmosphere is very linear. Tornadoes need turning wind form the surface on up.
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia was selected by Rocket Lab as the home for its new Neutron rocket’s first launch pad and production facility, further supporting the growth of commercial space capabilities in Virginia.
The Neutron Production Complex will include a rocket production, assembly, and integration facility just outside the NASA gate to Wallops Island. The dedicated launch pad will be located on the south end of Wallops Island.
“NASA’s only owned and operated launch range at Wallops Flight Facility supports small- and medium-class orbital rocket launches, which are key contributors to a growing space economy,” said Wallops Director David Pierce. “The high-tech jobs created by this move are vital for the Wallops region, and I’m excited we’re bringing more of the agency’s expertise to Rocket Lab, Virginia Space, and all our partners on the Eastern Shore.”
Rocket Lab has targeted the first Neutron medium class orbital rocket launch for no earlier than 2024.
“We congratulate the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Space and Accomack County working with Rocket Lab to bring this next chapter of commercial space operations to Wallops,” said Pierce. “We welcome Rocket Lab’s expansion on the Shore and look forward to working with them in bringing this new launch capability to reality.”
Wallops is a multi-user/multi-tenant facility in a geographic location ideal for supporting satellite tracking and commanding, military operations and training, scientific investigations, technology development and testing, as well as commercial aerospace. The facility’s diverse mission sets and on-site partners, including the U.S. Navy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States Coast Guard, and Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, are a model for leveraging and optimizing multi-organizational capabilities and support services.
A robust and competitive low-Earth orbit economy is vital to continued progress in space. The United States is committed to encouraging and facilitating the growth of the U.S. commercial space sector that supports America’s needs, is globally competitive, and advances U.S. leadership in the next generation of new markets and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. NASA has developed a long-term vision to achieve this goal where, one day, NASA will become one of many customers in low-Earth orbit. This plan builds on, uses the capabilities of, and applies the lessons learned from decades of work and experience with commercial companies.
Written By: Keith Koehler NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia
Growing concerns that we may be dealing with a high wind event evolving during the overnight hours on Thursday into the day on Friday. All thanks to a rapidly developing storm system from the Central Plains that will be driving a cold front through the Eastern Half of the nation. Not to mention the very warm temperatures that will be following the upcoming event as well.
850mb Winds: Low Level Jetstream
The main driver for the strong winds we are expecting is the enhancement of the nocturnal low level Jetstream which sits about 5000 feet above the surface. While this area of low pressure continues to strengthen as it crosses into the Great Lakes, the gradient between this area of low pressure and a strong high pressure system off the East Coast will really start enhancing those winds. Forecast models have been quite bold with 70-80kts (80-90 mph) low level jet at 5000 feet which is very strong. Now keep in mind, those winds are pretty high off the ground and unlikely we will see those reaching the surface. With the aid of falling precipitation, we will see some of those stronger winds above he surface to mix down.
With the strong wind energy with that low level jet, no surprise we can see wind gusts 40-55 mph at the surface during the nighttime hours as the cold front edges closer. Winds of this speed can knock down some tree limbs and cause some sporadic power outages at times. Gusty winds will continue throughout the day on Friday even behind the front.
Delaware State Police Troop 7 has issued a Gold Alert for Benjamin F. Williams Jr., 49, of Milton. Williams was last seen on February 14, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m., in the area of Harbeson Road, Milton. Attempts to contact or locate Williams have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his health and safety.
Williams is described as a white male, 5’7”, and weighs 227 lbs. He was last seen wearing jeans, a gray shirt, and black jacket. Williams is currently traveling on foot to an unknown destination.
Anyone with information regarding Williams’ whereabouts is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 7, by calling 302-644-5020, 9-1-1, or messaging the Delaware State Police through Facebook Messenger.
Get ready for another extreme weather day here on Delmarva where we are going from spring like warmth straight back to winter in a matter of 12-24 hours. Although snow is in the forecast, we are not expecting anything substantial at all to ruin those holiday plans on Sunday.
With temperatures rising into the mid 60’s on Saturday, a strong arctic front will be moving into the region during the overnight hours allowing temperatures to plummet down to sub-freezing by 7am Sunday. With the interaction of the front, a strong jet stream, and an area of low pressure developing well off the coast will cause a round of snow to develop in the Mid-Atlantic. Depending on the speed and intensity of the precipitation, a Dusting to an inch isn’t out of the question. Now some areas may get 2 inches if they are lucky. By the afternoon hours, snow will move out of the picture with even colder conditions that night.
Surprisingly, we have decent agreement among the model guidance showing rain transitioning over to a period of snow Sunday morning. Some a little heavier solutions but given the warmer ground we will see a little bit of melting. Regardless, we will keep adding to our above average snowfall totals for the season.
NASA and commercial cargo provider Northrop Grumman are targeting 12:40 p.m. EST Saturday, Feb. 19, for the launch of the company’s 17th resupply mission to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
TV Delmarva will be in Wallops Island to bring you live coverage from ground level with this mission
Loaded with more than 8,200 pounds of research, crew supplies, and hardware, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft will launch on the company’s Antares rocket from Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.
