The National Weather Service is putting together an event summary of the Leap Year 2012 tornado outbreak in Southwest Missouri. The information is still coming in, so keep checking back.
The video below is from 76 Highway right through the heart of Branson's entertainment district.
Please visit the OzarkStorms Facebook page for more information about this severe weather event.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tornadoes Damage Multiple Areas Tues Night And Wed Morning
Multiple reports are coming in today of tornado damage in Lamar, Stockton, Buffalo, Lebanon, Branson (including the Branson Landing). Unfortunately at least one life was lost and multiple injuries are reported. Search and rescue operations are under way. I will post more when I have more information. Please keep our area in your prayers.
Update: I will post some informational updates updates on OzarkStorms.com website. I will post many more pictures and updates on the OzarkStorms Facebook Page.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Strong to Severe Storms This Evening - 2/28/12
The National Weather Service in Springfield, MO is forecasting strong to severe storms capable of producing golf ball sized hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. These storms are expected this evening into the overnight hours. While some storms will be possible late this afternoon, the storms of concern will follow with the main threats of:
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.
- Limited Tornado Risk
- Elevated Hail Risk
- Elevated Thunderstorm Wind Damage Risk
- Significant Lightning Risk
- Limited Non-Thunderstorm Wind Risk
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK lists the tornado risk for the Ozarks at 5%.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Severe Weather Possible On Tuesday 2/28/12
The Storm Prediction Center has the Ozarks in a slight risk box for severe weather tomorrow. More information will be available later today. This risk includes the possibility of tornadoes. The image to the right from KSPR shows the affected areas.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.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Springfield NWS Dual Polarization Radar Upgrade
On February 17th the National Weather Service office in Springfield, MO completed their dual- polarization upgrade on the doppler radar. This new technology will result in 14 new radar products that will enable the NWS to continue providing the suite of high quality products and services to the public. This new technology and data will primarily help forecasters identify the type of precipitation that is falling as well as improve rainfall estimates.For more information on dual-polarization technology:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Greene County, MO Weather Spotter Training - 2/28/2012
The Greene County MO spotter training from the National Weather Service is Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 PM at the Assemblies of God HQ. The address is 1445 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO. This training is not only for those who actively spot, but also for those who are interested. This year's training is quite a bit different than previous years, so I encourage a refresher for those who have attended before.
Monday, February 13, 2012
5/22/11 Joplin Tornado Video - 18 Wheeler
There are a few of things I would like for you to consider abou this video:
- Situational Awareness 1: It went from light of day to nighttime darkness in two minutes. If you are in this situation, turn on your radio to local media and make sure there isn't something horrible happening.
- Situational Awareness 2: If there are lines of cars on the side of the road stopped, they probably know something you don't. Pull over, and turn on the radio to find out what is going on. It appears this driver did finally pull over, but obviously it wasn't the best location to do so.
- This tornado was an EF-5 as it ripped through Joplin with winds over 200 MPH. It weakend to an EF-2/EF-3 as it went over I-44. So when it knocked this semi over, the winds were likely around 140 MPH. If this was the EF-5, there's a good chance this driver wouldn't have survived.
- There is no excuse in this day and age to not be alerted about severe weather. There are phone apps that will do the trick when you are mobile. If at home, please remember, no matter what time of year, have a NOAA All Hazards Radio ready to protect you and your family.
Storms can happen year round, but storm season is approaching. Take the time to get ready.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Andy Gabrielson: We Lost One Of The Best.
It's a very sad day in the storm chaser community. Professional Storm Chaser Andy Gabrielson was killed in a head on collision in Oklahoma today, after a vehicle travelling the wrong way on I-44 struck his vehicle and others. If you've ever watched tornado footage on The Weather Channel, you have seen his work. It's been featured there quite a bit, as well as other major media outlets. Andy was two weeks away from his 25th birthday, and leaves behind a three year old daughter. He was way too young to go. While I didn't know Andy personally, I've known of him for a couple of years, and started following his work closer it the last six months.
In the storm spotter presentation I have done a few times, and often in conversation, I tell people that the biggest risk storm spotting/chasing is the road, not the storm. This just really makes that hit home. Andy has been SO close to so many beasts...to go out like this is just sad. Especially if initial reports of a drunk driver going the wrong way is what happened.
Andy's family and friends are in my prayers.
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