Deadly storms: Hereโs what weather icon Frank Billingsley thinks hit Houston last night
The National Weather Service will make the final determination, but Houston weather icon Frank Billingsley suspects the weather phenomenon that roared through downtown and the northwestern suburbs might have been a derecho.
An early hurricane heads-up for Houston and Texas
For 20 years now, engineer Dale Link has issued a broad hurricane forecast for the United States (and all over the world) indicating not โhow manyโ hurricanes weโll have in a given season, but where those storms have a 50-50 chance of making landfall.
The countdown commences!
You know the song: โ99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer, Take one down, pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wallโ.....well, we are now 99 days away from the start of the Atlantic hurricane season! Pardon the alcohol reference, but today IS National Margarita Day, so there is that salty recognition.
โPray for Victorโ: Tillman Fertitta excited about Rocketsโ draft pick
At the Knights of Momus Parade in Galveston, Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta yelled out โPray for Victor,โ referring to the Rocketsโ hope to draft French super prospect Victor Wembanyana in the 2023 NBA Draft, while wrapping up an interview with KPRC 2โฒs Frank Billingsley.
Another hurricane forecast: where will they go?
Iโve blogged about Dale Linkโs forecasting for hurricanes before: rather than forecasting HOW MANY hurricanes we will have in a given season, Dale forecasts the likeliest landfalls. His claim is that hurricane strength storms will pass through his forecast zones a little more than half the time. Last year, however, didnโt work out (thank goodness) as planned. Here is Daleโs 2022 forecast, the red areas being the different zones that should expect a pretty good chance for a hurricane:
The supercell set up
If you were affected by Tuesdayโs tornado outbreak, you probably donโt care much if this weather set-up compared to the Channelview tornadoes back on Nov. 21, 1992. The comparison, however, is remarkable and we can always learn from the past when it comes to just how weather situations come together.
The plant rant
My landscape friends, the ones who make their living off all things growing in your yard, seem to be hearing the same question from customers: Why did my plants do so much worse during the last freeze than the big one in February of 2021?? We had plenty of notice on this freeze--10 days out even and beautiful weather leading up to it, so there was plenty of time to gets plants covered and protected. And yet....
Below-normal 2023 hurricane season?
Believe it or not, 2023 hurricane forecasts actually showed up last month and a group out of England, Tropical Storm Risk, issued theirs on Dec. 9, calling for a โbelow-normalโ hurricane season. TSR has been in the forecasting business since the early 1990s and most recently is headed up Dr. Adam Lea from University College London.
A re-tired reminder!
All the talk about pipes, plants, pools, pets and people this week and I havenโt heard a word about those four important players in your life--your tires! So with that in mind, Iโve brought back a blog about keeping you safe on the roads! This blog is from October when our temperatures dropped into the 30s and 40s! Well.....herewith....
Of course itโs the Polar Vortex!
Climatologist Dr. Judah Cohen points out that Siberia is the worldโs ice box and temperatures last week there were running in the MINUS 70s! So if those fast winds at the north pole (the polar vortex) weaken due to some undue warming, then that cold air crosses right over into Canada and the USA. You can get a sense of that happening from the Global temperature forecast here as those purple/white/blue colors---cold air---spill from Russia across the north pole and eventually into Texas!
Ghosts of Christmas past
Different Christmas mornings are remembered for many reasons and, hopefully, not for the weather! With any luck, you recall that first toy train, or doll, or bike....family reunions...engagements and celebrations! Saying that, I like to check out the data for the extremes of weather and decided to look not only at Houstonโs full historical record, but also to this century (as in the last 21 years).
Time to bundle up!
If youโre one of those looking for a reason to pull out the sweaters, scarves and jackets then I have a weather change for you! As you know from summer, a strong High Pressure system can settle in place and control the weather which is why we had relentless hot, dry days last June and July. Get ready for a similar set up as High Pressure settles in over the northwest and those winds around it shuttle in cold Canadian air all the way to Texas:
How accurate are those long range forecasts?
From golf tournaments and baseball playoffs to running marathons and throwing weddings, this is a time of year that forecast accuracy can be paramount. Generally, the weather is perfect this time of year which is why so many activities get scheduled, but those pesky raindrops can really get in the way!
Itโs a tie! Frank Billingsley, Derrick Shore voted favorite male TV personalities in OutSmart Magazineโs Readersโ Choice Awards
Houstonโs LGBTQ Magazine OutSmart announced Monday that KPRC 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley and Houston Life host Derrick Shore tied for favorite male TV personality in its annual Readersโ Choice Awards.
Big concert announcement to be made at Minute Maid Park (but we already have a pretty good guess who it is)
Just after lunchtime on Wednesday afternoon, newsrooms across Houston received a news release indicating a BIG announcement was going to be made the next morning at Minute Maid Park. It noted that details would be revealed about a concert happening at the ballpark next fall featuring โone of the greatest musicians of our time.โ
KPRC 2 kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with vaccine campaign
KPRC 2 is celebrating Hispanic Heritage by teaming up with Telemundo Houston to launch a multilingual COVID vaccine awareness public service campaign targeting Houstonโs LatinX community. The โPlan Your Vaccineโ campaign features news anchors from both stations.
