Random Thoughts in the Aftermath of Last Night's Horrific Tornadoes

By -
I am without words due to sadness and frustration this morning. The stories are simply horrifying, such as the young man killed during the night who was supposed to graduate today from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. The damage photos in the Midwest and Mid-South evoke images of the worst of World War II. 

Nighttime tornadoes are deadly. The combination of violent tornadoes with darkness is, tragically, the recipe for a mass casualty tornado outbreak. 

Below is a crude map of the paths of the tornadoes. These will be modified by field surveys by the National Weather Service. Please disregard the noise west of St. Louis.
click to enlarge
The path that originates in Arkansas and ends in eastern Kentucky is likely one of the longest tornado tracks in history if storm chaser reports that it was a continuous tornado are correct. There are other track maps if you wish to scroll down past this posting.

Here is a map of the tornado/rotation path you keep hearing about on the news. 

The NWS Storm Prediction Center did an outstanding job with the forecasts of this tornado outbreak. It was not a classic major tornado situation. Below is one of the many forecasts posted on this blog (scroll down for more). 
As to the warnings themselves, I haven't had time to do a detailed review. This tornado outbreak is a perfect example of why we need a National Disaster Review Board to understand warning quality and why so many perished. 

I provided tornado warnings on Twitter until after 4am, so I am still not entirely awake. I will have more to say after I have had a Diet Coke and something to eat. 

In the meantime, please offer prayers for the victims of these terrible storms and send some money to the Salvation Army or other disaster relief agencies of your choice. 

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