Big storm coming- Special weather statement

[TomK]

There could be several reasons, but yes, one of them is that the observatories can shelter each other depending on the wind direction and they can also vignette their own anemometer (there are strict rules about where you can place things at the summit). Also, the summit ridge telescopes are more exposed compared to the Kecks and Subaru and especially those in Submm Valley (JCMT and the SMA). Then you might also have anemometers icing up due to severe icing conditions. It's rare but has happened.

The most reliable sites tend to be UKIRT and the CFHT. Unfortunately, UKIRT isn't able to provide data to the MKWC right now (I'm trying to get that fixed) but CFHT data tend to be very reliable. Right now winds are approaching 100 mph and increasing. Ice and snow are being detected automatically (there's no one at the summit in these conditions, at least I hope not).

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PS. I just looked at our weather data and UKIRT's wind speed measurements are closely following those monitored by the CFHT except they are about 20 mph lower. The wind is from the SW which probably means that the UKIRT dome is vignetting its own anemometer, hence the lower speeds. The CFHT anemometer is displaced enough to the west that it's seeing the wind full-on.

[Durian Fiend]

The forecasters say that later today is likely to get nasty with the strong winds and thunderstorms.

[terracore]

166MPH gust on Mauna Kea.

[TomK]

There was a bit of a lull this afternoon but can confirm terracore's report of a 166 mph gust recorded by CFHT. Currently, winds are consistently between 80-100 mph and UKIRT experienced a 148 mph gust in the last 50 minutes. Wind speeds are forecast to increase later tonight which is a little scary.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Our shipment of “I Survived The Big Storm At The End Of 2022” tee shirts just arrived from the silk screeners in China.  Small-Med-Lrg-XL are all still available.  3 cents each, I guess.

[ChunksterK]

Frau Chunkster's comment on the weather alert:
"Sturm und Drang, nur ohne Sturm."

Translation:
"Storm and stress, only without the storm."

You students of German philosophy will get the reference.

[terracore]

We did okay here in Orchidland. Only lost power very briefly and internet stayed on the whole time.

The only storm casualty was a tarp that lasted a few years longer than expected and had replacement already on hand.

The house was nearly hit by lightning. We haven't found where it hit yet but it was close enough the neighbor called and asked if we were okay. It was the loudest thing I've heard since the time I was almost hit by lightning.