News: It's a girl! Congratulations to Betsy Kling and Paul Thomas

Congratulations to Channel 3's Betsy Kling and Paul Thomas, who welcomed Josephine Frances into the world Monday evening.

Josephine Frances, Mom and Dad are doing well.

She is 8 lbs 11oz and is 21.5 inches long.

Check out our photogallery: CLICK HERE

News: Some like it hot

By WKYC Reporter Paul Thomas

CLEVELAND -- Not everyone is diving into the great indoors when the summer suns boils Northeast Ohio.

More heat means hundreds of more wet feet and more money flowing through Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom each day.

And this weekend, the AST Dew Tour -- a sporting event that features freestyle motocross, BMX and skateboarding -- is expected to draw more than 50,000 people and $10 million into the local economy.

But those numbers are driven by the weather too. And 90-degree days are just fine for the competition, as long as the sun shines.

Skateboarder and snowboard Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White is in Cleveland for the event.

News: WKYC.COM launches new daily CommuterCast

Join WKYC every weekday at 4:30 for the brand new "WKYC CommuterCast."

It's a five minute look at the very latest traffic and weather conditions around Northeast Ohio before you leave the office.

Plus, you can chat live with us about the current conditions or with others getting ready to travel.

WKYC Weather Plus Meteorologists AJ Colby and Bruce Kalinowski will help you smooth out your ride home with the WKYC CommuterCast.

It begins at weekdays at 4:30 PM exclusively on WKYC.COM.

Click here to watch or chat live

Special: "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface" Part III

As the high definition leader in locally produced programming in Northeast Ohio, WKYC is proud to showcase our region's most important natural resource in a year-long effort.

"Lake Erie: Beyond The Surface" is a thirty-minute HD special that aired on Saturday, February 2nd, at 7pm, and was hosted by AM news anchor Mark Nolan. It is the third of four programs dealing with the fate and future of our great lake.

Two hundred years ago, 9 American ships fought off a foreign invader on the waters of Lake Erie. Today, there's a new invasion, this one below the surface. Though the lake is significantly cleaner than in the late 1960's, there are serious concerns that we're sliding back into trouble. The dead zone is growing yearly, every eight months a new invasive species drops anchor, and water-hungry states vie for our resources. With water levels dropping, and Lake Erie most vulnerable to changes in the eco-system, we are at a very pivotal point.

VIDEO FEATURE #1: The Special
*To Watch "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface" Part III - CLICK HERE

VIDEO FEATURE #2: KYW Special Report - 1964
*Double click "play" to watch a segment from the WKYC archives featuring a 1964 package from KYW regarding the state of the lake. If you can't see the video on this page: CLICK HERE

Why can't some people drive in snow?

By Mike O'Mara

NORTHEAST OHIO (WKYC) -- Snow squalls provide first test of the winter and put drivers to the test too.

The big city salt trucks were out Wednesday morning in every municipality in Northeast Ohio. The rigs were back out Wednesday afternoon as waves of snow squalls blew across the open waters of Lake Erie.

But as thousands of motorists slogged through the slush and the poor visibility, many had the same thought. This is Cleveland. Why is driving on snow such a surprise for so many people?

In Avon, Tony Miceli was scraping several inches of accumulation off his car.

"I think some people just get nervous and do dumb stuff," said Miceli. "Then they realize they're in for five months of snow and ice and then they start to calm down."

Many drivers still refuse to put on their headlights in the snow, even with poor visibility. And parents with teenage drivers cross their fingers and hope the phone doesn't ring.

Leaning on his snowblower, Lee Cory said, "my son just learned to drive this year. When he left this morning I forgot to mention to him that he needs to be a little bit careful out there. Now I worry about that 'hey, dad I'm in the ditch phone call'".

And what ever happened to snow tires in the winter. The majority of drivers in Northeast Ohio use all season tires instead. Automotive experts say that's a big mistake.

Brian Beane works for Automotive Specialty Services in Avon. He's driven test cars on an ice rink to see which tire really works in slippery conditions.

"We drive on the ice with a car that has all season tires and one car that has snow tires" said Beane. "It's not even close. The snow tires provide superior traction."

Beane added, "these days "all season" tires are good for three seasons. The 4th season being winter, there is nothing as good as a snow and ice tire. But even with front wheel drive, you still need 4 snow tires and that's expensive."

