Weather Alert in Texas
Blowing Dust Advisory issued March 14 at 1:32AM MDT until March 14 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
AREAS AFFECTED: Gaines; Dawson; Borden; Scurry; Andrews; Martin; Howard; Mitchell; Winkler; Ector; Midland; Glasscock; Ward; Crane; Upton; Reagan
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...For the Blowing Dust Advisory, visibility between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust expected. For the High Wind Warning, west winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. * WHERE...A portion of western Texas. * WHEN...For the Blowing Dust Advisory, from 7 AM this morning to 9 PM CDT this evening. For the High Wind Warning, from 7 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. In addition to reduced visibility, strong winds will be hazardous to trailers and other high-profile vehicles. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
INSTRUCTION: Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal. Remember, 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'. Slow down, use low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.
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Weather Topic: What is Sleet?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Sleet
Next Topic: Snow
Sleet is a form of precipitation in which small ice pellets are the primary
components. These ice pellets are smaller and more translucent than hailstones,
and harder than graupel. Sleet is caused by specific atmospheric conditions and
therefore typically doesn't last for extended periods of time.
The condition which leads to sleet formation requires a warmer body of air to be
wedged in between two sub-freezing bodies of air. When snow falls through a warmer
layer of air it melts, and as it falls through the next sub-freezing body of air
it freezes again, forming ice pellets known as sleet. In some cases, water
droplets don't have time to freeze before reaching the surface and the result is
freezing rain.
Next Topic: Snow
Weather Topic: What are Stratocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
Stratocumulus clouds are similar to altocumulus clouds in their
fluffy appearance, but have a slightly darker shade due to their additional mass.
A good way to distinguish the two cloud types is to hold your hand out and measure
the size of an individual cloud; if it is the size of your thumb it is generally
an altocumulus cloud, if it is the size of your hand it is generally a
stratocumulus cloud.
It is uncommon for stratocumulus clouds to produce precipitation, but if they do
it is usually a light rain or snow.
Next Topic: Stratus Clouds
