Severe Thunderstorms Brewing

US Weather Update

Severe thunderstorms forecast for parts of the Ozarks, the lower and middle Mississippi Valleys, and the lower Ohio Valley later today through tonight: NWS

Tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail developing in the Ozarks will move  into parts of Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys later today through tonight: NWS Storm Prediction Center forecasts

Most likely target areas:

• Northern And Western Arkansas
• Central And Southern Illinois
• Central And Southern Indiana
• Western And Northern Kentucky
• Southern And Eastern Missouri
• Western Ohio
•  Eastern Oklahoma
• Northwest Tennessee

Severe Weather Forecast Map

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See earlier entry at

GOES Eastern US SECTOR Infrared Image 

Image of the Day: The Angry Storm Face

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‘Severe thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop over Missouri and Illinois this afternoon and spread quickly east this evening. The strongest storms will be capable of producing tornadoes, golf ball or larger size hail, and damaging straight line wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. Locally heavy rainfall is also possible. The storms are expected to exit the region to the east by late evening.’ NWS said.

“A cold front will move into the area on Wednesday and bring a good chance for thunderstorms.  Some of these storms could be strong to severe, but the better chance for more organized severe thunderstorms will be to the northwest of our area. The front will stall in our area on Thursday, with the possibility for showers and thunderstorms lingering through the period and perhaps into the weekend,” NWS said.

More information available at NWS …

Related Links

• U.S. Tornado Outbreak – Update 19 April

U.S. Tornado Outbreak – Update 19 April

More severe weather expected Tuesday

U.S. Tornadoes kill at least 58 in East, South since Thursday

The weekend tornado outbreak killed 45 people and destroyed many homes and businesses in the East and South, NWS reported. Severe thunderstorms are forecast in the Southeast again Tuesday.

[NOTE: SPC reported 45 fatalities for the weekend. FIRE-EARTH has added 13 other fatalities reported on SPC website for Thursday, April 14.]

Weekend Tornadoes: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia.

Weekend Death Toll

• North Carolina: 22
• Alabama: 7
• Arkansas: 7
• Virginia: 6
• Oklahoma: 2
• Mississippi: 1

Thursday’s Death Toll

• Alabama: 2
• Arkansas: 8
• Louisiana: 1
• Oklahoma: 2

Severe Weather report Summary

“Forecasters said a disturbance moving from the Midwest this morning could account for minor snow accumulations across southern Michigan into northwest New York by tonight. Largely-scattered rain and higher elevation snow showers are expected to move into the Plains and the Midwest tonight into Tuesday. This system is forecast to produce a substantial outbreak of thunderstorms and possibly severe weather from the southern Plains into the Ohio Valley. Potentially heavy rain will impact already-elevated river levels.” NWS reported.

Severe Weather Stats:

Severe Weather Map

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GOES Eastern US SECTOR Infrared Image

Eastern Conus Sector (Infrared Channel). Click image to enlarge. Click HERE to update.

“A large area of the Midwest, central Plains and the Southeast will be at slight risk for severe weather development Tuesday with a core area at Moderate Risk,” Storm Prediction Center forecasters said.

The 7-state area at Moderate Risk

Parts of Missouri, northern Arkansas, the southern two-thirds of Illinois, all of Indiana except the northern quarter, extreme SW Ohio, W. and N. Kentucky and extreme NW Tennessee.

The 18-state area at Slight Risk
Parts of Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia, SPC said.

Flooding

“Main-stem river flooding continues throughout the northern Plains and along parts of the Missouri and Mississippi River drainages.”

•  31 gauge sites at Major Flood levels,
• 49 at Moderate Flood
• 110 at Minor Flood
• 183 sites at Near Flood State
• Record flooding is expected at Valley City, N.D.
• See graphics at http://water.weather.gov/ahps/index.php?stage=7

From: 2011 Disaster Calendar – April

Related Links

• U.S. Tornadoes – Update 18 April
• Tornadoes, Storms Kill at least 27 in the US Posted on April 17, 2011
• Tornadoes, Severe Weather Continued across the US
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Tornadoes, Severe Weather Continued across the US

Multiple Tornadoes Sighted in Oklahoma and Kansas

Tornadoes and severe storms have claimed about a dozen lives, destroyed homes and school buildings; significant damage reported at Atoka and Tushka, Oklahoma with at least 30 people injured: Reports

• Lightning knocked a tree into a home in Garland County, Arkansas, killing the two occupants.
• Falling trees have killed at least four more people in Arkansas, police said.

