Thursday, March 31, 2016

Early April Pattern Change To Bring Annoyingly Chilly Temperatures to Parts of Northern United States

Linda Lam
Published: March 29,2016

April usually brings thoughts or at least hopes of warmer temperatures, but as the calendar turns the page this year that desired warmth may be hard to find for some thanks to a pattern change. As colder air settles into the northern tier of the Lower 48, this could also set the stage for snow chances in the days ahead.
March has been a very warm month for most of the U.S. Numerous locations from the Rockies to the East Coast, with the exception of much of the South, are in position to see a top five warmest March.
(MORE: Warm Records are Crushing Cold Records in 2016)
Heading into early April, however, a surge of arctic air is expected to push southward through central and eastern Canada and into adjacent parts of the northern United States. Details on exactly how far south the cold air will move and how cold temperatures will be are a bit uncertain at this time, but an overall chilly forecast is anticipated for parts of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast.

Chilly Setup
These colder conditions are due to a southward plunge of the jet stream, in response to a blocking ridge of high pressure over the Pacific Northwest, that will allow chillier temperatures to spread from Canada into the Midwest and East.
(MORE: April, Summer 2016 Temperature Outlook)
One of factors that will be playing a role in this April chill is the split the stratospheric vortex underwent in mid-March. This is expected to result in negative Arctic Oscillation conditions in early April, which typically translates to below-average temperatures in the Eastern U.S., with warmer than average conditions in the West.
That said, the latest forecast guidance suggests this invasion of colder temperatures will not make it very far south in the eastern states. Areas closest to the Canadian border from the Great Lakes into the Northeast are currently forecast to see temperatures the farthest below average Saturday into early next week.

Chilly Forecast


Forecast Highs
The colder-than-average temperatures will first make its presence known in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes this Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures will be 10 to 25 degrees below where they are typically expected to be for the beginning of April for parts of this area starting this weekend.
Highs will likely top out in the 30s and 40s for much of the Northeast and parts of the Great Lakes. Some locations near the Canadian border may not rise out of the 20s.
Along with the cold air, some light snow or snow showers can be expected across the northern Great Lakes on Saturday, followed by the interior Northeast by Sunday.
(FORECASTS: Grand Forks, North Dakota | Kansas City | Cleveland | Baltimore)

Forecast Late Next Week
Low temperatures will be in the 20s and 30s for much of the Upper Midwest and interior Northeast, with teens likely near the Canadian border from northern Minnesota to northern New England.

Forecast AM Lows
(MAP: 10-day forecast)
Widespread record cold temperatures are not currently expected, but for most it will still be an unwelcome change. Many areas will see a temperature drop of 10 to 25 degrees to start April compared to the end of March.
In addition, light snow or a mixture of rain and snow showers may move through parts of the Great Lakes and interior Northeast this weekend.
MORE: Worst Spring Allergy Cities 2016 (PHOTOS)

Damage Path From February EF3 Tornado in Virginia Spotted From Satellite

Chris Dolce
Published: March 30,2016

The damage path from a deadly EF3 tornado that struck Appomattox County, Virginia, on Feb. 24,  has recently become more apparent on satellite imagery.
(RECAP: February 2016 Tornado Outbreak)
Though the tornado touched down more than a month ago, the scar left behind is now becoming more noticeable since vegetation is greening up adjacent to where it moved through. This is shown in the animation below comparing a satellite image from March 29, 201,  to another image before the tornado hit on Jan. 19, 2016.
Before and after comparison showing the damage path of the tornado that struck on Feb. 24, 2016.





























The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Virginia, pointed out the tornado scar in a Facebook post Tuesday while overlaying the colored path from their survey of the damage.
According to that survey, the tornado was on the ground for 17 miles and damaged more than 100 homes while also causing considerable tree damage. One person was killed and seven others were injured.
There are many other examples of tornado damage scars documented by satellite over the years. You can find a collection of them at the link below.
(MORE: Tornado Scars From Space)
PHOTOS: Late-February 2016 Severe Weather

Former Canadian Minister Jean Lapierre Among 7 Killed in Plane Crash

Eric Chaney
Published: March 30,2016 





 
A small plane crashed Tuesday off an island in eastern Quebec, claiming the life of a former Canadian cabinet minister and six others.
Former federal transportation minister Jean Lapierre was aboard the plane, which crashed on approach to the Havre-aux-Maisons airport in the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, while the region was under an alert for strong winds from Environment Canada.
(MORE: Severe Storms Hit Florida; Lightning Strike Injures Firefighters)
Canada's former Minister of Transport Jean Lapierre, shown here in a file photo, was among seven people killed in a plane crash in eastern Quebec.
(AP PHOTO/CP, Fred Chartrand)





































"A robust low-pressure system tracked through the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Tuesday," said weather.com meteorologist Quincy Vagell, "and strong winds were reported across the region where the plane crashed, with frequent gusts over 40 mph."
Rain in the area changed to snow during the afternoon, lowering visibility to less than 1 mile at times, Vagell added.
"The crash took place in a field on approach to the airport," Quebec provincial police Sgt. Daniel Thibodeau, who described the weather conditions as "not ideal" for flying, told the Associated Press.
According to several reports, the plane is believed to have been carrying numerous other members of Lapierre's family, the Montreal Gazette said.
This image shows the site of the plane crash on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
(Twitter/Jonathan Lapierre)
Lapierre was a former member of the Canadian House of Commons and served as Minister of Transport from 2004 to 2006.
TVA Nouvelles confirmed Mr. Lapierre had chartered an aircraft to get to the Iles-de- la-Madeleine to attend the funeral of his father, who died at age 83 as a result of Parkinson's disease.
(MORE: Winter Storm Troy Hits the U.S.)
The plane, a charter, departed from the St-Hubert airport at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Montreal Gazette reported. The plane was a Mitsubishi turboprop and is believed to have belonged to a private company.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is deploying a team of investigators.
MORE: Winter Storm Troy

