Winter Storm Decima to Bring a Cross-Country Mess of Snow and Ice to the West, Midwest and Northeast Into the Weekend

Winter Storm Decima - prounced DEH-si-mah - is poised to deliver another cross-country mess of snow, strong winds and some ice impacting a large swath of the nation into the upcoming weekend. Decima follows on the heels of Winter Storm Caly, which blanketed the U.S. with wintry weather from coast-to-coast last Thursday into this Monday, including the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast. Decima will get its start as a southward plunge of the jet stream, originating from the Gulf of Alaska, begins to plow into the western United States.

Energy in that jet-stream dip will eventually spawn an area of surface low pressure in the Plains, which will track northeastward with time through the central and eastern states. Moisture from that system will overlap with cold air to its north and from high pressure in the eastern states to make conditions ripe for the potential of snow, sleet and freezing rain in a large area.

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/winter-storm-decima-forecast-northwest-rockies-midwest-east 

Polar Vortex hype has return with an Arctic Blast

The term "polar vortex" wasn't born during the winter of 2014, but that's certainly when it became an internet star.

For the last three winters, virtually every forecast that brought cold weather into the United States was met with one question: "Is this the polar vortex?" Now, as the North prepares for multiple rounds of frigid weather, the polar vortex is back in the news.

It's true that the upcoming round of cold weather is associated with the polar vortex, but it's important to note what this phenomenon is, as well as what it isn't.

 Our weather takes place in the atmospheric layer known as the troposphere, stretching anywhere from 4 to 12 miles above the ground. One layer above that is the stratosphere, which is where the polar vortex mostly resides.

There are actually two polar vortices – one each at, or around, the North and South Poles. In the respective hemisphere's colder months, increased temperature differences between the mid-latitudes and the poles create a stronger vortex.

But if you're a cold-weather lover, a strong polar vortex actually keeps colder air locked in closer to the pole. In order for the arctic air to surge southward and into the U.S. or Europe, the stratosphere must warm, weakening and elongating the polar vortex.

Just because your area is getting hit by a potent winter storm does not mean that the storm itself is the "polar vortex." This phenomenon is a permanent feature of our atmosphere; it doesn't quite behave like a storm system.

In other words, the polar vortex might play some role in helping to push extremely cold air southward in the coming days, but it won't be responsible for spawning a nasty winter storm. Remember, the polar vortex isn't found in the layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs, so while the different layers interact, storm systems aren't formed in the stratosphere.

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the polar vortex isn't a newcomer to meteorology. This is a phenomenon that scientists have known about since before the Civil War, according to Stu Ostro, senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel.

"Global warming did not create polar vortexes, though the changing climate might be changing the nature of them," Ostro wrote in early 2014. "Nor did humans create the term this week ... it's been an accepted scientific one for at least 75 years."

Tropical Cyclone Vardah makes landfall in Chennai, India.

Tropical Cyclone Vardah made landfall Monday near Chennai, India, killing at least two and forcing the evacuation of thousands.

According to the Times of India, at least two people were killed, although no details were provided. 

In addition, at least 24 huts have been damaged and more than 8000 people were evacuated to 95 relief camps by the National Disaster Management Authority.

Vardah moved ashore just north of Chennai Monday afternoon as the equivalent of a Category 1 tropical cyclone. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center in its final advisory estimated Vardah's maximum sustained winds were 85 mph just prior to landfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of a storm surge about 1 meter (3.2 feet) above normal tide levels in low-lying areas of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Nellore districts. 

Wunderground personal weather stations measured 6 to 10 inches of rainfall as of Monday afternoon in the Chennai metro area. 

Heavy rainfall was likely to spread westward into southern India as Vardah slowly weakened.

The area of disturbed weather that eventually formed into Vardah impacted southern Thailand earlier last week. At least 14 people were killed by severe flooding.

Just over a year ago, a pair of torrential rain events triggered massive flooding in Chennai, claimed at least 269 lives and shut down the city's airport and train station.

According to NOAA's best track database, Vardah was the closest Category 1 or stronger landfall to hit Chennai in over 50 years. The last struck on Nov. 28, 1966. 

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/tropical-cyclone-vardah-bay-of-bengal-india-december-2016 

Deadly winter storm

Winter Storm Caly arrived in the Northeast on Monday after making its march across the northern United States, leaving behind a path of travel woes and at least one person dead.