At least 10 tornadoes touched down the central and southern plains on Thursday (local time), the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. More tornados and powerful thunderstorms expected to strike the south on Friday (see forecast map below).

Tornadoes were sighted  in Atoka, Johnston, Lincoln, Marshall, Murray, Osage, and Pushmataha counties in Oklahoma and in Chautauqua, Cowley and Saline counties in Kansas, NWS reported

“There were reports of significant damage to the Oklahoma communities of Atoka and Tushka. There were 86 reports of high winds with the top recording noted at 80 mph near Russellville in Pope County, Ark. There were also 122 reports of large hail with the largest stones measured at 4.25-inch diameter in Johnston, Murray, Pontotoc and Pushmataha counties in Oklahoma.”

Powerful Spring Storm System Slams the Central Gulf Coast Region with Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorm Winds and Large Damaging Hail

Severe weather threat is expected to move east today, affecting Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Georgia, NWS reported.

Click image to enlarge. Click HERE to enter NWS portal.

Atlanta, Georgia Radar – Base Reflectivity.  Click image to enlarge. Click HERE to update. 

States of Emergency

• Alabama.  Gov Bentley is declaring a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties following severe weather which brought tornados, severe t-storms, hail and strong winds earlier today, a report said. At least one person was killed in
• “This is a serious storm that has already caused significant damage across the South. I hope Alabamians take extreme caution while these storms move through,” said Bentley.
• “There are confirmed reports of tornado touchdowns in the following Alabama counties:  Monroe, Greene, Marengo, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Choctaw. Multiple injuries have been reported in Sumter, Greene and Marengo counties.” The report said.
• “An apparent tornado struck Bellington Circle approximately 6 miles south of Linden [Marengo County.] Law enforcement confirmed 1 fatality and at least 4 injuries.” The National Weather Service reported.
• Mississippi. “A State of Emergency has been declared for 14 Mississippi counties after tornadoes and high winds whipped through the state today, causing multiple injuries, shutting down I-20, ravaging homes and businesses and knocking out power to thousands.” Said a report.
• Oklahoma.  Gov. Mary Fallin has declared a state of emergency in 26 Oklahoma counties, a report said. The declaration include the following counties: Atoka, Carter, Coal, Creek, Custer, Delaware, Harper, Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Lincoln, Love, Marshall, Murray, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Rogers, Seminole, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington and Woodward.

From: 2011 Disaster Calendar – April

Related Link

• Tornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms, Heavy Snow
• US Tornadoes – UPDATE
• Mega Tornadoes to Bombard U-S Tornado Alley

• TEXAS ON FIRE
• Global Disaster Forecast – UPDATE 17 Mar
• 2011 Disaster Calendar
• Extreme fire danger, continued major flooding in the US

• US Wildfire Pattern Consistent with Drought
• Denver wildfire forces evacuation of 10,000 homes
• Wildfires Wreaking Havoc Across the U.S.
• World on Fire

• US Severe Weather Forecast: T-Storms, Tornadoes
• Deadly EF2 Tornado Strikes Louisiana Town
• U-S Attacked by Continued Severe Weather
• Fierce Storm Dumps 160mm of Rain over SoCal

Extreme Weather Conditions in the US

Severe Thunder Storms, Tornadoes, Wildfires, Heavy Snow, Torrential Rain and Flooding

The United States is experiencing numerous “extreme conditions” throughout the country, NWS forecasts.

Click image to enlarge.

Severe Storms

“A 13-state slice of the central United States from northern Michigan to southern Texas could see severe storms Sunday. The most likely area of severe weather then is an area of Moderate Risk that includes southeast Minnesota, the eastern half of Iowa, extreme northeast Missouri, west-central and southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois. A much larger area at Slight Risk for severe weather includes parts of South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.” NWS reported.

Click Hazard Map to enter NWS portal.

Flooding

More flooding  reported in northern Plains and Upper Midwest, with

• 19 Major Flood sites
• 29  sites at Moderate Flooding
• 75 sites at Minor Flooding
• 135 sites are Near Flood Stage

U.S. Flood Map. Source: NWS

Wildfire

“Critical fire weather conditions and Red Flag Warnings are in effect for today and Saturday in a 5-state portion of the southern Plains. Areas in which all outdoor burning is discourage include the eastern third of Colorado, the western third of Kansas, the Oklahoma Panhandle and western Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle along with northwest and southwest Texas and most of new Mexico but the northwest and west-central parts of the state.” NWS reported.

In Colorado, meanwhile, wildfires have forced the evacuations of about 300 homes in the foothills west of Denver , a report said.

