From Snow to Tornadoes in the US this Week
This past week a large trough of low pressure swung through the eastern half of the United States bringing a wide range of weather; from blizzards in the Midwest, to tornadoes in the South-East and even dust storms in Texas.
The tornado, confirmed by the National Weather Station, occurred in the early morning hours on Thursday and cut a path of destruction through Mobile, Alabama. Preliminary reports indicate that the tornado was of EF-1 strength (between 138km/h and 178km/h winds) and had a path spanning 11 kilometers. It tore down roofs, uprooted oak trees and cut power off to about 10,000 residents. Most of the power was restored by Friday but the cleanup will certainly still be underway this weekend.
Blizzards, spanning from Nebraska to Michigan, accompanied this potent trough of low pressure and thundersnow was even experienced at times. Over 600 flights out of Chicago were cancelled and officials had to close various interstates across the Midwest, simply because it was too dangerous to travel. Here are a few of the higher snowfall amounts recorded as of Friday:
- Gaylord, MI: 50cm
- Madison, WI: 34cm
- Des Moines, IA: 32cm
On Wednesday, near Amarillo, Texas, as the front came through it was accompanied with very strong winds (gusting to 80km/h) which managed to stir up a large dust storm. This dust storm was caused in part by the severe winds but also the severe drought currently occurring in the Southern Plains, including Amarillo, where the dirt is loose and can easily be picked up. The dust storm went through Interstate 27 producing near zero visibility and triggered a 23 vehicle pile-up.
By Saturday the trough will have moved off to Atlantic Canada, much of the US Midwest and Plains will experience below-normal temperatures as arctic air floods in from the Canadian Prairies.
We again wish you happy holidays and all the best in the New Year!
