Severe Weather One Year Ago Yesterday

While many associated the first day of winter with snowfall, ice and Christmas, the past couple years, that hasn’t been the case. That was especially the case on the winter solstice last year, when a major squall line moved across the state of Kentucky. This produced significant wind damage across many areas of the state, and if it had been spring, it would have been even more significant.

The SPC had issued a moderate risk by 7 am on the 21st, and though it was cloudy and rainy all day, this would prove to be a good call. While instability was limited across the region due too consistent cloud cover and isolated showers, the low pressure system to our northwest was able to draw just enough up from the southwest. This, plus an increase in mid and low level winds in response to the low pressure system deepening, helped to forced a strong line of thunderstorms that was able to tap into the stronger winds aloft and produce significant wind damage.

Though many are surprised at the idea of winter severe weather, it can strike at any time. Even on the first day of winter! Luckily, this year was a bit quieter, and featured relatively warm temps.