Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Killer tornadoes smash Iowa and Minnesota
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 03:09 AM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008 +3
An exceptional tornado outbreak continues to hammer the U.S. tonight, in what has been an extraordinary year for tornadoes. A mile-wide tornado plowed through Parkersburg, Iowa this afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 15, according to KCRG. The tornado passed just north of the airport in Waterloo, Iowa, which recorded sustained winds of 64mph, gusting to 94 mph at 5:37pm CDT. Damage appeared to be at least EF-4 in photos I saw, and possibly EF-5 (over 200 mph). In Minnesota, another powerful twister killed at least one person and injured 9 in the Minneapolis suburb of Hugo this afternoon.


Figure 1. Satellite image of the supercell thunderstorms that spawned the Parkerburg, Iowa and Hugo, Minnesota tornadoes on May 25, 2008.

A slow-moving low pressure system that began in Colorado on Thursday spawned 48 reports of tornadoes Thursday, including the EF-3 mile-wide twister that killed one person in Windsor, Colorado. On Friday, an additional 63 tornado reports occurred, mostly in Kansas. The tornado that hit Quinter, Kansas on Friday was the eighth violent EF-4 tornado of the year. The last year that had more violent tornadoes was 1999, when 13 such twisters were recorded. Two people were killed in Cairo, Kansas when a tornado smashed a car trying to flee the storm. If you want to see why one should not try to escape a tornado in a car, take a look at what the tornado did to the car. Saturday was relatively quiet, with only 13 tornado reports, but Sunday's tally (so far) of 37 has brought the 4-day total to a remarkable 150+ tornado reports. Some of these tornado reports are undoubtedly of the same tornado, so the actual number of tornadoes for the 4-day outbreak may be less than 150.



Figure 2. Radar reflectivity image (top) of the May 25, 2008 Parkersburg, Iowa tornado. The position of Parkersburg is marked by a circle with a cross in the middle. Bottom: Doppler velocity image of the tornado, showing a small core of red and blue colors right next to each other, denoting strong winds towards and away from the radar, the classic signature of a tornado vortex.



Figure 3. Radar reflectivity image (top) of the May 25, 2008 Hugo, Minnesota tornado. The position of Hugo is marked by a circle with a cross in the middle. Bottom: Doppler velocity image of the tornado, showing a small core of red and blue colors right next to each other, denoting strong winds towards and away from the radar, the classic signature of a tornado vortex.

Severe weather forecast
Severe weather will pound the U.S. again Memorial Day, with the main action expected to stretch more than halfway across the country--from Colorado to New York. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has placed central Kansas under its "Moderate Risk" category for severe weather, one step below its highest level of concern, "High Risk". Yesterday was also a "Moderate Risk" day in Iowa and Minnesota. The Weather Underground Severe Weather page and Tornado page are good places to go to follow the severe weather. Also, tune in to the chase accounts and awesome storm photos from Wunderblogger Mike Theiss.

I'll have an update Monday morning, including a look at the tropics, where the computers models persist in predicting a tropical storm may form in the Western Caribbean or Eastern Pacific late this week.

Jeff Masters
Tornado (MikeTheiss)
A large and violent tornado near Quinter, Kansas. Photo Copyright Mike Theiss
Tornado
Large Tornado near Quinter, Kansas (MikeTheiss)
Photo of a large tornado near Quinter, Kansas on May 23rd, 2008.
Large Tornado near Quinter, Kansas
Categories: Tornado
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Reader Comments
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251. all4hurricanes 12:54 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
We don't see anything in Virginia we've only been in a tornado watch once that I can remember. and I've only seen golf ball sized hail here once. VA is a place void in natural disasters (not completely of course )
Member Since: Marzo 29, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2190
252. TheCaneWhisperer 01:00 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Morning All.

