Thursday, August 05, 2010

More storms today

Just some of the major flooding in northern Clinton County, NY. at Ellenburg.
(Press Republican photo)

Expect more thunderstorms across the region this afternoon for the third straight day. So far between 50-100mm (2-4 inches) of rain has fallen in the severe storms in Ontario and Quebec. The heavy rain produced major flash flooding across upstate New York yesterday morning. Nearly 140mm of rain or about 5.5 inches fell in northern Clinton County forcing the Great Chazy River to flow freely through the towns of Ellenburg and Ellenburg Depot. State Police and firefighters were forced to close Route 11 and rescue several motorists and campers that had become stranded. Two campgrounds were evacuated after major flooding inundated trailers including Blue Haven Campground which is a popular spot with many from Montreal and southern Quebec.

Montreal had another 16mm of rain at the airport yesterday for a two day total of 66mm. I measured around 60mm on Ile Perrot. The wind was a factor yesterday gusting from 60-90km/h at many locations. It was enough to move my massive BBQ across the deck and destroy my rose bushes. More storms will develop this afternoon in the hot and humid air as a cold front crosses the region. Friday will much cooler and drier. Today's storms have the same potential to produce heavy rain and strong winds. There is plenty of low level moisture available, and the atmosphere is saturated.

Just how muggy is it in Montreal this morning?
Montreal is at 23.3C with a dewpoint of 21.2C, producing a relative humidity of 88% and a humidex of 32C.

Meanwhile 2600km to our south, Miami, Florida is at 28C with a dewpoint of 24C, producing a relative humidity of 79% and a humidex or heat index of 33C.

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