Archives: Severe Weather

News, posts, and educational content on severe weather topics.

What is a Microburst?

May 4, 2023

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 dangerous. What is a microburst? We’ll examine their formation, classification, potential hazards, and the importance of understanding and preparing for them. What is a Microburst? ... Continue reading

Remembering the El Reno Tornado of May 31, 2013

April 3, 2023

Ed Oswald

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.

When Does Tornado Season Start in the United States?

March 31, 2023

TWSE Explains

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.

What is a Tornado Watch?

March 31, 2023

Johnathan Orellana

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?

December 27, 2022

Ed Oswald

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.

Texas Tornado Outbreak/New Orleans Tornado: Mar. 21-23, 2022

April 17, 2022

Ed Oswald

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?

April 15, 2022

TWSE Explains

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.

What is a Squall Line?

April 5, 2022

TWSE Explains

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.

Remembering the Quad State Tornado of December 10, 2021

April 3, 2022

Ed Oswald

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."