Severe Storms Whip Across Florida; Lightning Injures Firefighters, Damages Homes

Sean Breslin and Andrew MacFarlane
Published: March 30,2016

Severe weather rocked the Sunshine State with a massive thunderstorm complex Tuesday afternoon, kicking off several days of severe weather expected across the South. Though quick to travel from the state's Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coast, the storm system left its mark, leaving three Boca Raton firefighters injured after they were hit by lightning while cleaning up a lightning-ignited fire, according to CBS 12.
Boca Fire Rescue Spokesman Mike Lasalle said lightning struck near the trio as they were dousing a fire in Strathmore, a central Boca Raton community.
"They were bending over to bring the water hose from the back of the house to the truck and that's all they remember," LaSalle told the Sun Sentinel. "We're not sure if it hit them or the ground first, but in my opinion it must have hit near them. Direct hits usually end badly."
(MORE: The Latest Severe Weather Forecast | Winter Storm Troy Closes Interstates)
Two of the injuries were minor and those two firefighters were released Tuesday evening, the Sun Sentinel also said, but the third was treated for more serious injuries at Delray Beach Medical Center.
Several other homes in South Florida have reported damage from lightning strikes, including one Davie home that suffered a strike to the chimney. Davie Fire Rescue responded to the call, but no significant fire or structural damage was seen, according to WSVN.com.
In Homestead, a young woman and her niece and nephew were shaken up after a large tree fell onto their vehicle while turning out of Laura C. Saunders Elementary School Tuesday afternoon, the report added. Nobody was injured in the accident.
"It was 'Boom!' That's all you heard," the woman in the car told WSVN.com. “I was so scared. Soon as I pulled to go around the curve, the whole tree just fell, and I felt the car just shook. It threw me forward and back.”
Three people were rescued in the Everglades after their airboat was hit by lightning, according to a separate Sun Sentinel report. Two airboats were in the water, one of which was taking on water when Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue arrived, said spokesman Mike Jachles. None of the occupants were injured by the strike.
On the Gulf Coast side of the state, a Lee County business on the 13000 block of Vector Avenue was hit by a lightning strike, leaving some noticeable roof damage, according to the South Trail Fire Department. No injuries were reported as a result.
MORE: Severe Weather Causes Flooding in the South

National Temperature and Rainfall Extremes for March 31,2016 from accuweather.com

As of 11PM,EDT/8PM,PDT





Daily U.S. Extremes

past 24 hours

  Extreme Location
High 100° McAllen, TX
Low Bodie State Park, CA
Precip 4.65" Greenwood, MS

New York City metro-area forecast for March 31-May 14,2016 from accuweather.com

Here's the 45-day weather forecast for the New York City metro-area for the period of the last day of March,all of April and the first 2 weeks of May (March 31-May 14),2016 from accuweather.com









Tonight,March 31-April 1: Becoming mainly cloudy,rainy,and unseasonably warm and muggy for early spring with a chance for a couple of late-night rain showers possible and a low temperature dropping to the upper 50's to lower 60's,overnight.As of 12:30AM,EDT,April 1,it's 56 degrees and partly cloudy,with 90% humidity in White Plains,NY,and it's 64 degrees and mostly cloudy,with 72% humidity,in New York City.

Tomorrow,April 1: April Fool's Day 2016 will be remaining unseasonably warm and balmy with more clouds than sun and a chance for a couple of rain showers and a thunderstorm possible and a near record high temperature of 70-75 degrees.

Tomorrow night,April 1-2: Remaining unseasonably mild,but not as warm with mainly cloudy skies and a chance for a spotty evening rain shower possible and a low temperature dropping to 50-55 degrees,overnight.

Saturday,April 2: Turning much cooler than recent days with more clouds than sun and a chance for a couple of rain showers and a high temperature of 55-60 degrees.Turning cloudy,rainy,even wintry late as it turns markedly colder than recent nights with a chance for a couple of rain showers followed by a late-night wintry mix of rain and snow possible and a low temperature plunging to the middle and upper 30's,the blustery,biting,westerly winds,which could gust up to 30-mph,at times,making it feel much colder,making it feel quite cold to frigid for the beginning of April,like it's only around 20 degrees above zero,at times,overnight.

Sunday,April 3: Turning markedly colder than recent days,as it turns unseasonably cold for early spring and very early April,with variable cloudiness and a high temperature holding in the upper 30's to lower 40's,the blustery,biting,northwesterly winds,which could gust up to 35-mph,at times,making it feel quite cold for very early April,like it's only 25-30 degrees,at times.Becoming partly cloudy and unseasonably very cold for very early April with an early low temperature dropping to around 30 degrees,before rising through the 30's late.

Monday,April 4: Turning mostly cloudy,rainy,and markedly warmer with a high temperature of around 60 degrees.Becoming cloudy and rainy,but remaining unseasonably very cold for very early April and early spring with occasional evening rain and drizzle followed by a chance for a late-night snow flurry and a low temperature plunging to around 30 degrees,once again,the blustery,biting, northerly winds,which could gust past 20-mph,at times,making it feel downright frigid for very early April,like it's only in the lower and middle teens above zero,at times,overnight.

Tuesday,April 5: Turning markedly colder,as it turns unseasonably cold,once again,with early clouds yielding to sun and a high temperature only around 40 degrees,the blustery,biting,northerly winds, which could gust up to 35-mph,at times,making it feel even colder,like it's only 25-30 degrees,at times.Becoming clear and unseasonably very cold for early April and early spring,with a near record low temperature dropping to the middle and upper 20's,the blustery,biting,northerly winds,which could gust up to 25-mph,making it feel downright frigid for early April,like it's only 10-15 degrees above zero,at times,overnight.

Wednesday,April 6: Becoming mostly sunny and not as cold,but it'll be remaining unseasonably chilly for early spring and early April with a high temperature only in the middle and upper 40's.Becoming cloudy,rainy,and warmer than recent nights with a chance for a couple of rain showers and a low temperature dropping to 35-40 degrees,overnight.

