PDS BLIZZARD WARNINGS

The National Weather Service is considering implementing the use of “Particularly Dangerous Situation” wording in Blizzard Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings. This terminology has been used in other NWS Watch and Warning Products to highlight when a specific weather event has a particularly high risk to life and property. Since this has been used effectively in other NWS Watch and Warning products, the NWS is proposing expanding the use of this language to Blizzard Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings. While blizzards and ice storms are already among the most impactful winter storms, there are variations in their severity. The use of this language will allow the NWS to alert the public and other organizations such as emergency managers, as well as state and local officials.

Following a deadly tornado outbreak in 2011 that killed more than 300 people in Alabama, and another 160 a month later in Joplin, Missouri, the National Weather Service conducted a study to improve and enhance the warning process. One of the results of the study was that even with ample lead time, people were reluctant to take shelter until they saw or were confident the tornado was approaching. One solution was to issue Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado warnings when there was evidence of long-lived, strong, and violent tornadoes. PDS tornado warnings are a heightened version of a tornado warning and are only issued in rare situations. The enhanced wording is used to highlight the unusually high threat level to the public, emergency managers, and media.

For extremely dangerous tornadoes that pose an imminent or ongoing severe threat to human life and are capable of disastrous damage, the NWS issues a “tornado emergency,” vividly explaining the likely devastation, urging those in the path to seek immediate shelter underground or in a tornado shelter or face unsurvivable conditions. These warnings are for “catastrophic” tornadoes, those likely to cause “complete destruction of neighborhoods,” including “many well built homes and businesses,” according to the NWS. Such distinctions are rare, however, primarily because it’s often difficult to determine the severity of a tornado until after the event.

These tags along with cell phone notifications have allowed significant improvement in alerting the public of impending severe weather. I fully anticipate that in the future, high risk severe winter storms with imminent threats to life and property will contain descriptive tags in blizzard and ice storm scenarios.

A FRIENDLY BRAND OF WEATHER

The weather around the Midwest the remainder of this weekend and next week remains in a very collected fashion. Here's the 500mb flow this weekend, which still brings a hint of early fall-like conditions Sunday and Monday.

By Tuesday evening, the trough over the Great Lakes lifts out, and the flow goes zonal (west to east). This floods the central U.S. with mild air that allows temperatures to warm to summery levels that are above normal.

The EURO indicates highs in the 80s in the Quad Cities Tuesday through next weekend. There's even a day when highs may approach 90. The saving grace will be very dry air with dew points below 60. While the afternoons will be warm, they won't be muggy. Additionally, nighttime lows will cool nicely.

The big picture continues to show a pattern locally dominated by high pressure and dry conditions. Over the next 15 days, the EURO depicts little if any rainfall.

If the EURO verifies, rainfall deficits pushing 2 inches would result.

There you have it, the long and the short of it, which for the most part are pretty much the same. Enjoy and as always, roll weather...TS

PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!

ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW....thanks Myriam

AIRBNB has rated my renovated church in Galena A GUEST FAVORITE, A MOST LOVED home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.

Christa-Monument, Colorado

The Little White Church is amazing!!!! Pictures do not do it justice. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family. It is just so unique. Carolyn is an amazing host and super responsive. I would give our experience 6 out of 5 stars if I could.

Phillip-Queensland, Australia

Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!

Jill

The Little White Church is beautiful. The decorations are perfect, and it was redone with impeccable taste. Carolyn was a great host.

Brent

Such a gem. Relaxing in the countryside in a historic church that was beautifully decorated and recently renovated was exactly what we experienced. Everyone loved our stay, and we will be back!!!

Leigh

Beautiful and unique. We were all captivated by the adorable chapel turned AIRBNB

Jenny-Frisco, Texas

It was a magical place for our family to celebrate Christmas!

Kelly

What a gem! The Little White Church exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect spot to meet up with another couple to relax and explore nearby Galena. We enjoyed the beautiful great room with its fireplace and amazing views of the rolling countryside. (The photos simply can't do it justice). The charming church/home was quiet, well appointed and clean. And Carolyn was proactive with instructions and a terrific communicator. We will definitely be back!

John

Absolutely incredible! Loved the tranquility and the beautiful views. The decor was so inviting. AND the bell tower works!! Would 100% stay here again!

Tori-Cedar Falls

This place is so beautiful! Carolyn and Terry were so thoughtful and kind to let us have our wedding at the church. They even provided extra supplies in case we needed them. The private garden worked perfectly for our ceremony, and the backyard easily fit our reception needs. Not to mention, the balconies make perfect photo spots! My husband and I recommend the Little White Church and will be telling all our friends about it.

Mahesh-Buffalo Grove

Carolyn was a great host, very flexible! The place is super clean, spacious with a private backyard overlooking the fields and bluffs! We spent a lot of time on the deck. Great kitchen, clean bedrooms and baths. Highly recommend the place.

William

Great place. Great host. Will definitely book again and tell our friends.

Miriam

Carolyn and Terry's place is BEAUTIFUL! The Little White Church is a wonderful place, way more beautiful than the pictures. Everything is brand new and extremely clean. Staying at the church was a unique experience and I would love to come back soon. I strongly recommend the place if you are looking for a 5-star location!

Vanessa-Chicago

Carolyn was great! Absolutely beautiful place! I would not hesitate to go back. We spent Thanksgiving and the next night. Very well stocked and above and beyond with extras included. Thank you!

MAKE US AN OFFER...

What about pricing? Right now, we are able to offer you our best pricing ever. We have 3 nights for the price of 2 which, depending on the days, can save as much as $300-$400 dollars. If you book directly through us, you can also eliminate booking fees and taxes that the big chains charge. Cleaning fees are also drastically reduced. It all adds up to exceptional deals at a destination worth visiting. Let us assist in finding a time and price that works for you. Here's a link to some pictures. https://www.tswails.com/galena-airbnb

Carolyn and I will do all we can to make sure your stay is a memorable one. Please call or text Carolyn for more details and options and get a prime date while they are still available. Again, that's Carolyn at 563-676-3320. Or carolynswettstone@yahoo.com

Now that it's vacation season, there is no better place to visit than Galena and no better place to stay than my newly renovated AIRBNB, the Little White Church. We are located in the bluffs, just 5 miles from the 2nd largest tourism destination in Illinois. In fact, "Tourist Destination", rated Galena as the 2023 top place to visit in the entire Midwest.

Now is the best time to enjoy all there is to offer, and my 5-star AIRBNB is the perfect location to stay. Set in the rolling hills just outside of town, our completely renovated church is designed for you to unwind and relax.

Again, we are an AIRBNB Super host and can accommodate up to 8 guests. We've got cable, hi-speed WIFI, Sirius XM and a sparkling full kitchen. We are a home away from home and take great pride in cleanliness and comfort. All of our ratings have attained perfect 5-star status!

Hope to see you soon,

Terry and Carolyn

7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT GALENA

1. It’s Steeped In History

2. It’s Home To One Of The Best Main Streets In America

3. The Restaurants Are Amazing

4. There’s A Lot To Do Outdoors

5. You Don’t Have To Travel To The Mountains To Go Skiing

6. It’s A Great Place To Spend The Fourth Of July

7. Did I Mention The Shopping?