Weather News & Notes

Picture of the Norman tornado from 5/10/10

2010-05-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

This picture was sent to me today by Fred Manning, a resident of Norman, and is a great shot of the tornado on the northeast side of town on May 10, 2010. Great pic, thanks Fred!

Updated storm chase accounts from April & May

2010-05-14T22:41:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the long delay in posts to this blog. What can I say, storm season is hectic! I have witnessed six tornadoes so far this chase season, dealt with a little hail, and lost an anemometer. April 22 in the Texas Panhandle has been my most successful chase in 2010, but May 10, 11, and 12 in Oklahoma and Kansas were also quite interesting. My hometown of Norman, OK took significant tornado damage on May 10, as did much of the surrounding area. I personally know several people that experienced this firsthand as their homes were hit. But, we are a resilient group here in Oklahoma. My friend Jason, whose house in Moore suffered damage on Monday, was alongside me just two days later on Wednesday afternoon in Harper County, Kansas, directly underneath a tornado-warned area of significant rotation. We Oklahomans will pick up the pieces and move on with our lives. This certainly wasn't the first tornado we've experienced, and it certainly won't be the last. Severe weather is a way of life around here.

Anyway, with all that said, click here to view my latest escapades in 2010.

Snow on the first day of spring in Okla.

2010-03-23T11:03:00.002-05:00

As many of you are aware, a strong, very late-season cold front swept through the southern Plains over the weekend, ushering in a wave of winter weather, ironically on the first day of spring. Below I have embedded a video I shot on the OU campus in Norman, showing some of the sights of our lovely campus and a particularly heavy snow band that was moving through.

Hoping for severe weather later in the week and in the first week of April, stay tuned!

March 8 Oklahoma tornado, March 13 flooding

2010-03-13T11:14:00.002-06:00

I unforunately missed the March 8 tornado in western Oklahoma, due to other obligations that day. Not always easy to go out chasing on a Monday... anyway, most of the world has seen this, but Andy Gabrielson of Severe Studios filmed this tornado at extreme close range, and it's worth posting here.

On another note, dangerous flooding is going on in West Virginia and Virginia, with nine counties currently under flash flood warnings. Much of this is likely due to snowmelt, and in fact sandbagging is going on in Pulaski, Virginia, to try and keep their local 911 center from becoming inundated. Check back for updates.

Another winter blast

2010-01-26T12:05:00.002-06:00

An ice and snowstorm of epic proportions will affect much of the country later this week...current thoughts in Oklahoma are for a large-scale ice storm, including up to an inch of freezing rain, with as much as a foot of snow on top of it. This will hopefully not prove to be as bad as the doomsday scenario being forecast, but it definitely has the potential to be quite damaging. Stay tuned here for pictures and video of the event.

On another note, please follow me on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook! Just use the buttons on the left side of this page. I will post pertinent weather information, as well as links to pictures and video of severe weather.

Oklahoma Blizzard

2009-12-26T15:42:00.006-06:00

It's been a couple of days now, and things have finally simmered down in Central Oklahoma, after a record-setting Christmas Eve blizzard pounded us with 12"+ of snow, brutal 50-60 mph wind gusts, almost zero visibility and wind chills near zero. Travel has been a nightmare ever since, and there are a great many cars still stuck and immobile. Some of it has melted off, but there is still a lot of snow and ice out there. This snow will be with us for a while. Below are some pictures and video to document the experience.

The height of the storm
Christmas morning...
At my parents' house Christmas morning
My parents' backyard

The obligatory video account of the blizzard

Tornadoes in Texas, snow coming to Oklahoma

2009-12-23T20:45:00.003-06:00

Severe weather hit east Texas today, ahead of the winter storm that will bring a very white Christmas to Oklahoma, as well as many other places in the Plains and Midwest. There is only one confirmed tornado as of yet, near Longview, TX. Click here to see pictures of this tornado.

I will post pictures and/or video of the winter storm here in Norman tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Major snowstorm in the Northeast

2009-12-20T11:33:00.002-06:00

As everyone knows, a major and historic snowstorm has hit the northeast U.S., bringing record-setting snowfall to some areas. Preliminary totals include 16.4" in Washington, DC, 17.8" in Roanoke, Va., and 22.5" in Philadelphia (source: The Weather Channel). Click here to link to a CNN iReport showing at least 15" of snowfall in Freetown, Mass., about 30 miles south of Boston.

A couple of snow-related YouTube uploads from yesterday:

2010 National Storm Chaser Convention

2009-11-19T23:53:00.002-06:00

Looking forward to "ChaserCon" Feb. 12-14 in Denver! CentralOKStorms.com is now one of the sponsors! Check out the ChaserCon website here, and check back for updates as we get ready for the convention.