Thursday,April 7: Turning cloudy,rainy,even stormy,and markedly warmer than recent days,as it turns seasonably mild with a chance for some afternoon rain and even a thunderstorm and a high temperature of 55-60 degrees.Remaining cloudy and rainy,but turning seasonably mild,much warmer than recent nights with a chance for rain and a low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,overnight.

Friday,April 8: Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably mild for early April and early spring with periods of rain and a high temperature in the middle and upper 50's.Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably chilly to cold for early spring,but it'll turn wintry late with a chance for some evening rain followed by a spotty late-night snow shower and a low temperature dropping to 35-40 degrees,the blustery,biting,gusty,northwesterly winds,which could gust up to 50-mph,at times,making it feel even colder,like it's only in the middle 20's above zero,at times,overnight.

Saturday,April 9: Morning cloudiness giving way to some sun and a high temperature of 55-60 degrees.Becoming clear,but remaining seasonably chilly to cold for early April and early spring with a low temperature dropping to 35-40 degrees,once again,overnight.

Sunday,April 10: Not as mild as recent days despite ample sunshine,with a high temperature of just 50-55 degrees.Becoming mostly cloudy,but remaining seasonably chilly for early spring with a low temperature dropping to around 40 degrees,overnight.

Monday,April 11: Turning cloudy and warmer than recent days with considerable cloudiness and a high temperature in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably chilly for early spring with considerable cloudiness and a chance for a passing rain shower and a low temperature dropping to 40-45 degrees,overnight.

Tuesday,April 12: Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably mild for early-to-mid April with considerable cloudiness and a chance for a couple of rain showers and a high temperature in the upper 50's to lower 60's,once again.Remaining cloudy,rainy,raw,dank and dreary with more rain possible and a low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,the blustery,biting, southwesterly winds,which could gust past 25-mph,at times,making it feel much colder,like it's only in the upper 20's to lower 30's,at times,overnight.

Wednesday,April 13: Turning even warmer with morning cloudiness giving way to sun and a high temperature in the middle 60's.Becoming clear and milder than recent nights with a low temperature dropping to the middle 40's,overnight.

Thursday,April 14: Becoming mostly sunny,but remaining seasonably mild for mid-April with a slight chance for a thunderstorm and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees.Remaining clear,but not as mild with a low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,overnight.

Friday,April 15: Tax Day 2016 will be turning partly sunny,but remaining seasonably mild for mid-April with a high temperature in the lower and middle 60's.Becoming partly cloudy and milder/warmer than recent nights with a low temperature dropping to the middle and upper 40's, overnight.

Saturday,April 16: Turning cloudy and rainy,but remaining mild to warm for mid-April and early-to-mid spring with a morning rain shower followed by a little afternoon rain possible and a high temperature in the middle and upper 60's.Remaining cloudy and rainy,but not as mild with a bit of rain and a low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,the blustery,biting,northeasterly winds,which could gust up to 25-mph,at times,making it feel much colder,like it's only 25-30 degrees above zero,at times,overnight.

Sunday,April 17: Remaining cloudy and rainy,but turning colder than recent days with a chance for more rain and a high temperature in the middle and upper 50's.Remaining cloudy and rainy,but not as cold with a chance for a little evening rain followed by a spotty late-night rain shower possible and a low temperature dropping to the middle and upper 40's,overnight.

Monday,April 18: Not as cool with times of sun and clouds and a high temperature in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Becoming mostly cloudy,with a chance for some late-night rain at times and a low temperature dropping to around 50 degrees,overnight.

Tuesday,April 19: Becoming cloudy,rainy,and warmer than recent days with plenty of clouds and a chance for occasional rain possible and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees.Becoming mainly clear and not as mild with a low temperature dropping to the middle and upper 40's,overnight.

Wednesday,April 20: Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably mild for late April and early-to-mid spring with considerable morning cloudiness followed by periods of afternoon rain and a high temperature in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Becoming clear,but remaining seasonably mild for early-to-mid spring with a low temperature dropping to the middle 40's,once again,overnight.

Thursday,April 21: Remaining seasonably mild for late April and early-to-mid spring with a mix of clouds and sun and a high temperature of around 60 degrees.Remaining mild with patchy clouds and a low temperature dropping to 45-50 degrees,overnight.

Friday,April 22: Becoming mostly sunny and a bit milder/warmer than recent days with a high temperature in the lower and middle 60's.Not as mild as recent nights with thickening cloudiness and a low temperature dropping to 40-45 degrees,overnight.

Saturday,April 23: Becoming cloudy and rainy,but remaining seasonably mild with occasional rain and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees.Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably cool to mild for very late April with evening rain ending followed by a chance for another rain shower and a low temperature dropping to the middle 40's,overnight.

Sunday,April 24: Remaining cloudy,rainy,and seasonably mild for very late April with occasional rain and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees,once again.Remaining mostly cloudy,but turning milder than recent nights with a low temperature dropping to 45-50 degrees,overnight.

Monday,April 25: Becoming mostly sunny,but remaining seasonably mild for very late April and early-to-mid spring with a high temperature in the middle 60's.Becoming partly cloudy,but remaining rather mild for very late April with a low temperature dropping to 45-50 degrees,once again, overnight.

Tuesday,April 26: Becoming partly sunny and warmer than recent days with a high temperature of 65-70 degrees.Becoming clear,but remaining rather mild for very late April and early-to-mid spring with a low temperature dropping to around 50 degrees,overnight.

Wednesday,April 27: Becoming mostly sunny,but remaining rather warm for the end of April with a high temperature of 65-70 degrees,once again.Becoming partly cloudy,but remaining mild with a low temperature dropping to the upper 40's to lower 50's,overnight.

Thursday,April 28: Turning cloudy,rainy,and not as warm as recent days with periods of rain and a high temperature in the middle 60's.Turning partly cloudy and much colder than recent nights with a chance for a couple of late-night rain showers and a low temperature plunging to around 40 degrees, the blustery,biting,southwesterly winds,which could gust past 35-mph,at times,making it feel much colder,like it's only 25-30 degrees,at times,overnight.

