by Steve Dunford 

This has been forecasted for several days now.  The SPC still has us in a moderate risk for severe weather.  The tornado threat has lessened, but if you can see in the graphic it is still there.  The main concern is damaging straight line thunderstorm winds.

The Storm Prediction center used the term hurricane force winds in a product that came out this morning.  Hurricane force winds are 74 mph plus.

Please do not take this as overkill, or trying to cry wolf.  This could be a system that was similar to May 8, 2009 or July 2, 1980 that caused widespread damage across the region.

This system needs to be taken very seriously and will be a fast moving system.  Timing should be anytime after 4:00 p.m.  I will be keeping an eye on any storm today on radar that appears to even be a rain shower.  The atmosphere is so juiced any cell could turn severe quickly.

I would keep a close eye to the sky especially if you are having an outdoor event.  Be prepared to take action if a county is under a warning two counties to the west or the east.

I would keep your cell phone charged, and take other precautions to have a long term power outage.

There will be several updates throughout the day on the website’s Facebook page.  I will be continue to monitor the situation, and will bring updates whenever warranted.  Below is the Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service in Paduach, KY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Latest forecast trends indicate that an intense line of severe thunderstorms will move into the northwest part of the outlook area, namely southwest Illinois and Southeast Missouri, between 5 pm and 7pm today. This line of storms will likely produce widespread wind gusts in excess of 80 mph.

The damaging winds could last up to an hour. Depending on the intensity and duration of this line of severe storms, the line could completely move through the outlook area before midnight. In addition to the damaging wind potential, isolated severe storms may develop ahead of this line later today. These storms would have the potential for large hail, damaging winds, as well as a tornado.

A moderate risk remains in place for most of the outlook area, except parts of Southwest Indiana and the Pennyrile region of West Kentucky, which remain in an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms. At this time, the greatest risk for widespread severe thunderstorms is later this afternoon and this evening. A few storms may still be likely over parts of Southeast Missouri and West Kentucky during the morning hours. Every form of severe weather is possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall and deadly lightning will also be storm hazards.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Sunday through Friday A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is forecast Sunday, especially during the afternoon and early evening. Damaging winds and hail are the primary severe weather hazards, with locally heavy rain and deadly lightning also storm hazards. Thunderstorms are also forecast Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday through Friday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT… Spotter activation is expected today and tonight.

by Steve Dunford

The Storm Prediction Center has downgraded the threat for severe thunderstorms from slight (level 2) to marginal (level 1) for today.

There is a line of storms approaching the area quickly.  With these, there will be frequent lightning and some heavy downpours.

There will be widespread showers and thunderstorms in the region today, with embedded heavy downpours. Severe weather might come into play if the atmosphere becomes unstable in the late afternoon and early evening hours.  This would be if it would clear off, and we would have peeks of the sun.

The SPC was very close to issuing a Tornado Watch for the overnight hours for Southern Illinois.  They backed off after the line of storms that prompted some tornado warnings to be issued in Western and Central Missouri.

I will be monitoring updates from the SPC every few hours.  If the situation changes, I will give another update.

Below is the hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight Numerous thunderstorms are expected today and early tonight, and isolated thunderstorms may reach severe levels. The primary hazards will be damaging winds and large hail. Locally heavy rain will accompany some storms, with the possibility of flooding in a few locations.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Sunday through Friday There is a small chance of thunderstorms Tuesday and Tuesday night. The primary concern with these storms is lightning.

From Gander Mountain Website

MARION, IL (Sheila Lanzansky, Marion Daily Republican. Please click on the link to read the full story. Here is an excerpt) Nearly two years to the day after Gander Mountain triumphantly opened its store in Marion, on Friday the “going out of business” signs were up in the windows. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 10. Now, all Gander Mountain locations, including Marion, are liquidating their inventory and offering “deep discounts” on its line of outdoor gear. The Marion store is the only one in southern Illinois.