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 >

Tornadoes Hit Topeka, Lake Perry

Weak tornadoes touched down in southwestern and southeastern Topeka, then again in Jefferson County at Lake Perry. Surveys of these tornados indicated winds of 65 to 85 mph occurred with the tornados causing minor damage in their paths, including knocking down a concession stand at the Washburn Rural High School track and field, some minor roof damage in southwest Topeka and blowing over a camper trailer at 29th and Croco. A tree was blown down in the Lakeside Village community east of Lake Perry, blocking the front door to a mobile home requiring outside assistance for the homeowner to exit.

Reflectivity and Storm Relative Velocity of the Supercell Thunderstorms that produced the Tornados

The supercell thunderstorm developed over southeastern Wabaunsee County dropping 2 1/2" hail onto Eskridge. As the storm moved into southern Shawnee County, it began to rotate near Auburn and produced numerous funnel clouds and a brief touchdown across southwestern Topeka, then moving along the Kansas Turnpike into eastern Topeka and eventually across the Billard airfield. There were also a couple reports of hail as large as 5 1/4" in Topeka. The storm then redeveloped and produced a tornado over Perry Lake. Below is a map of the tornado tracks.