The Cygnus spacecraft, named the S.S. Piers Sellers in honor of the late NASA astronaut who spent nearly 35 days across three missions helping to construct the space station, will arrive at the orbiting outpost Monday, Feb. 21. At about 4:35 a.m., NASA astronaut Raja Chari will capture Cygnus, with NASA astronaut Kayla Barron acting as backup. After Cygnus capture, mission control in Houston will send ground commands for the station’s arm to rotate and install it on the station’s Unity module Earth-facing port.
an investigation from Colgate-Palmolive that will leverage the acceleration of skin aging in microgravity to help create and validate an engineered tissue model to serve as a platform for testing potential products to protect aging skin
a demonstration of a lithium-ion secondary battery capable of safe, stable operation under extreme temperatures and in a vacuum environment
new hydrogen sensors that will be tested for the space station’s oxygen generation system
a system that will test hydroponic and aeroponic techniques for plant growth and will allow scientists to observe root growth through video and still images
The Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to remain at the space station until May, when it will depart the station, disposing of several tons of trash during a fiery reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
With warmer temperatures expected today, we will start getting a good melting episode of the snow pack left by the weekend blizzard. With the extra water vapor right at the surface and light winds, we should see some locally dense fog develop tonight. Not just any fog, but freezing fog to be exact. With temperatures expected to drop below 32 degrees tonight, some of those water droplets will freeze on surfaces creating some potential slick travel tomorrow morning.
Here are some tips on driving safely in foggy conditions:
– Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
– Use your low-beam headlights and fog lights if your vehicle has them. Never use your high-beam lights, as they create a glare in the fog and make it harder to see.
– Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
– If the fog is very dense, turn on your hazard lights and find a safe place to park until conditions improve.
My poker chips are ALL IN ladies and gentlemen. A major winter storm is coming beginning tonight and going all the way into Saturday Afternoon. Model guidance from last night and this morning has shown a significant shift westward with the track. Coastal Delmarva will be in the hot seat regarding the most significant impacts from this winter storm.
For the first time since January of 2018, we have Blizzard Warnings for Northampton, Accomack, Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Sussex Counties from 7pm Friday until 7pm on Saturday. Winter Storm Warnings are in place for all of Delmarva except for Cecil County in Maryland. There is very strict criteria in place to qualify for a Blizzard Warning. I do think that a expansion westward with the Blizzard Warnings are not out of the question.
Futurecast Radar
Snow will be developing across the region from 5-8pm. And the heaviest will be in place from Midnight tonight through noon Saturday. Significant snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour are possible with wind gusts of 40-50 mph. This will create a roadway nightmare on the shore for Saturday morning. Avoid travel at all cost if you can during the height of this blizzard.
Seems like every weekend this past month we are talking about another snow threat one after another. The only difference is that this one could become a powerful low off our coasts going into Friday and Saturday. With this being the end of the active weather pattern and signs showing for the persistent eastern trough will come to close with a more zonal flow (west to east parallel motion of the jet stream). Ensembles have been very persistent about a coastal low about 200 miles offshore with explosive development (aka bombcyclone) scenario with a rapidly intensifying oceanic storm that moves across the Gulf Stream. And some of these low placement strengths are nothing to take for granted. A good 80% of them are below 986mb pressure levels when its off our coast. By the time it’s off the coast of Cape Cod we are talking down into the 970s.
Major Global Model Outputs For This Storm
With a bit of surprise, there is actually some good agreement between the 3 major global models regarding this storm. ECMWF/GFS/CMC/ICON are on the table for a rapidly intensifying storm off our coasts this coming weekend. The biggest difference is how far offshore will it actually be. Every model without a doubt has a round of snow to the region but how close that low is will make a major difference. CMC/ICON are the most offshore out of the bunch with some light precipitation to the region and then dumping over coastal New England. GFS model coming in at 12z is a little bit westward giving Delmarva a good hit with snow. And then the big elephant of the group the ECMWF and the ensembles being very aggressive with a the furthest west solution giving all of Delmarva a major winter storm. And the ECMWF has been very consistent with that. Some of the ensembles give historic levels of snow but that’s extremely far fetched in my opinion.
Overall do I think we have a explosive developing oceanic storm? That’s on the increase for sure to close out the weather pattern. It’s going to be a matter of how close will this get to our coast will make the big difference. We have the cold air in place ahead of this system to begin with. It’s something that we will be keeping an eye on this week.
We are looking at a light snow event right along a arctic frontal boundary during the daytime hours on Thursday. We will begin the morning with temperatures well into the 30’s to near 40 degrees but will be quickly dropping throughout the day. Most locations will start off with some rain showers before transitioning over to snow by the mid morning hours. Temperatures will kick down sub freezing and a light accumulation snow is in the forecast. The greatest accumulations will be across north and western Maryland where as much as 3 inches is possible. Across areas of Delmarva a nice swaft of 1-2 inches is not out of the question. Further south in the Virginia counties will see a dusting to a inch where rates will be on the light side. For those down there you will have to wait until Saturday for a more substantial snow ahead.
Let’s first begin with the snow threat going into Thursday morning. We will be having a arctic front that will be slowing sinking southward across the Mid-Atlantic taking temperatures in the 40’s down to subfreezing. In addition with a transition of rain to snow behind that front with a weak disturbance riding along this front. Some of the high resolution model guidance have a good agreement that a changeover is expected during the morning hours Thursday.
