Strong to Severe Storms Possible Later Today

Strong to severe storms will be possible later this afternoon into this evening, according to the National Weather Service.  The best chance for severe storms will be along and north of the I-44 corridor.  The threats include:

• Limited tornado risk
• Elevated hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
• Limited lightning risk
• Limited excessive heat 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)

Strong to Severe Storms Possible Today

An initial line of thunderstorms will move south into the area.  In the late morning to mid afternoon hours, thunderstorms are expected to redevelop and may reach strong to severe limits.  The National Weather Service office in Springfield lists the following risks expected:

• Elevated hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
• Significant 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)

Severe Storms Possible Today

The Storm Prediction Center has much of OK, KS, AR and SW MO in a slight risk box for severe weather today.  The National Weather Service office in Springfield, MO lists the following hazards possible for SE KS and SW MO:

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

Scattered storms will move across the area this morning with the main risk being hail.  This afternoon and evening, severe storms are expected to develop.  Sufficient instability and wind shear will bring the risk of supercell development.  At this time, this is not a moderate or high risk situation.  But please pay attention to local forecasts as the weather scenario unfolds.

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)

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.

Severe Storms Tonight

A large portion of KS and OK, as well as SW MO are in a slight risk box for severe weather tonight.  This includes a tornado risk.  The National Weather Service in Springfield, MO lists the risks as:

• Limited Tornado Risk
• Elevated Hail Risk
• Elevated Thunderstorm Wind Damage Risk
• Elevated Flooding Risk
• Significant Lightning Risk

As of this post, there have been tornado reports, and there are active tornado warnings.

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)

Severe Storms Possible Today

The Storm Prediction Center has most of OK, SE KS and most of MO in a slight risk box for severe weather, with a small chance for tornadoes.  The Springfield NWS lists the risks as:

• Elevated Hail Risk
• Elevated Thunderstorm Wind Damage Risk
• Limited Flooding Risk
• Significant Lightning Risk

These threats will exist mainly through this morning and afternoon.

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)