Flood and Drought Update

By -
Based on data through 7am Saturday, the drought continues to be whittled away from east to west.
click to enlarge
Of course, flooding is occurring along the lower Missouri, middle Mississippi, and lower Illinois River at the present time. While at record level in some places, the water is currently cresting or falling along the Rock River.
AccuWeather
Currently (2:15pm CDT) AccuWeather Regional Radar shows
Moderate to heavy rain falling near the Kansas-Nebraska border moving east. There are areas of snow from eastern Nebraska to central Minnesota as well as north of Denver.

The precipitation amount forecast from 6pm this evening to 6pm Wednesday shows substantial rains from around Tulsa to near West Lafayette to Lansing and over northern Wisconsin. This rain (and snow) is unlikely to worsen the flooding although it may have the effect of retarding the rivers' fall in the region.

Comments

  1. Steve SanerApril 22, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    Mike:

    Could you explain a bit more what the PDI really means? Looking at the Wichita area, the map suggests that we need about 3in of rain in the next 4 weeks to bring the PDI index to -0.5. But what does that mean? I wouldn't think it could mean that we were "back to normal" exactly. I mean, that isn't going to be enough to bring lakes up to their "normal" levels or ground water tables to "normal". What does it mean?

    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike SmithApril 22, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    3" of rain + the normal rain during that four weeks. So, something on the order of six inches. That much would bring local lakes to average levels.

    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