One motorist in Avon had a much more succinct explanation for poor driving in the snow.

John Smith said, "one word - stupidity".

Smith added, "and just think, we've got four more months of this, at least!"

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch Mike O'Mara's package: CLICK HERE

Meanings behind full moon names

CLEVELAND -- Saturday night is the "Full Beaver Moon" of November. How do moons get their creative names?

To answer this question, we turned to the pages of the Old Farmers Alamanc which explains that full moon names actually date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States.

The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon.

Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.

European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year.

November's full moon is called the "Full Beaver Moon" as it was the time of the year to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.

Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter.

It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.

You can read more about the meanings behind the full moon names in the Old Farmers Almanac, CLICK HERE

News: Watch for dried out Christmas trees

by Jeff Maynor
WKYC.COM

CLEVELAND -- The drought that's affected southern states is having an affect on Christmas trees coming to market in northeast Ohio. North Carolina is the second-leading producer of Christmas trees behind only Oregon. "The trees may be a little shorter this year, and while most growers try to keep their trees well-watered, some may be drier than usual," said Jill Morgan of Lowe's Greenhouse in Bainbridge Township.

Morgan said the best way to test a cut tree for dryness is to hold a branch in one hand and, with the other hand, grasp the branch and pull along the branch to the end.

"If you see a handful of green needles, either in your hand or on the ground, you want to go on to a different tree," she said. Lowe's and many other area dealers get their Frasier Fir trees from tree farms in Portage County, not affected by the southern drought.

Prices for this popular variety will range between $50 and $100 for standard sizes, up to $300 for trees 16 feet and taller. The most popular Christmas tree variety here is also the most reasonably-priced. Scotch pine trees are selling in the $25 to $50 price range.

Brown needles near the trunk of a Scotch pine are not a concern Morgan said. "Just shake them off. This variety of tree has some dead needles near the trunk that are not a sign it's dried out"

Once you've selected a Christmas tree.....make a fresh diagonal cut across the end of the trunk to allow better water absorption, and give it plenty of water.

One fire prevention officer recommends a "mixed drink" for trees. "Some people mix soda pop with the water to get sugars up into the tree," said Chris Stacey of the Bainbridge Township Fire Department. "This will help keep your tree nice and moist."

To watch video of Jeff's story: CLICK HERE

9 months after record snowstorm, hospitals report spike in births

ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) -- Hospitals in northeast Ohio are reporting a surge in baby births this week.

And hospital staff are doing the math and theorizing that last February's record snowstorm is behind the births.

The storm that took place nine months ago forced most couples to cancel their Valentine's Day plans and stay indoors.

At the Women and Children's Center in Lorain, three babies normally are delivered in a day. But hospital spokesman Patrick Crowley says that on Wednesday, six babies were born and another eight arrived yesterday.

At EMH Regional Medical Center in Elyria, Nurse Manager Tina Bowker says 22 babies have been born since Tuesday.

She says most of the new mothers and fathers tell a common story about how they spent the blizzard.

To watch video of this story: CLICK HERE

News: Higher fares for Thanksgiving travel this year

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away...and the rush is on to finalize travel plans. If you haven't booked a flight already, brace yourself for prices higher than this time last year.

Driving won't be cheap either, thanks to rising fuel costs.

NBC reporter, Leanne Gregg reports from Denver: (Clik "Play" to watch)

Video: The Wonderful World of Cleveland

Cleveland has so many beautiful sights and sounds. We'll be adding new video for you to enjoy as we help prove to the world that Northeast Ohio is the "Best Location in the Nation."

If you can't see the video below, CLICK HERE

News: Nasty weather leads to cleaner air for Northeast Ohio

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency or NOACA tells us that all this nasty weather we are having is actually good for the environment.

According to NOACA Environmental Planner Amy Wainright, "NOACA reports that the cold air, wind, rain, and snow may dampen some spirits, but those conditions have cleared our air pollution. The summer's hot ozone season has ended, and fine particulates are in the 'Good' range this week."

For hourly monitor readings, you can always visit www.noaca.org

Enjoy our first snow!

