Severe Weather Possible Friday 12/26

Updated 12/25/08:
All modes of severe weather are likely to come to light on Friday into Friday night. This includes the possibility of tornadoes, large hail and damaging straight line winds. Gulf moisture flowing into the area underneath a cooled airmass, along with high winds aloft, will create heavy shear. Additionally, very heavy rains will be possible. Keep up to date here.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery.

UPDATE: The timing of these storms is late Friday night into Saturday. Of course.

Significant Winter Weather Expected

Freezing rain turning to sleet and snow is expected in
SW MO Sunday into Monday. No one in this area needs to be reminded how
ugly that can be, so please take the time to prepare flashlights,
blankets, water and food. Strong to severe storms cannot be ruled out
Sunday afternoon before the front comes through, however, there is
limited instability, so thelikelihood of severe storms is lower.

Up to date information can be found at the National Weather Service Winter Weather Briefing Page.

Farewell Josh DeBerge

Josh DeBerge, meteorologist at KSPR, has taken a position with FEMA in their External Affairs Division where he will be The Man for media relations during times of disaster in our region. No offense Josh, but we hope we don't see you around here too often, we've had our share of excitement.

Here at OzarkStorms we pride ourselves on feeling the pulse of all things Ozarks weather, so we wanted you to hear it here first. We have exclusive audition video for the next KSPR weather dude. Good luck to Kevin Lighty and Natalie Nunn, you're going to have your hands full...



In all seriousness, I wish the best for your Josh. You're young and talented, and you are going to have an exciting new role with many more to come, as early as you are getting started! These young whippersnappers...always on the move. We're going to miss you around here, take care Josh.

Severe Weather Possible - Wed/Thurs 11/5-11/6

Severe weather is expected to develop Wednesday evening into the overnight hours of Thursday. The main threat will be damaging straight line winds, however, embedded isolated tornadoes are possible.

Spotters may be needed by Wednesday night into Thursday across the area, so those of you who participate in Skywarn, now is the time to prepare. Please plan ahead and be very careful during night events.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery.

Storm Chasers - Discovery Channel

Last night was the premier of Storm Chasers on The Discovery Channel. Now that I am rolling with HD, I was pretty happy to be able to watch this show in High Def.

It seemed like more of the same from last year's show, which is fine. I enjoy it. But one big addition this year is Reed Timmer's chasing group also in the mix. The footage from their adventure was pretty crazy and entertaining. I do want to know if the windshield getting busted was funny because Reed is rich, or because he knew Discovery was paying for it...

The image is of the TIV-2, or Tornado Intercept Vehicle, and is courtesy of Geekologie. It has a 360 degree turret for filming, flaps that go down to prevent winds from getting under the vehicle and lifting it, 2" thick glass, and full steel plate armor. The vehicle weighs around 16000 lbs. The purpose of such a beast is simple...drive into a tornado and film it. Oh..and live.

It's an interesting show to watch, as long as you understand it's not something that should be attempted or encouraged.

Ike Heading For The Area - Tornadoes Possible

Once Hurricane Ike, now Tropical Storm Ike, will be making it's way to the Ozarks. The NWS is already calling for the possibility of isolated tornadoes this afternoon and this evening. Of course flooding is also a concern.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery.

Gustav To Affect The Ozarks

The remnants of hurricane Gustav are making their way to the Ozarks. According to the Springfield National Weather Service, isolated brief weak tornadoes are possible Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. The Storm Prediction Center also mentions possible tornadoes. Of course flooding is going to be the main concern with 3-6 inches expected.

You should stay tuned to local weather forecasts. Make sure your NOAA All Hazards Radio is on and backed up by battery.