Severe Storms
Severe storms hit parts of the central U.S. during the afternoon and evening hours yesterday. There were a total of 69 reports – 21 damaging winds reports and 48 hail reports. The highest wind gust reported was 73 mph near Red Cloud, NE. The largest hail reported was 2.75″ in Pecan Acres, TX.
More severe storms are likely today and tomorrow from the Central Plains and Ohio Valley into the South. Take a look at the NAM 4k forecast loop above for possible timing on storms over the next few days.
[TRACK THE STORMS: Interactive Radar]
[FORECAST FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER AREAS: Indianapolis – St. Louis – Memphis – Little Rock – Dallas]
Here is the severe threat area today. Colors: Dark Green = Marginal Risk, Yellow = Slight Risk, Enhanced Risk = Orange. Across the threat area, large hail and damaging winds are possible – while the best chance of seeing a tornado today would be in the Slight and Enhanced Risk areas.
[FORECAST FOR POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER AREAS: Shreveport – Jackson, MS – Nashville – Louisville]
Here’s the severe threat for Friday. Once again there is an enhanced risk of severe weather (orange), this time from south-central Kentucky into northeast Louisiana. Large hail and damaging winds are the main concern throughout Friday across this region. While the tornado risk will be limited, the threat is not zero.
Flooding Rains
Not only are some areas watching the severe risk, but a heavy rain chance. It’s possible some places along the Ohio Valley could see 3-5″ of rain over the next two days with the storms.
Flooding rains is possible from the Ozarks into the Ohio Valley today. Louisville has already seen 7.80″ of precipitation since March 1st – a whole 3.50″ above average for the past 32 days! So most of these places don’t really need any more at the moment.
Many of the same areas will potentially see flooding rains once again on Friday as storms linger and reform over the area.
Highs Today
Here are expected highs today across the country. The main heat has retreated southward, with highs in the 90s today mainly confined to Texas. Meanwhile, 40s and 30s make a return to the Northern Rockies and Plains with temperatures in places 5-15 degrees below average for this time of year.
Have a great Thursday!
Meteorologist D.J. Kayser
Find me on Twitter (@dkayserwx) or on Facebook (Meteorologist D.J. Kayser)