Explosive Tornado Outbreak ***Day 3*** Updated 5.25.11

Images: NOAA/NWS/SPC

Another "High Risk" day is turning the skies black across much of the nations mid-section.  There are currently no less than six tornado watches issued as of 6pm CDT.  Three of these watches have the rare tag of PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation).  2011 is proving to be the worst year in recorded history for tornadoes.  Tornado related deaths for the year topped 500 with total number of tornadoes right around 1200 which is twice the national average for this time of year.  The number of tornadoes is not what worries meteorologists, but rather the intensity.  Under "normal" circumstances the country could go several seasons without an EF-5 tornado, however this season boasts four EF-5's.  Previously, the most recent EF-5 was in 2008.  There is the possibility of more tonight.  Stay tuned for updates and Stay aware of any watches and warnings that may be issued.

Tornado Nation ***Updated Tue. 5-24-2011***

Tornadoes have struck up and down the country's mid section over the past three days leaving utter devastation and death in their wake.  Sadly, 2 people were killed in an EF-1 tornado that cut a path through the highly populated North-side of Minneapolis, MN on Sunday afternoon.  The same evening a historically tragic event unfolded in the town of Joplin, MO (pop. 50,000) where an EF-5 tornado ripped through the town destroying absolutely everything in its path leaving at least 122 dead and making it the single deadliest tornado since 1950.  Once again, tornadoes carved a deadly path through Oklahoma tonight (Tue.) leaving at least 7 dead with storms expected to continue overnight and unfortunately hit some of the same areas as Sunday's storms.  The atmosphere will re-load for tomorrow across portions of the mid and lower Mississippi valleys.  The SPC in Norman, OK has a day 2 Moderate Risk for a large area with another major severe weather outbreak likely.  More strong/violent long-track tornadoes will be possible in many areas including Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi.  Stay tuned to your local forecast and check W.W.W. for continued updates on this potentially record breaking year. 

Tornado Watch 322 has been issued for much of Southeast MN including the Twin Cities.

Tornado watch 322 has been issued for parts of MN, WI, and IA. The watch is effective until 8 pm CDT. Stay tuned for further updates from worldswildestweather.com

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Tragedy strikes in the South.

As many of you already know a violent and very deadly outbreak of tornadoes occurred over the last two days with the most severe damage occurring in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.  The latest death toll stands at just over 200 with that number sure to rise as search and rescue crews sift through rubble and debris.  Many meteorologists are calling this the outbreak of the century as the scope of the damage is fully assessed.  I have not heard an official review of the storms yet but after reviewing several different videos and pictures I would say without a doubt that at least one or more of these tornadoes will be rated EF-5.  In the weather world this is also known as "The finger of God" due to its ability to erase anything in its path.  Updates on storm specifics are coming in very slowly as almost 1 million people are without power so stay tuned for further information.  Many people ask why I do what I do and this is the reason.  I have to say that due to the work of dedicated meteorologists and storm chasers/spotters many lives were probably saved.  If you would like to see video and pictures of the storms visit weather.com or cnn.com for the latest updates.  be sure to follow on Twitter (@worldswildestweather) for breaking W.W.W. news.  Also, please take a moment to remember victims of this disaster as most of us were unaffected by this tragedy. Have a good day!

-Brian