Conditions favor tornadoes in several Midwestern states today

The Storm Prediction Center has posted a moderate risk for severe weather spanning portions of several Midwestern states today: Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois.

Supercell thunderstorms capable of very large hail and strong tornadoes could develop in Missouri and southern Illinois, forecasters caution.

The atmosphere in Kansas and Oklahoma will be very moist and unstable as well, promoting the development of large, slow-moving thunderstorms. Heavy rain and hail are the primary threats, but the SPC warns “some potential will also exist for isolated tornadoes…mainly after dark.”

Given the timetable provided for local forecasters, that threat seems most likely for southeast Kansas – not the Wichita area.

2 Comments

  1. littleoldlady69
    Posted May 13, 2009 at 3:17 pm | Permalink

    Darn… storm chasers will be in bed by the time severe weather develops in eastern Kansas. Think of all the money being spent on Vortex and so far… no tornadoes

  2. StanFinger
    Posted May 14, 2009 at 12:52 pm | Permalink

    The Vortex2 chasers were up in Illinois and Missouri, tracking those storms.