Snow is falling throughout northern New England and traffic is moving at reduced on snow-packed roads. Numerous schools have canceled or delayed classes on Monday.

On Sunday, some 1,340 flights were canceled at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports as the deadly storm began dumping snow on the city, reports NBCNews.

The storm will continue moving eastward, bringing moderate accumulations of snow to northeastern New York as well as central and northern New England on Monday, says weather.com meteorologist Roy Lucksinger. The heaviest snowfall will be across portions of central and northern Maine, with amounts generally from 5 to 10 inches.

 

The storm has created travel woes from Oregon into the Midwest before its arrival in the Northeast.

Michigan

A plane slid off of the runway at Detroit Metro Airport Sunday afternoon in icy conditions.

According to Delta officials, Flight 724 arriving from Buffalo landed safely but the McDonnell Douglas MD-88 slid off the icy runway as it was making its way from the runway onto a taxiway, according to WXYZ.

No injuries were reported.

Minnesota

Caly has dumped up to a foot of snow on parts of Minnesota, making road slicks and causing hundreds of crashes.

The Minnesota State Patrol says it has responded to 600 crashes statewide since Saturday morning, with more than 220 spinouts. No fatal or serious injuries are reported.

According to weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce, Granite Falls, Minnesota has seen the greatest accumulation from Caly thus far, with 10 inches recorded. 

Oregon

Icy conditions continued to wreak havoc on travel Saturday as authorities shut down an interstate as a safety precaution.

Portland's fire and rescue service said it responded to 378 emergencies into Friday evening, and on Saturday it rescued around 100 people trapped on a darkened train after a high voltage line was downed.

No injuries were reported.

One person was killed Thursday morning in a car crash that was blamed on driving conditions made dangerous by Caly.

A Benton County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told the Corvallis Gazette-Times that a driver was killed in a two-car crash just after 8 a.m. Thursday morning on Highway 99W near Adair Village. The other car's driver was not injured, the report added.

"It was weather related," Detective Sergeant David Peterson told the Gazette-Times. "It was because of the icy conditions."

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/winter-storm-caly-impacts 

Winter storm Caly

Winter Storm Caly is making its final stop in the Northeast region on Monday where snow will fall through the afternoon hours. The storm began its cross-country trek last Thursday in the Pacific Northwest, and then spread into the Midwest over the weekend. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service from parts of the northern New England.Here is a recap of Caly so far, beginning with the most recent snow in the Northeast, followed by a look at what happened in the Midwest and West.

Northeast Region

Snow began to spread into the Northeast Sunday afternoon. Here are some of the top snowfall totals by state, as of Monday morning.

Connecticut: 2.4 inches in Staffordville
Maine: 4 inches in Auburn
Massachusetts: 6 inches in Lanesborough
New Hampshire: 4 inches in Atkinson
New Jersey: 3.2 inches in Wantage
​New York: 7.4 inches in Middle Grove
Pennsylvania: 7 inches in New Lebanon
Rhode Island: 2 inches in Burrillville
Vermont: 5 inches near Wilmington

Midwest Region

Snow began to spread into the northern Plains and Midwest on Saturday. Here are some top snowfall totals by state, as of Monday morning.

Illinois: 10.8 inches near Bull Valley
Indiana: 9 inches near Simonton Lake
Iowa: 6 inches in Forest City
Michigan: 11.3 inches in White Lake; 10.7 inches at Detroit-Metro airport
Minnesota: 12.1 inches near Redwood Falls
Nebraska: 3 inches near Valentine
Ohio: 9 inches near Tedrow
North Dakota: 5 inches near Plaza
South Dakota: 8.6 inches near Clear Lake
Wisconsin: 9.1 inches near Palmyra

Western Region

Snow was reported in northwest Oregon, including around Salem and Portland, northward into southern Washington ahead of a warm front Thursday evening. Portland measured an inch of snow and up to 0.75 inches of ice was reported in the Portland area, which caused power outages. Along and behind the warm front, this snow changed over to freezing rain in the lower elevations of the Pacific Northwest. recorded. Snow also spread east throughout the Rockies.

Here are some notable reports by state in the West. All reports are for snow unless otherwise indicated.