Friday,April 29: Remaining cloudy and rainy,but turning cooler than recent days with more rain possible and a high temperature in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Remaining mostly cloudy,rainy,raw and rather cold for the end of April with occasional rain showers and a low temperature dropping to around 40 degrees,once again,the blustery,biting,northwesterly winds,which could gust past 30-mph,at times,making it feel even colder,like it's only around 30 degrees,at times,overnight.

Saturday,April 30: April of 2016 ends remaining a bit cool for mid-spring despite ample sunshine, with a high temperature only around 60 degrees.Becoming clear,but remaining rather cold for mid-spring with a near record low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,overnight.

Sunday,May 1: May of 2016 begins remaining a bit cool for mid-spring with a mix of sun and some clouds and a high temperature only in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Remaining rather cold for mid-spring with patchy clouds and a low temperature dropping to the upper 30's to lower 40's,once again,overnight.

Monday,May 2: Remaining rather cool for mid-spring and the beginning of May despite brilliant sunshine and a high temperature only in the upper 50's to lower 60's,once again.Remaining rather cold with patchy clouds and a low temperature dropping,for the third straight night,down to the upper 30's to lower 40's,overnight.

Tuesday,May 3: Turning partly sunny and a bit milder than recent days with a high temperature of 60-65 degrees.Remaining mostly cloudy,but turning warmer than recent nights with a low temperature dropping to the upper 40's to lower 50's,overnight.

Wednesday,May 4: Becoming mostly cloudy and rainy with a chance for a stray rain shower and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees,once again.Remaining mostly cloudy and mild with a low temperature dropping to the upper 40's to lower 50's,once again,overnight.

Thursday,May 5: Remaining mostly cloudy,rainy,and seasonably mild for mid-spring and early May with a chance for a rain shower and a high temperature in the lower and middle 60's.Remaining cloudy,rainy,and mild with occasional rain and a low temperature dropping to 50-55 degrees, overnight.

Friday,May 6: Remaining cloudy,rainy,even stormy,and seasonably mild to warm for mid-spring and early May with a chance for showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature in the middle and upper 60's.Remaining cloudy,rainy,mild and stormy with a chance for more rain and thunderstorms and a low temperature dropping to around 50 degrees,overnight.

Saturday,May 7: Remaining cloudy,rainy,and stormy with morning thunderstorms followed by periods of rain and a high temperature of 60-65 degrees.Remaining cloudy and rainy,but turning colder than recent nights with occasional rain and a low temperature dropping to the lower and middle 40's,the blustery,biting,northeasterly winds,which could gust up to 25-mph,at times,making it feel even colder,like it's only in the lower and middle 30's,at times,overnight.

Sunday,May 8: Mother's Day 2016 will be remaining mostly cloudy,rainy,raw,and unseasonably cool for mid-spring and early May with a chance for a little morning rain and a high temperature only in the upper 50's to lower 60's.Remaining mostly cloudy and chilly with a low temperature dropping to the lower and middle 40's,overnight.

Monday,May 9: Becoming mostly sunny and warmer than recent days with a high temperature in the middle 60's.Remaining clear,but not as chilly with a low temperature dropping to 45-50 degrees, overnight.

Tuesday,May 10: Turning even warmer with partial sunshine and a high temperature of around 70 degrees.Becoming mainly clear and milder than recent nights with a low temperature dropping to the upper 40's to lower 50's,overnight.

Wednesday,May 11: Remaining seasonably warm for early May and mid-to-late spring with a mix of clouds and sunshine and a high temperature in the upper 60's to lower and middle 70's.Becoming cloudy with occasional late-night rain and a low temperature dropping to the upper 40's to lower 50's,once again,overnight.

Thursday,May 12: Not as warm with rather cloudy skies and a high temperature only in the lower and middle 60's.Remaining rather cloudy,but turning rainy and colder than recent nights with a chance for a little rain and a low temperature dropping to the lower and middle 40's,overnight.

Friday,May 13: Remaining cloudy,rainy,raw,and unseasonably cool for early-to-mid May and mid-to-late spring with a chance for a little rain and a high temperature of just 60-65 degrees.Remaining cloudy and rainy,but not as chilly with a chance for a little rain and a low temperature dropping to around 50 degrees,overnight.

Saturday,May 14: Becoming partly sunny and a bit milder/warmer,but it'll still be a bit cool for mid-May and late spring with a high temperature in the middle 60's.Becoming partly cloudy,but remaining a bit chilly for late spring with a low temperature dropping to 45-50 degrees,overnight.

Tornado Tears Through Oklahoma as Severe Storms Blast South

Andrew MacFarlane
Published: March 30,2016

Severe thunderstorms are making their presence known, crashing into the South, spinning up a tornado in Oklahoma that has injured at least 13 people.
At least 9 people have been transported to Tulsa hospitals as a result of the tornado, one of which was in critical condition, the Emergency Medical Services Authority told FOX News 23. A family of 4 was taken to a local hospital after a tree was blown over onto their truck in Tulsa, according to a Tulsa news station. Police stated that all injuries reported were minor.
The strong winds, heavy rainfall and widespread hail are only the beginning of the harsh weather that will continue across the surrounding area, possibly producing a few more tornadoes along the way.
(MORE: Check the Forecast for the Latest Severe Event | Firemen Injured as Severe Weather Whips Across Florida)
Here are latest impacts from the severe weather event to sweep the South:

Oklahoma

A tornado was spotted just north of the Tulsa International Airport in northern Tulsa County early Wednesday evening, according to KTUL in Tulsa.

"Radar imagery showed lofted debris associated with the tornado near Tulsa," said weather.com meteorologist Quincy Vagell. "The radar data lines up with footage from the airport showing a tornado in progress shortly before sunset."
The National Weather Service (NWS) has called the twister both "extremely dangerous" and "potentially deadly", advising that all near the Tulsa area seek shelter immediately.
Immediate reports show damage in North Tulsa, Catoosa and Stone Canyon, including major damage to homes and a local church, as well as downed power lines blocking streets.
More photos of damage around 46th & Garrison in North Tulsa. Street blocked off. @NewsOn6

Strong winds have contributed to downed power lines across the state. Some 10,000 people were without power during the damaging storm.

