Wild Wierd Weather Week

It was a weird week here in the Northern Tier of PA. Weatherwise, that is.

Early last Monday morning, while Terry and I were still in Milwaukee, an EF1 Tornado struck in the town of Knoxville in the northwest corner of Tioga County. It did some serious damage but caused no deaths or serious injuries.

Then the heat struck and it reached into the 90s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hazy, hot an humid were the code words for those two days, but that changed with Wednesday night.

It was then that the winds really kicked up. Blowing at 25-30 mph with higher gusts, and out of the north-northwest, they ushered in a bunch of drier, cool air--and, eventually, frost warnings for Thursday night/Friday morning. Sighting birds in the gale Thursday morning was difficult but the walk was very comfortable.

Some folks visiting from New Jersey didn't think the trail in Pine Creek Gorge was comfortable, however. Part of a senior citizens' tour, they were taking a covered wagon ride from Route 6 south to the Grand Canyon (probably stopping at the CCC camp along the way) and then were on their way back to the trail head when the strong winds caused an oak tree to fall on them. A big oak tree. (Citizens critical after tree hit wagon) Ten folks were injured with three women being taken by helicopter to Sayre. Two of them were in critical condition last I heard.

The winds calmed down late Thursday afternoon (triggering the frost warnings) and Friday was a beautiful day. Saturday started out gorgeous if somewhat chilly, but some light showers at the Aerie--and some scattered T-storms in the area--put a damper on the afternoon. Sunday promises to be a nice day once the early morning clouds get out of here. Sunny and mid-70s is what they say.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (sunny and 75-80) look like great days to be outdoors. I've got some firewood gathering to do and, who knows, maybe even a little fishing.