News: October Warmth for Northeast OH/Western PA

October was warm across Northern Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania. According to the National Weather Service Office in Cleveland, this is how we fared for the month:

CLEVELAND
*3rd warmest October on record at 60.2 degrees. The warmest October on record is 61.4 degrees in 1947.
*On the 8th, the temperature reached 88 degrees. This tied the record high for this date set in 1939.

AKRON CANTON
*7th warmest October on record at 58.2 degrees. The warmest October on record is 59.6 degrees in 1947.
*On the 7th, the temperature reached 86 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 85 degrees set in 1963.

MANSFIELD
*3rd warmest October on record at 58.6 degrees. The warmest October on record is 61.0 degrees in 1963.
*On the 4th, the temperature reached 83 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 82 degrees set in 1967.
*On the 5th, the temperature reached 84 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 76 degrees set in 1984.
*On the 6th, the temperature reached 84 degrees. This tied the record high for this date set in 1963.
*On the 7th, the temperature reached 87 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 85 degrees set in 1963.
*On the 8th, the temperature reached 86 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 78 degrees set in 1973.
*On the 21st, the temperature reached 80 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 79 degrees set in 1979.

YOUNGSTOWN
*2nd warmest October on record at 58.4 degrees. The warmest October on record is 59.6 degrees in 1947.
*On the 7th, the temperature reached 85 degrees. This tied the record high for this date set in 1946.
*On the 8th, the temperature reached 87 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 84 degrees set in 1949.
*On the 21st, the temperature reached 80 degrees. This tied the record high for this date set in 1979.

TOLEDO
*6th warmest October on record at 59.0 degrees. The warmest October on record is 61.2 degrees in 1879.
*On the 5th, the temperature reached 88 degrees. This tied the record high for this date set in 1951.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA
*2nd warmest October on record at 61.1 degrees. The warmest October on record is 61.5 degrees in 1947.
*On the 5th, the temperature reached 87 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 84 degrees set in 1951.
*On the 8th, the temperature reached 84 degrees...which is a new record high. The old record high for this date was 81 degrees set in 1916.

Information Courtesy: NWS/Cleveland

Feature Article: Alberta Clippers

What is An Alberta Clipper
An Alberta clipper, also known as a Canadian Clipper, is a fast moving low pressure area which generally affects the central provinces of Canada and parts of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States. Most clippers occur between December and February, but can also occur occasionally in the month of November. Alberta Clippers take their name from Alberta, Canada, the province from which they appear to descend, and from clipper ships of the 19th century, one of the fastest ships of that time.

Formation
A clipper originates when warm, moist winds from the Pacific Ocean come into contact with the mountains in the provinces of British Columbia and then Alberta. The air travels down the lee side of the mountains, often forming a chinook in Alberta, then develops into a storm over the Canadian prairies when it becomes entangled with the cold air mass that normally occupies the region in winter. The storm then slides southward and gets caught up in the flow around the mass of high pressure which always inhabits cold polar areas, sending the storm barreling into central and eastern areas of North America.

Ironically, the chinook which in part originates the Alberta clipper usually brings extremely warm weather (often approaching 70 degrees in the depths of winter) to southern Alberta itself, and the term is therefore not in common use in Alberta.

Effects
The storms sweep in at high speed over whatever land they encounter, usually bringing with them sharp cold fronts and drastically lower temperatures. It is not uncommon for an Alberta clipper to cause temperatures to drop by 30 degrees in as little as 10 to 12 hours. Often, the storms bring biting winds with them, only increasing the effect of the newly lower temperatures. Winds in advance and during an Alberta clipper are frequently as high as 35 to 45 mph. These conditions would cause wind chill values to drop into the -20 to -50 Fahrenheit range.

Snowfall amounts with these systems tend to be small (on the order of 1 to 3 inches), as the severe lack of moisture and quick movement inhibit substantial snowfall totals. However, several factors could combine to produce somewhat impressive snowfall totals (6 inches or more). These factors include access to more moisture (which raises precipitation amounts), slower system movement (which increases snowfall duration), and colder temperatures (which increases the snow to water ratio). The southern and eastern shores of the Great Lakes often receive enhanced snowfall from Alberta Clippers during the winter, due to lake enhancement. The lake effect snow can add substantially to the overall snowfall total.

During the winter, Alberta clippers can occur somewhat frequently, with system intervals on the order of two to four days common during active periods.