Kansas

The NWS has reported hail up to 2 inches in diameter, resulting in dangerous driving conditions along the Kansas Turnpike between mile markers 105 and 110.
The menacing amount of falling hail is being blamed for a rollover accident that occurred near Cassoday around mile marker 92.
Emergency response crews are arriving on the scene of the accident, according to local news sources. The northbound lanes of the highway were halted as a result of the crash, but have been cleared since. No injuries have been reported.
Hail has also resulted in broken windows in numerous vehicles in the El Dorado area.

Arkansas

A plane making its way from Dallas to Memphis was forced to land in Little Rock due to turbulence, leaving two flight attendants injured, according to THV 11.
American Airlines officials announced that the two Envoy flight attendants were transported to a local hospital. None of the passengers were injured during the turbulence.
Over 2,000 customers were without power across the state as of 8:30 p.m. local time, according to an Entergy report.
Reports of powerful lightning strikes have been reported across the Natural State, splintering nearby trees.
Firemen in Franklin County are blaming the destruction of a local barn on a nearby lightning strike, according to 4029 TV. The three tractors inside the burnt down barn on Carbon City Road were left damage, however, no injuries were reported.
Rock Region Metro announced on social media that they've suspended their streetcar service for the rest of the evening due to the rough weather.

Texas

A Tarrant County home caught fire after a lightning strike hit their chimney, according to local news. One person inside the home was shocked but wasn’t injured in the ordeal. Fire crews diminished the fire shortly after arriving.
The NWS reported hail the size of tennis balls near Breckenridge, Texas. These large pieces of hail fall only a week after a hail storm left close to $500 million in damages in north Texas, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.

Winter Storm Troy Brings More Snow to Rockies, Snow Also Moves Toward Great Lakes (FORECAST)

March 30,2016
Winter Storm Troy will bring some additional snow to parts of the Rockies and High Plains on Thursday, while snow also pushes eastward into the northern Great Lakes.
(MORE: How Winter Storms Are Named)
The snow is being caused by a slow-moving southward dip in the jet stream in the West and its associated low pressure system in the lower atmosphere. Strong winds associated with that area of low pressure in combination with the snow has resulted in poor travel conditions in many areas. Portions of Interstate 80 were closed Wednesday morning due to snow and wind in Wyoming.
(MORE: Snow Causes Travel Problems in West)

Current Radar
Moderate to heavy snow from Troy affected the Reno, Nevada, area Monday morning, making for very hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service in Reno reported a storm snowfall total of 9.5 inches, while the airport saw 6.3 inches. In Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, a few places have seen estimated snowfall totals of more than 2 feet. A full list of snowfall reports can be found at the bottom of this article.
Below are the latest forecast details on Troy.

Winter Storm Troy Impacts

  • Additional Snow Expected: Parts of Wyoming, the Colorado Rockies, western Nebraska and the Black Hills of South Dakota could see additional light snow into Thursday. A few inches of snow could accumulate in northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan on Thursday.
  • Poor Visibility, Tricky Travel: Snow-covered roads will make for hazardous travel across portions of the Rockies through Thursday morning.

Total Snowfall Forecast Through Thursday
Below is a breakdown of what's left to come.

Thursday: Snow Lingers in the Upper Midwest

Into Thursday, as the low moves into the Upper Midwest, snow from Troy will tapered off across the Rockies and High Plains. That said, a separate weather system may bring more snow to those areas during the day.
Farther east, light snow will impact parts of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and western Michigan.

Thursday's Forecast

Winter Storm Troy Snow Reports So Far

California: 14 inches at Northstar Ski Area; 9 inches in Chilcoot; 6 inches in Kingvale
Colorado: 14.5 inches at Douglas Pass
Idaho: 16 inches near Soda Springs; 12 inches near Malta
Montana: 14 inches Red Lodge and Nye
Nebraska: 4 inches near Angora; 3 inches at Lake Minatare
Nevada: 35 inches estimated nine miles southeast of Lamoille (7,700 feet elevation);12 inches near Windfield Springs; 9.5 inches at Reno-NWS
Utah: 25 inches at Powder Mountain; 9 inches in North Logan
Wyoming: 28.2 inches six miles south of Lander; up to 24 inches south of Glenrock.

PHOTOS: Winter Storm Troy

Tornado Watch Issued as Severe Storms, Including Possible Tornadoes, Threaten South and Ohio Valley (FORECAST)

Quincy Vagell
Published: March 31,2016

The potential for damaging severe thunderstorms continues Thursday from parts of the Deep South into the Ohio Valley. Tornadoes, very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and flash flooding all remain possible threats from the storms.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch until 9 a.m. CDT Thursday for portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi. This includes Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
(NEW: Tornado Central Tracker)
On Wednesday evening, a tornado spun through the north side of the Tulsa, Oklahoma. Damage to buildings and power lines was reported in the Tulsa, Catoosa and Claremore vicinities. Heavy damage was also reported in the city of Dermott, Arkansas, due to a possible tornado late Wednesday night. For the latest information on the damage from the storms, click the link below.
(MORE: Tornado Rips Through Oklahoma)
Radar, Watches, Warnings

Current Radar with Watches and Warnings
Guide to Watches and Warnings
(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)
Below is a look at the current expectation for the severe weather threat into Friday.