Colorado: 18 inches at Arapahoe Ski Basin
Idaho: Up to 46.1 inches estimated at Galena Summit
Oregon: 11 inches at Hood River; 7.0 inches in Bend; Over 1/2 inch ice east of Portland in East Laurelhurst neighborhood
Montana: 9.5 inches in Columbus Falls
Nevada: Up to 32 inches at Mount Rose Ski Area
Utah: 25 inches at Powder Mountain
Washington: 18.0 inches near Packwood; up to 1/2 inch ice near Maple Valley
Wyoming: 29.0 inches at Jackson Hole

source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/winter-storm-caly-snow-northwest-midwest-northeast-december-2016 

Winter Storm Argos hits Northeast with 20 inches of snow

Winter Storm Argos has now dumped over 20 inches of snow in parts of the interior Northeast, and, along with strong winds, has produced whiteout conditions in parts of New York state and northern New England. More than just a pure lake-effect event, wrapping in moisture from the western Atlantic Ocean, central and Upstate New York have been hammered by heavy snow overnight Sunday into Monday, with snow rates of 2 inches per hour in one particular strong lake-enhanced snowband. This will close out Argos' cross-country journey, which started during the middle of last week in the Rockies where over a foot of snow fell. Argos then spread blizzard conditions into the northern Plains to close out last week before advancing east over the weekend. Several locations of New York state, northern Pennsylvania, even the Berkshires of western Massachusetts have now picked up over a foot of snow, and some have now topped 20 inches.

https://www.wunderground.com/news/winter-storm-argos-forecast-plains-midwest-northeast-nov-2016

Thanksgiving forecast

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

 Friday

https://www.wunderground.com/news/thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2016 

Death toll Rises to 3 as Winter Storm Argos comes through US

The death toll from Winter Storm Argos has risen to three as the storm moved across parts of the Intermountain West, through the Plains and into the Northeast Sunday.  A fatal crash has been reported in Pennsylvania as parts of the region were clobbered by a heavy round of snow that rendered roads unsafe. 

In Minnesota, the State Patrol told the Associated Press there were nearly 450 crashes and 860 spinouts statewide as the storm marched across the country. At least two deaths happened on icy roads Friday. A 42-year-old man from Fulda died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 59 while a 68-year-old Morton woman died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 71.

The snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of Wyoming and Montana Thursday before marching eastward into the Plains and Midwest on Friday. Nearly two feet fell on parts of Minnesota. Schools were canceled in some parts of the upper Midwest ahead of the storm's arrival, and authorities urged drivers to stay home when the heavy snow started to fall.

Winter Storm Argos will produce snow and strong winds over mainly interior portions of the Northeast through Monday, says weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce, leading to hazardous travel conditions. More than a foot of snow could fall in the highest terrain of New York.

Strong winds from Argos will also impact the I-95 corridor of the Northeast, though no snow will fall there.

https://www.wunderground.com/news/winter-storm-argos-impacts-latest-news 

Tropical Depression Sixteen

Tropical Depression Sixteen has formed in the southwest Caribbean Sea and may become a rare Thanksgiving hurricane before dousing parts of Central America with flooding rainfall in the coming days.The center of Tropical Depression Sixteen was located about 300 miles east of the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast.Tropical Depression Sixteen will move very little the next several days. Late this week, high pressure will build to its north, and the clockwise steering flow around that high will send this system westward towards the coast of Nicaragua or Costa Rica. Currently, wind shear is keeping somewhat of a lid on intensification.

However, later this week, wind shear is expected to relax, and the tropical cyclone is expected to become a rare, late-season hurricane before making landfall in Nicaragua or Costa Rica.It will be a concern for Central America, however, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. This region will be at risk for heavy rain capable of causing flooding and mudslides. Some locations may pick up over 10 inches of rain from this system.

In addition, areas of heavy rain well to the north of the circulation may trigger flooding in parts of Honduras and Belize. Any wind and storm surge impact will depend on the strength of the system as it moves inland, which remains uncertain at this time.

The future "Otto" is expected to weaken rapidly soon after making landfall, as the circulation is ripped apart by the higher terrain of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

How Unusual is a Named Storm This Late in the Hurricane Season?

As waters cool farther north and east, and upper-level winds strengthen, the area where tropical cyclones can form shrinks.

In November, tropical cyclones typically form where the waters are warmest. Thus, one cluster of storms forming in November is in the western Caribbean Sea.

