Strong to Severe Storms Possible Tonight

The Storm Prediction Center has much of OK, Southern KS, and a small portion of SW MO in a slight risk box for severe weather.  The Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service lists the possibility of strong to severe storms in eastern KS and OK this afternoon, then SW MO later tonight.  The risks are listed as:

• Elevated hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
• Limited lightning risk

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should. Click the link for a previous blog post on selecting one.

Springfield, MO NWS - Hazardous Weather Outlook

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Today)

Storm Prediction Center - Convective Outlook (Tomorrow)

One Year Ago - Joplin, MO

May 22, 2011

1:30 pm - the Storm Prediction Center issued a Tornado Watch that included the city of Joplin, MO.  

5:17 pm - the National Weather Services office in Springfield, MO issued a Tornado Warning that included the city of Joplin, MO.  

5:34 pm - a tornado started to develop just outside the city of Joplin, MO.

The rest of the timeline is burned into our memories.  We all know by now what happened in Joplin, MO and surrounding areas on May 22, 2011.  If nothing else comes out of this, I hope at the very least, it will convince people to be well prepared and pay attention to storm warnings.  If you  live in an area with a tornado risk, PLEASE use a Weather Alert Radio.

The National Weather Service has created a timeline graphic from this sad day.

They also have quite a bit of information in this Event Summary.

It's hard to believe it's been a year.  The magnitude of the Joplin tornado, and the unbelievable path it followed is still surreal.  I can't claim to know how it feels to lose a loved one or a home to a tornado.  I can tell you that my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have.