Harris County meteorologist Jeff Lindner answers your questions about whatโs happening in the tropics
In a weather preparation event, Jeff Lindner, the Harris County meteorologist who became famous for his enduring presence through trouble during Hurricane Harvey, spoke with our KPRC 2 meteorologists Frank Billingsley and Justin Stapleton about whatโs brewing in the tropics. They also discussed how to keep informed whenever flooding rain is in the forecast in the future.
Swimming, gymnastics, and softball: Huge moments to watch at the Tokyo Games
Since itโs blazing hot in Houston, might we suggest staying inside tonight and watching what promises to be another exciting night at the Tokyo Olympics. Or if you donโt mind the heat, you can head down to Discovery Green for the largest Olympics Watch Party in Houston. Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley is there tonight and tomorrow. Other members of the KPRC 2 and Houston Life teams will be there throughout the week!
Youโre invited to Houstonโs largest Olympics watch party at Discovery Green
KPRC 2 is proud to partner with Discovery Green in downtown for Houstonโs biggest Olympics watch party! For five days, all the live action from the Tokyo Games will be projected onto the big screen of the Anheuser-Busch stage at Discovery Green and hosted by KPRC 2 on-air talent.
Signs of spring: How are things looking for the bluebonnets this year?
I heard from Marie before the freeze who had read my blog about using a heating cord to save her plants. She wrote me yesterday:โHi Frank, IT WORKED-you saved my trees & shrubs!! Will we have a good crop this year or did it take a hit from the frost?--JohnโAfter all, no one wrapped a heating cord around those. AdBut the real tell on the future of our flower is the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival which is scheduled to be in full force this year April 10-11. Thanks to all the Click2pins for the spring shots and signs of hope.
What the KPRC 2 team is thankful for this year
After a year like no other, KPRC 2 reporters and anchors share that theyโre grateful for friends, family, community and the technology thatโs kept everyone connected. As my 5 boys get older we just have more fun during holidays, trips, and day to day life. My family has supported me along the way and I love them so much.โVanessa Richardson, sports reporterโThis year especially, Iโm thankful for technology. My friends even held a Zoom party for my birthday in April!โKris Gutierrez, anchorโMy family has so much to be thankful for. So, I am thankful I have something to look forward to and 2020 is almost over!โMario Diaz, investigative reporterโIโm thankful for teachers.
What Al Rokerโs diagnosis teaches us about risk factors for prostate cancer
When it comes to prostate cancer, about six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older. โTurns out, I have prostate cancer," Roker admitted. โThen in groups that are at a higher risk of prostate cancer groups, like we mentioned African American men, for patients who have a family history of prostate cancer... screening even earlier. Screening involves mostly blood-based tests to look for prostate cancer.โIn recent years, there have been many options for men with prostate cancer. Hereโs what KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley chose during his battle with prostate cancer.
Did you catch the purple sky in Houston? Here are 7 breathtaking photos that you must see
HOUSTON โ Several KPRC 2 viewers sent in photos of the purple sky over the Houston area Friday evening. Houstonians can thank Hurricane Delta for the spectacular views. In this case, low clouds (very low) and moisture from Hurricane Delta scattered the light so we see violet. If you took photos of the amazing sunset, please send your photos to Click2Pins. Here are some of our favorite photos that you shared with us:Sarah Goebel ManvelKittyShannon68 RichmondKittyShannon68 RichmondDKCaldwell Tiki IslandCourageAcrossTexas New Caneyaimeek97 Deer Park
Ask 2: Why such an increase in Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico storms?
HOUSTON โ At KPRC 2, weโre dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: 2020 was predicted and has been an exceptional year for tropical storms. But why such an increase in Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico storms? Answer: From KPRC 2โฒs Frank Billingsley -- โThe water temps over the Gulf and the Caribbean are the warmest this year on the planet and the lack of El Niรฑo has meant less shear, or upper level wind, to tear storms apart.
KPRC 2โs Frank Billingsley honored with Admiralโs Commission in Texas Navy
HOUSTON โ Frank Billingsley was honored Saturday morning with an Admiralโs Commission in the Texas Navy at the Seaport in Galveston. Greg Abbott, as commander in chief of the Texas Navy, used his position as governor to honor several Texans who are special to Texas. โDuring the 1950s Governor Price Daniel popularized a tradition of Texas governors honoring citizens of Texas by proclaiming them โAdmirals in the Texas Navy,โ" according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. "Citizens receive their honorary title for a number of reasons such as special achievement in government service or athletics. Hereโs what a Texas Navy Admiral Commission is all aboutAdmiral Chester Barnes, commander of the Charles Hawkins Squadron of the Texas Navy, presented the Admiral Commission to Billingsley.