Variations
Two variations of Alberta Clippers are "Manitoba Maulers" or "Saskatchewan Screamers." These two types of systems are far less common than Clippers, and even when they take place they are still often referred to as Clippers. The main difference between the three is from which Canadian province they begin their southward trek.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

Video: Lake Erie "Beyond the Surface" Part II

On the surface, it looks like any other body of water. Yet the 11th largest lake on earth has a deeper story to tell. In its currents flow a timeline of the American dream; its successes, its failures, and its future. The story of Lake Erie is one of environmental recovery, economic resurgence and diversity of purpose. Yet this is a very pivotal time for the lake and our region.

While experts believe that the quality of the lake improved dramatically from 1975 thru 1995, the past ten years have been more disturbing. Threatening invasive species, watershed problems and the need for economic utilization force us to learn how to best balance commerce, recreation, homeland security and environmental concerns.

WKYC-TV/HD presents Part 2 in our series "Lake Erie: Beyond the Surface." Shot completely in high definition, we explore the economic importance of one of our most precious natural resources.

Click on the following links to watch the show on-line, right now:

Segment #1
Segment #2
Segment #3
Segment #4

To read more about our year long series including multimedia, more video and interviews, click on the following link: http://www.wkyc.com/life/programming/shows/lake_erie/

Video: Chopper 3 Aerial Fall Colors Tour

Chopper 3 was up this afternoon and took some video of the fall colors around Northeast Ohio. Some areas are still rather green, while others are turning quickly. Click on the video below to watch. If you can't see the video on this blog page, CLICK HERE.



RELATED LINKS:
*To send us pictures of your fall colors: CLICK HERE
*To upload video of your fall colors: CLICK HERE

Latest Drought Update

Latest Drought Maps & Analysis:
(Click Images for Larger View)




RELATED LINKS:
*For the lastest 6 week animated loop: CLICK HERE
*For the lastest 12 week animated loop: CLICK HERE
*For an interactive drought map from USAToday: CLICK HERE
*For the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook: CLICK HERE

News: Energy Saving Tips

As the cooler days and nights set in, we have some easy tips you can use to reduce your home energy costs and keep more $$$ in your wallet this winter:

1) Adjust the setting on your hot water tanks to "warm." Get an insulating blanket for the heater to make it run more efficiently. Insulate hot water pipes where they travel through unheated areas of the basement.

2) Add a storm door to your front door. Make sure your weatherstripping around that door and all others is intact. If not, replace it.

3) Check the attic to ensure proper insulation. Since heat rises, it will go right out your attic if it's not well insulated.

4) Install a new digital thermostat to allow you to program it depending on your lifestyle. Lower it during the day if no one is home.

5) Vacuum and/or replace your furnace filters, air conditioners and heat pump filters.

News: Cold Air Funnel Clouds Spotted on Lake Erie

CLEVELAND -- The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a special marine for the Lake Erie shoreline from Vermilion to Ripley, New York including Ashtabula and Fairport Harbor.

The warning area also extends to five nautical miles off shore. The warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m. Friday night.

At 627 p.m., the National Weather Service says some cold air funnels were reported over Lake Erie just north of Cleveland. It is possible that some of these cold air funnels could become waterspouts.

Waterspouts are possible on Lake Erie through dark. Mariners can expect gusty winds and high waves near any waterspouts. Boaters should seek safe harbor immediately if they see a waterspout or cold air funnel.

To watch video of a cold air funnel we caught on tape: CLICK HERE

News: Light Quake Shakes Ashtabula County

There was a light, pre-dawn earthquake today off the Lake Erie shoreline in northeast Ohio.

The Ohio Seismic Network says the quake about 4:46 a.m. just off Conneaut measured 2-point-6, barely enough to rattle dinnerware.

An aftershock at 11:05 a.m. measured less at 2-point-4.

Seismic Network coordinator Michael Hansen says a quake of that magnitude is barely enough to wake up people and would be ignored in quake-prone California.

Conneaut is located in the northeast corner of Ohio between Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania.

News: New Records Set for 9/25/07

We tied a record high Tuesday afternoon in Cleveland, thanks to sunshine and a warm southwest wind flow.

Cleveland: Tied record of 88 degrees @ 3:54 PM - Old record was 88 in 1900.

