1. “My First Snow Storm” Case Study by: Joseph Cerami
Blacksburg, Va. Feb. 12th – 14th, 2014
Synoptic Meteorology
Geog-4504

2. Surface Observations
These are the surface maps for the development of the system. Forms right up along the coast, with the freezing line well south of Blacksburg. Blacksburg was able to be set up in the deformation zone.

3. 850 MB PLOT
Upper air temperatures are well within range for a good sized snowfall for the region. Blacksburg is sitting at about -3 C or so.

4. 500 MB plot
We can see the trough that is set up right above Florida. This was able to create positive vorticity and there is some difluence on the east side on the trough. This created the atmosphere for active weather.

5. On this Feb 13th plot you can see a very large dip in the Jetstream, with the winds moving NNE and bringing some warm moist air up to meet the cold dry air.
300 MB Plot

6. 300 MB Plot
This Feb, 13th 300 mb plot shows a strong Jetstream riding up the coast, putting Blacksburg in the LF corner of the stream. Meaning there is probably active weather at the surface.

7. Radar images- showing precipitation
Feb 11th 2014
Radar images- showing precipitation

8. This image is on Feb 13th, at this point the low is right off the coast and Blacksburg is set up in the deformation zone which led to some pretty high snow totals.
Satellite Image

9. Both are showing the same thing
Both are showing the same thing. This is when the storm was at its peak for Blacksburg. These plots are showing a deep moisture content and temperatures that would definitely favor snowfall.
Skew-T plots

10. Impacts- snowfall amounts
3rd largest in Blacksburg history

11. Impacts cont.
Blacksburg recorded 20.1 inches of snow during these couple of days, with amounts around the region between inches.

12. “The world's largest carrier Delta Air Lines canceled over 2,000 flights, and it was reported by 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13, that as many as 6,500 flights originating in or destined for the United States had been canceled. On that day 70 percent of flights were cancelled at airports in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte.
As of February 14, 22 people had died from the storm.
Approximately 1.2 million homes and businesses lost power as the storm moved from the South through the Northeast. By the evening of Thursday, February 13, about 550,000 customers remained in the dark, mostly in South Carolina and Georgia.”
Impacts cont.
NWS Blacksburg

13. Links for more info. http://www.roanoke.com/topics/snowstorm2014/
storm/collection_730e4dd0-940a-11e3-806c- 001a4bcf6878.html
February_2014_North_American_winter_storm