Weather Story: Colorado

Severe thunderstorms are expected in north central Oklahoma tonight. This area is in a tornado watch until 1 A.M. Hot, dry and windy weather is expected in western Oklahoma Saturday afternoon. The dry airmass is expected to include the western two-thirds of Oklahoma Sunday when wildfire potential will be extreme. Windy weather and relatively little rainfall will remain through next week. NWS

Tornadoes

Tornado watches 108 and 109 issued by NWS cover 16 counties Kansas and 24 counties in Oklahoma. See report.

“Temperatures will surge into the upper 80s on Saturday afternoon along with strong southerly winds. Severe thunderstorms may develop along the dryline in central Kansas later Saturday afternoon and early evening. The main threat will be hail and winds… but a tornado or two cannot be ruled out.” NWS reported.

Related News

• Tornado severely damages homes at Pulaski: Severe damage to homes has been reported in the Pulaski and Draper areas of Pulaski County after a tornado earlier this evening, local officials and the National Weather Service said. More than 4,500 customers in Pulaski County are without power.

• Tornado Reported In Northern Oklahoma Storm
• Tornado or not? This week’s storm uprooted trees, damaged buildings, but what was it?
• 1.75-mile path left by tornado

Related Links

• U.S. Weather: Flooding, Wildfires, Heavy Snow
• Severe Thunderstorms Pummel North and Central Georgia April 6, 2011
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• US Severe Weather Forecast: T-Storms, Tornadoes [April 4, 2011]
• Red Flag Warnings in Seven States
• Deadly EF2 Tornado Strikes Louisiana Town
• Mega Tornadoes to Bombard U-S Tornado Alley
• U-S Attacked by Continued Severe Weather
• 2011 Disaster Calendar
• US Wildfire Pattern Consistent with Drought
• National Fire Stats Falsified?
• Denver wildfire forces evacuation of 10,000 homes
• Fierce Storm Dumps 160mm of Rain over SoCal
• Wildfires Wreaking Havoc Across the U.S.
• World on Fire

Tornado, tornadoes | Tagged: dangerous storm, Kansas weather, severe weather warnings, Thunderstorm, Tornado Alley, Upper Midwest flooding satellite images, US flood warnings, weather Missouri |

SVR Risk: U-S Weather

Flash Flooding and Severe Thunderstorms ongoing Tonight and continuing through Midday Wednesday\

Snow, Rain Stretch Expected Today from Colorado western Minnesota

Jackson, MS

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Weather Forecast Map

Click image to enter NWS Weather Hazards portal.

Greatest Flooding Potential

Des Moines, IA

Click image to enlarge. A strong winter storm is still forecast to impact central Iowa tonight through midday Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall amounts are expected to occur in a band from southwest into northeast Iowa, with the heaviest over the northeast counties. Most of the northwest two thirds of the state will pick up anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snow. Five to 7 inches will be likely over northeast Iowa, with local heavier amounts. Farther southeast, most of the precipitation will fall in the form of rain and isolated thunderstorms. Some light snow may fall over southeast Iowa as the system moves out, but little accumulation is expected. Source: NWS

Midland/Odessa

• Hazardous weather outlook

New Orleans/ Baton Rouge

• FORECAST: THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN

Mega Snowstorm Affects 1/3 of U-S Population

‘Worst Ever’ Snowstorm barrels Across the U-S

Deadly snowstorm of unprecedented magnitudes pummels  the country’s midsection before aiming for the already frozen Northeast

The massive storm has affected 30 states and more than a third of the US population.

• The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued storm watches, warnings and advisories in 33 states
• NWS blizzard warnings issued for 8 states: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsi

• A state of emergency has been declared in Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois.
• In Oklahoma, paralyzed by whiteouts, 6-foot snow drifts have been reported.
• A state of emergency has been declared in 29 counties in southern Wisconsin.

• Bolivar and Polk Counties in Mississippi declare a state of emergency.
• A state of emergency has been declared in several counties in NW Indiana.
• Kansas Gov. has declared 53 counties as disaster area after blizzard shut down schools and state offices in eastern Kansas.
• Arkansas declared a state of emergency for the state’s northern and western counties.
• A state of emergency has also been declared for dozens of cities/counties in several other states.
• Up to 15,000 flights have been canceled, as of posting, and many roads have become impassible.
• about a dozen people have been killed in snow-n-ice storm related incidents.

An image of Midsection US covered by snow and ice was captured by MODIS NASA’s Terra satellite.