Updated storm chase accounts

2009-11-08T20:06:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the recent lack of activity. What can I say? Storm season is hectic! Parts of my hometown and surrounding areas are still picking up the pieces from the tornadoes on Monday, May 10. I spent the day in northern Oklahoma with some of the multiple-vortex tornadoes up that way. All of my newer stuff is available on the 2010 storm chases page. Just click "storm chases" above.

National Weather Festival, Nov. 7

2009-11-08T09:30:00.006-06:00

I attended the 2009 National Weather Festival at the National Weather Center on the campus of the University of Oklahoma yesterday. There were a lot of national and local meteorologists on hand, a lot of presentations, and a storm chaser car show, in which I participated and tied for second place for "Best Looking Chase Vehicle." I got to meet up with a lot of chasers, many of which traveled from out of state to attend the event. Lots of people attended, many of which stopped by to check out my vehicle and chase gear and ask any questions they had. Here are some pictures:

Me with the chase vehicle
All washed and waxed...
Hard to see, but I'm doing a TV interview in front of the chase vehicle
Some other chasers and their vehicles (and tornado probe)

Tornadoes reported in Arkansas and Louisiana

2009-10-29T22:41:00.003-05:00

Several tornadoes were reported today in southern AR and northern LA, from the same storm system that brought heavy rain, strong wind, and small hail to central Oklahoma around 6 am this morning. Hardest-hit seemed to be the city of Shreveport, where possibly tornadic winds blew a steeple off a church downtown, tore up signs, and downed powerlines. Click here to read the accounts from Shreveport's ABC affiliate KTBS. If video is posted of any of the Oct. 29 tornadoes, I will put up a link here.

Today's severe weather outlook

2009-10-08T08:33:00.002-05:00

There is a slight risk of severe weather today stretching from Ohio to west Texas. The greatest risk of tornadoes is in a band from eastern Oklahoma to Indiana, with the highest risk in northeast Arkansas, southeast Missouri, and southern Illinois. Should be a volatile day. I am stuck in Oklahoma today, however, unless I can get to a storm later this evening in the eastern part of the state. More updates to come as severe weather warrants. Below is today's tornado risk from the SPC.

Now blogging from the iPhone!

2009-10-07T22:46:00.001-05:00

Check this site often during severe weather! I will update this blog during storm chases and whenever weather makes headlines. Also, follow me on Twitter @centralokstorms.

Ontario tornadoes Aug. 20

2009-08-21T09:20:00.003-05:00

Parts of Canada were hit hard with tornadoes last night. Below is a YouTube video from Vaughan, Ontario, a suburb on the northwest side of the Toronto metro area. Amazing video also available here, courtesy of CTV.

Tornadoes in the Midwest

2009-08-20T15:15:00.002-05:00

Although yesterday was a bust in Oklahoma, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin were hit hard. Below is a tornado video from western Illinois uploaded by storm chaser John Farley.

Chase Day - Tues., June 9

2009-06-09T10:38:00.002-05:00

This may prove to be THE day of the season...heading north to Wichita and points east early in the afternoon. I expect storm initiation east of the Kansas Turnpike around 5 pm, possibly in the Winfield/Arkansas City/Ponca City corridor. I expect at least a couple of strong tornadoes today. I will post updates as events warrant.

Today's chase - June 7

2009-06-07T10:07:00.003-05:00

SPC has issued a moderate risk for much of eastern KS, and parts of NE, IA, and MO. Leaving shortly for my initial target of somewhere between Emporia and Topeka. I may have to adjust north, but hopefully not as far as the Nebraska border. Should be a good day!

Chase day - May 15

2009-05-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

Let's face it, this May just hasn't been the tornado craziness it normally is. But with that said, I am heading shortly to southern Kansas in hopes of a last gasp before yet another long tornado drought. I'm going to position just south of the Wichita metro, with easy access to the Kansas Turnpike if things break further northeast. We'll see how the day goes.

Wednesday, May 13

2009-05-13T12:33:00.002-05:00

After a bust yesterday in the Texas Panhandle, and the only tornadoes in Nebraska, I am opting for the southwest target today in NW and N Oklahoma. Storms will be going crazy in southern Missouri, in TERRIBLE forested chase country, and most of those cells will likely be horribly rain-wrapped. For that reason, I will hang a little closer to home and see if any discreet cells can produce before the whole shabang goes linear and a severe MCS forms. A very stormy night is forecast for much of Oklahoma, with large hail likely. I think some photogenic tornadoes will occur today in western Illinois, but that is out of reach at this point. Check back for updates!

Chasing today....

2009-05-12T12:30:00.002-05:00

Heading out shortly with a target of Shamrock or McLean, TX. Today's setup is marginal at best, but a tornado or two is not out of the question. A dryline should set up across the TX Panhandle this afternoon, with supercells (hopefully) firing just before sunset. I will be posting updates to my Twitter account (centralokstorms), as long as I have cell service, which is a little spotty out in rural TX. Tomorrow may bring a large-scale tornado outbreak, so stay tuned!

