WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): The severe storm system that blew through the area today brought not only damaging winds and rainy conditions, but additional aches and pains to the area. The air pressure across the storm’s track dropped significantly across the Midwest and central Appalachians, causing some discomfort across the region. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the details:
Our area saw the pressure drop to 29.25 inHg (990 mbar), short of the record of 28.7 inHg (972 mbar). While not close to the record, it is still a significant drop from our typical of 30.12 inHg (1020 mbar), leading to more aches and pains than usual over the course of today and into tonight.
However, a few areas in the Midwest and Great Lakes region saw pressure totals fall near records. St. Louis, MO saw their pressure drop to 29.1 inHg (984.1 mbar), which is close to their record of 28.7 inHg (977.6 mbar) set back in 1977. Chicago is another example of falling pressure getting close to records, as they saw air pressure of 29 inHg (981.9mbar). Their record is just .2 inHg off, standing at 28.7 inHg (971.9 mbar). They also neared the record for the month of March, being 28.97 inHg (981 mbar).
This storm has been very strong in terms of low pressure, coming close to or breaking records in many areas as it draped across the Midwest and Great Lakes. In addition, this storm is brining a round of snow to the area tonight and continued lower pressure values along with it. Make sure to have your winter coat and pain relievers at the ready for tomorrow’s morning commute.