A second broad area of formation is in a broad swath of the western and central Atlantic Ocean, sometimes spinning off from an old frontal boundary, sometimes transitioning from a cold-core low to a subtropical or tropical cyclone.According to NOAA's best track database, prior to January 2016's strange Hurricane Alex, only 18 storms of at least tropical storm strength had formed on or after November 21 dating to 1950.

The last to do so prior to Alex and the current system was Tropical Storm Olga in December 2007.

If the current system becomes a hurricane, that would be even more rare on a couple of fronts.

Only nine tropical cyclones became hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin after November 21 from 1950 through 2015. The last to do so was Epsilon in December 2005. 

Only one of those nine hurricanes occurred in the southwest Caribbean Sea, Hurricane Martha in 1969.

Systems that do develop across the Caribbean Sea can gain some organization, as the area has supported such late-season hurricanes as Kate in 1985 and Michelle in 2001. The former became the latest landfalling hurricane in Florida’s history on Nov. 21.

Since 1851, Florida has been impacted by eight tropical storms and hurricanes in November. The only other states with more than one November impact were also in the Southeast: Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

Typically, November tropical systems follow upper-level flow and cold fronts northeastward into the Atlantic Ocean. 

 In the period of record from 1851 to 2014, no tropical storm or hurricane has impacted the western Gulf Coast from Texas to Mississippi.

In 2015, Hurricane Kate was an early-November oddity, forming from a tropical wave that first soaked the Lesser Antilles, then becoming the farthest north hurricane so late in the season on record north of Bermuda. 

By the way, Atlantic Basin tropical storms even form in December, and January, on rare occasions. 

 https://www.wunderground.com/news/tropical-depression-sixteen-tropical-storm-otto

Deaths and Damages as typhoon Haima lashes China

Tyhoon Haima slammed into southern China on Friday, leaving at least one person dead, knocking out power and disrupting airport services. 

A 50-year-old man was found dead along the waterfront of Tseung Kwan O, the South China Morning Post reports. Police suspect he was walking along the rocky shore when he lost his footing and fell.

A woman was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for head injuries after strong winds caused a metal bar to break free from a sign board and fall on her in Sha Tin, the Morning Post also reports. 

Haima, known locally as "Lawin," made landfall shortly after noon in the city of Shanwei in Guangdong province, packing winds of up to 166 kilometers (103 miles) per hour before weakening to a tropical storm.

No major damage was immediately reported, though reports said some villages had experienced power outages and officials were on alert for heavy flooding and landslides.

 

Government officials in Hong Kong told the South China Morning Post that they received almost 200 reports of fallen trees, including two massive timbers near Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, which cut off six lanes of traffic on Gloucester Road. Airports saw at least 740 flights canceled or delayed due to the storm.In the city of Shenzhen, authorities ordered schools, markets and factories to close, halted public transportation and evacuated some areas.

 

A total of 85 trains were ordered to stop servicesthrough Saturday, the Nanchang Railway Bureau of Jiangxi told ChinaDaily.com.

 

Haima lashed the financial hub with rain and wind gusts of up to 68 mph. Schools and offices were shut, trading on the stock market suspended and commuter ferry services halted after the third most serious storm signal was hoisted, leaving an eerie calm in the streets of the normally bustling city. More than 740 flights to and from the city's international airport were canceled or delayed. By early afternoon, the storm was about 70 miles east of the city and moving away.

 

Residents and officials in Guangzhou began making preparations ahead of the storm. 

 

Ferry and train services were canceled and major construction sites were required to cease activity, according to NewsGD.com. A yellow alert was issued by the Guangzhou meteorological bureau, indicating the suspension of kindergarten, primary and high school classes.

The Shenzhen government has also ordered kindergartens and schools to suspend Friday classes. 

In the Philippines, Haima's blinding winds and rain on Thursday had rekindled fears of the catastrophe wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which left 7,300 dead, but there has been no report of any major damage. Large casualties appeared to have been averted after more than 100,000 people fled to safer ground. Several villages were cut off by fallen trees, landslides and floods, impeding communications and aid.

At least 13 people were killed, mostly in landslides and floods, in the fast-moving storm, officials said. But the evacuations from high-risk communities helped prevent a larger number of casualties and thousands were still in emergency shelters due to a powerful that hit the north a few days.

The extent of damage in Cagayan, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) north of Manila, where the typhoon made landfall, was evident in overturned vans, toppled or leaning electric posts and debris blocking roads. Most stores, their window panes shattered and canopies shredded by the wind, were closed.