Severe Weather and Flash Flooding Forecast

Thursday:

Thursday's Thunderstorm Forecast
  • States Impacted: Multiple rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain will impact a broad area from the Mississippi Valley and Midwest into the southern Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Tennessee Valley and Deep South. As the initial activity tends to weaken by midday, daytime heating will allow for additional thunderstorms to fire during the afternoon and early evening. This second round will be the most significant in terms of severe potential.
  • Potential Impacts: Damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes are also possible. The greatest tornado threat and risk for damaging hail is in a corridor from extreme eastern Arkansas and the northern half of Mississippi to northern Alabama and parts of Tennessee.
  • TOR:CON Values are as high as 5 out of 10 Thursday from parts of Mississippi and Alabama into Tennessee, western/central Kentucky, southern Illinois and Indiana. This means there is a 50 percent chance of a tornado within 50 miles of any location in the areas indicated.
  • Cities: Birmingham | Indianapolis | Nashville | Tupelo, Mississippi 
  • Flash flooding will continue to be a threat through Thursday night, particularly across parts of Alabama, eastern Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee.
Friday:
  • States Impacted: Some severe weather may linger to close out the week from Virginia to the Carolinas, south/central Georgia, northern Florida, southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, and southeast Louisiana.
  • Potential Impacts: Damaging wind gusts and large hail, though a few tornadoes are also possible.
  • Cities: Columbia, South Carolina | Mobile | New Orleans | Raleigh
  • Flash flooding will remain a threat from the Carolinas into the southern half of Georgia, southern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, coastal Mississippi and southeast Louisiana.

Friday's Thunderstorm Forecast

Flood Alerts

Wednesday's Severe Weather

Wednesday afternoon, tennis ball size hail has been reported near Breckenridge, Texas. Golf ball size hail also covered the ground near El Dorado, Kansas. Multiple storm spotters reported a brief tornado near Dexter, Kansas late Wednesday afternoon.
Wind gusts reached as high as 70 mph at Burleson, Texas early Wednesday evening and 67 mph near Waurika, Oklahoma Wednesday afternoon.
Major flooding in Jonesboro, Arkansas prompted a flash flood emergency for the area, which has since been canceled. Some minor to moderate flash flooding was also reported in the greater Little Rock, Arkansas area.

Tuesday's Storm Reports

A cluster of thunderstorms rolled across central to south Florida on Tuesday afternoon. The storms were accompanied by some hail, gusty winds, dangerous lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
Three firefighters were injured while responding to a fire when lightning struck an overhang near Boca West. A large tree was knocked down by thunderstorm winds, just to the northwest of Boca West. A wind gust to 56 mph was reported near Boca Grande.
(MORE: Impacts From Florida Storms)
In Nebraska, two rounds of thunderstorms caused marginally large hail across the state. In the morning, hail covered the ground in Albion, requiring a snow plow to clear the highway. Early in the evening, hail also covered the ground to the east of Arthur.

Sunday's Severe Weather Reports

A possible tornado was reported in western Kentucky on Sunday evening with reports of houses and barns damaged near Crofton and Hopkinsville, as well as power outages. Wind damage was also reported near Camden, Tennessee with numerous trees down, along with sheds blown away and a roof came off a barn.
Hail was also reported on Sunday with hail up to the size of golf balls in French Lick, Indiana, near Bluffton, Indiana and near Greenfield, Tennessee.
Heavy rain and flooding was also observed in portions of the Southeast. The Savannah International Airport recorded their wettest March day on record with 3.81 inches of rain on Sunday.

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MORE: Early March 2016 Flooding, Severe Weather (PHOTOS)

It's Spring? April to Begin with Snow, Cold Temperatures in Great Lakes and Northeast

Chris Dolce
Published: March 31,2016

Much colder temperatures are set to infiltrate the Great Lakes and Northeast this weekend into early next week, setting the stage for snow in parts of those regions. This rather rude start to April follows what has been a relatively mild March in much of the central and eastern states.
The return to a regime more typical of winter is due to an incoming surge of arctic air that will push southward through central and eastern Canada and into adjacent parts of the northern United States. Fast-moving low pressure systems, known as clippers, will have just enough moisture to produce snow in locations where cold air is sufficient.
(VIDEO: What is a Clipper?)

Cold, Snowy Start to April
Below are the forecast details on cold temperatures followed by an overview of the snowfall potential.

Cold Temperatures Incoming

The latest forecast guidance suggests this invasion of colder temperatures will not make it very far south in the eastern states. Areas closest to the Canadian border from the Great Lakes into the Northeast are currently forecast to see temperatures the farthest below average Saturday into early next week.
(MAP: 10-day forecast)
The colder-than-average temperatures will first make their presence known in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures will be 10 to 25 degrees below where they are typically expected to be for the beginning of April in this area starting this weekend and lingering into early next week.
Highs will likely top out in the 30s and 40s for much of the Northeast and Great Lakes. Some locations near the Canadian border may not rise out of the 20s.
(FORECASTS: Green Bay | Cleveland | Boston)

Forecast Highs
Low temperatures will be in the 20s and 30s for much of the Upper Midwest and interior Northeast, with teens likely near the Canadian border from northern Minnesota to northern New England.
Wind chills Sunday morning may be in the single digits and teens across most of the Great Lakes. By Monday morning a swath from the Great Lakes to New England could see wind chills in the single digits and teens.

Forecast AM Lows

Clippers to Bring Snow

With the cold air in place, two rounds of snow are possible in parts of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast this weekend into early next week as a duo of low pressure systems pass through. A third system could bring even more wintry weather to those regions during the middle part of next week, but details are uncertain.
Here's an overview for the first two systems.
System #1:
  • Friday night - Saturday: Mainly light snow moves from northern Minnesota to northern Wisconsin and Michigan.
  • Saturday night: The area of low pressure pushes toward New England with snow or a rain/snow mixture expected from the mountains of West Virginia to Pennsylvania, New York and New England.
  • Sunday: Snow continues in eastern and northern New England during the morning.
  • Accumulations: Mainly light snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected from northern Minnesota to northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, northern Pennsylvania, Upstate New York and New England.

Saturday's Forecast

Sunday's Forecast
System #2:
  • A second area of low pressure will dive south into the Upper Midwest Sunday and then pivot through the Great Lakes and Northeast Monday into Tuesday.
  • Though details are uncertain, some accumulating snow is possible along the path of this system from northeast Minnesota to northern Michigan, northern Pennsylvania, Upstate New York and New England.
  • Below are the latest forecast maps showing areas that could see snow Monday into Monday night, though keep in mind this forecast is subject to change in the days ahead.

