Thursday, April 19, 2012

Severe Storms Possible From Lower Missouri Valley into Oklahoma and Northwest Texas Later Today...


Above is the latest severe weather outlook for today from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, OK. Severe storms are forecast within the yellow shaded area on the image.

A surface cool front and dryline will situate themselves near the Northwestern and Western edges of the severe weather outlook area by late afternoon.  At least scattered thunderstorm development is forecast to take place along and ahead of these boundaries by late afternoon or early evening, with the activity then moving in a general Easterly direction, while the cool front moves slowly to the Southeast.

Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary threats across this region, with the greatest threat for very large hail (i.e., 2 inches in diameter or larger) within the red shaded and black hatched area on the image below:


Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out, particularly in a narrow zone from southwest Oklahoma into northwest Texas, near the intersection of the cool front, dryline and surface low pressure center (this is called a "triple point").

If you live or have travel plans in the severe weather outlook area for today, please remain alert, particularly this afternoon and evening.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or another trusted source for later information and possible warnings.  Make sure to identify your best sheltering options ahead of time, that way you can take cover quickly if needed.

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