President Rodrigo Duterte, on a state visit to China, urged people to heed orders by disaster agencies. Duterte is to fly home Friday.

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/typhoons-sarika-haima-philippines-china 

U.S. Warm Records Are Trouncing Cold Records by Over 4:1 in 2016

The number of U.S. daily warm records is trouncing the number of corresponding cold records so far in 2016, according to a government database.

Through October 18, there have been 49,038 daily warm records tied or broken in the U.S., consisting of either record warm high or low temperatures, according to data from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. 

By contrast, NOAA/NCEI data found only 11,656 daily cold records tied or broken over that same year-to-date period, consisting of either record cold high or low temperature.

In short, there have been just over 4 daily warm records for every cold record in the U.S. so far.

NOAA's database considers only those stations with at least 30 years of records.

Similarly, there have been 1,630 warm records for a particular month set in 2016, so far, but only 274 such cold records, a ratio of almost 6 monthly warm records for every monthly cold record. 

For all-time records set so far, the ratio of just over 24 warm records (171) for every cold record (7). 

This isn't surprising considering the first nine months of 2016 were the second warmest such January-September period on record dating to 1895, according to a NOAA/NCEI report released earlier. 

(MORE: 2016 Likely to be Earth's Warmest on Record)

Only 2012 has had a warmer start than 2016, so far.

Every state except Oklahoma (11th warmest), Texas (11th warmest) and Utah (12th warmest) have had at least a top 10 warmest first nine months of 2016, according to NOAA/NCEI. 

Alaska crushed its previous warmest first nine months of any year by 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit, a record that had stood for 90 years.

Atlanta-based meteorologist Guy Walton has examined the ratio between daily record warm highs and cold lows, finding that ratio has been increasing with time since the 1970s. 

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/us-warm-cold-records-2016-noaa

First snow on the Northeast after record warm temperatures.

Snow has fallen over some of the higher elevations of the Northeast this weekend, shifting away from a week of record warmth.

Several locations saw about a half foot of snow in the Adirondacks of New York, according to reports submitted to the National Weather Service.

Snow also accumulated in parts of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Bolton, Vermont, saw 9 inches of snow while Holland was close behind with 8 inches. In New Hampshire, 4.3 inches was measured near Randolph.

Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia showed signs of transforming into a winter wonderland, providing a snowy backdrop for the USA Cycling Collegiate race Saturday. 

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/snow-northeast-new-york-high-elevation 

Rainy season to start soon for west coast soon

A pattern change in late October usually signals the beginning of the rainy season in portions of the West and this year is no different. Beneficial rainfall has already occurred, making a positive impact in some areas experiencing drought and a wet pattern looks to be developing in the week ahead. 

Rain will return to the forecast in the West to start the week. Then, another area of low pressure may approach the California coast late in the week, bringing more wet weather to an area that desperately needs it.

An unsettled pattern is developing to start this week. Chances for rain increase Sunday-Monday for the Pacific Northwest and northern California as a strong low pressure system approaches the region.

Current Satellite

Rainfall is generally expected to be light through Monday with most locations receiving less than an inch. Portions of northwestern California and western Oregon, however, may receive up to three inches of rainfall.

(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

Five Day Forecast

Another low pressure system may impact the Pacific Northwest Wednesday, bringing another round of mainly light rain to the region. 

(FORECAST: Los Angeles | Sacramento, California | Portland, Oregon | Seattle)

Rainfall and Snowfall Forecast

Late this week, a third low pressure system is expected to approach the West coast and may bring significant rain farther south into central and southern California. A few thunderstorms are even possible with this late week system. If moderate to heavy rain does develop in southern California there will be the risk of mudslides and debris flows on recent burn areas.

There is currently some uncertainty on timing and strength of this potential system given that it is several days away so be sure to check back to weather.com for forecast updates.

Drought Improvement

A series of low pressure systems brought much-needed rainfall to the Pacific Northwest last week into early this week. Damaging winds were also observed in Oregon and Washington late last week.

The drought monitor released on Oct. 20 showed for the first time since early June there is a small part of California that isn't analyzed as even abnormally dry, in the far northwest corner of the state. In fact, 7.77 percent of the state is not experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions, which is the most since March 2013. 