Tornadoes possible in NW Texas today

2009-04-29T12:19:00.003-05:00

I will be leaving shortly for NW Texas, trying to avoid flooding from 5+ inches of rain in parts of SW Oklahoma this morning. Isolated supercells will fire this afternoon, with tornadoes and large hail a distinct possibility. Below is the forecast CAPE of over 5000 j/kg at 0z. The RUC is likely grossly overestimating this, but it is apparent that instability will not be a limiting factor. Follow me today on Twitter (centralokstorms). I will be posting as long as I have cell service.

Tornadoes possible in OK/KS/MO this afternoon

2009-04-09T09:35:00.002-05:00

A very narrow area of isolated supercell activity is possible in northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, and southwest Missouri later this afternoon. Tornadoes are also possible in eastern and southeastern Oklahoma along with much of Arkansas this evening and overnight. I will be heading solo to Vinita, Oklahoma this afternoon, hoping to catch a rogue tornado before the whole shabang goes linear. It is still early in the season, and these will be fast-movers over an area with a less-than-stellar road network and a lot of hills and trees. It beats the jungles of SE Oklahoma and Arkansas though, which is a big reason why I chose this target. Below is the RUC forecast CAPE for 0z. Note the bubble of 3000+ in NE Oklahoma. Instability, moisture, and wind shear should all be in place, so this will be an interesting afternoon! More updates as events warrant.

Tornadoes possible in the Plains today!

2009-03-23T13:05:00.003-05:00

Tornadoes are a distinct possibility from Nebraska south to Oklahoma today. Modest CAPE (it's March) and very strong wind shear should make for an interesting early-chase season day. I will be heading out around 4 pm, check back for updates!

Tornadoes strike Kansas

2009-03-08T10:05:00.003-05:00

Not the kind of outbreak we're accustomed to in the southern plains in April or May, but a tornado or two in March can't hurt. I was on the sidelines on this one, watching the radar intently, but several small tornadoes did touch down in south-central Kansas on Saturday afternoon. I've not seen any damage reports, but one of the twisters did just miss the Hutchinson airport. Below is chase video from Brandon Ivey of thestormreport.com. Possible severe stuff in Oklahoma on Monday!

Tornado in Georgia, Feb. 18

2009-02-19T11:36:00.003-06:00

The Southeast experienced a lot of severe weather on Wednesday, including the video below of a tornado/funnel cloud (hard to tell) in Taylor County in west-central Georgia. Only a couple of weeks until March....

Hawaii tornado; Oklahoma update

2009-02-12T16:13:00.004-06:00

The day after the very unlikely tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, an even less likely tornado touched down on the island of Oahu, very close to downtown Honolulu (see picture below, courtesy of the Honolulu Advertiser). This was a relatively weak tornado, although there was one confirmed injury, when a man was thrown ten feet into a building.

Update: the deadly tornado in Lone Grove, Oklahoma has been rated an EF4. There are now nine confirmed deaths, and dozens of people in the hardest-hit area are still unaccounted for. Oklahoma governor Brad Henry toured the site today, and President Obama has promised federal aid for the victims. This will be tragically remembered as one of the deadliest tornadoes in Oklahoma's history.

Severe weather plagues Oklahoma

2009-02-11T07:57:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, February 10, a very early-season tornado outbreak ravaged parts of central and southern Oklahoma. Hardest-hit areas were northwest Oklahoma City, the west side of Edmond, and the small town of Lone Grove. Sadly, as of this post, there are at least 25 serious injuries and as many as 8 fatalities. Below is an amateur video taken by a resident of Edmond, as the tornado approached. Click here to see KFOR's spectacular helicopter footage as the tornado was at its strongest. Because of a scheduling conflict, I was not able to chase this storm system, although I did have to drive in some of the heavy rain and hail as the squall line reached Norman. More posts to come about this unprecedented event.

Severe weather in Europe

2009-02-03T07:29:00.003-06:00

Spain and Greece both experienced tornadic weather on Sunday. A rain-wrapped EF1 struck the southern Spanish city of Málaga, as seen in the first picture, and a funnel cloud formed over eastern Greece, near the Aegean coast, as seen in the second picture. Severe weather is possible in the Southern Plains early next week, stay tuned for updates.

Funnel clouds over Maui

2009-01-16T15:09:00.003-06:00

While much of the lower 48 were dealing with frigid temperatures, the weather in Hawaii on Tuesday was a bit interesting. These funnel clouds were spotted over the island of Maui that afternoon. The picture is courtesy of KHNL, the NBC affiliate in Honolulu. Click here to see their report.

On another note, hats off to Chelsey B. Sullenberger III, the pilot that guided doomed US Airways Flight 1549 into the Hudson River in New York City yesterday. He saved the lives of all 155 people on board, not to mention the thousands that might have been injured or killed in adjacent highly populated parts of New York and New Jersey. He proved himself to be a brilliant pilot and a hero.

