Satellite descriptors of the atmosphere over the central High Plains on May 30th suggested an atmosphere ripe for convection. For example, the GOES Sounder DPI Lifted Index showed an axis of instability from central Oklahoma to northwest Kansas, with widespread values (yellows, reds, purples) at or below -4. (The unstable... Read More

Tornadoes are relatively rare in Japan, and the majority of them occur in association with tropical cyclones — but a tornado struck the city of Tsukuba, Japan on 06 May 2012, and was responsible for one fatality, over 40 injuries, and damage (rated F2 to F3) to nearly 500 homes... Read More

AWIPS images of 10-km resolution GOES-13 sounder Total Precipitable Water (TPW) derived product imagery (above) and the corresponding GOES-13 sounder Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) derived product imagery (below) showed that moisture (TPW values as high as 45 mm or 1.78 inches near Saint Louis, Missouri at 16 UTC) and... Read More

A major outbreak of severe thunderstorms occurred across parts of the central US during the 14 April – 15 April 2012 period, producing widespread tornadoes, large hail, and damging winds (SPC storm... Read More