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

Southeast U.S. under siege!

The southeast US is being hammered by tornadic supercell thunderstorms tonight as another round of dangerous weather strikes tornado alley. For the second day in a row the SPC issued a "High Risk" for severe weather meaning life threatening weather was immenent. Reports of damage including the collapse of a three story motel in Georgia are already coming in. We will continue coverage overnight into the morning hours with news as it comes in. Be sure to follow on twitter (@worldswildestwx) for breaking news updates. Have a pleasant evening and be sure to check your local forecast.

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Tornado Outbreak over TX, AR!

Image: NOAA/NWS/SPC

An outbreak of strong to violent tornadoes and hail the size of baseballs is occurring over parts of Texas and Arkansas this afternoon/evening.  This is the most dangerous severe weather outbreak of the year so far with the SPC (spc.noaa.gov) issuing a rare High Risk probability for severe weather over several states in the ARK.LA.TEX region.  This has also had the even more rare tag of a PDS watch which the SPC calls a particularly dangerous situation. Today is the type of day that all meteorologists, spotters, and chasers prepare for their entire carers.  This is the time when lives are in real danger and can be saved as long as warnings are heeded.  Stay tuned for further updates and details and follow on Twitter @worldswildestwx!

Catastrophic weather event taking shape over parts of the south.

A massive outbreak of severe weather is taking aim at parts of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The Storm Prediction center has issued a high risk for severe weather, which is the top of the scale as far as threats go. Strong to violent long track tornadoes are expected as well as a widespread swath of wind damage. Stay tuned to this blog for further details.

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****MODERATE RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER TODAY****

Image: NOAA/NWS/SPC

A warm front will push north this afternoon igniting an outbreak of severe weather across Southern MN and parts of SD, IA, and WI.  The main threat will be very large and destructive hail and isolated tornadoes.  The storms will develop over Nebraska and and South Dakota and spread to the northeast through the late afternoon and evening.  The storms will be more of a supercell form rather than a line form which favor the hail and tornado threat rather than damaging winds.  Please continue to monitor local forecasts as this is a potntially dangerous situation.  Just wanted to mention that the weather here in Cozumel is beutiful and HOT!  Unfortunatly, I will miss out on the action today but that's ok... Im in Mexico!  Have a great day!

7.1 Japan Aftershock ****Updated****

A very strong aftershock rocked the same region affected by the 9.0 earthquake nearly a month ago.  Initially measured at 7.4, it was later downgraded to a 7.1 by the USGS in Boulder, CO.  Even at 7.1 the shaking was felt as far away as Tokyo (approx. 200 miles).  The aftershock occurred at 11:32pm Japan Time or 9:32am CDT.  This is not what the Japanese need considering the effect that the 9.0 quake had.  There has been no reports of damage or injuries due to the fact that it may be hard to differentiate between events.  Tsunami warnings were briefly posted but quickly canceled once the threat had been better assessed.   Meanwhile, the weather here in MN was very pleasant with temps in the 60's around the Twin Cities and plenty of sunshine.  The weather situation could change dramatically this weekend with our first shot at severe weather coming on Saturday afternoon (If your going to Target Field for the Twins game keep an eye on the forecast).  It appears possible at this time that the threat for all modes of severe weather will be possible with the arrival of a strong low pressure system from the southwest and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.  Speaking of Mexico, I will be updating from the island of Cozumel starting tomorrow (April 8) and returning April 15.  Please understand if updates are a bit slow as computer access is very limited.  If severe weather erupts this weekend be sure to stay safe and point that camera to the sky!  Have a great evening!

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Massive Line of Storms Moves East!

Image: NOAA/NWS

An intense line of storms is surging East this evening creating extensive damage in its wake.  The Storm Prediction Center issued a Moderate Risk for severe weather for the second day in a row meaning the severe weather season is in full swing.  A cold front surging east as it circles the low pressure system will produce storms with destructive hail, deadly lightning, and tornadoes over a large part of the South and East.  This is a very dangerous situation so please monitor local forecasts if you are in affected areas.  This line has a history of producing huge hail, tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts.  These threats will continue overnight and into Tuesday morning for much of the eastern seaboard.  Check back for updates!

Severe weather threat for Mississippi Valley Sunday.

Severe weather will roll through the Mississippi Valley and the Middle Plains Sunday afternoon and evening.  Very warm and moist air will push north with the arrival of a strong low pressure center.  A cold front/dryline will dig to the south and east combining with enough wind shear to create rotation in the atmosphere for tornadic supercells.  Along with the tornado threat, a threat for very large and destructive hail will exist as well.  The storms are expected to become more linear with the threat for damaging winds becoming more likely overnight into Monday.  Check back for updates on this developing weather situation.  Have a great night!