Taste of the Straight Line

Not only did I have to wake up at an ungodly hour this morning to prepare for my work day, I was awoken even earlier (at around 3 a.m.ish if you were wondering) to the marvelous sight outside my window! Most people would just roll over in bed and not bother with the sights and sounds of the weather. I on the other hand jump out of bed so fast and so awake, much like a kid running to see what goodies are under the tree Christmas morning. I admit, this was in part due to the fact that I was completely aware of what the weather last night (early this morning) had in store for us. I suppose I never really actually sleep well the night of or before a weather event just because I am anticipating what is to come. Yes, I already know. I am a freak.
The winds were howling and gusting up to 40 mph plus. According to the NWS, there was a recorded wind gust of 54.0 mph at 3:42 a.m. this morning at Trenton-Mercer Airport in Ewing, NJ that not only tore off parts of the roof on a hanger but also flipped and toppled planes on the tar-mat! Leaves were every where. Nearly none were left on the trees but a few. Some residents of Mercer County and other just of the Delaware River lost power. My business lost power and needless to say, made for such a lovely morning (but not in a good way)!
Straight-line wind derecheo associated with a curved cold front was the cause of all the destruction today.
Derecheo (derecho is Spanish meaning: straight). Derechos are associated with a band of thunderstorms and showers that are usually 'curved' in shape. However, the general criteria for a derecho is that the winds during the thunderstorm would have to be sustained at 58mph not gusting. In the case of last night, an intense (curved) cold front was moving across the area. The curvature  of the front bowed out storms and caused such strong winds. If you can remember a time when watching a weather report during a severe storm with the potential for tornadic activity, the meteorologists often mention watching out for a 'bow echo' which is a return on the RADAR in a mesoscale convective system (MCS's; which fyi is my favorite type of weather) in the formation of an archer's bow that produce severe weather and damage.

Formation of a bow echo.

The image below is shows the RADAR at 8:58:13 UTC, which is approximately 4:00 a.m. EDT. This is when the front passed through. Much of everyone was asleep when havoc was reeking just outside. Severe weather warnings were posted all throughout during this time. The purple line (that I drew) shows the curvature or bowing, of the front that caused such strong winds. 

NEXRAD RADAR. Courtesy of NCAR.

Winds were howling throughout the day following the frontal passage (the fropa); which by the the way looked absolutely gorgeous this morning towards sunrise. The calm after the storm will bring lovely weather once again. High pressure will dominate our weather once again. Sunny skies and seasonal temperatures will be the weather through the weekend. High temperatures will range from the lower to middle 50s falling to the middle to lower 30s with generally clear skies in the evening. Bellissimo!

Easter GOES Infrared Image. Courtesy of NOAA/NWS/NCEP

The image above is an infrared image showing the troughs (sinking air) and ridges (rising air); the battle between the lows (areas of clouds) and the highs (the clearer areas). Enjoy the Fall while it lasts, or whatever is left as far as the colors of the leaves on the trees. I am sure this past storm has swept Fall right out the door this morning; at least in parts of Jersey. Look on the bright side: the weekend is upon us with pleasant weather, making the storm clean-up at least a bit better ehh?

~ V.S.