Youngstown: New record of 91 degrees @2:52 PM - Old record was 84 degrees was in 1986.

Mansfield: New record of 88 degrees @3:08 PM - Old record was 86 degrees set in 1986.

Findlay: New record high 0f 89 degrees @ 2:38 PM - Old record was 88 degrees set in 1986.

News: Bold prediction for Cleveland winter

By Dick Russ

The Old Farmers Almanac is predicting some extraordinary weather for Northeast Ohio. How much snow will we get?

How cold, or warm is it going to be this winter? What strange weather related events will we experience?

Those questions are answered today by Janice Stillman, Editor of the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The publication is now in its 216th year, and with a track record of 80% accuracy, stands by its unusual predictions for winter and for 2008 in Northeast Ohio.

According to the Almanac, we'll get far less snow than we'd expect, and whatever does fall will melt very quickly.

The publication is also predicting a much warmer than normal winter, and in fact says the year 2008 from beginning to end may be the warmest year ever in Northeast Ohio!

But there are some variables that can affect these bold predictions, which are based on pure scientific analysis according to the Old Farmers Almanac.

For more details of the surprising answers to these questions, please click on the video link below as WKYC's Dick Russ talks with Janice Stillman about the winter weather outlook for our area.

To Watch Video:CLICK HERE

Remembering Katrina: A WKYC Reporter's Perspective

By Eric Mansfield

The nation is marking the two year anniversary of the worst natural disaster to date in the nation's history. Two years ago, Hurricane Katrina, moved ashore laying waste to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. (Click on Photo to view Eric's Photo Gallery)

Channel 3 anchor/reporter Eric Mansfield was deployed to the region immediately following the storm's wrath. On this two year anniversary he shares his thoughts and memories.
-----------------------------------------------
I've never seen anything like what I saw in Mississippi and Louisiana two years ago. Not in my tour of duty in Iraq, not in my reporting assignments on other disasters, nothing comes close. This was absolute destruction.

I was in the Akron newsroom when the call came in that I was to report to Dayton and fly out immediately with an advanced leadership team from Ohio. We would need to be on the ground in Shelby, Mississippi, immediately, to make way for thousands of other National Guard troops who would flood the region in 72 hours time.

Our military C-130 couldn't land near Shelby because there wasn't power for runway lights and it was getting dark on our approach. We were diverted northeast to another airfield. A bus picked us up and we headed toward the coast. The bus driver warned us immediately that it we were delayed even for a few minutes, we'd likely run out of gas and be stuck in the Mississippi wilderness. I knew right then, that despair was upon us.

I remember doing double takes after seeing cars stuck in trees like a scene from "Harry Potter". I couldn't believe that a boat was wedged into a fast food drive-thru about five miles from the ocean. I remember driving around roofs that were in the middle of the road but no homes in sight.

One of the great untold stories is that Ohio National Guard soldiers were the first troops to reach the Superdome. Members of D-148th Infantry Co. from North Canton arrived in Mississippi just long enough for us to put them on choppers and deliver them to the Superdome under the cover of darkness. I was not with them, but those who were there say the crowds at the Superdome were unlike any they'd ever seen. Eventually, active duty troops arrived and local police returned, but when the Superdome was at its worst, it was Ohio boys who were first to help.

One of my jobs was to take part in a daily briefing among all responding agencies in Hancock, Mississippi, which is right on the Louisiana-Mississippi border. It's unusual for the military to be a participant rather than being totally in charge. The meeting was absolute chaos. Some of the agency leaders were becoming casualties themselves because of a lack of water. None of the groups could communicate with each other, so the meetings became gripe sessions about what worked and what didn't and who had endured the most damage. The other military officers with me just shook our heads in disbelief that when our country was in dire need of help, the heads of support agencies weren't working together.

The locals near Camp Shelby and later Stennis Airfield were just in shock. On my first day on the ground, I pulled my Hummer into a gas station to ask for directions. I didn't realize until I got out of my vehicle that all of the people at that station were stranded without fuel. Most had been living in their cars for 48 hours.

A screaming woman physically put her hands on my uniform and begged me for gas so she could keep heading north with her kids. She also asked for food. Others who were close by closed in on my driver and me. For a few seconds, I thought we were going to have a riot because our Hummer was the only vehicle running. We were also the first military folks they'd seen and they were sure we were there to help.