Cluster of Models Regarding The Snow Threat Thursday Morning
Now i don’t expect anything significant regarding accumulations with this one but some could pick up a light accumulation. Especially those further north on the shore. We could be looking at some slippery travel in the area during the morning commute Thursday. Colder temperatures will continue to plummet throughout Thursday into Friday just in time for the second and maybe even more significant threat.
Arctic Front Settling Thursday-Friday
When the passes through we are going to see a fresh supply of arctic air with temperatures dropping down into the teens Thursday night and really struggling to get anywhere near 30 on Friday. This is setting up the stage for round number 2.
Model Solutions Regarding Snow Threat Friday-Saturday
Now this is where the really messy situation begins. Unlike the last bigger snow threat to Delmarva, we have some of the best model consensus I have seen in quite some time which made it easy. Well it’s back to the confusing nightmare once again. So let’s break things down into groups.
ECMWF/ECMWF ENSEMBLES/UKMET/NAM
This group is the very aggressive solutions where we are showing a January 3rd snowstorm repeat across much of the region. Snow and a lot of it too. With the phasing of two jet streams allowing for a low to develop down in the Gulf Of Mexico and move off the Carolina coast. With a strong 1038mb high to north keeping that fresh arctic air locked in. This is a snow lovers dream with a textbox major snowstorm for the Mid-Atlantic. The EURO model has been very persistent with this solution for the last several days but for awhile it was alone in that matter. The recent NAM model even though its not out far enough to really see the impacts, but its very aggressive and further northwest. UKMET has a limited amount of products we have access too but its also following the more northwest solution. Now going into the ensembles, there is a very tight agreement in low placements with the 52 members of this model. With some heavy hitting more reliable models getting on board with this solution, it’s something to take note of for sure.
Messy Solution With Multiple Energy Pieces Not Phasing
GFS/RGEM/CMC
Now this group of models keeping all the pieces of energy separate with a much weaker and suppressed solution. We are going to have model runs like because there is so many different pieces these models are going to have to figure out what to do with them. Not 1, or 2, but 3 vort maxes in play. I’m going to be honest especially with the GFS model, It’s creating some very unrealistic movements with that northern piece of energy near Ohio by ejecting that straight east even though its pashing with that southern one near the Gulf States. Can that still happen? Of course but it’s on the low end of my scale right now. We really need a aircraft to sample the upper atmosphere in the next day or so to be ingested to these models so we can get a bit of better censuses. They did this for the storm occurring for MLK day and that’s why we had a major shift in the track to being much more inland.
Overall Thoughts
As it stands now for Friday into Saturday, we have a lot time to work out the kinks and we are going to be seeing some back and forth movement with solutions until we get these pieces of energy into range of observational data and or a aircraft to do research into the atmosphere the next 24 hours. I will be keeping a very close eye on this one that’s for sure.
Not only we have to deal with some heavy rainfall, a little bit of snow for the northern areas of Delmarva and the Maryland Western Shore. There’s an event that is sleeping under the radar that has my full attention. When that low starts dropping below 990mb, that low level jet stream is very strong being pulled into this surface low.
70-80kt Winds at 850mb ( Low Level Jet)
Anytime I start seeing winds at 5000ft getting over 60kts, I get a bit uneasy in the damaging wind department. This is a long fetch stream of onshore winds we are talking about from the Gulf Stream. There is going to be a lot of wind energy pushing on the east side of this low. And it’s all onshore flow too. There’s more issues with this as well.
NAM and GFS Surface Wind Gusts Forecast
Winds at the surface are showing widespread wind gusts of 40-60 mph from the east and southeast. Another problem surfaces as well. We have a high tide cycle that’s expected during the evening hours Sunday Night. To add more salt in the wound, this weekend is a full moon as well. So take 40-60mph surface winds, plus onshore flow, plus a high tide cycle, and a full moon, it’s not going to be a fun time for a coastal locations this weekend. Strongest winds appear to be in a window from 8pm Sunday until 4am Monday.
Already a few tidal forecast in the region showing Moderate Flood Stage forecasts like this one in Crisfield. So we really got to watch our coastal regions Sunday night for flooding concerns.
A very dynamic storm system is on the way for the Eastern US going into this weekend. Widespread areas of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and rainfall are all on the table stretching from the deep south all the way into New England. A classic Miller-B type of Nor’easter.
500MB Pattern
Storms that come in from the west (up the Ohio Valley) are usually referred to as “Miller Type-B” storms. These storms produce precipitation in the Midwest/Ohio Valley and have a defined surface low that is moving toward the Appalachian Mountains from the west. As these storms approach the mountains, they lose their coherent/compact surface low center and the low re-develops along the East Coast. When this re-development (a.k.a. “center-jump”) happens, the storm can still produce snow over all of the state.
NAM Forecast Regarding Ice Threat
With a storm diving straight from Canada across the Northern Plains will run directly into the sub-tropical jet-stream. Tapping into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to really give some power to this low. I have a big concern for those in the Western Carolina’s and Northern Georgia regarding the ice threat. With cold air damming present along the Appalachians and the arctic high to the north, this is not a good situation for residents in the Southeast US.
