TornadoVideos.net

Posted At: August 24, 2007 @ 12:28 PM

Posted By: Reed Timmer

Here are some SPECTACULAR lightning shots from yesterday's storms in the Chicago area, shot by Chris Bray.  If anyone captures any good photos of today's storms, it would be great if I could post them on the blog for everyone to see!




A weak cold front will continue moving slowly southward across the central U.S. today, initiating severe storms from the southern Great Lakes Region southwestward to the TX Panhandle.  CAPE values are forecast to be highest across northern Indiana and northwest Ohio -- ~4000 J/kg (left panel below), with the best wind shear there as well.  Thus, this region will have the best chance for severe weather today.  Still though, all models are forecasting widespread convective development along the entire cold front later this afternoon! (right panel below).
  Accordingly, the SPC has issued a moderate risk for severe storms across central IL, northern IN, northwestern OH, and extreme southern MI, for the likelihood of bow-echo structures and even brief supercells.  Like yesterday, strong straight-line winds will be the main threat.
Shown below is the Storm Reports map for yesterday, August 23.  Nearly 200 severe wind reports were confirmed yesterday, and even a few tornado reports in the Chicago area and central Michigan.  The storm in Michigan looked like a textbook mini-supercell at the time of the tornado, white the Chicago tornado was likely associated with the "book end vortex" of a bow-echo.  Extensive damage was reported in Chicago, with widespread power outages, flooding, downed trees, and even minor structural damage.  Today will be more of the same, but further south by about 50-100 miles.  Stay tuned for updates!