Looks like the models are coming into better agreement, as the time grows near, of a tropical system around the Yucatan late this week. MJO pulse is very, very slowly propagating eastward as seen by the moisture increase the Extreme Western Caribbean. We should start to see some action in the next day or two.
253. all4hurricanes 01:03 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Wind shear just sort of took over the Caribbean so development seems unlikely at the moment but the dry air in the Caribbean is moving out
Member Since: Marzo 29, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2190
255. IKE 01:08 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Here ya go JFV....

Link
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
256. Drakoen 01:10 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Good morning everyone.
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
257. IKE 01:12 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
good morning........
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
258. TheCaneWhisperer 01:13 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Morning Drak.
259. Drakoen 01:14 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I just looked at GFS 06z and the NOGAPS 00z run and those runs seem to take the system into Florida. The GFS in Central Florida and the NOGAPS in South Florida. Both models have very impressive systems. Ultimately the track will be be based on the timing and strength of the shortwave and the position and strength of the A/B high.
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
260. FLWeatherFreak91 01:17 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
But since this system will be sheared away to the East it would be far more beneficial for the rain deficit if it hit further north in the state.
Member Since: Dicembre 1, 2006 Posts: 2 Comments: 3458
262. ClearH2OFla 01:22 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Good Morning everyone. To those who served in our military, Thank you; i owe you a debt i could never repay.

Drak whats up. we could use the rain here in pinellas county so i say let the rains come.
263. all4hurricanes 01:23 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    

I think 40 is enough to rip apart any hurricane
Member Since: Marzo 29, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2190
264. Drakoen 01:24 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
You can't use that current shear map. The models show an upper level anticyclone building over the system as it moves through the western Caribbean.
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
266. Cavin Rawlins 01:28 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Also the convective mass in the epac has been drifting eastward for some time now which is an indicator of the movement of the mjo.
Member Since: Luglio 24, 2005 Posts: 407 Comments: 19076
267. IKE 01:28 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
It's not in the Caribbean now...more favorable shear where it's at...eastern PAC....
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
268. all4hurricanes 01:29 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
sorry I couldn't find a predicted shear map or those weakening shear/ strengthening shear maps. If the shear weakens all the dry air goes away and a big blob comes in I wouldn't deny it's formation
but what are the chances of that happening by later this week?
Member Since: Marzo 29, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2190
269. FLWeatherFreak91 01:31 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I know we don't like AccuWeather here for the most part, but just for kicks check out their forecast for June 3-5 for North Tampa.
Member Since: Dicembre 1, 2006 Posts: 2 Comments: 3458
271. IKE 01:34 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Here's their 6-10 day for Miami.......

Link
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273. Cavin Rawlins 01:37 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Member Since: Luglio 24, 2005 Posts: 407 Comments: 19076
274. FLWeatherFreak91 01:40 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
272. JFV 9:36 AM EDT on May 26, 2008 Hide this comment.
well hint hint, i wonder why they're forcasting so much wind for us down here in miami for next week! gang, any ideas LOL!


They're long-term forecasts are based entirely on the GFS model- I guarantee you. They watch one computer model and the right the forecast, so when the models change again, say bye bye to the wind forecast lol
Member Since: Dicembre 1, 2006 Posts: 2 Comments: 3458
275. MasterForecaster 01:43 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Hmm...that 6-10 day accuweather forecast for Miami looks kinda ominous lol...

For anyone who needs a link to all the models in one place here you go:

Link
276. MasterForecaster 01:45 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
FLWFreak do they really just change their forecast based on what a single model says?

When the next few models come out let's see if accuweather changes anything drastically ok?
277. hahaguy 01:45 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
oh god don't say accuweather lol
Member Since: Agosto 12, 2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
278. Drakoen 01:50 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
279. Drakoen 01:52 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
281. FLWeatherFreak91 01:57 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
276. MasterForecaster 9:45 AM EDT on May 26, 2008 Hide this comment.
FLWFreak do they really just change their forecast based on what a single model says?

