27 July 2014

Rare Mid-Summer Tornado Outbreak Possible In Midwest Sunday

Posted by Dan Satterfield

The Storm Prediction Center in NOrman,OK has posted a rare mid summer "Moderate Risk" for portions of the Midwest Sunday.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,OK has posted a rare mid- summer “Moderate Risk” for portions of the Midwest Sunday.

An unusually strong summer cool front is expected to kick off numerous super-cell thunderstorms Sunday across the Midwest and even into the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast. With thousands of folks at campgrounds and beaches, the possibilities that the storms may catch folks in the open and away from sturdy shelter is much higher than normal. Just this week, an EF1 tornado hit the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and left two dead and over 20 injured. The deaths were in a campground on the Chesapeake Bay, and the fatalities were from trees falling on tents. Others were injured when their campers were crushed by falling trees, and the storm also brought hail as large as softballs.

Most folks do have mobile phone apps that receive warnings now, but it will do little good if you cannot quickly get to shelter.

Check out the report from CBS News below. This storm hit just outside my viewing area, but we had our chopper over the area shortly afterwards and it was a tragic scene. The NWS in Wakefield Va. rated it an EF 1, and they issued a warning about 11 mins. before it struck. An EF 1 rarely causes loss of life when it hits regular buildings and homes, but campers and trailers can be destroyed. Something to remember the next time you pull out your sleeping bags and tents. Take my advice and always bring a NOAA Weather Radio with you, and set it to tone an alarm if a warning is issued.

This was the first death from a tornado in Virginia since 2011. More video from the station I work for WBOC TV below:
WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 –

Keep an eye on the sky tomorrow if you are in the Midwest/Northeast.