Illinois tornado from December 27

2008-12-31T12:21:00.003-06:00

This one slipped past me somehow...I am usually right on top of tornado video surfacing in the media. Anyway, this tornado was filmed last Saturday afternoon in Monee, Illinois, not too far south of Chicago. Strangely enough, this tornado does not show up on the SPC's reports from that day. Let's hope the video is authentic, but it is very well done and this looks like quite a damaging tornado.

Tornadoes in Missouri & Illinois Saturday

2008-12-28T10:24:00.002-06:00

Tornadoes were not a concern in Oklahoma on Friday night, although a stout line of storms came through. Tornadoes and flooding were an issue near the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri and western Illinois on Saturday, however. Click here to view the report from KHQA in Quincy, IL. One of their storm damage picures is below.

Severe weather beginning in KS/OK

2008-12-26T22:22:00.003-06:00

Very unseasonable warmth in Oklahoma today...76° in Oklahoma City, setting a new record high for the 26th. All this warmth and Gulf moisture is becoming a breeding ground for severe thunderstorms. A tornado watch has just been issued for SE Kansas and W/NW Missouri. A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch will be issed for eastern Oklahoma shortly. Not chasing this event, as the storms will be racing at 50 mph or more, the road network is less than stellar, and, oh yeah, it's pitch dark outside. Interesting to have an overnight severe weather system in late December in this part of the country. Below is the tornado watch and mesoscale discussion from the Storm Prediction Center. I will post news about any tornado reports as the night wears on.

Tornado spotted in New South Wales

2008-12-23T22:25:00.003-06:00

A great picture surfaced today of a tornado near Australia's capital of Canberra yesterday. Keep in mind that they are in the warmest part of the summer Down Under. The picture below was taken by Heather Leckie. Click here to read the article in the Canberra Times.

Possible chase day in eastern Oklahoma and/or Arkansas on the 26th. Stay tuned.

Ice storm in the Midwest

2008-12-18T21:49:00.002-06:00

A dangerous situation is unfolding across parts of the Midwest tonight, including Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Thundersleet, a bit of a strange phenomenon, is being reported in Iowa, and high rates of freezing rain are causing havoc in northern Missouri and central Illinois. According to the National Weather Service, icing rates as high as 0.25" per hour are occurring tonight. Dangerous travel conditions, widespread power outages, and significant tree and property damage are expected. Below is the Mesoscale Discussion issued by the NWS.

Snow blankets Las Vegas

2008-12-17T20:59:00.003-06:00

Las Vegas, usually known for hot weather and palm trees, among other things, was hit today by the largest snowstorm the area has seen in 29 years. 6" snow totals were common today, even on the Strip, and higher totals were noted outside of town. Light snow is still falling at this hour. Below is a picture of planes grounded at McCarran International Airport, courtesy of KVVU-TV. Below that is a YouTube video uploaded today, showing some of the best-known Vegas landmarks shrouded in a blanket of snow, complete with Christmas music. How festive. Enjoy.

61-degree temperature difference in Oklahoma!

2008-12-14T12:06:00.004-06:00

An Arctic cold front is pushing through the southern Plains today, bringing in a week of subfreezing temperatures and a chance for winter precipitation. Parts of Oklahoma are now bearing the brunt of the chill. Note on the map below, from the Oklahoma Mesonet, that it is 16°F in Cimarron County, in the far western Panhandle, and 77°F in Tillman County, in the far southwest part of the state, ahead of the front. That is 61° of temperature difference! It is still 68° here in Norman, but Old Man Winter isn't far away. Let's hope there isn't much freezing rain this week....

Blizzards and tornado warnings

2008-12-13T22:09:00.005-06:00

The northern Plains have it rough tonight, dealing with blizzard conditions in the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming. The SPC issued a Mesoscale Discussion concerning many reports of near-zero visibility. Wind gusts over 40 mph and heavy snow are not a good mix. Below is the MD graphic from the NWS.

On another note, this afternoon a tornado warning was issued for the Hawaiian island of Kauai. This was not a waterspout— it was radar-indicated rotation that prompted the warning. No tornado touched down, but this is a rare occurrence for Hawaii indeed. Below is the text warning from the NWS office in Honolulu:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HONOLULU HAS ISSUED A * TORNADO WARNING FOR... THE ISLAND OF KAUAI IN KAUAI COUNTY * UNTIL 115 PM HST * AT 1234 PM HST...RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO 7 MILES SOUTHWEST OF KAUMAKANI...OR 24 MILES WEST OF LIHUE...MOVING TO THE NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH. * THE TORNADO WILL BE NEAR... KEKAHA AT 1245 PM HST WAIMEA AT 1250 PM HST HANAPEPE AT 1250 PM HST 6 MILES SOUTH OF HANALEI AT 115 PM HST HEAVY RAINFALL MAY OBSCURE THIS TORNADO. TAKE COVER NOW! IF YOU WAIT TO SEE OR HEAR IT COMING...IT MAY BE TOO LATE TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE.