When the next few models come out let's see if accuweather changes anything drastically ok?


I have been checking their forecasts every day and yes, it does change rather drastically. Yesterday, for example, the forecast read "very hot" for the 3rd and 4th, and windy on the 5th. Today it says windy all three days. I think this has something to do with the fact that the GFS now brings the system much closer than it was doing yesterday.
Member Since: Dicembre 1, 2006 Posts: 2 Comments: 3458
282. Drakoen 01:59 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I didn't realize it but the CMC thinks it will get picked up by the trough and head towards south Florida as a major hurricane lol!
Member Since: Ottobre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
283. MasterForecaster 01:59 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Drakoen I commend you on the way you handled the situation with Scottsvb... seems like theres always someone on here trying to start trouble.

284. HurakanPR 02:01 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Is there a rotation near 48L , 8L, moving wnw? Is that a UTT? Just asking.....
285. IKE 02:02 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I don't understand why ScottsVB is so bitchy when he comes in here......he was like that last year...he's trying to incite folks....
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
287. TheCaneWhisperer 02:04 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I was surprised as well Drak. There's a rather strong consensus building up here. Much better than the past week anyway.
288. IKE 02:05 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
The ECMWF hasn't trended toward development...yet. Somebodies right and somebody is wrong with these models(GFS,CMC,NOGAPS vs. ECMWF, UKMET...east PAC development).
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
289. IKE 02:08 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
NEW BLOG!
Member Since: Giugno 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37044
290. cchsweatherman 02:08 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
In the latest runs, we now have three models (GFS, NOGAPS, and CMC) all forecast a significant tropical cyclone hitting South Florida by the first week in June. Even though the track could always change, this is the highest model consensus we have had to date with this potential system. For the first time, I will place in my Tropical Weather Discussion that there will be a Western Caribbean storm by week's end when I update it later today.
Member Since: Aprile 14, 2007 Posts: 8 Comments: 4926
291. CaneAddict17 02:12 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Is anyone else confused about how the models expect a developing tropical storm to cross about 400 miles of the mountainous countries of Honduras and Nicaragua? Most of the models show it crossing this and emerging in the West Carib almost unharmed. Don't storms usually struggle to make it over much smaller landmasses like Cuba or Hispanola? I guess if it keeps on the eastern flatter side of Nicaragua it could be fine...
Member Since: Agosto 31, 2006 Posts: 5 Comments: 156
292. TheCaneWhisperer 02:18 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
From what I can understand Cane, it will be a broad area of low pressure that spans the EPAC and over into the Western Caribbean. In which a center can relocate anywhere within the area. Similar to what happened last year. I can't remember the storm name but it hopped over Florida.
293. FitzRoy 02:21 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
Sorry to hear about the terrible storms you're having - I've been intermittently lurking for some weeks now.

We are also sharing your fuel price squeeze in the UK. Here, one UK gallon costs £5.67, or $11.22. In terms of US gallons that is £4.71, or $9.32!!! What do you pay?

Take care of yourselves.
294. all4hurricanes 02:48 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
What are the chances something will form before hurricane season begins?
Member Since: Marzo 29, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 2190
295. scottsvb 03:37 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
My attitude was a question if he was a Met and a bunch of you little teenage kids wanted to ensight something over it.

He handled it like a WUSS.. Got scared and ran off holding hands with you guys who follow him.

That is why us Mets dont use these blog boards. Oh and btw I had 7 people who wrote me last night into this morning telling me I was right to ask and also said some mean stuff about him (which I have nothing personal against).
Member Since: Gennaio 22, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 1065
296. illchemist 04:38 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
I suggest reading over the document, "Owning the weather in 2025."
297. grumpier 06:54 PM GMT del 26 Maggio 2008    
First air survey video of damage in Iowa from the large wedge tornado(es) yesterday:
http://www.kcci.com/video/16395381/index.html

The pilot stated that he followed the damage for 43 miles.


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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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