Monday's Forecast

Monday Night's Forecast
MORE: Worst Spring Allergy Cities 2016 (PHOTOS)

Winter Storm Troy Dumps Feet of Snow on Rockies and West, Hindering Travel

Sean Breslin
Published: March 31,2016

The pesky early-spring snowstorm known as Winter Storm Troy swept across the West and Rockies, bringing more than a foot of snow but also travel problems in several states.
Heavy snow forced the closure of Interstate 80 across much of Wyoming on Wednesday, according to the state's Department of Transportation. Earlier in the week, the storm also hindered travel in Reno, Nevada, and a dust storm on Troy's warm side was blamed for a 15-car pileup in Southern California.
(MORE: Snowy Week Ahead for Parts of the Rockies)
Here's a look at additional impacts from this winter storm.

Wyoming

Top snowfall total: 28.2 inches, near Lander
With the exception of cities where snow plows were available in large numbers, nearly the entire stretch of I-80 was closed Wednesday from Cheyenne to the Utah state line, according to the Wyoming DOT. Several other highways were closed in central and southern Wyoming as the snowfall increased in intensity Wednesday.
By Thursday, all major highways across the state had reopened.
Most of ~350-mile stretch of I-80 closed from Evanston -> Cheyenne, WY due to , wind. WyoDOT cams:

Many schools and businesses were closed Wednesday due to the snowstorm.

Montana

Top snowfall total: 14 inches, multiple locations
Some 2,000 Billings homes and businesses lost power on Tuesday, and officials blamed the outage on wintry weather, according to the Billings Gazette.
Officials warned drivers to be careful on state roadways as Troy's impacts worsened in Montana, especially along I-90 between Billings and Livingston, according to the AP.

Utah

Top snowfall total: 22 inches, King's Cabin
Officials continued to search for a missing father in southern Utah as Troy dumped heavy snow and brought strong winds to the Beehive State on Tuesday. Daniel Brown, 34, was reported missing Monday afternoon when his truck was stranded in the Kane Springs area northwest of Parowan, KUTV.com reported. His family was found by deputies, but there has been no sign of Brown, Iron County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Lt. Del Schlosser told KUTV.com.
"We don't know his condition, that's what we're concerned about," Schlosser told KUTV.com. "Any tracks have been covered up."
During the storm, extremely strong winds were reported in some areas. A gust of 73 mph was clocked in Burntfork early Tuesday morning, according to storm reports from the National Weather Service.

Nevada

Top snowfall total: 35 inches, near Lamoille (estimated total at 7,700 feet elevation)
Troy brought heavy snow to Reno Monday morning, slowing travel considerably on Interstates 80 and 395 into and around the city during the morning rush hour. The snow fell at a rate of about an inch per hour Monday morning, according to the Associated Press.
"This is the most snow we've gotten all year," David Evans of Sparks told the AP while shoveling snow out of his driveway Monday morning. "It's crazy."
(MORE: Mount Rainier Climber Presumed Dead After Snowstorm)
Authorities said traffic was hardly moving along some stretches of those interstates starting at about 5 a.m. Monday morning, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. The snowy conditions led to several slide-offs and at least one jackknifed tractor-trailer, the report added.
Through 4 p.m. Monday, 8 of the more than 30 accidents resulted in injuries from accidents that occurred on snowy roads, the Gazette-Journal also reported. Another 45 motorists required assistance from the difficult conditions.
Up to a foot of snow fell in western Nevada on Monday. Reno officially received as much as 9.5 inches of snow, according to storm reports from the NWS. A wind gust of 78 mph was reported near Red Rock Canyon.
Many of the city's schools were on Spring Break this week, according to the Gazette-Journal, but Truckee Meadows Community College announced a delayed opening at 9 a.m. Monday morning.
Drivers were required to use chains or snow tires on several roads in the city, including I-80 and I-395, KTVN.com reported.

California

Top snowfall total: 14 inches, Northstar Ski Area
Strong winds associated with Winter Storm Troy created a blinding dust storm that caused a 15-vehicle pileup in Lucerne Valley, California, on Monday. The San Bernardino County Fire District tweeted images of the accident at Highway 18 and Rabbit Springs Road Monday afternoon, reporting 28 injuries.
The fire department said three people were taken to an area hospital for further treatment.
The dust storm began when 50-mph winds kicked up dirt from a dry lake bed near the highway, NBC Los Angeles said.
Northwest of San Francisco, three hikers were trapped halfway down a 200-foot unstable cliff at Point Reyes National Seashore overnight Tuesday, and two had to be airlifted to safety, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. One hiker was able to make it down onto the beach below, but the other two were stuck when a helicopter rescue had to be temporarily suspended due to bad weather conditions, the report added.
All of the hikers were rescued safely, but additional details have yet to be released, the Chronicle also said.
(MORE: What Made This El NiƱo So Different?)
In the higher elevations, some Sierra ski resorts said the snow from Troy would allow them to remain open until May, according to the Sacramento Bee. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe resort said they'll be able to remain open until May 8, which will make the 2015-16 season the longest ever at the resort, the report added.
“Mother Nature came back in a big way this season, and (we) are still enjoying mid-winter conditions on the mountain,” Mike Pierce, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe’s marketing director, said in a statement. “The skiing and riding is so great, we’ve decided to extend the season into May, pushing the ski season to over six months and making this the longest season in Mt. Rose’s history.”

Tornado Touches Down in Mississippi, Alabama as Severe Storms Rampage the South

Ada Carr
Published: March 31,2016 





A radar-confirmed tornado was spotted in Mississippi Thursday evening as a multi-day round of severe weather continued to wreak havoc in the South.
In New Hope, Mississippi, a trampoline was thrown by winds and trees were knocked over as the possible tornado touched down. The storm crossed state lines into Pickens County, Alabama, where it touched down twice, according to NWS Birmingham.
The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes touched down in the southeastern part of Louisiana Thursday, taking down trees and power lines, according to the Associated Press. One hit east of Greensburg in St. Helena Parish and the other struck near Tangipahoa in Tangipahoa Parish.
(MORE: Check the Forecast | Firemen Injured as Severe Weather Whips Across Florida)
Here's how each state has been impacted by this round of severe weather.

