Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

May 2, 1929 snowfall

A large part of central and southern Illinois saw its first measurable May snowfall on record on May 2, 1929. A large swath of the state, from around St. Louis to the southern tip of Lake Michigan, observed 2 to 4 inches of snow during the morning and early afternoon hours, with some totals around 5 inches between Decatur and the St. Louis metro area. Most of the snow melted by evening.

Significant damage occurred across the region:

Trees were fully covered in leaves in many cases, allowing the heavy, wet snow to collect. Windy conditions helped break branches and even entire trees in some cases. Damage to fruit trees was in the thousands of dollars.
Western Union reported that it lost over 1,000 telegraph poles.
Southwest Bell lost 508 telephone poles within a radius of 30 miles outside of St. Louis.

The day before, portions of southern Illinois were impacted by hail that accumulated several inches in depth. Fruit trees and crops in this area suffered about $400,000 worth of damage.

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Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Historical Review: Freak May Snowstorm of May 2, 1929