Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Severe Storms Possible Northern Plains / Midwest and OH Valley Region Today...


Above is the latest severe weather outlook for today from the SPC in Norman, OK. Severe thunderstorms are forecast within the yellow shaded areas across portions of the upper Midwest and the central Plains, as well as over portions of the middle Mississippi and Ohio Valley region.

In the Northern risk area, severe storms are forecast to develop by mid to late afternoon near the Western edge of the yellow shaded area.  Activity will then move and/or develop toward the East/Northeast during the remainder of the afternoon and into the evening.

Large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible with this activity.  Hail may exceed 2 inches in diameter, especially within the red shaded and black hatched area on the image below:


In the Eastern risk area, severe storms are forecast to develop near a stationary frontal boundary and along boundaries left behind by yesterday's thunderstorm activity.  In addition, a disturbance moving toward the region from the West (which was spawned by overnight thunderstorm activity over Kansas and Oklahoma) will provide additional focus for development this afternoon and into this evening.

Large hail and damaging wind gusts are the primary threats in this region, however an isolated tornado or two also cannot be ruled out.

If you live across either of the severe weather risk areas for today, please remain alert, especially this afternoon and evening.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local media or another trusted source for later updates including any watches and/or warnings.  Be sure to identify your best sheltering option ahead of time, and prepare to go there quickly if threatening weather is observed or a warning is issued for your area.

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