And congratulations Sam Bradford! OU's 5th Heisman winner!

Waterspouts spotted in Jacksonville

2008-12-11T17:35:00.002-06:00

Click here to see WJXX's report of a sighting of twin waterspouts not far from downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Pic below is courtesy Greg Youngblood and WJXX.

EF0 tornado in Haralson County, Georgia

2008-12-10T15:43:00.003-06:00

A weak, short-lived tornado is responsible for some damage at a high school in Haralson County, in northwest Georgia. Below are two pics from Atlanta news stations WGLC (top) and WAGA (bottom). Click here to read WAGA's report on the tornado.

Yesterday's tornadoes & today's potential

2008-12-10T08:13:00.003-06:00

Right now, the word from the SPC is that 11 tornadoes touched down yesterday in central Louisiana and western Mississippi. There are thankfully no reports of injuries or fatalities as of this post. I have yet to find any video of the tornadoes themselves, but below is SPC's storm reports map for yesterday, and a clip from a local news station in Alexandria, Louisiana, covering the tornado damage.

Today also looks like a tough road for Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, with a tornado watch already in place (see below). I will keep this blog updated with any pertinent severe weather info, along with pics and video. Stay tuned.

Severe weather ongoing in the South

2008-12-09T17:12:00.003-06:00

Two tornadoes have been reported in Alexandria, Louisiana today, causing minor structural damage. A large squall line with embedded tornadoes is currently ravaging Louisiana and Mississippi. At 5:07 pm CST, spotters were tracking a large, violent tornado near Yazoo City, MS. A radar-indicated tornado is also ongoing in Franklin Parish, LA. These storms are extremely violent. Below is the Tornado Watch currently valid for the area. I will post damage pictures as well as pictures and/or video of the tornadoes when they become available. Let's hope that there are no fatalities as a result of these storms.

Moderate risk for severe storms

2008-12-09T07:33:00.002-06:00

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas are under the gun for severe weather today, including a risk for tornadoes. There is already a tornado watch issued this morning, with more to come during the day. The severe weather is being triggered by the same cold front that is bringing high winds and snow to Oklahoma and Kansas today. Below is SPC's tornado risk in the South today. Further bulletins as events warrant. I will post any pics or video of tornadoes (and maybe blowing snow) later in the day.

Tornadoes possible in SE Okla./NE Texas today!

2008-12-08T07:26:00.003-06:00

There is a risk, albeit slight, for a small tornado or two in parts of Oklahoma and Texas today. This very late-season event will precede a round of winter weather, including some snow, over the same area tomorrow. Below is a map of the Storm Prediction Center's tornado risk for today. Can't chase due to work, unfortunately!

Tornadoes possible along the Gulf Coast tonight

2008-11-28T18:42:00.004-06:00

The 01z Convective Outlook from the SPC is indicating a chance for isolated tornadoes in central Louisiana and southern Mississippi this evening into tonight. 1" hail was reported in Nacogdoches, TX about 4 pm, and that same system is now threatening points further east. Below is the tornado risk graphic, just issued by the SPC about 20 minutes ago...

Watch for updates on this severe weather event. If any tornado pics or video (unlikely due to darkness) or damage photos become available, I will post them here.

Monday's waterspouts near Mallorca

2008-11-27T11:42:00.002-06:00

Twin waterspouts in the Bay of Palma, on the southwest side of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea, east of Spain, on Monday afternoon. One of many YouTube videos below.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Waterspouts off Australia

2008-11-25T14:01:00.003-06:00

Apparently, waterspouts affecting foreign countries is about all the severe weather there is to blog about lately. But, we're heading into winter, and until massive blizzards are rolling across the Plains, there isn't much to be had.

Anyhoo, on to the obligatory waterspout report. This one occurred last Saturday off Western Australia's far southwest coast, not too far south of the city of Perth. These pics are from The West Australian. Click here to see their report, complete with video!

Waterspout off Madeira

2008-11-22T09:14:00.004-06:00

Madeira is a Portuguese island several hundred miles west of the mainland, where a photogenic waterspout was spotted on Friday. This is off the north coast of the resort island, not far from the town of São Jorge.

Heavy snow this morning in NC & VA

2008-11-21T09:33:00.004-06:00

Coastal North Carolina and Virginia received a heavy snow band this morning, a little odd for so far south in mid-November. The graphic below shows the areas of snow this morning according to the Wakefield NWS office.

Little to no accumulation occurred, but it was certainly picturesque. Below is a YouTube video taken in Norfolk, Virginia this morning. Pretty, but not that significant.

Another waterspout near Italy

2008-11-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

The same storm system that caused the waterspouts near Italy on Thursday (see Friday, 11/14's post) caused at least one more waterspout on Friday (at least it seems that way according to the European storm reports...it is possible that these waterspouts all happened on the same day). That being said, the waterspout in the video below is in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the coast of the town of Fiumicino, where Rome's largest airport is located. Coincidentally, I flew out of that airport in June '98 on my way back to the States after touring southern Europe.