I promised the crowd that I would talk to the military about getting help out to their station, but I couldn't guarantee it would come soon. Fortunately, they let us go without a fight. I couldn't believe that these were American citizens and that the destruction around us was even still the United States.

We set up emergency ration supply points in the parking lots of local churches and malls. We used our Military Police and Infantry troops to search houses for the dead and injured while conducting night patrols for looting. We used our transportation folks to take whatever rations were arriving from across the country and start delivering them to the ration points. At times, survivors would just show up at the command tents begging for food. We gave them everything we had.

A few days after we arrived, I tagged along as choppers took more of our infantry soldiers into the northern portions of Louisiana. I was able to snap off quite a few pictures from inside a Chinook.

I was overwhelmed by the line of destruction. From the air, I could look for miles in each direction and not find one house still standing. I saw several churches completely gone but their crosses still standing. Thousands of trees were snapped off and down across homes and roads. It just looked like a bomb went off. The bridges were in pieces at best.

I met some amazing people during those days along the coast. The one who stands out the most is a little old guy who stayed in his home and rode out the storm. He'd stayed through Hurricane Betsy decades ago. He owned a shoe store and just refused to leave it. I remember him saying, "If Wal-Mart didn't chase me out of here, no storm will."

Eventually, larger amounts of food and water arrived and we developed routines for delivering rations to the survivors. As I left a few weeks later to return to Ohio, I couldn't imagine that Mississippi or Louisiana would ever look the same. I couldn't imagine that some of the neighborhoods would ever be livable again.

Still, the people made a lasting impression, and I remember thinking that if a disaster like this hit Northeast Ohio, I'm sure the men and women of the Gulf Coast would gladly fly north to repay the favor.

Remembering Katrina: 2 Years Later

Since early October 2005, NBC journalists have been documenting the efforts of the coastal Mississippi towns of Bay St. Louis and Waveland to rebuild from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.

Though the towns are far from the media spotlight on New Orleans (left), the intertwined fates of the people (right), businesses and institutions in these towns are emblematic of an entire region's struggle to recover from the most destructive storm in U.S. history.

NBC is looking back and ahead in an anniversary online special series called "Rising From Ruin" featuring two towns as they continue to rebuild 2 years after the storm.

CLICK HERE to begin your journey on the road to recovery.

Web Link: New "Fair Weather Fans Blog" Widget

We have added a new widget for our "Fair Weather Fans" Blog. This will enable you to get the latest weather information and related stories directly from the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center the moment they are posted.

Plus, it's a feature you can add to your own blog to give your readers even more interesting reading material to view.

You can customize the widget by color and how much info is displayed.

Click on the link below (or the picture) to get the "Fair Weather Fans" Widget:

Fair Weather Fans Widget

News: Lake Erie 'Dead Zone' Studied by NOAA team

By Mike O'Mara

CLEVELAND (WKYC)-- Low oxygen levels detected are driving fish away

For the last two years, the "Laurentian", an 80 foot floating marine laboratory, has been heading out into Lake Erie.

The special team of 40 scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory and 17 different universities are all trying to figure out what is making Lake Erie sick.

Stephen Brandt is the Director of the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab. He is the person running the largest, most comprehensive research field operations every conducted in Lake Erie.

Said Brandt, "people need to understand that we're seeing large scale production of algae and plant life that dies off and sinks to the bottom. When it decays it begins to use up the oxygen. And if it uses up all the oxygen on the bottom, it becomes a dead zone."

Back in the 1970's, many scientists feared that all of Lake Erie was becoming a dead zone. The culprit seemed to be too much phosphates and pollution in the waters draining into Lake Erie that produced choking algae blooms.

Onboard the "Laurentian", NOAA science technician Andrew Yagiela, lowers a probe into the brownish green water.

"This gear", said Yagiela, "will automatically record the levels of sunlight, the flourometer, the oxygen, the temperature, and the conductivity. And this is just one of our tools out here."

Nearby, Mike Quigley was lowering a specially designed lake bottom sediment probe.

"We're looking for organisms near the bottom right now", explained Quigley. "They're useful for determing water quality because they live on the bottom 24-7, and if you have any contaminants or pollutants they won't be there."

