Extraordinarily High Wildfire Risk - Updated 3:25pm

By -
1p. Multiple Wind Gusts of 80 to 85 mph Have Been Measured in West Texas During the Past Hour. The town of Leedey, OK is being evacuated due to a wildfire at this moment.. 

2:15p from Bloomington, KS which is south of Augusta. 

3:16pm. Satellite image of Oklahoma with OKC in the center. Bright orange = major wildfires in progress at that time. 

Below is the wildfire likelihood forecast:

Wind gusts to 90 mph are likely -- with a peak gust of 100 mph -- in this weather situation in the "extreme" (purple) areas. The scalloped black area is where mostly dry thunderstorms are forecast to cause downburst winds with relatively little rain. That, plus the lightning, may set fires. 

It is absolutely essential that wildfires be prevented from starting. Recommendations:
  • Don't drag chains. 
  • Don't throw out cigarette butts. 
  • Avoid operating equipment that can spread sparks. 
  • No campfires!
  • Keep vehicles off dry grass. Stay on the road. 
  • If you see a fire, even if small, report it immediately. 
Please take this threat seriously. 

Update at 10:10am. The blowing dust has begun. Dust storms are quite likely today to the west of Highway 81. Power outages are possible west of Highway 75. 


Satellite from 12:30pm. 

Power is already out in parts of New Mexico and much of the Texas Panhandle. In some cases, the power company has proactively cut power. 

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

Overnight Tornado Forecast Posted at 7:05pm

By -
Image
Here is the tornado forecast for the rest of the night (till 6am CST). Red, hatched = high risk of strong tornadoes. Yellow, hatched = enhanced risk of strong tornadoes. Blown = significant risk of tornadoes.  This will be the last update of the night. Tornado Watch until 2am. Please make sure you have ways of getting warnings of tornadoes and 80 mph winds.  6:15pm  NWS believes the chances for tornadoes and damaging winds are increasing in Mississippi. They also say they are going to extend the tornado watch to the east later this evening.  5:35pm: The northwest part of the tornado watch has been cancelled Here is the area where tornadoes are more likely from 4:30 to 7:30pm. From Atmosphere Analytics Rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Tornado Watch till 9pm If you live in these areas it is vital  to monitor the weather until the watch expires at 9pm  Note the forecast is for "numerous strong tornadoes." A very rare "particularly dangerous situation" ...
Read more