This visible image was captured by the GOES-13 satellite and shows the low pressure area stretching from the Colorado Rockies and Texas east to New England. The image shows the storm on Feb. 1 at 14:01 UTC. Image and caption: NASA

5 hours later, more snow piling up …

GOES-13 satellite visible image taken at 19:01UTC on February 1. Source: NASA

This NASA satellite image from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument on NASA’s Aqua spacecraft, taken Jan. 31, 2011 at 18:47 UTC (1:47 p.m. EST), shows the early stages of a developing storm in the plains and Midwestern states. This image highlights a preponderance of cold air in Canada and the northern US (green and blue colors). Image and caption: NASA

• Last 48 hours  of GOES-13 images of the snowstorm progression (animation)

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• Surface Sublimation: Season — Two weeks — One Day
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California: Powerful new storm sails ashore

A powerful new storm sailed ashore causing more flooding and mudslides

• Four major storms coming from the northern Pacific have struck California, with the 5th expected to hit the region on Thursday.
• Up to a total of 50cm (20 inches) of rain in the worst affected areas
• Snow
• 6.5 m (20-foot) surf
• 100 km/h (60 mph) winds in the coastal areas
• Tornadoes
  

SECC Near Realtime Composite. Click Image to enlarge. (24-Hr FE ED). Click HERE to Animate Image

The Wednesday storm was expected to dump up to 2 inches (5cm) of rain in the L.A. basin and valley areas and at least 4 inches in foothill and mountain areas, and causing yet more devastating land slides, the National Weather Service said.

Officials are particularly concerned about large areas of hillside in southern California consumed by wildfires in 2009, which could cause massive mudslides as there’s no longer any  foliage to prevent the earth from sliding downhill.

Meanwhile, a snow storm forced the California Highway Patrol to close Interstate 5 at the Grapevine, although the Cajon Pass remained open, a report said.

The Los Angeles Police Department has issued more evacuation orders in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, fearing more mudslides in the area.

US Weather Map – Click Image to Enlarge

Goes West AVNColor Enhancement Sat Image. Click image to enlarge.

Up to 1,000 homes in the Los Angeles area have already been evacuated in anticipation of mudslides.

“We’re about as ready for the rains that will be coming as we can be,” said LA Mayor Villaraigosa. “If you don’t have to be on the road, why don’t you stay home?”

“We’re asking you to please cooperate,” Mayor Villaraigosa added. “There’s too many people not heeding advice.”

In La Canada Flintridge, a northern suburb of Los Angeles near the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the residents were told to do exactly the opposite. Residents  along canyon roads were ordered to evacuate, and stay away for  four days.

“I cannot stress enough that this is not the time to stay,” said Mayor Laura Olhasso. “So if you’ve been asked to leave and you have left, please don’t be fatigued. Please leave again.”

“South of Los Angeles, near Long Beach and Huntington Beach, at least four funnel clouds were reported Tuesday — rare in California, and especially so in winter. Gary Sewall was in Huntington Harbour when he said he saw a catamaran lifted 50 feet in the air. ” ABC News said.

“I saw what looked like a water spout that was circling around,” he said, “and then we saw the boat out across the channel go up in the air and come crashing down.”

Heavy rain, flooding and mudslides have closed roads, inundated homes and cars causing damage. Powerful winds with gusts 130 km/h  gusts have damaged power lines leaving  more than 750,000 customers without power at times.  Up to four tornadoes have touched down in Southern California, this week!

• Forecast map loop

• Loop of sea-level pressures and fronts through day 7
• Short range forecasts in jpeg format
• Short range HPC 500-mb Pattern Graphics

NWS Radar Mosaic. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Hazards. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Snow Accumulation. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Weather Forecast. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Predominant Weather. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

IR Satellite Image. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Water Vapor Satellite Image. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Max Temps. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Min Temps. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Temp – Real Time Mesoscale Analysis. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

6-Hr Precipitation amount. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED)

12-Hr Probability Precipitation (%).   Click Image to enlarge and update. (24-Hr FE ED).

Wind Speed.  Click Image to enlarge and update. (24hr- FE EDT).

Wind Gusts.  Click Image to enlarge and update. (24hr- FE ED)

Sky Cover. Click Image to enlarge and update. (24hr- FE ED)

River and Lake Levels. Click Image to Enter Portal.

US Seasonal Drought Outlook. Click Image to enlarge.

Surface Weather Charts. Click image to enter portal.

For hazard warning codes see: NOAA/NWS  US Weather Hazard Map

NOAA GOES 11 – Near Real Time Full Disk. Click image to enlarge.

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