If you were anywhere on the East Coast on September 11, 2001, you remember how crystal clear the sky was in the moments before tragedy struck our nation.
I was in fourth grade, living roughly 45 minutes north of Manhattan, New York. Even for a kid who had no interest in weather at the time, I vividly remember that sky 23 years later.
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A hurricane miles offshore was partially responsible for the clear weather that morning.
Hurricane Erin was being shoved eastward by a front that had just moved through the Eastern U.S.
At the same time, winds gusting at 20 to 25 mph were part of what blew the smoke plumes away from New York City.
Unfortunately, we've learned over the years how toxic the air was in the moments after the attacks. To think that it could've been even worse without that wind is even more unfathomable.
In North Carolina, we're used to the weather after a hurricane. Oftentimes, the air feels drier and more comfortable and we tend to see more sunshine.
The dynamics of a hurricane were just part of what made the weather clear for an attack on our country.
The western side of a tropical system features sinking air, leading to drying air and sunshine. The eastern side of a tropical system is wetter, more volatile.
In the present day, we see how that plays out with Hurricane Francine as it moves up the Mississippi River Valley.
You can follow along here for the most up-to-date information on Francine.