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Thunderstorms in the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Florida; Fire Weather Concerns in the Northern Plains

Isolated severe storms capable of hail and gusty winds are possible mainly this evening across portions of the mid-Mississippi Valley. Clusters of thunderstorms may produce isolated flash flooding in the Florida peninsula. Elevated fire weather risk is possible in the Northern Plains into western Minnesota. Read More >

Overview

Several severe thunderstorms developed across much of eastern Iowa and northeast Missouri into portions of northwest Illinois on the evening of May 6, 2023.

An initial supercell developed across northwest Missouri during the early afternoon hours from the remnants of morning storms to the west. This storm moved across much of the state, producing a tornado along its track. North of this storm, the strengthening low-level jet helped to fire additional showers and thunderstorms, mainly along and south of Interstate 80. Storms mainly produce hailed around half an inch to one inch (quarter size), with one storm in particular in eastern Van Buren County producing hail up to golf ball size. Through the evening, storms merged and weakened in intensity, but not before producing some wind damage across northern and central Lee County.

Heavy rain also fell from storms as some remained stationary for long periods of time. Most notably, locations north and east of Fairfield, IA recorded over two inches of rain.


WPC Surface Analysis May 6, 2023

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