Graphic radar image from the Blue Ridge Escarpment (SC/NC mountains) [View all]

[DemoTex]

This is a graphic radar image of a weather phenomenon here on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, that we see from time to time. Usually with a strong southwest flow. I have tried to explain it to many folks, but - here - a picture is worth not having to listen to me explain atmospheric physics.

The strong southeast flow from Irma is piling moisture up against the Blue Ridge Escarment. The resultant phenomenon looks like a line of thunderstorms on radar (blue circle). It is NOT thunderstorms, but it IS vertically deflected rain.

I called this at about 5:45 pm, and WYFF-TV's John Cessarich described it twenty minutes later! John Cessarich says the worst is yet to come (between now and midnight), with up to six more inches of rain.