Great Model Conesus On Track Today
With the energy associated with this system now over land on the West Coast, we are getting a fairly firm track on where this system is going to go. Unfortunately those on Delmarva hoping for another big snowstorm, this is not the one. With a track of the low pressure right over the Peninsula, a lot of warm air will surge in. Although areas may start off as a snow/sleet mix will change over to all rain once the low pressure center gets closer. Our friends on the Maryland Western Shore will have a little bit longer duration of snow and sleet thanks to Cold Air Damming before they will change over to all rain as well.
Snow Depth Forecast
Those who live along the Appalachian mountains in Western North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Central PA are in for a doozy of a snowstorm Sunday and Monday. Widespread areas of 6 plus are definitely likely. Areas like Washington DC through Frederick Maryland could sneak in some light accumulations at the start being turning into a sloppy mess once temperatures start rising above freezing when the low approaches.
Many models have trended with a storm system riding up the Eastern Seaboard thanks to the added ingest from an aircraft last night sampling the atmosphere on the West Coast. This created a big shift in the over track and unfortunately for snow lovers, not in a way that favors Delmarva.
GFS timeframe showing Snow/Mix changing to rain across the region
With a low pressure track right over the Peninsula, We will start out with a snow/sleet mix and eventually all locations will be changing over to rain. Delmarva will see that transition fairly quickly but those across the bay on the Maryland Western Shore. They are looking to see a longer duration in the snow & sleet part of the storm thanks to cold air damming along the Appalachian mountains. Eventually they will also change over to rain.
ECMWF/CMC/GEFS all following suite to the blend
With agreement from the ECMWF, CMC, and the GFS Ensembles following the same path, it’s looking that areas of Delmarva will be going from a extremely cold Saturday to a very chilly rain on Sunday. There is still several days away for this storm to be in the region but its not very often / likely these will trend eastward to favor our snow lovers here on the shore.
Like I was mentioning yesterday, we are heading into a fairly volatile pattern to finish out the month of January. With the Polar vortex anchoring around the Hudson Bay, this will allow a persistent long wave trough across the Eastern half of the nation. And boy these long range models are showing a train of them to say the least. As of now there is no one solution in this matter. In fact there is two scenarios in which this system will go.
Vorticity Forecast
First off, This piece of energy will be associated with the northern stream jet-stream coming down from Canada. Which normally our coastal storms like to be coming from the sub-tropical jets stream from the south. But being this is diving deep down into the Gulf States, Its going to pay the southern stream a visit.
Here’s the two scenarios we are looking at right now.
Two possible outcomes for this storm the 16-17thECMWF showing a suppressed solution
Here’s the two possible outcomes I am seeing so far. All depends on two factors, one with the energy diving southward and becomes very suppressed by a strong area of high pressure over the Northeastern United States (Option 1). This will keep the storm very far south delivering some light snow to areas of the deep south. And a much weaker solution.
GFS showing a major storm with scenario 2
Option two would be a large snowstorm to start back over towards Missouri, plowing for the deep south and then intensify rapidly as a sub 980mb low off of our coasts. The high pressure system suppress the storm to the south and a very steep ridge over the western US allowing this piece of energy to become “negative tilted”.
Both options are possible at this time, we just need to see more consistency in either direction to know that this is a false alarm or we got another big storm on our hands down the road.
We went from a extremely warm month of December, to now a January with a vengeance. With 2 snow events in our books and one being the biggest snowstorm in 4 years. We are not going to be done with those snow chances to finish out the month of January. The tropospheric polar vortex will remain quite dominate across Canada with a constant serious of troughs throughout the eastern half of the nation. With the polar vortex hanging around the Hudson Bay, this will allow several short waves to dip down from the Northern Plains all the way to the East Coast.
ECMWF EPS 500mb Heights
We are looking at a text book setup for cold and stormy across the eastern half of the nation. Strong ridging across the Pacific Northwest. Ridging over Greenland to act as a block for the persistent troughing across the Eastern US. This created the perfect Rossby Wave pattern for those who love the cold and snow. What is a Rossby Wave anyway? Rossby waves, also known as planetary waves, naturally occur in rotating fluids. Within the Earth’s ocean and atmosphere, these waves form as a result of the rotation of the planet.
Two sets of Omega Blocks across the Northern Hemisphere pattern. (Omega blocks get their name because the upper air pattern looks like the Greek letter omega (Ω). Omega blocks are a combination of two cutoff lows with one blocking high sandwiched between them.) This keeps these patterns locked in for an extended period of time. Like in this instance for the rest of the month. Get ready to see more arctic outbreaks and snow chances this month going forward. Several storm signals are becoming apparent beginning the 15th through the 26th.
We are not finished with the snow just yet. With a decent snow cover still on the ground to this date, more will be added beginning tomorrow night into the morning hours on Friday. This should not be a significant event like we saw on Monday, but enough to cause some roadway problems going into the Friday morning rush hour.