Yesterday's activity in the mid-Atlantic

2008-11-16T10:32:00.003-06:00

Despite numerous tornado watches and severe weather threatening many of the nation's largest cities yesterday, activity was below severe levels in most locations. There were sporadic reports of wind damage in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, but no tornadoes or even hail reports.

Severe weather on the Eastern Seaboard

2008-11-15T12:12:00.006-06:00

A deadly tornado ravaged parts of eastern North Carolina around 4 am early Saturday morning. Sadly, two fatalities have been confirmed. Strong, destructive tornadoes in the middle of the night are some of the most dangerous and most feared. The pictures of damage below are from WRAL in Raleigh. Pictures and video also available at WTVD's site.

Unfortunately, more threats to life and property are unfolding today as well, in nearly the same area. The NWS has already issued a Tornado Watch stretching from Virginia to New Jersey, including the cities of Norfolk, Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia. The southern part of the New York City metro area is also in the watch. And as if that weren't bad enough, a watch is quickly forthcoming for the eastern Carolinas, in the same area that was hit overnight. Today is shaping up to be a historic, yet fateful day for parts of the East.

Waterspouts off Italian coast Thursday

2008-11-14T07:31:00.003-06:00

Severe weather was rampant on the west coast of Italy on Thursday, including storms that spawned the two waterspouts in the videos below. The second one looks to be from a supercell, and not just an everyday waterspout. These storms took place near the province of Latina, not too far to the southeast of Rome.

Severe weather strikes Great Britain

2008-11-12T10:52:00.002-06:00

It is likely that a small tornado struck Pettistree, a small coastal hamlet in eastern Suffolk on Monday. Heavy rains and wind also battered most of the country in association with the same storm system. No video has yet surfaced of the British tornado, but London's Daily Mail published an article about the incident.

Monday's severe weather

2008-11-10T20:34:00.003-06:00

Monday produced some severe weather in Kansas and Texas...tornado warnings were issued around 3 pm near the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but no tornadoes have been confirmed as of this posting. A tornado did touch down, however, in far southwest Kansas. Storm chaser Mike Umscheid captured photographs of this storm. Click here to visit his blog.

November 5

2008-11-07T00:14:00.003-06:00

Well, the day after Election Day proved to be a potent day for severe weather in Oklahoma. I was very disappointed about being sidelined with a back injury, but tornadoes did not form after all. There was, however, widespread wind damage and hail covering the ground in many places to the point it looked like snow. I also witnessed egg-size hail just outside my home. Pretty crazy night. Sunday and Monday have some possibility in western Oklahoma and northwest Texas, but it remains to be seen how severe the activity can get.

On another note, the Balearic Islands off the Mediterranean coast of Spain were actually the place to be on Wednesday...

Check back for updates about possible chases this weekend.

Tornadoes likely in NE Oklahoma today!

2008-11-05T11:50:00.002-06:00

The SPC has issued a moderate risk for severe weather, including tornadoes, in parts of northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas today. I had planned to chase today, but I unfortunately hurt my back this morning, which is going to keep me on the sidelines today. Good luck to all going out chasing today. It will be interesting to see if there are any photogenic tornadoes before dark. Tornadoes often happen under cover of darkness from November through February. Also, these storms are going to be racing northeast at 40 mph or more. I take a little solace in the fact that will be a difficult chase, and it is in no way a "slam dunk." I am obviously very disappointed, and worried for the safety of those in northeast Oklahoma, with strong tornadoes a very distinct possibility. Stay tuned for updates.

Severe weather in Great Britain

2008-10-30T07:53:00.002-05:00

Southwest England was pounded by heavy rain, high winds, and hail yesterday. The worst flooding the region has seen in 25 years, along with hail drifts to six feet deep inundated parts of Devon and Cornwall. There were numerous hail reports, and many livestock unfortunately did not survive the torrent. Click here to read an account of the storm, courtesy of UK Weather World.

Weather wreaks havoc on World Series

2008-10-28T15:34:00.003-05:00

The World Series was postponed due to weather for the first time in history Monday night. Pouring rain, strong winds, and cold temperatures made the Philadelphia area miserable for fans and players alike on Monday, and the game was called in a 2-2 tie in the 6th inning. Inclement weather tonight (even snow) will prevent the Rays and Phillies from playing until Wednesday evening. This is surely harrowing for the Philly faithful, seeing their beloved team possibly three innings away from their first title in 28 years, and Mother Nature not cooperating. Below is the grounds crew at Citizens Bank Park rolling out the tarp in a downpour. (courtesy Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Click here to read the official report from Major League Baseball.
Click here to see the official NWS forecast for the Philadelphia area.