Craig McLean, NOAA deputy assistant administrator for research, told Channel 3's Mike O'Mara, "if we find there is no oxygen or very low levels, we also find that it's a dead zone. The walleye and yellow perch will leave. And we know that our human activity contributes to the creation of these dead zones."

"Right now", added Stuart Ludsen, chief scientist for the Lake Erie field study, "the biggest area of concern is the central basin of Lake Erie. The deepest part of the lake is becoming a dead zone. We need to figure out why."

The data from thousands of Lake Erie water and sediment samples will be analyzed and categorized by the NOAA science team. The future of this fresh water sea may depend on the answers generated onboard the "Laurentian".

To Watch Video of Mike O'Mara's report on Lake Erie, CLICK HERE

News: Back to School in Shelby

By Dave Summers

SHELBY (WKYC) -- Now that floodwaters are receding many towns and communities in northwest Ohio are left with a mountain of clean-up and debris.

The first day of school presents its own series of challenges but in districts like Shelby pulling it off this year seemed nothing short of a miracle.

Last Tuesday flood waters filled the basements and first floors of both elementary and middle schools. Wastewater mixed with runoff made for potential health problems that could have cancelled extracuricular activities and made for a late start to the school year.

Instead residents, administrators, teachers, and students pulled together to save the school year. The cleanup started even before the building was dry. Six classrooms were flooded. Much of the life skills classroom equipment was ruined. Special needs classrooms and equipment were saturated.

The middle school lost much of its football equipment. Both gymnasiums will also have to be rebuilt. Middle School Principal Tim Tarvin says teachers will have to be more creative with their curiculum particularly in the gym classes.

Inspectors gave the school a clean bill of health so parents and students won't have to worry about their safety. Kids seem to be taking this in stride. Many of them actually helped with cleanup.

To Watch Video of Dave Summers in Shelby: CLICK HERE

News: Blanchard River Flooding Seen from Space

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center was able to capture images by satellite taken before and after the flooding near Findlay. Blanchard River is not typically a river visible from this satellite. But with all of the flooding, it is easily visible in this top image.

Blanchard River had risen to near its record stage on August 22nd. That record flood is 18.5 feet and dates back to 1913. (CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER)



Photos are courtesy of:

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center &
National Weather Service/Cleveland




To Read More: CLICK HERE

News: Total Lunar Eclipse Tuesday Morning

As August draws to an end, watchers of the night sky will be in for a treat. In the early morning hours of August 28, sky watchers across much of the world can look on as the Moon crosses in to the shadow of the Earth, becoming completely immersed for one-hour and 30 minutes, a period of time much longer than most typical lunar eclipses. In fact, this eclipse will be the deepest and longest in 7 years. (CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LARGER VIEW)

The event begins 54 minutes past midnight PDT (3:54 a.m. EDT) on August 28. At first, there is little change. The outskirts of Earth's shadow are as pale as the Moon itself; an onlooker might not even realize anything is happening. But as the Moon penetrates deeper in to the Earth's shadow, a startling metamorphosis occurs. Around 2:52 a.m. PDT (5:52 a.m. EDT) the color of the Moon changes from moondust-gray to sunset-red. This is totality, and it lasts for almost 90 minutes.

With the Sun blocked, you might expect utter darkness, but instead the ground at your feet appears to be aglow. Why? Look back up at Earth. The rim of the planet seems to be on fire. Around the Earth's circumference you will witness every sunrise and sunset in the world- all at once. This incredible, colorful light beams into the heart of Earth's shadow, transforming the Moon into a landscape of copper moondust and golden hills. The eclipse will be visible from Australia, parts of Asia and most of the Americas, but not from Africa or Europe. The view is different from each location on the planet. Here in the United States, Pacific observers are favored.

For them the entire eclipse will unfold high in the post-midnight sky. However, on the East Coast, totality will be cut off early by sunrise.

Courtesy: NASA

Lunar Links:
NASA Eclipse Home Page
Space.Com
Astronomy.com

News: Farmer's Almanac predicts 'two-faced' winter

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) - Keep your boots, long johns and snow shovels handy this winter if you live in the East, the Farmers' Almanac's forecast suggests. Residents of the West, however, can look forward to a milder winter this time around.

"Mother Nature is going to be sort of two-faced," almanac editor Peter Geiger said.