Risk Analysis Regarding Snow & Travel Over The Next 3 Days
With light to moderate accumulations on the table, there will be an area of sleet especially near Salisbury, Ocean City, and the Pocomoke City regions where temperatures will be flirting with the 32 degree mark. Locations further north will start out between 32 and 34 degrees before dropping down below freezing, once the precipitation arrives. Another instance of Dynamic Cooling will take place. This will be fairly wet snow just like last time, and it should not have a problem sticking to roadways.
If it wasn’t enough after our past major winter storm, more snow is looking to pay a visit once again overnight Thursday into Friday. Now do not start going into a frenzy thinking its going to be repeat with blizzard conditions, crazy thundersnow, and over 1 foot accumulations. This one is a very quick mover riding along the northern jet stream, not from the subtropical jet. So a massive amount of moisture will not be fed in from the Gulf of Mexico.
Different Model Solutions For Thursday Night into Friday
This storm system will be following a similar path like a clipper system would by riding along the northern jet stream. Ejecting down from the central plains moving due east. At this time this area of low pressure plans to slide just south of the Mid-Atlantic region. (If it didn’t then I would be wasting my time even talking about this) Model guidance has been fairly consistent of the low transferring to the coast near Virginia(Miller B). With the cold air already in place and the help with the current snowpack will help keep surface temperatures lower as well. RGEM/GFS has been the more robust solutions with new accumulations of around 6 inches. While the ECMWF/NAM giving us a nice additional 2-4 inch spread.
Like i mention at this time it does not appear to be a extremely impactful system, but regardless looking to possibility bringing some more of the white stuff later this week. Still have plenty of kinks to work out and to wait for more of the short term model guidance to take a stab at this one going forward.
Snowfall Forecast Valid For Monday (Subject To Change)
Do not let these warm conditions fool you of the arctic snap that’s on our doorsteps today. With a very significant shift in the forecast trending towards the potential biggest storm in the region since 2019. Around this time in 24 hours, we will see a 30-35 degree temperature drop once the arctic front settles in from the north to the region.
Futurecast Radar
The main focus mechanism will be a lobe breaking off from the Sub-Tropical Jet Stream that will begin to interact with the stalling out arctic front. The thermodynamic difference along this front will help generate a strong baroclinic forcing. An area of low pressure will begin to intensify later this evening and track just off the coast of the Carolinas. Moisture will then start running into the arctic air mass (overrunning) creating a fairly narrowband of moderate snow to overspread areas from central Virginia into the Delmarva region.
500mb Vorticity Forecast ECMWF
Excellent agreement between all model consensus
For a rare set of parameters, there has been exceptional agreement between ALL model guidance regarding several inches of snow to the region. Some big contenders like the ECMWF (European model) showing some fairly significant snow to the region. GFS being the most robust out of all them showing a foot plus. Although that’s being really extreme and not likely at this time, but we have a great average of 4-8 blend with all the guidance at this time. Subject to chance of course for the difference in small fluctuations on axis and location.
Winter Storm Warnings / Winter Weather Advisories
I get a lot of questions and concerns when it comes to the sudden temperature drop and ground temperatures. On the first onset of precipitation, intensity will be key. Just because we were in the 60’s the last few days, falling snow can quickly cool off ground temperatures with the heavier intensity of snowfall. Same with roadways. Snow will be beginning to fall during the pre dawn hours and continue into the afternoon hours.
Let’s not forget the night after if we have snow cover on the ground. With the arctic air mass settling in and fresh snow cover, temperatures will tank significantly during the overnight hours with clear skies. The snow will act as a blanket keeping the ground temperatures from warming the surface air temperature. Think of it like a cooler with ice in it, the air above the ice is extremely cold but underneath is above freezing. Depending on snow depth covering the ground, temperatures could drop down into the single digits.
We will continue to provide updates on this potential winter storm going into tomorrow.
Confidence is increasing for snow on Delmarva Monday Morning
Going to be in for some wacky weather over the next 36-48 hours. First off off we are dealing with very mild temperatures in the 60’s before a arctic front passage pushing through Sunday evening. The arctic front will push through dropping temperatures down below freezing and then stall just south of the Delmarva region. A piece of southern stream energy with the sub-tropical jet will begin to interact with the arctic front having a redevelopment of precipitation and amplification of an area of low pressure to move off the Carolina coasts.
Different Model Solutions For Monday Morning
A good blend of different solutions showing that areas of central and southern Delmarva to pick up a light accumulation of snowfall. Some extreme solutions like the RAP and GFS showing a significant snowstorm to the region with several inches of snowfall but I’m going against that extreme. But i would not doubt some light accumulations are not out of the question.
Delaware State Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Wednesday morning. On December 29, 2021, at approximately 10:40 a.m.,
Delaware State Police responded to the Artisans Bank located at 35696 Atlantic Ave, Millville, for a report of a robbery. The investigation determined a male suspect entered the bank, approached a bank teller behind the counter and displayed a note demanding money. The bank teller complied, and the suspect fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, northbound across Atlantic Ave.
The suspect was described as a white male wearing a dark-colored jacket, dark pants, with a mask and a beanie hat. No one was injured during this incident and there are no surveillance photographs available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Detective Yencer with Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-752-3791. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com .
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at [email protected]
X-rays from space bombard Earth on a daily basis. The sources and characteristics of these X-rays are not clearly understood.
