This is Not Good

By -

The arrows point to a line of whiter (thicker) clouds as of 11am. Meteorologists call this a "boundary" between the rain-cooled air to the north and the hot, humid air to the south. Skies are now clearing west of Wichita which will allow the boundary to "bake." If other conditions are right, it is a favored area for tornado development.

Comments

  1. Mike DollMay 24, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Mike, the north-south oriented line now moving through eastern KS/OK looks like a gravity wave. A similar feature served as a focus for severe thunderstorms (high wind and hail mainly) Sunday afternoon across NE IL and NW IN. It's something to watch this afternoon. I hope everyone stays safe and vigilant today!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelly KemnitzMay 24, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    The boundary that you mention in this post appears to be situated just east of Wichita now. Are storms expected to form behind (west) of the boundary, or just in front of it?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mike SmithMay 24, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Kelly,

    It is not uncommon for the boundary to become invisible to satellite during the afternoon (the Greensburg boundary did). It can still be detected through wind and pressure patterns.

    The reason it becomes invisible is the (temporarily) sinking air behind the large cluster of thunderstorms. The air will begin rising again as the main low aloft approaches from the west.

    The storms should form along and just south of the boundary.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 24, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Mike, I have a rescue center for Raptors near Cheney. Should I bring as many birds into our basement Due to high winds and possible Hail?
    Thanks,
    Ken Lockwood

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mike SmithMay 24, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Ken,
    I can't make those decisions. Please follow AccuWeather.com and (at least till 5pm) this blog and after, the local media, for more info.
    Mike

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more