Mississippi

A radar-confirmed tornado touched down in New Hope Thursday evening before moving across state lines into Alabama, according to NWS.
A separate possible tornado left damage in the town of Purvis Thursday morning, according to WDAM.com. At the Purvis Upper Elementary School, a tree was downed and some minor roof damage occurred, but Lamar County Superintendent Tess Smith said nobody was injured, the report added.
Flash flooding was reported in several western Mississippi towns early Thursday morning, while a round of severe weather brought large hail to the southwestern part of the state Wednesday night. In Carroll County, a woman had to be rescued along County Road 183 when her car was swept off the road by floodwaters.
Golf ball-sized hail was reported in two locations in Wilkinson County, and tree damage was reported west of Woodville from strong winds. Thursday morning, floodwaters were entering homes in Leflore and Sunflower counties, according to NWS storm reports.
In Greenwood, MS: Photos from Bryan Nobile of

Alabama

The National Weather Service's Mobile office reported that a probable tornado caused structural damage and downed trees on top of vehicles in Thomasville Thursday evening. There were also reports that roofs and porches were blown off of homes near the area.
In Geneva County, a road was washed out and flooding submerged roads in downtown Samson Thursday, WSFA reports.

Louisiana

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in the southeastern part of the state Thursday, taking down trees and power lines, AP also reports. One hit east of Greensburg in St. Helena Parish and the other struck near Tangipahoa in Tangipahoa Parish. Both were rated EF-1 and no injuries were reported.
The already-saturated state took on more rainfall Wednesday night and Thursday, and additional flooding was reported in some areas, NWS forecaster Cynthia Palmer told the AP.

Kentucky

Strong winds blew off the roof of Breckinridge County Middle School Thursday, WHAS 11 News reports. A school district spokesperson said no injuries were reported and students were released.
More damage was seen in Breckinridge County as mobile homes were blown over at Nancy Butler Trailer Park, resulting in two injuries, reports WDRB.

Oklahoma

A tornado raked the area north of Tulsa Wednesday evening, injuring seven people and causing widespread destruction.
"We did have several injuries that were relatively quickly found, one critical," said Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett. National Weather Service crews assessed the damage Thursday to determine the strength of the storm, the Associated Press reports.
A family of four was injured in Tulsa after a downed tree landed on top of their vehicle Wednesday evening, reports KOTV. The incident involved one adult and three children, and took place on 56th Street North between Highway 75 and Bird Creek.
A 14-year-old girl who was in the car was admitted to a local hospital with head and back injuries, according to the Associated Press. The adult and two other children were treated for minor injuries and released. As of Thursday, an update on the 14-year-old's condition has not been released.
The twister affected about one square mile of a residential area, destroying one home and damaging several other homes and businesses, Tulsa Fire Department spokesperson Stan May told AP. After the storm passed, officials dispersed to ensure all residents were accounted for.
The pastor of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Tulsa told KOTV that no one was injured when a tornado struck the building Wednesday evening. The roof caved in and the structure was severely damaged. Some of the offices on the upper level collapsed into the sanctuary.
"We were just starting to have prayer, the sirens were going off, and some of the people wanted to leave. I encouraged them not to leave ... This is probably one of the safest buildings in North Tulsa," Pastor John Malcolm Phipps Jr. told KOTV.
27 people sheltered from Claremore tornado in this hidey-hole. Home sustained EF2 damage. W/@SPiltz @NWStulsa

In the nick of time, thirty people and a dog made it into the shipping container Tulsa resident Gary Campbell buried in his backyard. Even underground, Campbell says he felt his ears pop as the storm hit.
"We could hear the house tearing apart," Campbell told AP. "But it was all over in five seconds."

Arkansas

Thursday the Arkansas Department of Correction prison sustained power outages and damages, the Associated Press reports. The Delta Regional Unit in Dermott had its roof damaged by the storm and the McPherson Unit at Newport's power went out temporarily. Spokesperson Solomon Graves said both prisons used generators and operations continued normally.
A plane making its way from Dallas to Memphis was forced to land in Little Rock due to turbulence, leaving two flight attendants injured, according to THV 11. American Airlines officials announced that the two Envoy flight attendants were transported to a local hospital. None of the passengers were injured during the turbulence.
Reports of powerful lightning strikes splintering trees were reported across the Natural State Wednesday.
Wow. Lightning struck this tree in Fulton County. Photo: Tara Shrable

Firemen in Franklin County are blaming the destruction of a local barn on a nearby lightning strike, according to 4029 TV. The three tractors inside the burned-out barn on Carbon City Road were damaged, but no injuries were reported.
Flooding was also a problem for the state. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announced that its main campus would be closing early due to flash flooding, canceling all Wednesday evening classes.
The Little Rock Fire Department was called to a water rescue on the corner of Mississippi Street and Rodney Parham Road, where three people escaped their submerged vehicle, according to KATV.com. The three were holding onto nearby trees until firemen were able to assist them.

Texas

A Tarrant County home caught fire after a lightning strike hit the chimney Wednesday, according to local news. One person inside the home was shocked but wasn’t injured in the ordeal. Fire crews extinguished the blaze shortly after arriving.
Police in Benbrook, Texas, had to divert traffic away from a flooded area around southbound US-377 and Sproles Drive Wednesday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
The NWS reported hail the size of tennis balls near Breckenridge. These large pieces of hail fell only a week after a hail storm left close to $500 million in damages in north Texas, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.

Kansas

The NWS has reported hail up to 2 inches in diameter, resulting in dangerous driving conditions along the Kansas Turnpike between mile markers 105 and 110.
The falling hail made roads slick and was blamed for a rollover accident that occurred near Cassoday around mile marker 92. The northbound lanes of the highway were halted as a result of the crash, but have been cleared since. No injuries were reported.
Roll over wreck on Turnpike at Casdoday. Likely related...hail falling at the time.

Hail has also resulted in broken windows in numerous vehicles in the El Dorado area.