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Extreme Fire Weather Concerns; Severe Thunderstorms from the Plains to Mississippi Valley

Extremely critical fire weather concerns for portions of the southern High Plans as strong wind and very dry conditions could result in rapid spread of any fires. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms are expected once again across areas of the Central and Southern Plains, then spreading in the Mississippi Valley regions on Monday. Damaging winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes are possible. 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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