Jonathan Vigh
@skywatcher77.bsky.social
#NoKings but Christ! I'm PhD atmospheric scientist working on hurricanes and weather- and climate-driven risks. Pro-Constitution, pro-democracy, politically independent. Still taking high precautions against Covid-19. Seneca. Wildfire survivor. Views mine.
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Major Hurricane Melissa makes a historic landfall near New Hope, Jamaica.
October 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Major Hurricane Melissa makes a historic landfall near New Hope, Jamaica.
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
One factor that supported Melissa reaching this record: an Argo float southeast of Jamaica shows a dramatic decrease in upper-level ocean temperature before (18 Oct) and after (28 Oct) the storm.
My heart goes out to the folks in Jamaica facing this powerful hurricane's numerous hazards today. 💔
My heart goes out to the folks in Jamaica facing this powerful hurricane's numerous hazards today. 💔
October 28, 2025 at 5:27 PM
One factor that supported Melissa reaching this record: an Argo float southeast of Jamaica shows a dramatic decrease in upper-level ocean temperature before (18 Oct) and after (28 Oct) the storm.
My heart goes out to the folks in Jamaica facing this powerful hurricane's numerous hazards today. 💔
My heart goes out to the folks in Jamaica facing this powerful hurricane's numerous hazards today. 💔
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Echoing colleagues: Think before you (re)post. #Melissa is about to impact a relatively poor part of Jamaica. I doubt we will know the true extent of the devastation for days or weeks.
Information vacuums fill with disinformation. Expect a lot of “breaking wind” on SM.
Map source: World Bank
Information vacuums fill with disinformation. Expect a lot of “breaking wind” on SM.
Map source: World Bank
October 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Echoing colleagues: Think before you (re)post. #Melissa is about to impact a relatively poor part of Jamaica. I doubt we will know the true extent of the devastation for days or weeks.
Information vacuums fill with disinformation. Expect a lot of “breaking wind” on SM.
Map source: World Bank
Information vacuums fill with disinformation. Expect a lot of “breaking wind” on SM.
Map source: World Bank
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Y'all - this is literally insane. I am pretty sure that I have never seen automated satellite intensity estimates this high on an Atlantic hurricane. Dvorak T-numbers approaching 8.5 are almost always with west Pac supertyphoons. Graphic from UW-CIMSS.
October 28, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Y'all - this is literally insane. I am pretty sure that I have never seen automated satellite intensity estimates this high on an Atlantic hurricane. Dvorak T-numbers approaching 8.5 are almost always with west Pac supertyphoons. Graphic from UW-CIMSS.
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
The western end of Jamaica where #Melissa is projected to make landfall has the least well-built structures of anyplace on the island. Graphic is from a 2021 paper, "Poverty and hurricane risk exposure in Jamaica": www.researchgate.net/publication/...
October 28, 2025 at 1:53 AM
The western end of Jamaica where #Melissa is projected to make landfall has the least well-built structures of anyplace on the island. Graphic is from a 2021 paper, "Poverty and hurricane risk exposure in Jamaica": www.researchgate.net/publication/...
#Melissa, an extremely powerful and intense hurricane, has made it into the upper echelon of Atlantic hurricanes in the modern aircraft reconnaissance era, based on maximum flight level winds. At 161 kt, it is currently tied at #14 with Ivan (2004), Dorian (2019), and Milton (2024).
October 27, 2025 at 11:02 PM
#Melissa, an extremely powerful and intense hurricane, has made it into the upper echelon of Atlantic hurricanes in the modern aircraft reconnaissance era, based on maximum flight level winds. At 161 kt, it is currently tied at #14 with Ivan (2004), Dorian (2019), and Milton (2024).
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
From a crewmember on yesterday's Teal 74 mission into now-Category 5 Hurricane #Melissa. As clear of an eye as you will see in the Atlantic basin.
October 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
From a crewmember on yesterday's Teal 74 mission into now-Category 5 Hurricane #Melissa. As clear of an eye as you will see in the Atlantic basin.
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
The monster eye at the center of a still strengthening Hurricane Melissa.
October 27, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The monster eye at the center of a still strengthening Hurricane Melissa.
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Jamaica has low storm surge risk—not a lot of low-lying areas. An exception: Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (built on fill), Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant, Portmore Mall, Jamworld Entertainment Center, the National Gallery, Petrojam Refinery, Caribbean Maritime University.
October 24, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Jamaica has low storm surge risk—not a lot of low-lying areas. An exception: Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (built on fill), Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant, Portmore Mall, Jamworld Entertainment Center, the National Gallery, Petrojam Refinery, Caribbean Maritime University.
Just got my #novavax booster here in TN, thanks to
@publixofficial.bsky.social Pharmacy.
Had discussed with my doctor and got an Rx, but wasn't needed. Have asthma and that was enough. Called ahead to confirm availability and they had 1 dose left!
nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-loca...
@publixofficial.bsky.social Pharmacy.
