You asked, he answered. Meteorologist Andy Gregorio answered viewer questions about Irene on Saturday. Below is the full transcript of questions and answers.
Q: Kym Brown - I go to SCCC I have class all day tue a good size rain will flood the parking lot. is this going to be like Irene?
A: Kym, no this will not be anything like Irene. The Mohawk is not expected to flood.
Q: Andre Jones - I have never seen a hurricane make a sharp turn like that?
A: It is a bit odd Andre but not unprecedented.. a very few have made somewhat similar tracks. The reason for it is that there is a very large high pressure area east of New England with a strong low pressure system aloft over the Ohio Valley. The high is preventing the hurricane from moving out to sea and the strong low will capture the hurricane thus the pull back west.
Q: Matt Kospa What are the rainfall totals looking like for the capital region?
A: In the Hudson Valley ¾ -1.5 " of rain is expected. 2-4 inches with a few locally higher amounts are possible over the Catskills, Berkshires and Southern Greens.
Q: sadbramer - I live in the Village of Schoharie. We are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. What are the rainfall totals looking like for this area?
A: Probably about 2-4 inches
Q: NYKnight - Assuming Sandy keeps her current track to the south of the capital district, what can we expect in terms of highest wind gusts and potential bands of torrential rain? In other words assuming Sandy does not shift to the north, what would be the worst case scenario and during what time frame? Thank you Andy!
A: Hope this helps:
Rain/Flood Details:
Expect rain to break out Monday between 10am-Noon……and bands of rain through the ...
night. Heaviest rains will fall in upslope (east facing ) areas of the Catskills and Berkshires/Southern Green Mountains.
Based on the latest data, we continue to see some shadowing in the Hudson Valley which will keep amounts down. Heaviest rainfall from Monday evening 5pm ‘til about 5am Tuesday with the rain then tapering off to showers during Tuesday
Expected rainfall amounts:
Hudson Valley and areas north ¾"- to locally 1.5 perhaps slightly higher amounts in upslope areas of the Southern Adirondacks. Rivers and streams should handle this, though watch for clogged storm drains from leaves. This could cause some ponding on roadways…esp. Poor drainage areas.
Across the higher elevations of the Catskills, Berkshires & Southern Greens of Vermont. There will be a strong ESE flow causing upslope effects. These areas could pick up as much as 2-4" of rain with some locally higher amounts BUT NOTHING like the rainfall amounts from Irene. Smaller river and streams streams will show considerable rises and this could lead to minor flooding at this time but nothing severe. The larger rivers like the Mohawk and Hudson will not flood but along the Hudson at this time some minor flooding will occur not from rainfall but from high water/storm surge flooding on the coast to the south across NYC which will "backup" the flow of the Hudson.
Wind/Power Outages
Expect the winds to pick up around daybreak MON from the ENE, esp in the higher elevations around the Hudson Valley and also strong strong E'ly winds developing in the Mohawk valley too. During the day Monday the strong winds will begin to mix down to the valleys and lower elevations and will steadily increase through the afternoon and should really be blowing hard in all areas between 3 and 6pm Monday. Winds will increase ENE 20-30mph…gusting to 45-50 in the valleys through Monday night…Higher elevations…esp about 1500 feet…ENE 30-45mph…gusting 60+. These winds will likely produce scattered to widespread power outages. Keep in mind, trees that still have leaves on them…along with Evergreens will be most prone to damage….South of Albany may have this biggest problem since many of the trees still have quite a few leaves on them.
By Tuesday Morning, winds will turn more SSE and continue to blow hard, SSE 25-35mph…gusting to 50….Higher elevations and local funneling along north-south facing valleys could cause winds to gusts of 60mph or higher . Slowly the winds will diminish a bit during the afternoon.
In Summary:
There is the threat of Minor Flooding esp Catskills/Berkshires/Southern Vermont but again nothing like Irene !
Expect a higher threat for power outages, so be prepared for that in your homes. Bring in any outdoor furniture, lawn tools, etc and watch out for the trash cans, too.
Q: CheyLee346 - Hi Andy! I was wondering if you can tell me what this weather will bring for flights coming into Albany later into next week. Do you see flights cancelling/delaying? I will be flying in Thursday night from the south.
A: I can only say call ahead and check with your airlines.
Q:We had a lot of damage here in Southern Vermont. Now if we are in a flood zone would it be wise to leave our homes during this storm since it is being said that it is worse than Irene?
A: If you feel safe leaving until the storm passes then do so.
Q: Matt - So Albany and places West of Albany like Schoharie and Berne are looking at what for flooding and wind ?
A: Flood possible for smaller rivers and streams across the Catskills but nowhere near as extreme as that from Irene. Smaller streams and rivers in these areas will experience in stream rises but the main stem rivers like the Hudson and Mohawk are not expected to go into flood at this time.
Q:Paulette Lighthall Do you know yet if the northern part of NY around Lake George, North Creek area if going to be effected and if so how severe.??
A: Some moderate to strong winds are possible Paulette rain fall near or a bit blow an inch
Q:Sherry N Ron Hill How far north of Albany will the storm hit?
A: It will impact most of the Northeast States in some way shape or form most sever impacts to the south across Delaware, NJ, NYC and LI and the Southern new England Coast.
Q:Patti Leigh Collins I was wondering what conditions have to come together to make such a storm, as in perfect storm? Also north of Albany what should they all expect? Just wind?
A: Some moderate to strong winds are possible Patti rain fall near or a bit blow an inch Sandy will be merging with a very strong jetstream disturbance to our west this will cause the storm to change into a very intense storm.
Q:Michelle B. Rachon What does it look like for Fulton Co???? Gloversville to Stratford????
A: Gusty at times strong winds from the East Monday SSE winds Tuesday. Rainfall around an inch or so.
Q:Hope Robitaille could we get snow in western mass? will schools and work place be closed?
A: NO SNOW! As for school closings and work cancellations that depends on local school boards and your place of employment
You can also check out Andy's Facebook page where he answered quite a few of your questions.
NEWS10 ABC
