11/8/2013 Daily Update: A Few Morning Lake-Effect Snow Showers, Haiyan Slams the Philippines - Strongest on Record!

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday!

Contending with a few lake-effect snow flurries out there that could leave a dusting in spots. Nothing substantial but it's a nice sight to see for snow lovers! After the clouds clear, mostly sunny skies are expected today with a chilly breeze from the NW. Highs will be in the mid 40s.

• Astonishing display of power from Super Typhoon Haiyan which made landfall over the Phillippines as quite possibly the strongest tropical cyclones EVER, at least in the satellite age. One-minute maximum sustained winds reached 195 mph, which is the highest in recorded history. Haiyan is being compared to Super Typhoon Tip, for good reason. Preliminary reports only show 3 deaths but the death toll will certainly rise and keep in mind, communication is cut off making it difficult to gather news on the current situation. The Philippines were struck by a strong earthquake last month and now to have another disaster unfolding, is despicable. Also, they are reeling from the effects of Typhoon Bopha last December, which also brought devastation. All we can do is pray for the Philippines and hope for the best. http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/world/asia/philippines-typhoon-haiyan/?hpt=hp_t1

Haiyan has passed over the Philippines but the damage has been done.
Next stop: Vietnam... (Credit: CIMSS)

• U.S. - A few lake effect snow flurries in the Northeast; cool across the Southeast while warmer air surging from the south for the South and the Midwest; a few showers for the Upper Plains and the Northwest
• Europe - Same story, rain rain rain...
• Australia - Showers exiting eastern Australia, high pressure keeping the interior generally dry.
• The Oklahoma earthquake swarm continues; There were no earthquakes rated at or above M6 since the last update yesterday.
• An X1-class flare blasted from the Sun last night from, you name it, Sunspot 1890. Again, like last time, it was very impulsive and short in duration... a strong CME is not likely but it did deliver one which could deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field. A moderate to strong flare threat remains for Sunspot 1890. NOAA estimates over the next 24 hours: M-class flare - 60%. X-class flare: 20%.

Big sunspot 1890 pointing toward Earth, but so far has only
produced very brief flares, decreasing Earth-related effects.

NOTE: Today may be the first accumulating snow of the season in Southern New England. Worthington, MA checked in with 0.1" this morning. Planning on going through data and compiling a table this weekend!