Waterspout off Spanish coast

2008-10-23T07:39:00.002-05:00

This waterspout was sighted last Friday off the coast of the Catalonia region of Spain, near Barcelona. I'm afraid the autumn severe weather season is over here at home. Four long months of winter ahead. Below is the waterspout near Spain.

"Storm Chasers" on the Discovery Channel

2008-10-20T09:10:00.002-05:00

Last night, the new season of "Storm Chasers," an eight-part miniseries, had its debut on the Discovery Channel. The show is about Sean Casey and his TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle) and Dr. Josh Wurman and the DOW (Doppler On Wheels) truck trying to get a camera shot from directly inside a tornado. It also showcased Reed Timmer, Joel Taylor, and the rest of the TornadoVideos.net crew in their quest for extreme tornado footage. Be sure to catch the rest of the season of this groundbreaking show on the Discovery Channel, Sunday nights at 10e/9c. Below is the promo poster for the show.

Side note: I was approached by the producers of this show about using my footage from May 24, but it was unfortunately not used on the show. Bummer.

Polish tornado Friday; Tuesday's chances

2008-10-19T09:56:00.003-05:00

A small tornado was observed on Friday in northwestern Poland; no word yet of damage. The pic below is courtesy of GK24, a television news station in Warsaw.

As for Tuesday's chances for storms here at home, the SPC is concerned about the CAPE values over western Kansas (<500 J/kg). They do, however, warn of the potential of "a tornado or two." Let's hope I can have the camera rolling!

Possible storm chase on Tuesday

2008-10-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

The GFS is forecasting a possible very late-season opportunity for severe thunderstorms in western Kansas on Tuesday, October 21. Maybe one more chance to see a tornado before the cold sets in. Updates to come.

Santa Ana winds still wreaking havoc

2008-10-14T15:54:00.003-05:00

Thousands of acres have now burned in the greater L.A. area, and more and more people are being forced from their homes by the firestorm. To view CNN's video, click here.

Fires in Southern California

2008-10-13T13:25:00.003-05:00

The Santa Ana wind machine is in full force once again, fanning extensive wildfires that have even forced the closing of the 210 freeway north of Los Angeles. 3,700 acres have already burned. Click here to view KTLA's report on the fires.

Severe weather in Georgia

2008-10-09T10:50:00.002-05:00

Southeast Georgia is currently experiencing a very stout line of storms, complete with several tornado warnings. All the warnings so far are radar-indicated, and no actual tornadoes have been reported yet. Large hail is an ongoing problem as this line is moving between Valdosta and Jacksonville. Below is the latest radar reflectivity from NWS Jacksonville.

Waterspouts in Germany

2008-10-09T07:44:00.003-05:00

Several waterspouts were noted off the north coast of Germany last week, but the reports are just now surfacing. These waterspouts, at times with multiple funnels, were reported in the far southeast North Sea last Friday. Pictures and accounts are available (in German) here.

Tornadoes in Florida today

2008-10-08T17:20:00.005-05:00

There have two confirmed tornado touchdowns today in Panama City Beach, Florida. WMBB-TV in Panama City has several pictures and video of today's tornadoes. Click here to view.

Update: 11 tornadoes now reported in the Deep South today, including one in Enterprise, Alabama, which fell victim to a large tornado on March 1, 2007. Let's hope the damage isn't nearly what it was on that fateful day.

Oct. 6 chase

2008-10-07T07:32:00.004-05:00

Monday wasn't nearly the day I had hoped here in Oklahoma. A line of storms formed in western Oklahoma that produced some wind and hail, but that was about it. The only tornado of the day was in Anderson County, Texas, east of Dallas. Hopefully yesterday wasn't the end of the October storm machine for this year. We'll have to wait and see.

Today's storm chase

2008-10-06T07:57:00.002-05:00

It looks like the elements are coming together for a hit-and-miss chase today. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a 5% tornado risk for much of Oklahoma this afternoon, based on chances of destabilization on the western edge of the line of precip that came through Oklahoma during the night. There should be some (hopefully discreet) low-topped supercells firing up with a propensity to rotate between the Oklahoma City metro and the Red River. Any tornadoes, however, should be isolated and short-lived, so the chances are fairly low of actually capturing one of these spin-ups on film. Here's hoping. Below is SPC's 1300 UTC tornado outlook.

Today's tornado potential

2008-10-05T11:36:00.004-05:00

I was planning on chasing today, but at long last I think I have to sit this one out. Rain coverage will be increasing throughout the day from the Texas Panhandle into western and eventually central Oklahoma. (See radar grab from 11:28 CDT below).

The Storm Prediction Center's tornado outlook includes a 5% risk near Midland, Texas, much farther away from home than I had hoped. And even at that, any tornadoes will be short-lived, very isolated, and very rain-wrapped. I was hoping for an ideal October chase this afternoon, but it just isn't looking good. I'll update if anything changes. Below is SPC's tornado risk graphic for today.

