Strong low level winds are responsible for creating severe turbulence conditions in airspace over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Small planes flying in this area, especially at altitudes around 10,000 feet will feel the worst effects. Commercial jet traffic traveling to or from the west of New York City area airports like Newark (EWR), JFK (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) or from/to Philadelphia-area airports like Trenton (TTN) or Philadelphia international (PHL), Atlantic City (ACY), and Baltimore and Washington, DC area airports like Reagan (DCA), Dulles (IAD), or Baltimore-DC (BWI), could experience significant turbulence in their flights in this airspace today.
One pilot issued an Urgent Pilot Report (PIREP) this morning saying the area was like “being in a washing machine.” Other pilots are reporting numerous moderate and severe turbulence reports in this general area. The National Weather Service’s Aviation Weather Center has issued a SIGMET XRAY out for Severe turbulence below FL100 in this area.
As the atmosphere relaxes in the wake of yesterday’s storm system, the threat of turbulence will diminish over time.