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/good-start-rainy-season-west-more-october-rain 

Tropical Depression Twenty-E has formed West of Mexico

Tropical Depression Twenty-E has formed well off the coast of Mexico and is expected to strengthen over the next several days. This new system will move west-northwest away from Mexico and is no threat to land.

Here's the latest from the National Hurricane Center:

• Tropical Depression Twenty-E was located just over 400 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, as of Sunday morning.
• The depression is forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Seymour sometime on Sunday. Future Seymour may become a hurricane this week.
• This system is moving away from Mexico and is no threat to land at this time.

Source: https://www.wunderground.com/news/tropical-depression-twenty-e-tropical-storm-hurricane-seymour 

2016-2017 Winter Storm Names

The Weather Channel and weather.com on Tuesday released its winter storm names for the 2016-2017 season, marking the fifth season of naming winter storms.

The names will be used in alphabetical order to identify winter storms that meet naming criteria. The 2012-2013 list for winter storms was the first of its kind to be developed by The Weather Channel.

"It's simply easier to communicate about a complex storm if it has a name, which our naming program has demonstrated," said Bryan Norcross, senior hurricane specialist at The Weather Channel and compiler of the list. "Good communications benefits everyone."

According to winter weather expert Tom Niziol of The Weather Channel, there were 22 named winter storms in the 2015-2016 season, matching the total from the 2014-2015 season, but less than the 26 named storms in 2013-2014 and 27 storms in 2012-2013. 

The Bozeman, Montana, High School Latin class, which has contributed to the winter storm name list since 2013-2014, once again contributed to the 2016-2017 list.

Below is the list of 26 names to be used this season, as well as background on each and a guide for names with multiple or difficult pronunciations.

Argos (AR-gus): A city in Greece and in Greek mythology the home of a number of kings. People have lived in this location for the past 7,000 years.

Blanche:  The French word for white. From the Latin word blancus.

Caly (CAY-lee): A variation of Kaylee, short for Katherine. From the Greek name Aikaterine.

Decima (DEH-sih-mah): One of the Fates in Roman mythology

Europa (your-OH-pah): From Greek mythology, the name of a princess who was abducted by Zeus. Europe is named for her.

Fortis (FOR-tis): A Latin word for strong.

Gregory: Derived from the Latin name Gregorius, which came from the Greek word gregoros meaning watchful or alert.

Helena (HEH-leh-na): The Latin version of the Greek name, Helen. Helen of Troy was a mythological character described as the most beautiful woman in the world and appears in a variety of myths.

Iras (EYE-rus):A character in Shakespeare’s tragedy “Antony and Cleopatra”, a story about the Roman general and leader and his queen at the end of their lives.

Jupiter:The supreme god in Roman mythology, ultimately derived from Zeus plus pater, Latin for father.

Kori (KORE-ee): A version of Corey, which was derived from the Old Norse name, Korí.

Leo: The Ancient Latin word for lion.

Maya:A variation of Maia from Greek and Roman mythology. To Romans, Maia was the goddess of spring. The month of May is named in her honor.

Niko (NEE-koh): Short for the Greek name Nikolaos, which means victor of the people or people’s champion.

Orson: An English name that was ultimately derived from the Latin word for bear, ursus.

Pluto: A Latinized version of the Greek word ploutos meaning wealth.

Quid: Part of the Latin phrase quid pro quo meaning this for that.

Reggie: Short for Reginald, which is derived from the Latin Reginaldus, which is derived from Germanic words meaning advice and rule.

Stella: A Latin word meaning star.

Theseus (THEE-see-us): Theseus was the mythical king of Athens and was the son of Aethra by two fathers: Aegeus and Poseidon.

Ursa (ERR-sah): A feminine form of the Latin word ursus meaning bear.

Valerie: From Valeria, the feminine version of the Ancient Roman saint’s name Valerius. 

Wyatt: From the Medieval name Wyot, which ultimately came from the Middle English words for battle and brave.

Xavier (ZAY-vee-er):  From name of a 16th Century Spanish saint, Francis Xavier. His name was a Romanized version of his birthplace Exteberri, which meant new house in Basque.

Yuri (YOUR-ee): An alternate spelling of Yuriy, the Russian version of George, which ultimately comes from the Greek word georgós meaning farmer.

Zeno (ZEE-no): From the Greek name Zenon, derived from the name of mythological god of the thunder and the sky, Zeus.