3 Day Tornado Outbreak!
The biggest tornado outbreak of the season started Thursday with 12-16 Tornadoes in Oklahoma. Then Yesterday the tornadoes shifted south with over 100 reported tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama.
These storms have been extremely destructive. The energy has shifted to the Carolinas today where the third day of this outbreak may end up being the most destructive. 74 reported tornadoes and counting. By the time this is through, close to 200 tornadoes will have touched down in 3 days. incredible.
Today, These storms have been racing east at 60-70 mph. One tornado went through downtown Raleigh around 3:30 today. Buildings are being destroyed, people are missing and numerous fatalities are possible. Already there are reports of up to 20 people losing their lives in the course of this 3 day outbreak and that number could go up depending on the outcome of today's storms.
The damage is extensive in North Carolina. Some parts were hit hard. By looking at some of the photos, I would not be surprised to see that a few EF3's or and EF4's being reported in these storms. Significant damage in the town of Sanford, NC...just to the SW of Raleigh.
A Lowe's department destroyed. Cars overturned. Very Dangerous life threatening storms.
Here is a video from Raleigh, NC which shows you just how extensive the damage has been this afternoon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukuERsvfDMU&feature=player_embedded#at=60
Tornado season is in full swing. There is concern for more severe weather in the coming weeks. Water temperatures in the gulf of Mexico are above normal. The Gulf is supplying warm humid air masses into the n, yet still plenty of cold lingers in Canada with the snow pack remaining. This will set the stage for the potential for and extended severe weather season across Tornado Alley. With the NAO heading for negative territory in the coming weeks...meaning more cool from Canada?? The battle lines are drawn. For us to get any severe weather...we are going to have to get a whole lot warmer and more humid...not in the cards for now.
