Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Killer tornadoes smash Iowa and Minnesota
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:09 (GMT) +3
An exceptional tornado outbreak continues to hammer the U.S. tonight, in what has been an extraordinary year for tornadoes. A mile-wide tornado plowed through Parkersburg, Iowa this afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 15, according to KCRG. The tornado passed just north of the airport in Waterloo, Iowa, which recorded sustained winds of 64mph, gusting to 94 mph at 5:37pm CDT. Damage appeared to be at least EF-4 in photos I saw, and possibly EF-5 (over 200 mph). In Minnesota, another powerful twister killed at least one person and injured 9 in the Minneapolis suburb of Hugo this afternoon.


Figure 1. Satellite image of the supercell thunderstorms that spawned the Parkerburg, Iowa and Hugo, Minnesota tornadoes on May 25, 2008.

A slow-moving low pressure system that began in Colorado on Thursday spawned 48 reports of tornadoes Thursday, including the EF-3 mile-wide twister that killed one person in Windsor, Colorado. On Friday, an additional 63 tornado reports occurred, mostly in Kansas. The tornado that hit Quinter, Kansas on Friday was the eighth violent EF-4 tornado of the year. The last year that had more violent tornadoes was 1999, when 13 such twisters were recorded. Two people were killed in Cairo, Kansas when a tornado smashed a car trying to flee the storm. If you want to see why one should not try to escape a tornado in a car, take a look at what the tornado did to the car. Saturday was relatively quiet, with only 13 tornado reports, but Sunday's tally (so far) of 37 has brought the 4-day total to a remarkable 150+ tornado reports. Some of these tornado reports are undoubtedly of the same tornado, so the actual number of tornadoes for the 4-day outbreak may be less than 150.



Figure 2. Radar reflectivity image (top) of the May 25, 2008 Parkersburg, Iowa tornado. The position of Parkersburg is marked by a circle with a cross in the middle. Bottom: Doppler velocity image of the tornado, showing a small core of red and blue colors right next to each other, denoting strong winds towards and away from the radar, the classic signature of a tornado vortex.



Figure 3. Radar reflectivity image (top) of the May 25, 2008 Hugo, Minnesota tornado. The position of Hugo is marked by a circle with a cross in the middle. Bottom: Doppler velocity image of the tornado, showing a small core of red and blue colors right next to each other, denoting strong winds towards and away from the radar, the classic signature of a tornado vortex.

Severe weather forecast
Severe weather will pound the U.S. again Memorial Day, with the main action expected to stretch more than halfway across the country--from Colorado to New York. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has placed central Kansas under its "Moderate Risk" category for severe weather, one step below its highest level of concern, "High Risk". Yesterday was also a "Moderate Risk" day in Iowa and Minnesota. The Weather Underground Severe Weather page and Tornado page are good places to go to follow the severe weather. Also, tune in to the chase accounts and awesome storm photos from Wunderblogger Mike Theiss.

I'll have an update Monday morning, including a look at the tropics, where the computers models persist in predicting a tropical storm may form in the Western Caribbean or Eastern Pacific late this week.

Jeff Masters
Tornado (MikeTheiss)
A large and violent tornado near Quinter, Kansas. Photo Copyright Mike Theiss
Tornado
Large Tornado near Quinter, Kansas (MikeTheiss)
Photo of a large tornado near Quinter, Kansas on May 23rd, 2008.
Large Tornado near Quinter, Kansas
Categories: Tornado
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Reader Comments
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1. Drakoen 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:10 (GMT)    
Thanks for the update Jeff Masters.
Member Since: 28.10.2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
2. hurricane23 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:11 (GMT)    
Thanks Dr. appreciate the update.
Member Since: 14.05.2006 Posts: 8 Comments: 13276
3. pearlandaggie 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:12 (GMT)    
still no response to the hook-echo question...how disappointing...
Member Since: 14.09.2007 Posts: 3 Comments: 3963
4. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:13 (GMT)    
thanks doc
i beleive we should have a invest by thur 330 am may 29 if models are right in there depictions
by tue we should know more after 3 or 4 more runs
Member Since: 15.07.2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40559
5. StormJunkie 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:14 (GMT)    
Thanks Dr M. Some tragic news.

Thing does not even look like a car.
Member Since: 17.08.2005 Posts: 26 Comments: 15218
6. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:14 (GMT)    
five days to go
Member Since: 15.07.2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40559
8. cchsweatherman 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:17 (GMT)    
Well, good night everyone. Thanks for another great (but sad) update this late at night Dr. Masters.
Member Since: 14.04.2007 Posts: 8 Comments: 4926
9. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:23 (GMT)    
DrM. Thanks for the update. What a horrible tragedy. Prayers go out to all the folks in all the counties that's been hit with all these tornadoe's.
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
11. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:24 (GMT)    
Thanks, Dr. Masters. Tragic news for sure.

