Weather tracker: Tornadoes and giant hail in central US | US weather
Spring is the season for severe storms in the central United States, and the beginning of this week was a particularly active time for the region. Favorable weather caused intense storms from Monday to Wednesday, bringing strong winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes.
Eight tornadoes were reported Monday, including an EF2 tornado that ripped through the town of Sycamore, Kansas. On Tuesday, a more widespread phenomenon swept across the midwest; especially as a severe hailstorm passed through Springfield, Missouri.
Hailstones up to 12 cm (5 in) in diameter fell across the city, causing widespread damage to vehicles, including windshields cracked or completely shattered. Dickerson Park zoo on the city’s north side reported the death of Adam Emu, who was captured outside during the storm. Early estimates indicate this event will be the costliest hailstorm in Springfield history.
The strongest tornado of the week occurred on Wednesday, when an EF3 hit Mineral Wells, Texas, with wind speeds reaching up to 233 km/h. The mayor declared a local disaster after five people were injured and homes and businesses in the town were damaged or destroyed. Residents of Tornado Alley will be grateful that next week’s expected severe weather is quieter.
The forecast for heavy rainfall has been confirmed in some areas in southern China this week. On Monday and Tuesday the heavens opened and 538mm fell in 12 hours; The highest hourly totals exceeded 147 mm in Qinzhou, in the south-central autonomous region of Guangxi.
To put these totals in perspective, this field receives approximately 1,500 per year. While hundreds of vehicles were submerged, flood waters covered the streets. Five people were trapped in a residential building and 800 residents had to be evacuated; Meanwhile, emergency personnel struggled to wade through chest-deep water in the most severely affected areas.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Moscow was hit with a snowstorm that broke weather records. 21 cm of snow accumulated overnight; This is the highest depth measured at this time of year since 1880. The cause of this event can be attributed to the persistent high pressure area over the North Atlantic, which acts as a blockade, forcing the Arctic air southwards towards Western Russia. The storm downed 740 trees and caused significant delays in air travel, with winds exceeding 50 miles per hour.