A January 2022 NASA sounding rocket mission called the Diffuse X-rays from the Local galaxy, or DXL, hopes to shed light on the sources of soft X-rays that hurtle towards Earth from elsewhere in our galaxy.
DXL will launch on Black Brant IX sounding rocket between 10 p.m. EST January 4 and 2 a.m. January 5, from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Backup launch days are January 5-17. The launch of the two-stage rocket may be seen by residents in the mid-Atlantic region.
Live coverage will begin at 9:40 p.m. EST on launch day on the Wallops YouTube site. The NASA Wallops Visitor Center will not be open for this mission.
While not harmful to humans on Earth, soft X-rays can make changes in the Earth’s ionosphere which can disturb radio communications and the accuracy of GPS navigation systems. They have lower energy as compared to hard X-rays, which are used in imaging for medical applications.
“Very low energy diffuse X-rays from space are believed to come from two sources,” said Massimiliano Galeazzi, the principal investigator for the DXL mission from the University of Miami, Florida. “The first source is located outside our solar system and is generated by remnants of multiple supernovae explosions forming what is now called the Local Hot Bubble region of our galaxy. The second source is within the solar system and is generated by the solar wind charge exchange. DXL seeks to gain a better understanding of the nature and characteristics of these sources.”
This will be the fourth flight of DXL. The first flight in 2012 confirmed the Local Hot Bubble as a source of these X-rays. Data from the flight indicated that only about 40 percent of the soft X-ray background originates within the solar system, which means the LHB is the dominant source.
The 2021 Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night between Dec. 13 and 14. The Geminids are usually one of the best meteors shower of the year, capable of producing 150 or more meteors per hour at a dark site. The meteors are often bright and colorful. The Moon will be 78% full and up for a large portion of the night, which could hamper viewing. We recommend timeanddate.com to help you find ideal times and viewing directions for your location.
The Geminids are caused by debris from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Phaethon’s 524-day orbit carries it closer to the Sun than any other asteroid: roughly 21 million kilometers, less than half the distance of Mercury’s closest approach to the Sun.
All you need to watch a meteor shower is your eyes, patience, and a mostly cloud-free night. Go out, get comfortable, and stare at the sky. Typically the best time to see a meteor shower is between midnight and pre-dawn, because that’s when you are on the leading side of the Earth, watching the comet debris come at you like rain hitting a car windshield.
You don’t have to stare in the direction of the radiant; in fact, meteors farther away from it will appear longer. It is often said that an ideal place to look is 45 degrees away from the radiant, but the most important factor is getting to a dark location away from city lights, letting your eyes adjust for several minutes, and looking at the darkest patch of sky you can.
Storm Prediction Center Convective Outlook For Saturday
If the wonder hasn’t been wacky enough for you lately, now we have some early fall like weather on the way across the Eastern US. A strong storm system will be bringing a cold front through the region during the evening hours Saturday. Before hand during the evening hours Friday, a warm front will lift through the area and we will start to see a significant increase in temperatures going into the 70s. According to the SPC, they have issued a “Marginal Risk” of severe weather regarding some strong thunderstorms may develop along the cold front. Some of these embedded showers and storms could produce some locally strong wind gusts.
850mb Height & Wind Speeds ( Low Level Jet)
Besides the chance for some thunderstorms, the big ticket item will be the winds ahead of this cold front. A notoriously strong low level Jetstream around 5000 feet with winds in excess of 60-70kts. Although we will not being those kind of winds down near the surface, we are still expecting some fair strong winds across the Delmarva Region. Lots of wind energy to tap into regardless.
Forecast Wind Gusts For Saturday
A fairly good agreement with the model guidance showing a widespread event of 40-50 mph wind gusts for much of the day on Saturday. This will be enough to issue some Wind Advisories across the region. Winds of this magnitude could bring down some trees and powerlines leaving to a few sporadic power outages at times. The strongest winds will occur between 12pm and 8pm Saturday.
Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Temperature Outlook
We are getting ready for the lower 48 to experience not so December like weather for the middle of December.. According to the Climate Prediction Center, a very large expanse of a strong high pressure ridge will allow Well Above Normal Temperatures in the 6-14 day time frame. (12th-20th).
8-14 Day Temperature Outlook From The Climate Prediction Center
Trust me it does not get any better for those looking for snow in the 8-14 day map as well through the 20th. The high pressure ridge expands more and Delmarva is in the 80-90th percentile of Well Above Average Temperatures by that time. For those looking for a white Christmas this year, the odds are definitely not in our favor.
GFS 500MB Wind & Height
With a powerful high pressure ridge across the country, this pushes the Jetstream well into Canada keeping the cold air locked up north. This is a direct result of the current La Nina in place. The only place in the country that will see near or below average temperatures is on the West Coast. They can always use the rain.
MJO Forecast For The Rest Of The Month
For those snow lovers here on Delmarva, you will have to be a little patient after the Christmas holiday for some snow chances. A common tool I use for long range forecasting the MJO (Madden-Julian Oscillation) The Madden-Julian Oscillation is characterized by an eastward spread of large regions of enhanced and suppressed tropical rainfall, mainly observed over the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Why does this matter?