Makes me miss Vort's severe blog - awareness, watches and warnings are disseminated quickly and fluidly the way he runs that blog. It'd be great if he had some help and support. I believe it'd be very helpful to anyone following severe weather on WU.
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
12. hahaguy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:24 (GMT)    
hey jfv how u doing tonite
Member Since: 12.08.2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
13. aquak9 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:24 (GMT)    
Pearlandaggie, you have wu-mail (left side of your screen)

Thank you for the update, Dr. Masters. A sad day indeed.
Member Since: 13.08.2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25008
14. TheCaneWhisperer 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:25 (GMT)    
Insane year! Thank You for the update Dr. Masters. Duly noted WCaribb, these seem to be the days of "Not What They Used To Be". Happy Memorial Day to you and yours.
16. franck 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:25 (GMT)    
Imagine what kind of horror footage awaits tomorrow.
Member Since: 30.08.2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1150
17. pearlandaggie 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:25 (GMT)    
well, i guess i'm out, too. have a great night everyone!
Member Since: 14.09.2007 Posts: 3 Comments: 3963
18. Drakoen 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:26 (GMT)    
Wheres the 00z GFS crew lol?
Member Since: 28.10.2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
20. aquak9 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:26 (GMT)    
"sheri" is catastropheadjuster's name. She always signs her name.
Member Since: 13.08.2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25008
21. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:27 (GMT)    
JFV That's my name Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
23. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:27 (GMT)    
Have a good sleep, Pearland.
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
24. Astrophysics 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:28 (GMT)    
Phoenix Spacecraft Lands on Mars!
Member Since: 10.06.2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 45
25. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:28 (GMT)    
Sheri, Aqua!!! Ya'll stirring late!
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
27. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:28 (GMT)    
Aquak- Hey, and thanks
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
28. TheCaneWhisperer 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:28 (GMT)    
LOL Drak! You'll catch me on the 00Z when there is something to look at. Baby girl doesn't care about the 00Z and is up bright and early, lol.
29. TheCaneWhisperer 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:29 (GMT)    
Night All!
30. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:30 (GMT)    
MLC you up to late. Can't sleep. Figure come to the main blog and see what's up.
JFV- No problem. I've always put my name but i guess i need to quit.
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
31. Drakoen 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:31 (GMT)    
28. TheCaneWhisperer 3:28 AM GMT on May 26, 2008
LOL Drak! You'll catch me on the 00Z when there is something to look at. Baby girl doesn't care about the 00Z and is up bright and early, lol.


LOL!
Member Since: 28.10.2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
32. hahaguy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:32 (GMT)    
another fun fact i learned on the docs blog lol
Member Since: 12.08.2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
33. aquak9 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:32 (GMT)    
I love it. Dr. Master's has taken the time to open a new blog on a holiday weekend, late on a Sunday.

He includes links, radar, MRV, sat pics, and sad coverage of yet another severe weather outbreak. Homes, businesses, lives DESTROYED...and yet all some of you bloggers here can do is just go about your merry obsession with the next tropical model run.

Without even a thank you, or a note of condolence, many of you just LOL your way thru this blog with out even a tip of the hat to Dr. Masters.

Dr. Masters deserves more respect than that. This is HIS blog.

'Nuff said.
Member Since: 13.08.2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25008
34. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:32 (GMT)    
Sheri, I'm always out in the moonlight, you know that! ;)
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
35. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:33 (GMT)    
MLC:I put my blog as a Severe weather and warnings, but can't make it as good as Vort's. I was posting all the warnings and then went to the Awful Waffle {Waffle House} to eat supper. Came back and got on the main blog.
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
36. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:34 (GMT)    
Yes I know that. Your a night owl.
sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
37. hahaguy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:34 (GMT)    
ya i think i just saw mlc rooting around in my fridge lol
Member Since: 12.08.2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
38. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:37 (GMT)    
LOL, haha! Little Debbie's "fair warning" and a cold glass of milk! Dangerous at this time of the evening! ; P

- Aqua, well said; but, tell us how you really feel! ; P
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
40. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:38 (GMT)    
Aquak & MLC where did ya go? You up and disappear on me.
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
41. hahaguy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:38 (GMT)    
mlc back off these are my little debbies lol
Member Since: 12.08.2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
42. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:39 (GMT)    
Sheri, you did good with the warnings - it's a heap of work! Thanks.
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
43. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:39 (GMT)    
MLC I have a homemade Turtle Pie and a tall glass of cold milk.
Aquak you can have a piece to.
sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
44. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:40 (GMT)    
Oh, Sheri! Whoa! hhhhhhhmmmmmmm, that sure sounds good!
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118
45. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:40 (GMT)    
MLC Thank you. I thought i would try until Vort gets back 5days and counting.
Sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
46. aquak9 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:40 (GMT)    
I said how I feel, MLC. I remember years ago, Dr. Master's would actually post in his own blog. We felt honored and enjoyed his interaction.

Now, it seems like many folks completely ignore the work he puts into his blogs.
Member Since: 13.08.2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25008
47. TampaSpin 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:41 (GMT)    
Ok we i see we now have the GFS, NGPNGP GFS in agreement that a storm is coming out of the West Carribean into the GOM. I would start to think that something will be forming with 2 pretty good models in agreement.
Member Since: 2.09.2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
48. hahaguy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:42 (GMT)    
aqua do you remember the other mets blog that was on here?
Member Since: 12.08.2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838
49. catastropheadjuster 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:42 (GMT)    
You know that song Oh Sherry by Steve Perry I think, I love it.Sorry folks i know this is DrM weather blog I guess we better get back talking about weather before we get in trouble.
sheri
Member Since: 24.08.2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3556
50. aquak9 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:43 (GMT)    
hahaguy, yes I do. Starting my fourth year here.

Member Since: 13.08.2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25008
51. moonlightcowboy 26. toukokuuta 2008 klo 03:44 (GMT)    
I know Aqua, he does a lot of research, work on his blogs, and they're good! But, he's a busier man nowadays, too! On top of weather, he's got to cover global warming, run a growing company and still manage to have a life. It's tasking, just reading it, let alone running it and putting it out there for all of us.
Member Since: 9.07.2006 Posts: 179 Comments: 28118

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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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