
Cold temperatures will continue across much of the eastern U.S. into today. Heavy lake effect snow continues into today east of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Two Pacific cold fronts will cross the Pacific Northwest early this week followed by another atmospheric river. Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected through midweek, with the potential for renewed urban and river flooding. Read More >
You may also view recent 24-hour local storm reports that have been issued by the NWS.
Tornado
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. The Enhanced Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale is used to categorize tornadoes
Funnel Cloud: A condensation funnel extending from the base of a towering cumulus or cumulonimbus, associated with a rotating column of air that is not in contact with the ground (and hence different from a tornado). A condensation funnel is a tornado, not a funnel cloud, if either a) it is in contact with the ground or b) a debris cloud or dust whirl is visible beneath it.
Wind Damage:
What kind of damage did the wind cause?
Hail:
What size hail did you see?
Flooding:
What kind of flooding was observed?
Heavy Rain:
Snow:
Freezing Rain/Icing:
Strong Winds:
We are generally interested in wind speeds of 40-50 mph or higher. Here is some info on how to estimate wind speeds:
39-54 mph: Twigs break off trees; wind generally impedes progress.
55-72 mph: Damage to chimneys and TV antennas; pushes over shallow rooted trees.
73-112 mph: Peels surfaces off roofs; windows broken; light mobile homes pushed or overturned; moving cars pushed off road.
Dense Fog:
We are mainly interested in visibility reports of a half mile or less.