WBRC Weather

Oklahoma Earthquake Radar Image

Here is a link to the radar image we shared during the weather segment on Fox 6 this morning. This image was made available by the Oklahoma City, National Weather Service Office. Two earthquakes, one a 4.7 and the other a 5.6 on the Richter scale, occurred during the past two days. The 4.7 occurred on Friday and a 5.6 occurred yesterday east of Oklahoma City. The quakes were felt as far east as Tennessee. One interesting observation was an increase in radar reflectivity around the Oklahoma weather radar site. A stronger radar signature was the result of bugs and birds taking flight as the ground started to rumble. CLICK on the included image for a loop, starting with a before earthquake image.

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com

Exact Location of Earthquake

 
The epicenter of the earthquake that occurred at 5:59 was in a wooded area near St. Vincent's East and I-59.  The quake lasted about six seconds and could be felt in St. Clair, Blount, Jefferson, and Shelby Counties.

James-Paul Dice
Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist
james.dice@wbrc.com

Earthquake Confirmed - 3.0 Around Trussville

 

Small 2.1 Earthquake in Fayette County this Morning

Birmingham Seismic Reading

 
This evening we were able to get an exclusive look at the earthquake measurement from the seismometer at the McWane Science Center. The sensor is located at the lowest level of the McWane Science Center and from Birmingham this device can detect waves from around the globe. According to the instrument at McWane the quake registered an approximate 1.6 in Birmingham. According to the technical director at McWane there are about eight sensors in the state. These devices are so sensitive that they can detect heavy traffic and minor ground impacts, therefore the system is calibrated to filter out the smaller vibrations. McWane has a really neat exhibit you should check out sometime, its on the second floor. 

While it may seem uncommon, quakes do happen in the eastern United States. After additional analysis, the USGS determined the quake was a 5.8 and it occurred in the Virginia Seismic Zone. The older rock and sediment in the eastern United States allows the powerful waves associated with quakes to travel much further. That is why in these parts a quake can be felt hundreds of miles away. The newer rock and soil properties of the western states does a much better job in absorbing the shock of an earthquake quake. 

You can track earthquake activity on our main weather page. Simply go to myfoxal.com and you will see a link to earthquake at the top of the page.

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com

Strong Earthquake Strikes Virginia

 
A strong earthquake has struck the eastern United States, a 5.9 quake with an epicenter located just northwest of Richmond, Virginia. The largest earthquake to ever strike Virginia was a 5.9 in May of 1897 and today's quake ties that magnitude. The quake was felt east to Washington, D.C. where buildings are being evacuated in fear of possible of aftershocks. We will keep you posted as this story unfolds.

 

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com

Earthquake Strikes Missouri/Illinois

 
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis Missouri this morning.  USGS

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com

 

Monday Afternoon Forecast Update

We are still expect strong to severe storms to impact Alabama late this afternoon into this evening.  It appears the primary threat will be winds in excess of 50mph ahead of a sharp cold front.  The impact will be worst north of I-20 and more specifically north of highway 278 in North Alabama.  Rain and storms will continue for East Alabama well after sunset as the line moves from west to east.  We will likely see some small hail from some of these storms.  While the likelihood of tornadoes is small - we will still have to monitor closely for a few small spin-ups along the line.  The tornado threat would likely be in our Northern counties.

 


High pressure will build in behind the cold front and this will mean some clearing.  But, forecast models are suggesting some lingering clouds and possibly some light precipitation behind the front.  We should see some sunshine by Tuesday afternoon with highs in the lower 70s.  Wednesday looks dry and mild with another round of storms expected late week.  In fact, we could see another round of strong storms on Friday.

We'll keep you updated.

James-Paul Dice
Fox 6 Chief Meteorologist
james.dice@wbrc.com

Another Big Quake Strikes Japan

 
Another strong aftershock struck northern Japan this morning. A 7.1 struck northern Japan. Of-course one of the concerns in the United States is for the potential for a major Tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Forecast Center released the following statement:

BASED ON ALL AVAILABLE DATA A DESTRUCTIVE PACIFIC-WIDE TSUNAMI IS
NOT EXPECTED AND THERE IS NO TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWAII. REPEAT. A
DESTRUCTIVE PACIFIC-WIDE TSUNAMI IS NOT EXPECTED AND THERE IS NO
TSUNAMI THREAT TO HAWAII.

Wes Wyatt

Fox 6 Meteorologist

wwyatt@wbrc.com

 

3.5 Earthquake Reported Near Gulf Shores...

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsus/Maps/US2/29.31.-89.-87.php