Long-track tornadoes, extreme hail target Plains
UPDATE: Thankfully, the large tornadoes did not materialize, though there were a few tornadoes, over 400 reports of wind and hail, and damage reported. Here's a summary:
- 4 Tornado Rpts in 4 States - 206 Wind Gust Rpts (75 MPH in KS) - 270 Hail Rpts (4" in KS)
Why did the tornadoes not materialize? It may have been because of a little-known phenomenon known as veer-back-veer, meaning that winds change with height enough to disrupt the formation of a strong mesocyclone, the precursor to a tornado. The storms formed, but they weren't as severe as forecast because of those changes in winds. There are other possibilities too, but this is the one I've seen mentioned the most today.
ORIGINAL BLOG 4/26:
A major severe weather outbreak with long-track tornadoes and extremely large hail is forecast for today. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook to receive these updates in real-time.
