If you're a first-time storm chaser or someone curious, tomorrow isn't the kind of day for you. These storms could intensify very rapidly and require quick decisions, plus we don't want crowded roadways. The professionals are TRAINED for such situations.
Not only did I not have catching the aurora in southeast Kansas on my bingo card, I did not expect that I would be taking so many photos of the aurora towards the south, or during twilight.
Also had the surreal experience of it being bright enough at one point to be able to read the markings on my camera!
Made it back home in time to catch some views of the fading aurora from Missouri en route and at our home in Arkansas.
Today there is a high (level 5/5) risk for all modes of severe weather across the south central plains, including the potential for several cyclic supercells and long-track tornadoes.
One thing I miss about the #WxTwitter community is that there were handful of stats folks who could relay the last time we had a high risk day. Relying entirely on my memory, but it seems like it's been at least a year or two.
The latest Day 1 forecast from the Storm Prediction Center has expanded the moderate risk east into SE Kansas and NE Oklahoma, approaching the Missouri and Arkansas state lines. This reflects the increased risk for strong, damaging winds as storms move east overnight.
This doesn't change my plans other than I'll either stay awake or set an alarm to go off around the ETA for the storm complex.
#Chautauqua, #Cowley#Elk, #Montgomery, #Neosho and #Wilson, #Kansas are also under a #FlashFlood warning until 3:00 AM CDT. Flash flooding can be as if not more deadly than a #tornado so please take care if you are in an area in danger of flooding - do not attempt to travel unless you're evacuating or seeking higher ground. Cars are particularly susceptible to being swept away in floods!
#Neosho, #Kansas: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 9:45 PM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Wichita KS
#Labette, #Neosho, #Wilson, #Kansas: National Weather Service: #TORNADO WARNING in this area until 9:15 PM CDT. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media. Source: NWS Wichita KS