Had discussed with my doctor and got an Rx, but wasn't needed. Have asthma and that was enough. Called ahead to confirm availability and they had 1 dose left!
nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-loca...
October 7, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Just got my #novavax booster here in TN, thanks to
@publixofficial.bsky.social Pharmacy.
Had discussed with my doctor and got an Rx, but wasn't needed. Have asthma and that was enough. Called ahead to confirm availability and they had 1 dose left!
nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-loca...
@publixofficial.bsky.social Pharmacy.
Had discussed with my doctor and got an Rx, but wasn't needed. Have asthma and that was enough. Called ahead to confirm availability and they had 1 dose left!
nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-loca...
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
If we had crossed paths with a serial child abuser, we simply would not have hand-drawn him a naked woman or given him a birthday card.
This does not seem difficult.
The Epstein files must be released, and Trump must be impeached. He is unfit.
This does not seem difficult.
The Epstein files must be released, and Trump must be impeached. He is unfit.
September 8, 2025 at 9:05 PM
If we had crossed paths with a serial child abuser, we simply would not have hand-drawn him a naked woman or given him a birthday card.
This does not seem difficult.
The Epstein files must be released, and Trump must be impeached. He is unfit.
This does not seem difficult.
The Epstein files must be released, and Trump must be impeached. He is unfit.
As a #MarshallFire survivor, I'm very glad to see that #BoulderCounty is upgrading their sirens and expanding their use to a variety of hazards, including wildfires. Sirens are particularly helpful for people who are outdoors, like my wife and son were the day of the fire.
August 29, 2025 at 9:43 PM
As a #MarshallFire survivor, I'm very glad to see that #BoulderCounty is upgrading their sirens and expanding their use to a variety of hazards, including wildfires. Sirens are particularly helpful for people who are outdoors, like my wife and son were the day of the fire.
“This is not about one official. It is about the systematic dismantling of public health institutions, the silencing of experts, and the dangerous politicization of science.” ~US Senator Patty Murray.
Dr. Monarez is standing up for science. Demand that Kennedy be fired.
www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/h...
Dr. Monarez is standing up for science. Demand that Kennedy be fired.
www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/h...
CDC left leaderless after new Director Dr. Susan Monarez is ousted and other key officials follow | CNN
Dr. Susan Monarez, who was sworn in as director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 31, has been removed from the position, the White House said Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:42 AM
“This is not about one official. It is about the systematic dismantling of public health institutions, the silencing of experts, and the dangerous politicization of science.” ~US Senator Patty Murray.
Dr. Monarez is standing up for science. Demand that Kennedy be fired.
www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/h...
Dr. Monarez is standing up for science. Demand that Kennedy be fired.
www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/h...
NWS Morristown has issued a #SevereThunderstormWarning for southwestern Hamilton County and parts of Marion county including #Chattanooga and other areas. Torrential rainfall and flooding is also possible. #TNwx
forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
August 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM
NWS Morristown has issued a #SevereThunderstormWarning for southwestern Hamilton County and parts of Marion county including #Chattanooga and other areas. Torrential rainfall and flooding is also possible. #TNwx
forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatx...
Heads up #Chattanooga and folks in the N AL/SE TN/N GA areas -- isolated to scattered flash flooding is possible this afternoon and evening. For meteorological details, see:
wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/met...
#TNwx
wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/met...
#TNwx
August 15, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Heads up #Chattanooga and folks in the N AL/SE TN/N GA areas -- isolated to scattered flash flooding is possible this afternoon and evening. For meteorological details, see:
wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/met...
#TNwx
wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/metwatch/met...
#TNwx
Thankfully the latest round of storms has not been as heavy as yesterday's downpours. The rain at CHA began at around 12:25 PM yesterday. With the latest addition from today's rain, the airport appears to have reached an unholy 24-hour rainfall total of 6.66". Subject to change. #Chattanooga #TNwx
August 13, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Thankfully the latest round of storms has not been as heavy as yesterday's downpours. The rain at CHA began at around 12:25 PM yesterday. With the latest addition from today's rain, the airport appears to have reached an unholy 24-hour rainfall total of 6.66". Subject to change. #Chattanooga #TNwx
NWS Morristown just issued a Flash Flood Warning for southern Hamilton County, including Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, southern Bradley County, and Marion County. Up to 1" of new rain has already fallen and another 0.5-2" are possible.
forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...
forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...
August 13, 2025 at 3:43 PM
NWS Morristown just issued a Flash Flood Warning for southern Hamilton County, including Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, southern Bradley County, and Marion County. Up to 1" of new rain has already fallen and another 0.5-2" are possible.
forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...
forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.ph...
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
As of 10:00 PM EDT traffic flowing again on I-24 east and west, just west of the 24/75 junction. Large amounts of backed up traffic in all directions approaching the area before traffic can move at speed again. Updates tonight on @WDEFNews12.