The almanac's 2008 edition, which goes on sale Tuesday, foresees plenty of snow across the Northeast, temperatures averaging as much as 3 degrees below normal along most of the Atlantic Coast, and four major frosts as far south as Florida. The Great Lakes region will also take a pounding.

The outlook is tamer for the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, the desert Southwest and the Pacific Coast, but Geiger said snow in Colorado will be more than adequate for skiing.

Other predictions include a cool, wet spring in many places, active tornado and hurricane seasons and a warmer-than-normal summer in much of the country.

The forecasts are prepared two years in advance by the almanac's reclusive prognosticator, who goes by the pseudonym Caleb Weatherbee and uses a secret formula based on sunspots, the position of the planets and the tidal action of the moon. Weatherbee has already completed his 2009 forecast, Geiger said.

The 191-year-old almanac's winter forecast is at odds with the federal government's outlook, which is based largely on statistical trends. For the coming winter, those trends point to above normal temperatures in the East and the Southwest, with drier than average weather along the southern tier of states and up the East Coast into Virginia.

Last year's almanac forecast of a colder than normal winter was off the mark at first. Geiger blamed an unforeseen El Nino that made for quiet conditions in the East before a series of heavy snowstorms struck in February and March.

Even so, the almanac claims an overall 80 to 85% accuracy rate, and says readers have long relied on its forecasts in planning family reunions, company picnics and weddings.

"We've been called a bride's best friend," Geiger said.

The almanac, not to be confused with the New Hampshire-based Old Farmer's Almanac founded 26 years earlier, claims a circulation of about 5 million. Most are sold to businesses that give them away as promotions.

News: Flooding claims second life in Ohio

By Paul Thomas

HANCOCK COUNTY (WKYC) -- A 92-year-old driver, trapped by high water near Findlay, Ohio, died Thursday.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office received an emergency call for a man in trouble in the water.

Chopper 3 captured the rescue effort on State Route 235 as firefighters tried to resuscitate the man.

In Mansfield, a 74-year-old man died of smoke inhalation after flood waters toppled a gas can in an apartment garage.

The vapors from the gas can sparked the fire after coming into contact with a pilot light on a water heater.

To Watch Video of Paul Thomas in Findlay, CLICK HERE

News: Flooding in Putnam County

By Carrie Young

PUTNAM COUNTY (WKYC) -- The water is still rising and the rain is still falling, making cleanup nearly impossible for people in Hancock and Putnam counties.

The worst could be in Findlay in Hancock county. There they have seen the worst flooding in a century.

In Putnam county, the sheriff has declared a "level 3 emergency." That means only emergency traffic is allowed on the roads. Temporary shelters have been set up and put on standby just in case.



There have been no reports of serious injuries or fatalities.

To Watch Video of Maureen Kyle in Ottawa, CLICK HERE

News: People Returning to Homes, Damage in Findlay

FINDLAY (WKYC) -- People in Findlay are returning today to flood-damaged homes and businesses.

Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman says about 200 people remained in a shelter this morning, and Main Street and much of the other roadways near the Blanchard River remained impassable.

But water was receding and hundreds more residents had returned home. Heldman said some homes had a foot or more water.Pumps were running Thursday in businesses and homes across the northwest Ohio city. Governor Ted Strickland says he plans to go out Thursday to see more of the flooding and what it's done. He took a helicopter tour of Findlay, which has been hit by its worst flooding in nearly a century.

News: Flooding in Shelby

By Maureen Kyle

SHELBY -- Flash flooding has closed schools and damaged the police and fire departments in Shelby, Ohio.

The elementary school and middle school were categorized as "destroyed" initially after the flooding. Some sections of the schools are ruined. The middle school gymnasium floor will need to be replaced. It warped nearly a foot during the flooding.

Dozens of volunteers spent the past 24 hours scrubbing and cleaning and pumping water out of the schools.

(Click on the picture to view a photo gallery from Shelby)

"If someone were to see either this facility or that facility last night and then compare it to today and the football field out back, it's night and day literally and figuratively," says Shelby Middle School Principal Tim Tarvin.

Shelby schools plan to open in time for the first day of class on Monday.

However, health crews are still assessing the two buildings and will make the final determination over the next couple days.

To Watch Video of Maureen Kyle in Shelby on 8/22/07: CLICK HERE