First HIGH RISK of the year: June 12, 2013

A widespread, potentially significant severe weather outbreak appears likely beginning later this afternoon and lasting into tomorrow for portions of the midwest U.S., and continuing eastward to the Atlantic Coast. Today, eastern Iowa to western Ohio could see all modes of severe weather, from tornadic supecells (likely forming early in the afternoon), to damaging, large hail. A destructive bow echo or derecho is expected to evolve as storms converge and progress eastward across northern IL and Indiana. As such, the Storm Prediction Center has taken the step of issuing 2013's first HIGH RISK, with the greatest emphasis being placed on the potential for destructive winds associated with any bow echo or derecho that may develop later today. The graphic at left shows the areas under the highest threat of severe weather; as always, residents in these areas are strongly urged to consider all relevant severe weather safety precautions and plans before storms develop. For the most up to date information, and to maximize your chances of staying safe during this and other severe weather events, visit the Storm Prediction Center, your local National Weather Service website, and monitor local media.  Storm chasers will also be streaming this event live at TVNweather.com.

 

 

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Also, a brief update on the May 31, 2013 tornadoes in Oklahoma. As is now widely known, the May 31, El Reno tornado has been officially rated as an EF-5, making TWO EF-5 tornadoes within 30 miles of one another within the course of 11 days. Mobile radar trucks from the University of Oklahoma measured winds approaching 300 MPH during the tornado's peak intensity; the path was also measured (conservatively) at 2.6 miles, making this the largest tornado ever recorded in the United States. This incredibly intense storm claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including our friends and colleagues Tim Samaras, his son Paul Samaras, and Carl Young.

 

For more information on the tornadoes on May 31, please visit the NWS web page devoted to the event, here.

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