Dangerous weather for Monday!!

Remember last week when it was Virginia's Severe Weather Awareness Week? Hopefully folks took the safety information to heart, because it'll definitely be needed tomorrow (Monday). But first... Sunday is currently sunny and pleasant as this morning's blog entry is being written. Temperatures around Mecklenburg County began the day in the low 40s except in Clarksville, which "won" the prize at 48º thanks to a northeasterly breeze off the warmer lake waters.

A weak cold air damming wedge will hold down this afternoon's highs. Cloud cover will increase as the day goes on, with easterly breezes ushering in cool moist air from off the Atlantic. The forecast high for today is in the low 70s, but don't be surprised if local thermometers struggle to rise above the mid-60s. There will be a few showers as well, with the coverage increasing near the dinner hour.

Then the weather will take a very serious turn for the worse. A powerful surface low pressure center will cross the Great Lakes region overnight, dragging an equally powerful cold front across the Appalachian Mountains. All the ingredients will be in place for severe weather Monday, prompting the Storm Prediction Center to issue a rare Moderate Risk - level 4 out of 5 - for much of the Piedmont.

All severe weather hazards are possible, including damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes, large hail, and local flooding. Rotating thunderstorms with the potential to produce tornadoes could arrive before dawn tomorrow, with more continuing throughout the lunch hour. A powerful squall line will push out ahead of the cold front itself and reach western parts of Mecklenburg County by mid- to late afternoon. That feature will bring an even higher potential for damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail.

It goes without saying that folks need to keep more than one method of receiving weather warnings at hand tonight and tomorrow. This graphic provides some suggestions (ignore the outdoor siren part...they're not widespread nor audible enough for folks inside buildings):

Remember, a WATCH means conditions are ripe for severe weather. A WARNING means severe weather is imminent. If a warning is issued take shelter inside a sturdy building on the lowest floor. Put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible. Folks in mobile homes should evacuate to a nearby building, as mobile homes are very susceptible to damage from severe weather.

Folks, this won't be the typical summertime thunderstorm event. This setup is dangerous, so heed the warnings and be safe.