The MJO is one of the major contributors to the global weather pattern across North America. With forecasted phases going into 7,8, and possibility 1 by the New Year is a indication that colder and stormier weather is on the way for the eastern half of the nation.
In the Pinpoint 14 Storm Center, we have been keeping an eye on a potential sneaky storm system to ride along an Arctic front Late Tuesday into Wednesday. Models the last few days have been trending a bit further north and west but a tricky battleground on agreement within the model suite. Here’s a run down of the model outputs below.
GFS Model Output For Wednesday
GFS Model has been a consentient robust solution to include snow showers from the MD/DE line northward with a light accumulation event during the morning hours Wednesday. This solution has been constant the last 48 hours.
NAM Model Output For Wednesday
The NAM model was one of the first models to show this solution and is not standing down from it either the last 48 hours. Although the most aggressive out of the solutions, It’s also one of the outliers due to the very high end extent to this. Producing several inches snow across the Maryland Western Shore to 1-3 inches on Delmarva.
ECMWF (European Model) The Biggest Fork In The Suite
It’s been a trade mark for many years to know that the ECMWF model is the so called “King” of all model guidance. It’s very hard to discount the ECMWF model during any situation but this is the one that has me on edge with showing absolutely nothing across Delmarva with a very weak wave well off to the south. Now in the past, the ECMWF does have a tendency to place low pressure centers further south and east in response to something called “Convective Feedback” in falsely placing the low pressure center in not the right place. Mind you this is the only model solution that shows this scenario. So this boxing match shows a 1 v 5 fight with the Euro model being the heavy weight champion. Although the euro in percentages as a outlier as a “median” to the other models, I would not throw this out at all. There’s been plenty of times the Euro wins in the end in weaker systems like this.
RGEM Model Output For WednesdayCMC Model Output For Wednesday.
Now we will talk about the Canadian Models. The CMC and the higher resolution RGEM models both show robust scenarios just like the GFS and NAM with a light snow event across Maryland and Delaware.
High Res WRF-FV3 Model Output For Wednesday
I’ve decided to include one of the experimental models for the WRF (CAMS) to the mix showing I would say if you blended all the guidance together and you would get this as a so called “Average”. This is showing a very light snow event with little to no accumulations across Delmarva.
Probabilities Of Seeing Snow/Mixing With The Blend Of Data
In this case scenario, If the European model does end up being the outlier in this group, this is where the greatest potential for seeing snowfall would be based on that. But if the ECMWF keeps remaining firm going into tomorrow, that’s a whole different story. If we can get the ECMWF to trend with the others, It’s game on for the snow birds here on Delmarva. We will continue to monitor throughout the next day to get these fine details worked out.
Photos provided by Betty Fuzy, Vickie Malcom, and Tina Kessler
A big stir up in the community this evening as thousands witnessed a strange string of lights moving across the sky just after 7pm. Is it aliens? Is it a meteor?
Both options are wrong. This is the work of Starlink!
SpaceX just launched the first of four planned Falcon 9 rocket launches this month, with its workhorse rocket carrying a stack of 48 Starlink satellites and two BlackSky Earth observation satellites into orbit, before sticking a booster landing at sea.
The previously-flown Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 40 here at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:12 p.m. EST (2312 GMT), marking this particular booster’s ninth flight.
Since this launch happened a few days ago, the satellites are still very low in orbit and have not got up to the altitude that it needs to be just yet. So they appear extremely bright in the night skies and you likely see them several times over the course of the next few days.
A much-anticipated comet – C/2021 A1 (Leonard) – is likely to be 2021’s best comet, and its brightest comet by year’s end. Astronomer Greg Leonard discovered the comet as 2021 began. Discovery images showed a tail for the comet, suggesting we might see a nice tail as Comet Leonard draws closer to the Earth and sun. And telescopic observers and astrophotographers do now see a tail, as photos on this page show. The comet is currently heading sunward, toward its perihelion (closest point to the sun) on January 3, 2022. Comets are typically brightest around perihelion. Comet Leonard has been in the morning sky, but, in December, it will become visible in the evening sky. All in all, it’s time to look for a comet!
Location of Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) on December 1, 2021. This chart is as seen from U.S., facing east about 90 minutes before sunrise. The Big Dipper asterism in the constellation Ursa Major the Great Bear will provide a good reference for observers to locate the comet. Binoculars should provide a nice view. Illustration by Eddie Irizarry using Stellarium.
Over the coming month, as Comet Leonard heads sunward, it’ll sweep closest to Earth on December 12. It won’t be particularly close at its closest, passing more than 21 million miles (34 million km) away. But six days later – on December 18 – the comet will have an exceptionally close pass of Venus of just 2.6 million miles (4.2 million km). Then it’ll round the sun on January 3, 2022, at a distance of about 56 million miles (0.6 AU, or 90 million km).
December 19, 2021, about 30 minutes after sunset. facing southwest, as seen from U.S. Illustration by Eddie Irizarry using Stellarium.
Will the comet get bright enough to see with the eye alone in December? It’s possible that Comet Leonard might reach 4th magnitude before its early January perihelion. Comets are diffuse bodies, not pinpoints, so a 4th-magnitude comet won’t appear as bright to your eye as a 4th-magnitude star. The star would be easily visible in a dark sky. The comet? At 4th magnitude, it would be a good binocular comet. It would be fun to see!