Waterspout in Croatia

2008-10-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

Yet another severe weather event in Europe, this time off the Dalmatian coast, near Dubrovnik, Croatia. Pic below, account here.

More severe weather in Europe

2008-10-04T11:06:00.007-05:00

A waterspout/tornado was reported this morning in Tuscany, on the western Italian coast. It happened around 6:30 am Italian time, or around 1:30 am in the central United States. There are several pictures of this event, and a report in German, viewable here. Below is one of the pictures.
There were also multiple waterspouts captured on film off the far southwest coast of France on Friday. Below is one of the YouTube videos of the event. Other videos can be seen here and here and here.

Oklahoma severe weather outlook

2008-10-03T12:37:00.003-05:00

Sunday afternoon/evening and Monday are looking to be active for severe weather here at home in Oklahoma. I plan on chasing both days, so stay tuned for updates! Here is a graphical forecast from the NWS in Norman.

Severe storms in North Carolina

2008-10-01T15:01:00.007-05:00

There is ongoing severe weather in eastern North Carolina, including three tornado warnings and numerous severe thunderstorm warnings. Baseball-size hail was reported in Sampson County about 3 pm EDT. There are not yet any preliminary reports of tornado touchdowns, but the dynamics are certainly there. Here is the NWS Doppler radar from 3:55 pm EDT:

Stay tuned for updates about this dangerous situation.

Update: 2 preliminary tornado reports in Martin and Beaufort Counties, in the far eastern part of NC, near the Outer Banks. No reports of damage yet.

Funnel cloud in Hungary on Sept. 24

2008-09-29T07:53:00.006-05:00

Not a lot going on in this part of the world. Sorry for all the posts about weather in Europe, but it's about all I have to go on right now. This was only a funnel cloud, and not a confirmed tornado, in southern Hungary last Wednesday. Here is a link to the website (in Hungarian) describing the funnel cloud.

Tropical Storm warnings in Maine & Canada

2008-09-27T17:09:00.005-05:00

Tropical Storm Kyle is currently between the eastern seaboard and Bermuda, and is heading north. Kyle has prompted tropical storm warnings in eastern Maine and in Nova Scotia. Environment Canada has also extended a hurricane watch in parts of Nova Scotia in case of intensification just before landfall. The map below shows the warnings that have been issued by the respective countries. To view the text warnings, click here for U.S. and here for Canada.

Waterspout off the coast of Sicily

2008-09-27T12:45:00.003-05:00

A large, photogenic waterspout was reported Thursday in the Mediterranean Sea near Taormina, on the northeast coast of Sicily. Several videos of the event have surfaced, and the following is probably the best:

Tornado causes damage in North Carolina

2008-09-26T15:06:00.004-05:00

A tornado has touched down in Aulander, NC, near the Atlantic coast, just south of the Virginia border. WVEC-TV in Norfolk has posted a video of some of the tornado damage. Click here to view. I have not found video of the actual tornado as of yet.

Severe storms in Minnesota today

2008-09-26T11:23:00.003-05:00

Much of Minnesota can expect severe storms today, although the main threat will be large hail. Tornadoes are not expected. On the left is Mesoscale Discussion issued by the NWS, and on the right is forecast CAPE values in Minnesota by 1:00 pm.

Torrential rain and flooding in Spain

2008-09-25T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Mediterranean coast of Spain experienced extremely heavy rain and flooding on Sunday. The town of Sueca, just south of Valencia, experienced 5.7" of rain (144 mm) in one hour, causing widespread flooding and even one death. Below is a YouTube video taken on a cell phone of the severe street flooding in Granada, to the southwest.

A Spanish-language news story about the extreme weather can be found here.

Small tornado in the Netherlands

2008-09-24T10:29:00.007-05:00

Not much in the way of severe weather going on here at home, but a tornado was reported on Sunday in far northeast Holland, near the German border. The pictures below are courtesy of Weerwoord, a meteorology blog from Belgium.

Waterspout off the coast of England Sept. 18

2008-09-23T14:35:00.006-05:00

This waterspout was observed last Thursday off the coast of southwest England, near Torquay, Devon. Read the story here, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.

(photo courtesy: BBC)

Dakotas under the gun today

2008-09-22T09:48:00.006-05:00

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk from the Manitoba border south to Nebraska. The main risk with these storms will be large hail, but tornadoes cannot be ruled out, especially in northern South Dakota.

Update: no tornadoes on Sept. 22, but 2.5" hail reported in Jackson County, SD.
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Welcome to the new CentralOKStorms.com!

2008-09-21T15:50:00.002-05:00

This is a new feature on this website. Here I will post pertinent weather information and severe weather reports, complete with pictures and video when available. I will also be able to keep visitors to this site updated on my own storm chasing adventures. My pics and video will be posted here, as well as on my "storm chases" page (see above link). Please do not hesitate to leave me comments, or to drop me an e-mail (see "contact" link above). Looking forward to hearing everyone's feedback!