11/12/05 NOW Central Plains

[rdale]

"Rdale, aren't the algorithm-based features (meso, TVS, etc) based on the previous scan? "

Yes, but usually when in VCP12 the 4-min updates the icons aren't that far behind with "normal" storms, these speedsters are humming so fast there isn't even any precip where the icons are showing rotation!

 

[nickgrillo]

I think there is some excellent potential for tornadoes through the next couple of hours... Nice backing southeast flow ahead of the boundary (and southeast of the surface low), with significant vertical shear in excess of 60knts across the area. Current mesoanalysis showing 500-1000 mlCAPE in the area, with strong low-level shear (200-300m2/s2 0-1km SRH). >60kt 0-6km deep-layer shear per mesoanalysis will help for strong and sustained supercells. The current TOR-warned storms to the west of Ames and DMX looks georgous... With some awesome low-level rotation on both! Too bad for work, otherwise I would have been in IA today...

 

[nickgrillo]

Incredible gate-to-gate shear just north of Linden with the southern-most supercell to the west of Des Moines... Cyclonic meso has tightened up very rapidly within the past few scans. The storm to the north is also showing a nice couplet -- with reflectivties pretty high (>65) with VIL pretty up there as well (>55) indicating potential for some pretty large hail along with the tornado and wind threat.

 

[Jonathan Whitehead]

Well sittin here in Ft. Smith, twidlin my thumbs, among other things....
Seems the cap is a wee bit too strong down here. Now im wondering if anything at all is going to fire. So its the ole sit and wait game.

And Nick, dont get your panties in a wad, 8) be happy.

 

[Cindy Simons]

I thought I'd share this bit of trivia...
The Iowa State -vs-Colorado game takes place in Ames a little later today.
Lots of tailgating going on right now. :shock: The media is trying to warn everyone about the approaching storm.

Confirmed tornado touchdown being reported close to the Dallas county / Boone county line - approaching Madrid. It hit Woodward - damage being reported. "Cars flipped, houses leveled, trees down." EMS is going door to door.

 

[Simon Brewer]

Just in: Jim Bishop witnessed a rope tornado earlier today and is currently near Boxholm, Iowa.

Simon

 

[Jeff Snyder]

Here are some radar images from the time the storm was near Boxholm:

0.5 Degree Reflectivity

0.5 Degree Storm-Relative Velocity

 

[nickgrillo]

And Nick, dont get your panties in a wad, 8) be happy.

LOL... :lol:

Both storms continue to show strong low-level mesocyclones... With +92knt gate-to-gate shear right over Stratford, at the moment (with a likely intense hail core as well). The storm further to the south also shows a pretty tight mesocyclone just to the west of Luther. I wouldn't be surprised if these storms had tornadoes on the ground again right now...

 

[Mikel Shively]

According to KCCITV-8 Des Moines. Major damage sustained to the town of woodward. numerous homes damaged.

 

[Jeff Snyder]

I'm suprised these storms are able to maintain their intensity given the marginal instability. Very strong low-level mesocyclones evident on DMX radar, one in Hamilton and another in Boone county. Ames may dodge the tornadic part of this storm by a few miles, as the meso may move a few miles north of Ames. Man, those are nice couplets! Tornado reported recently in Stratford, in Hamilton county.

 

[nickgrillo]

Yeah, the environment is characterized by modest low-level instability (<1000j/kg) and extreme flow and vertical shear through the mid-levels. These supercells have been able to sustain themselves VERY well and produce potentially damaging tornadoes. Both storms continue to show strong mesos, with possible tornadoes currently near Gilbert/Ames and the other meso near Webster City. Just goes to show NOV magic (nice fall / early spring-type setups with weak instability and strong shear)... Sooooo nice!

FUNNEL CLOUD HAS BEEN REPORTED 3 MILES NORTHWEST OF JACK TRICE
STADIUM IN AMES.

 

[Cindy Simons]

Ames may dodge the tornadic part of this storm by a few miles, as the meso may move a few miles north of Ames.

Tornado touchdown confirmed just north of Ames.... damage now being reported. TV station webcam caught it. Also the woodward tornado was also captured on a TV station webcam.

Honestly, the reports of tornados are coming in fast and furious all over the area now. I'm trying to report only the confirmed tornados.

 

[Simon Brewer]

Latest just in: Jim Bishop is near Gilbert, IA just north of Aimes with a large violent cone tornado on the ground doing damage at this time.

He hung the phone up on me as another tornado was developing with debris very near to his location!

Simon

 

[jladue]

IA tornadofest

You can check out the webcam archive on
http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/current/camera.phtml

The Madrid webcam views a large, high contrast tornado at 2230-2240 UTC and the Ames webcam saw a nice elephant trunk tornado about 20 minutes later. Check it out. Best examples of armchair webcam chasing I've done.

Jim

 

[nickgrillo]

Amazing!

Madrid:
<img src=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/archive/data/2005/11/12/camera/SMDI4/SMDI4_200511122235.jpg>
<img src=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/archive/data/2005/11/12/camera/SMDI4/SMDI4_200511122239.jpg>

Ames:
<img src=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/archive/data/2005/11/12/camera/SAMI4/SAMI4_200511122259.jpg>

RFD!
<img src=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/archive/data/2005/11/12/camera/SAMI4/SAMI4_200511122302.jpg>

That storm is STILL showing a wicked meso right over Radcliffe...