STORM2K

0609 PM TORNADO NORTH UTICA 41.34N 89.01W
04/20/2004 LA SALLE IL EMERGENCY MNGR

*** 4 FATAL, 4 INJ *** TORNADO IN COMMUNITY OF UTICA
MOVING EAST. SEVERAL BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS EXTENSIVELY
DAMAGED IN DOWNTOWN AREA WITH 4 INDIVIDUALS SERIOUSLY
INJURED AND 4 FATALITIES.


That was the more destructive area yesterday. However it wasn't the only area struck by tornadoes. There were 51 tornado reports yesterday as seen here. Those numbers could tweak with time.

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/today.html

More strong to destructive tornadoes are possible in the southern Plains later today. East central Oklahoma and parts of Arkansas could see this problem later today. In addition to that significant tornado threat, very large hail is expected. Same can be said tomorrow for the same area as the tail end of the frontal boundary will hang around for awhile.

Jim

Thanks for the update Jim. How sad... It just shows you the power of mother nature is to be respected.

Everyone affected by this tragedy is in my prayers. very sad

Yes, this was a very sad day. I was in severe weather mode with the boss yesterday and talking with chasers in the field. Chasers reported two destructive, large tornadoes down side by side at one time. Between 8-9 pm there were 17 touchdown reports. A meso-low and a triple point phasing coupled with a mid and low level jet max with veering profiles caused this event. Most of which came from LP supercells (mini-supercells). This was unexpected by SPC, but we saw some of it coming....not the damage to this extent though. Today will be another very active day, and if you guys would like to help with getting information I will allow some in conference with our nowcasting team this evening. Today looks to be a classic setup for a tornadic event in the southern plains. I don't think one state will see the 40+ tornadoes that IL saw on yesterday in a slight risk though. SPC was slacking....they should have issued an update in the evening to HIGH as all of this was being reported on the ground IMO.

Here's an article about the tornados;

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4791348/

Thanks for the article stephanie. Very sad situation

Rainband wrote:Thanks for the article stephanie. Very sad situation

It is Johnathan and it is only the beginning of the season!

Stephanie wrote:

Rainband wrote: Very sad situation

It is Johnathan and it is only the beginning of the season!

So much for a slow season Stay safe everybody