Serious Tornado Risk Later Today

By -
Since we are in a new tornado season, please allow me to interpret this important tornado forecast.

It is covers the time from 6am Saturday to 6am Sunday.

The significant threshold (trust me on this) for tornadoes is the 5% (brown) area. The 10% (yellow) has an enhanced risk of tornadoes. The hatching is where violent tornadoes may occur. Cities at highest risk are: Paducah, Memphis, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Shreveport.

While I will update the forecast in the late morning, please make sure of the following so you are prepared:
  • You have two independent ways to get a warning (for example, the free AccuWeather app and a local television station whose meteorologist you trust).
  • You know where you will go to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued or if the weather looks frightening in your area. Wear a helmet, hard hat or even cap into the shelter, if possible. 
  • You have a plan for an infirm friend or relative or other person with special needs. 
  • Wear solid shoes into the shelter. If a tornado occurs, you will have to climb out through sharp metal and other hazards.
  • Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, but take any sensitive electronics off chargers before a thunderstorm arrives (lightning can cause damaging power surges). 
There is no reason to worry. Just keep an eye on the weather if you live in the brown or yellow areas. 

Comments

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