Nature provides us with sky events seen once in a lifetime. Comet Leonard might be one of these, if it gets bright enough.
Despite its incredible speed through the vast space of our solar system, don’t expect to see this comet swoosh across the sky. Like planets, comets do move in front of the star background, but only very slowly due to the large distances involved. Observers using telescopes will have to take a close look at the comet’s position relative to background stars. Then compare the view five or 10 minutes later to detect its motion, because its great distance will cause it to appear as a very slow moving object.
Those looking to travel for the Thanksgiving holidays will likely be stuck with flight delays and stormy conditions with a powerful storm system moving across the Great Lakes to the Northeast Monday through Wednesday. A clipper system will begin moving across the northern tier of the US followed by one of the first Arctic Outbreaks of the season. With a trough digging in across the Eastern half of the nation will rapidly intensify the primary low across the Great lakes dragging a cold front through the Mid-Atlantic states.
Tuesday GFS Model With A Coastal Storm
Once we get to Tuesday and the trough begins to dig and slow down a secondary low develops and stalls over Cape Cod bringing heavy rainfall, snow, and gusty winds across the interior Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. Model guidance has been very consistent with a bombing out low below 980mb across New England followed by some of the coldest air of the season to the region.
Omega Block Setting Up For The Rest Of November
With a powerful Greenland Block (Omega Block) setup going forward, it’s no surprise that we will be seeing a slow moving powerful storm system developing across New England. There is no where for this storm to move up to the north thanks to a strong blocking ridge of high pressure. These blocking patterns put on the brakes on storm systems along the Eastern Seaboard.
Prepare for travel delays next week if you plan of flying thanks to the very unsettled weather conditions across the Mid-Atlantic to New England. Allow extra time if you are driving with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and snow conditions will be present within in this storm.
The next eclipse of the moon will greet early risers before dawn on Friday morning (Nov. 19) across North America.
It will be the second lunar eclipse of 2021 and, in some ways, will be similar to the one back in May. Most North Americans will again need to get up early and look low in the west toward daybreak. And again, the farther west you are the better, as the moon will appear much higher from the western part of the continent as opposed to locations farther to the east. It will also be the longest duration eclipse in 580 years, lasting about 3 hours, 28 minutes and 23 seconds, and also the longest this century.
But in another way, it will be different. This lunar eclipse will fall just shy of being total; 97.4% of the moon’s diameter will become immersed in the Earth’s dark umbral shadow at maximum eclipse, leaving just the southernmost limb ever-so-slightly beyond the outer edge of the umbra.
To those watching with the naked eye, binoculars, and small telescopes, the lower edge of the moon will likely remain much brighter than the deep red or ochre hue we can expect across the rest of the moon’s face.
Because the moon will arrive at apogee — the farthest point in its orbit from Earth — on Nov. 20, it will also be moving at its slowest speed in its orbit. That’s why it will seem to move at an almost “leisurely pace” through the Earth’s shadow, taking over 100 minutes from the time of first umbral contact to the time of greatest eclipse, and vice versa (greatest eclipse to last umbral contact).
We are looking at quite a stormy end to the month of November with the famous ” Greenland Block ” on the horizon. Higher than normal 500mb heights are showing up around the Greenland region which helps slow down the overall pattern across the lower 48.
First off we will have a clipper system that dives in across the Great Lakes to set the stage for a potential larger system behind this one. This will bring some snowy showers across the Lakes and rain for much of the Mid-Atlantic and Interior Northeast.
500MB Pattern For Monday November 29th ECMWF ENS
Between the 24th-29th, Models have been hinting at a more robust storm system to enter in across the Ohio Valley with a stronger block established south of Greenland. In correlation with the latest NAO teleconnection forecasts, It makes good sense with a fairly negative signal showing that blocking pattern quite well near Greenland. Make sure to keep in touch with the latest forecast for potential travel delays during the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Negative NAO In Correlation With The Greenland Block From The 21st Through The 27th
Three suborbital rockets are scheduled for launch Oct. 20, 2021, for the Department of Defense from NASA’s launch range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The rockets will be launched between 5 and 11 p.m. EDT. The backup launch dates are October 21 and 22.
No real-time launch status updates will be available. The launches will not be shown live on the Internet nor will launch status updates be provided during the countdown on social media.
The rocket launches are expected to be visible from the Chesapeake Bay region. The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will not be open for viewing the launch.
Waterspout near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Photo: By Tessa Gunnell / Karen Gunnell
A surprise for many drivers over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this afternoon when several spin ups occurred over the open waters right next to the bridge. As stated from Tessa Gunnell these spins ups occurred just before 3pm this afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington issued a Special Marine Warning for this area but no mentions of a waterspout potentials.
Now waterspouts are very erratic and can form without the presence of a thunderstorm. We happen to bring the perfect recipe for waterspout formations with this passage of a strong cold front.
Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.
With the very warm weather out ahead of this front in the upper 70’s to low 80’s, very warm water temperatures still around 70 degrees, and much cooler air along the cold front is giving the perfect dynamics for the airmass to clash and begin to rotate.
