South Plains Weather

April's tornado climatology

April’s tornado climatology

In Texas, April is the start of a pretty active spring. According to the National Climate Data Center, Texas will see – on average – 28 tornadoes in April. Meanwhile, in the southeast, a “hotbed” for early-spring tornado activity in recent years, most states only average between five and eight tornadoes. Looking back at the past three months, there has… Read more →

Youtube videos of severe weather 4/3/14

Here is a look at some of the Youtube videos people uploaded after the handful of severe storms moved through the southern plains and southeast on April 3, 2014. From Denton, Texas El Dorado Springs, Missouri (Warning: Language) Magnolia, Arkansas Unknown Savannah, Texas Washington, Missouri Rhome, Texas Denton, Texas

The SPC is discussing the threat for severe weather this afternoon. The possibility of large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes will be realized across parts of Arkansas, Missouri and other sections of the southern plains, southeast and Midwest.

Take a look:SPC Severe Weather Breakdown

As meteorologists look at today’s setup it is looking promising that severe weather will develop.

The main bulk of the severe action will be in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, western Tennessee and Kentucky and northern Louisiana.

There is also the threat for severe weather in the southernmost sections of Illinois, and northernmost sections of Mississippi.

The biggest threats for today are wind and hail. Both on the strong/large side of the spectrum.

Looking at the latest 6z RAP here are some of the severe weather indicators we’re watching:

CAPE: >2,000 J/kg
Helicity (0-1km): 75 – 200
EHI (0-3km): 1 – 3.5
LCL Heights: 800m – 1500m
Lifted Index: -3 – -10

All of these point to the potential for damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes.