Significant Severe Weather

SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK

         If you think back to last year at the end of June the damaging thunderstorms that knocked out power for days, and even weeks for some, may come to mind. A scenario that is very similar to last year is looking increasingly likely for tomorrow, Wednesday June 12. The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK has placed us under a day 2 moderate risk. These types of risk levels are reserved for the most threatening situations and should not be taken lightly. Not only are we under the moderate risk, but we are also in what is known as the hatched area, this means we are at an increased risk for significant severe weather (Winds >75mph, Hail >2" in diameter and strong Tornadoes). However, the main threats will be damaging winds and large hail, but a tornado cannot be ruled out.

       Tomorrow the atmosphere will become extremely unstable with dew points in the low 70s and temperatures in the low 90's(In other words it will be hot and sticky!). Thunderstorm development could be explosive and the weather could change rapidly. You should keep up on the watches and warnings tomorrow as they are issued. The treat area includes almost all of the same areas impacted last year, all the way from South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota to Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. This has the potential to bring significant and widespread damaging wind to all of these areas. If you lost power last time and bought a generator, I would make sure it is able to run and in working order. :)

       As the atmosphere destabilizes tomorrow, some supercell storms are possible and then the potentially destructive line of storms will come through here Wednesday night into Thursday morning. These storms are also known for the very heavy rain they produce, so flash flooding will be another severe threat we will have to add to the list tomorrow night as the storms move in.

      I will try to keep you updated as the situation unfolds tomorrow, but as you can imagine i will be busy tracking it :) and if I lose power i will not be able to post!! Stay safe and stay up to date!