August 13, 2025 at 2:05 AM
As of 10:00 PM EDT traffic flowing again on I-24 east and west, just west of the 24/75 junction. Large amounts of backed up traffic in all directions approaching the area before traffic can move at speed again. Updates tonight on @WDEFNews12.
A quick thread on today's extreme rainfall event in #Chattanooga. Lovell Field Airport (CHA) just experienced 6.20" of rain in a 6-hour period.
weather.gov/wrh/timeseri...
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weather.gov/wrh/timeseri...
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August 13, 2025 at 2:21 AM
A quick thread on today's extreme rainfall event in #Chattanooga. Lovell Field Airport (CHA) just experienced 6.20" of rain in a 6-hour period.
weather.gov/wrh/timeseri...
1/
weather.gov/wrh/timeseri...
1/
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
WPC issued as many as six MPDs for the deadly flash flooding in the TX Hill Country starting yesterday evening and lasting through much of today. The first MPD generally set the stage for what was to come, while the next three shown were as the event unfolded.
July 5, 2025 at 12:03 AM
WPC issued as many as six MPDs for the deadly flash flooding in the TX Hill Country starting yesterday evening and lasting through much of today. The first MPD generally set the stage for what was to come, while the next three shown were as the event unfolded.
The Administration's proposed FY26 budget terminates NOAA's weather research programs and cooperative institutes, transferring just a handful of functions to NWS. This would eviscerate nearly all of NOAA's weather research infrastructure & expertise. balancedweather.substack.com/p/balancedwx...
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BalancedWx Special: NOAA releases its FY26 budget justification document
It's still the OMB budget - but now with all the gory disastrous details
balancedweather.substack.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:53 PM
The Administration's proposed FY26 budget terminates NOAA's weather research programs and cooperative institutes, transferring just a handful of functions to NWS. This would eviscerate nearly all of NOAA's weather research infrastructure & expertise. balancedweather.substack.com/p/balancedwx...
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These images sum up where the U.S. is currently at. Our Constitution, people, and liberties are under threat.
Called my TN Senators today and urged them to vote NO on this ugly, nasty bill that would cut vital services, science, and infrastructure investment.
#NoKings
Called my TN Senators today and urged them to vote NO on this ugly, nasty bill that would cut vital services, science, and infrastructure investment.
#NoKings
June 11, 2025 at 6:44 PM
These images sum up where the U.S. is currently at. Our Constitution, people, and liberties are under threat.
Called my TN Senators today and urged them to vote NO on this ugly, nasty bill that would cut vital services, science, and infrastructure investment.
#NoKings
Called my TN Senators today and urged them to vote NO on this ugly, nasty bill that would cut vital services, science, and infrastructure investment.
#NoKings
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Two minutes worth of Republicans JD Vance, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Jim Jordan, and John Thune criticizing the use of the IRS to punish organizations for their politics:
April 16, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Two minutes worth of Republicans JD Vance, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, Jim Jordan, and John Thune criticizing the use of the IRS to punish organizations for their politics:
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
HAPPY TAX DAY!
How much would you spend on a year of tornado warnings? The average US taxpayer spends only $4 a year to help fund the NWS. It’s a smart investment—every $1 invested in NWS yields approx. $73 in social benefits.
🌪️❄️ Support science. Support the NWS.
Stay tuned for more this #TaxDay
How much would you spend on a year of tornado warnings? The average US taxpayer spends only $4 a year to help fund the NWS. It’s a smart investment—every $1 invested in NWS yields approx. $73 in social benefits.
🌪️❄️ Support science. Support the NWS.
Stay tuned for more this #TaxDay
April 15, 2025 at 5:02 PM
HAPPY TAX DAY!
How much would you spend on a year of tornado warnings? The average US taxpayer spends only $4 a year to help fund the NWS. It’s a smart investment—every $1 invested in NWS yields approx. $73 in social benefits.
🌪️❄️ Support science. Support the NWS.
Stay tuned for more this #TaxDay
How much would you spend on a year of tornado warnings? The average US taxpayer spends only $4 a year to help fund the NWS. It’s a smart investment—every $1 invested in NWS yields approx. $73 in social benefits.
🌪️❄️ Support science. Support the NWS.
Stay tuned for more this #TaxDay
Reposted by Jonathan Vigh
Love to see it:
9 leading research universities & 3 university associations sue the Energy Department over its "flagrantly unlawful action" on April 11 "slashing “indirect cost rates” for government-funded research.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
9 leading research universities & 3 university associations sue the Energy Department over its "flagrantly unlawful action" on April 11 "slashing “indirect cost rates” for government-funded research.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
April 14, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Love to see it:
9 leading research universities & 3 university associations sue the Energy Department over its "flagrantly unlawful action" on April 11 "slashing “indirect cost rates” for government-funded research.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
9 leading research universities & 3 university associations sue the Energy Department over its "flagrantly unlawful action" on April 11 "slashing “indirect cost rates” for government-funded research.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...