0335L-SATURDAY OUTLOOK FROM GARFIELD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT-7/22/23

*NO storms this morning but yesterday we received 1.6 inches of rainfall and maximum wind gust were 50 at the Lahoma Mesonet site and 58 at the Breckinridge site. The Vance AWOS SITE had 2 wind gusts of 84 MPH within 7 minutes of each other and an additional gust of 78mph after the last gust. Woodring airport had a max gust of 51 mph during this timeframe.

*Damage-wise: The IMO CO-OP lost a 100,000 bushel grain bin to the wind with an “estimated” value of 300,000-400,00 dollars. Go from the Imo area straight across to Fairmont and ROUGHLY 3 to 5 miles either side of that line, there was extensive damage to trees, homes and outbuildings and power line infrastructure. Extending on east out of the county basically powerline and tree damage. BACK TO Fairmont, The winds in the Fairmont area reached approximately 90 mph per radar data since we don’t have an actual anemometer reading but BNSF had 20-24 container cars knocked off the tracks by the winds.  There was substantial wind damage in Fairmont too. County commissioners were up early clearing roads and blocking roads due to trees and flood waters. Fairmont Fire personnel dealt with powerlines down along with the rail car incident. IT WAS A CRAZY MORNING. Railroad officials stated they could have the cars cleared from the area by mid evening. Not sure as of 0300 this morning if that was accomplished.

* WEATHERWISE, FOR TODAY, nothing like yesterday morning but it will be mild with a chance for storms late Saturday night once again since we are still under NW flow aloft, but hopefully not through our area. Here is your forecast from the NWS/NORMAN;

 Today-Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. West winds around 5 mph.

Tonight-Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the upper 60s. South winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.

*Download our GARFIELD COUNTY EM app. Preparedness and Knowledge gives you that edge in knowing what to do on protecting yourself and your family.

HAVE A GOOD DAY!