10 Year Anniversary of May 4, 2003 Outbreak

Today is the 10 year anniversary of the May 4, 2003 tornado outbreak.  Here is the Storm Prediction Center storm report from that day.  Here is the Springfield National Weather Service event review.  I also posted a blog post about that day, which is really what got me back into storm spotting after I had taken a break from it for a while.  Below is a video from Tom Trtan and Nick Penka as one of the large tornadoes moved towards Clever and Battlefield.  I know that there is cold weather and snow right now, but please remember it is prime storm season. If you don't own a NOAA All Hazards Radio, you should.

Severe Weather Likely Today/Tornado Watch

There is currently a Tornado Watch in effect until 10pm for Eastern KS and most of MO.  This watch calls for several intense tornadoes.

UPDATED:  15:40
The Storm Prediction Center has all of the Ozarks in a slight risk box for severe weather today, with much of MO, SE KS and a good portion of OK in a MODERATE risk box for severe weather.  What does that mean?  Much of the area has at least a 10% chance of a tornado.  The Joplin and Springfield  areas on up across the center portion of MO and NE OK are in the 10% area and SE KS and much of OK in the 15% chance area.  Storms may come in two waves today.  Let's hope conditions change, and you prepared for nothing.

The National Weather Service office in Springfield MO states that storms forming this afternoon could bring large hail (half dollar), frequent lightning and damaging winds.  Later this afternoon supercell thunderstorm development will be possible.  Golfball sized hail, damaging winds and possible tornado development are all possible.  The risks specifically listed are:

• Elevated tornado risk
• Significant hail risk
• Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk
• Elevated flooding risk
• Significant lightning risk
• Limited non-thunderstorm wind damage 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 Weather Expected - Wednesday 4/17/13

Wednesday is expected to bring severe weather with the possibility of tornadoes.  Please take the time to prepare for Spring weather...

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 This Evening

The Storm Prediction Center has much of MO, KS and OK in a slight risk box for severe weather.  The Springfield National Weather Service office lists the threats in SW MO and SE KS as follows:

• Limited Tornado Risk
• Elevated Hail Risk
• Elevated Thunderstorm Wind Damage Risk
• Limited Flooding 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)

Snow/Sleet/Ice Expected Tonight and Tomorrow

Springfield NWS Graphic

Many modes of winter precipitation are expected tonight and tomorrow.  The National Weather Service has a web briefing on the event for more information.  In a nutshell, sleet and snow are expected tonight and overnight, with freezing rain coming down around daybreak on Thursday.
Prepare now, and be safe.

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)

February 10, 2013 Hattiesburg MS EF-4 Tornado Event

Photo by Basehunters/TVNWeather.com

Here is the latest National Weather Service review of the EF-4 tornado that devastated Hattiesburg, MS  and the other tornadoes in the area on February 10, 2013.  I know a family from Hattiesburg who had damage at their home, but most importantly, everyone was okay.  The fact that no one was killed during this tornado, and the others that occurred that day, is an amazing testament to all weather and news related organizations, as well as spotters and chases, who prepared folks for the threat of severe weather, and warned them when it was happening.

Very Intense Video From Hattiesburg, MS EF-4 Tornado on 2/10/13