The 10 Stormiest Cities in the US
Thunderstorms are a regular occurrence during the spring and summer months for large swaths of the United States. As storm systems sweep across the country, … Read more
Severe Weather
News, posts, and educational content on severe weather topics.
What is an Outflow Boundary?
An outflow boundary is a meteorological term that refers to the boundary between two air masses created by a thunderstorm’s downdraft. If you’ve ever stood outside during a thunderstorm and felt the cool rush of air preceding a storm, you’ve experienced an outflow boundary.
What is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch?
Severe thunderstorms are common in the Southeast U.S and Midwest. However, they can happen almost anywhere (even in unusual places, like Alaska). If weather conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm watch.
What is a Flash Flood Watch?
Areas that experience heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and tropical storms are susceptible to flash floods. If weather conditions are favorable for a flash flood in your area, the National Weather Service issues a flash flood watch to give you time to prepare.
What is a Tornado Watch?
Most common in the U.S. in the Great Plains and the Southeast, tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent weather events. Since thunderstorms always precede tornadoes, thunderstorms are prevalent in the same regions as tornadoes.
What is a High Wind Warning? Get Prepared Now
The National Weather Service issues various wind warnings to warn the public of dangerous wind conditions. Wind warnings are issued when sustained wind speeds are expected to reach or exceed a certain speed for a certain amount of time.
Squall line on the way? Take cover now
A squall line is a line of strong and severe thunderstorms common in the spring and summer and often produce strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and hail. Squall lines often form ahead of cold fronts but can develop independently if several strong thunderstorms merge.
What is a Microburst?
Weather is a complex and fascinating subject, with numerous phenomena occurring all around the globe. One such event, a microburst, can be as captivating as … Read more
The Difference Between Isolated and Scattered Thunderstorms
When most people think of thunderstorms, they imagine a large, dark storm cloud that pops up in the afternoon and evening, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. This type of storm is called an air mass thunderstorm. However, two other types of thunderstorms often precede frontal passages in the summer.
Tornado Alley is Shifting East. Here’s Why That Matters
As winter changes to spring, meteorologists switch focus from winter storms to severe weather. Ramping up first in the Deep South in March, tornado season reaches its peak in ‘Tornado Alley’ in May and June.
Tornado season: Tips and tricks for safety and preparedness
Do you know when tornado season starts in the United States? Many people don’t realize that tornadoes can occur at just about any time of the year, especially across the southern Plains and Southeastern United States.
Remembering the El Reno Tornado of May 31, 2013
On May 31, 2013, a tornado struck El Reno, Oklahoma. This tornado was historic because it was the widest tornado and had some of the fastest ground wind speeds ever recorded by mobile radar – 296 mph. The El Reno tornado didn’t cause significant damage, as it passed through mainly rural areas around El Reno and west of Oklahoma City. However, the loss of life, including three experienced storm chasers’ deaths, shocked the meteorological community.
Texas Tornado Outbreak/New Orleans Tornado: Mar. 21-23, 2022
On March 21-23, 2022, a multi-day severe weather and tornado outbreak with 78 confirmed tornadoes struck portions of the Deep South. The most affected areas were Texas and the eastern New Orleans metropolitan area northward into Mississippi.
How Does Hail Form?
When the temperatures are warm, the last thing you’re thinking about is frozen precipitation falling from the sky. But it happens, and it’s called hail. Hail is a fascinating weather phenomenon. This blog post explores how hail forms and what you should do if you find yourself in the middle of a hail storm.
Remembering the Quad State Tornado of December 10, 2021
Friday, December 10, 2021, will be a day that residents of four US states will remember for a very long time. Spurred by a strong winter cold front pushing through the region, severe weather and tornadoes ripped through the Mississippi Valley and mid-South, including a long-track tornado referred to as the “Quad State Tornado.”