Bye, Bye Beta
HOUSTON โ Rain is the only thing left of Beta and it is moving through the Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. This batch of rain will continue to push into the mid-Atlantic states Friday before moving off shore this weekend. Here is a look at what Beta left behind in Southeast Texas:Heavy Rain with Storm Totals over 12โฒ'! Beta has dropped over a foot of rain in some locations in southern Metro Houston. The heaviest rain fell from Ellington Field and Pearland to west Houston.
LIVE BLOG: Conditions clearing up for some of those who were waterlogged
You can follow our coverage of the storm in the blog below:Wednesday, Sept. 2311:42 a.m. -- Conditions clearing up for some of those who were waterloggedConditions are clearing up for some of those who were waterlogged. 5:12 a.m. -- Flash Flood Warning in effect for Houston areas, including PearlandA Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Houston areas, including Pearland. 12:27 p.m. โ Flash Flood Warning in place until 2:15 a.m. for Colorado, Jackson and Wharton countiesWeather Alert: Flash Flood Warning for Colorado, Jackson, and Wharton County until 2:15am Tuesday. Tropical Storm #Beta has made landfall in Texas - the 9th named storm to make landfall in the continental US this year. Seabrook, Kemah and Shore Acres areasSeabrook is under a storm surge warning and a tropical storm warning.
Houston Newsmakers: Responding to Hurricane Laura
The United Way and the American Red Cross are the principal agencies kicking into gear to help with the initial response and to help build communities back to normal. The American Red Cross is often on the scene before a storm moves in and stays long after its gone. Henry Van de Putte is the CEO of the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast and gives the many options we have for helping the Red Cross help others. For those wanting to donate to the United Way agencies in that impacted area, they can text Laura to 40403And for those wanting to donate to the Red Cross, text Laura to 90999. Laura: A Near missthis timeKPRC Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley is joined by Jeff Lindner, meteorologist with the Harris County Flood Control District to talk about why Laura missed the Houston Metro and what to expect the rest of this hurricane season.
VIDEO: Local man finds waterspout over Galveston Island
A waterspout is a whirling column of air and water mist, according to the NOAAโs National Weather Service. Waterspouts fall into two categories: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. While fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward, according to the National Weather Service. These waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.
Houston Newsmakers: Hurricane season is here
Cristobal continues heading toward Louisiana coast (KPRC)Weโre only one week into the 2020 hurricane season and already looking at the 3rd named storm. Tropical storm Cristobal is the earliest a named storm has formed in the Atlantic basin and a hint of the potentially very active season ahead. Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley is a guest on this weekโs Houston Newsmakers to talk about the expected busy season ahead the best ways to prepare. https://bit.ly/374xDZMConversation with District Attorney Kim Ogg about:Transparency needed in law enforcementโWe see too many narcotics cases where the officer was not wearing a body cam. Kim OggWatch this weekโs Houston Newsmakers Sunday morning at 10:30amMore Information: ยทFrank Billingsley, KPRC Chief MeteorologistKim Ogg, Harris County District Attorney-
ASK 2 LIVE: Meteorologists Frank Billingsley and Eric Braate are discussing and taking questions about the 2020 hurricane season
HOUSTON The 2020 Hurricane season has begun and it already promises to be a busy one by multiple forecasts. KPRC 2s Frank Billingsley and Eric Braate are discussing what to expect for this hurricane season and are answering questions for registered KPRC 2 users. RELATED: Here is KPRC2s 2020 Hurricane & Flood Survival GuideHow to participate:Create an account on click2.houston.com by clicking the button in the top right-corner of the screen. Once youre logged in, you can post your questions in the live chat below and Frank and Eric will try to answer them for you. App users click here to participate in the live chat.
5 things Houstonians should know as hurricane season begins
HOUSTON The Atlantic hurricane season officially began Monday, but Mother Nature doesnt seem to know that. As the season gets started, here are five things you should know before a storm hits. Its supposed to be a busy seasonAll of the forecasts call for an above-average hurricane season this year. Prepare nowNow is the time to prepare your hurricane kit, which should include things like flashlights, batteries, a radio, food, medicine, cash and pet supplies. It only takes one stormWhile we dont know if any of the storms that develop this season will hit our region, it only takes one to cause major problems.
Ask 2 Live chat brings KPRC 2 anchors and fans together
HOUSTON โ On Wednesday, May 27, after the day's storms passed, KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse; Kris Gutierrez; Frank Billingsley; Khambrel Marshall and VP/General Manager Jerry Martin joined an intimate bunch of KPRC 2 fans for a live Q & A. There were questions about the business, personal questions for the anchors, and one question that made Jerry Martin blush and everyone else burst into laughter. KPRC 2 posted the notification about the Ask 2 Live chat on its Facebook page; anchors shared on their own pages as well. Fans then registered here on Click2Houston.com for their chance to be included in the live chat. Will there be more Ask 2 Live chats?