[LeArc] Severe Weather Outbreak Expected Thursday!

[Duane Whittingham]

An unseasonably strong low pressure system will track across the 
upper midwest on Thursday, producing one or several squall lines. The 
primary threat will be extremely damaging straight-line winds up to 
80 mph.  There is also a risk of hail up to the size of quarters and 
isolated tornadoes.  The storms are expected to develop and intensify 
very rapidly in the mid to late afternoon, and then quickly move east.

The rapid speed of development and movement is of particular concern 
in this situation.  In addition, storms of this nature increase the 
threat of widespread significant impact.

This event is similar in many ways to the severe weather event of 
June 18, 1998, when a squall line raced across Iowa and Illinois 
producing widespread damage from severe winds and several 
tornadoes.  Clouds may play a role in limiting the extent of the 
severe weather threat.  If the clouds are dense and widespread 
enough, they may limit instability enough to reduce the threat.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire area under a 
<http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day2otlk.html>moderate risk.


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Amateur Radio Operator
Duane Whittingham - N9SSN
Skywarn, ARES/RACES, EMA/ESDA
Red Cross Volunteer & SATERN Member