Severe Thunderstorms Still a Threat to Plains, Midwest
The same storm system that produced severe thunderstorms and wind damage from Oklahoma to Wisconsin Tuesday will continue impacting the Plains and Midwest through Thursday.
In addition to damaging winds, a few of the thunderstorms could also produce large hail and perhaps even a tornado. Flash flooding has been a problem with thunderstorms in southern Missouri since early Wednesday morning and will remain a threat there into tonight.
The greatest risk for severe thunderstorms through tonight lies from northern Oklahoma into eastern South Dakota and western Iowa. Cities such as Wichita, Kan., and Omaha, Neb., are included in this zone.
As the storm system heads farther east Thursday, the threat area will shift into northeastern Missouri, eastern Iowa, northwestern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
People potentially in the path of these thunderstorms should stay alert to their local weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued.
The thunderstorms could litter roads in some neighborhoods with tree branches and power lines. Torrential downpours will also slow traffic and significantly reduce visibility for motorists. Minor airport delays can also result.
Where rain is heavy enough, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, flooding could take place and cause road closures. Such was the case around Springfield, Mo., Wednesday morning.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 82° | Gila Bend, AZ |
| Low | -13° | Clayton Lake, ME |
| Precip | 1.24" | Spanish Fork, UT |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
Gulf Coast 1 (899)
ry cold morning along Gulf Coast; New Orleans 6.8 deg.; Mobile -1 deg.; Pensacola 7 deg.; Tallahassee -2 deg (All time record for Florida. Brownsville 12 deg. (all time low).
North Dakota 1 (936)
this date the mercury plummeted to -60 deg. at Parshall, ND - the coldest temperature ever for the State of ND. Later the same year, the mercury soared to 121 deg. at Steele, ND - the hottest temperature ever for the state of ND.
Rough Weather
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