WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<p>A tornado emergency occurred on Friday night across the Rolling Fork area and into Silver City, Mississippi. The same cell then tracking into NE Mississippi, producing another tornado south of Tupelo near Amory, MS. Sadly, over 20 people have died and many more have been injured as a result of the tornadoes in Mississippi Friday night. The scenes are devastating, and we await first light on Saturday to see the extent of the damage from Friday night's storms. Here's a look at some of the devastation our field crews witnessed.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1639470231793049601" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1639470231793049601?s=20"></div><p>The first tornado emergency of the night started at around 8 PM CT producing a tornado debris signature the size of the city of Rolling Fork. A tornado emergency is a higher level of a tornado warning, and used when there is a confirmed tornado on the ground that is known to have caused or will cause catastrophic damage. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1639434826410508289" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1639434826410508289?s=20"></div><p>The same cell then tracking across the state of Mississippi and into the SE corner, south of Tupelo where the city of Amory took a direct hit from this cell. While it moved across the state it "cycled" or lifted before reforming and dropping another tornado. There was a very clear "debris" signature on radar at the time the storm moved through Amory and then continued into NE Alabama before the tornado dissipated north of Hamilton, AL. Below is a scan of the velocity as the storm moved through - the blinking pink and purple boxes are confirmed tornado warnings, meaning the storm had been observed and known to be on the ground. You can see the bright red and orange reflectivity returns on the radar right next to each other, signally how immensely strong this tornado was. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-25 07-12-10-1679750038175.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/">Storm Prediction Center</a> issued a MODERATE (level 4 out of 5) risk for the day on Friday across the Mississippi delta. In addition to the risk of numerous tornadoes, the SPC was concerned about several strong tornadoes (brown region below) that may be long-lived, or on the ground for an extended period. EF-2-strength tornadoes have winds higher than 110 mph.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/spc today-1679690761358.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sig tor-1679690786795.jpg">Check back with WeatherNation for the latest.</p>

Mississippi Tornado Produces "Catastrophic Damage", Death Toll Rising

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<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is building warmth and moisture into the Southeast - a far cry from the freezing temps we saw earlier this week. We will see moisture and warm temps combo for the risk of severe weather by Saturday and stormy weather continuing into Sunday. </p><h2>Severe Weather</h2><p>Severe storms are expected Saturday as the front continues to push south and east. All modes of severe weather are possible but we will be watching closely for damaging winds and tornadoes. Storms will likely continue to be strong through the mid-morning before daytime heating provides enough energy for storms to reach severe storm criteria through the afternoon and evening.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/tor today-1679749539498.jpg"></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-25 05-46-04-1679745031035.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><h2>Heat</h2><p>Records did occur on Thursday &amp; Friday across the South with highs in the 80s and 90s. Records broke on Friday for cities like Baton Rouge and Greenwood.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-24_rse_heat-1679697498647.JPG">Everywhere there is a pink dot is an opportunity to tie or break records through the weekend and into early next week. Most of the records will be in Florida, but a few of our coastal cities will get a crack at well above-average temperatures this week too. Highs will soar into the 80s with even some low 90s, potentially setting records each day this weekend. The heat will fuel strong storms though, and we have the risk of severe weather through the south this weekend.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/dots-1679749665839.JPG"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3 day highs-1679691128321.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the temperature swings and severe concerns, streaming 24/7!</p>

Severe Storms & Record Heat in the Southeast Today

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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<p>A few severe storms will be possible today in the Northeast (above).These areas are closest to the center of the low, where there is increased lift and energy to produce strong storms. Gusty winds and hail will be the biggest threat with these storms, in addition to locally heavy rain.</p><h1>Severe Weather</h1><p>The primary concerns as the low pressure moves through will be gusty winds and there will be enough spin in the atmosphere to produce a few isolated tornadoes. Ohio, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania have the best chance of seeing the strongest wind gusts. There is a small portion of the Northeast including the cities of Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh that have the best chance of seeing an isolated tornado. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/tor today north-1679752029131.JPG">Showers and storms move in this morning along the warm front, but that is not what produces the severe weather. The occluded front (purple) and area of low pressure provide the biggest risk for damaging winds with storms that develop midday and early afternoon through western PA, WV, and OH. As the front pushes into the northeast by midday Saturday, it meets colder air that will produce snow for the mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine along with the Adirondacks. Steady snow will continue through these areas on the back side of the low-pressure system Saturday before tapering down early Sunday morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-24_rne_18z-1679716362753.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Snow Potential</h1><p>Winter weather alerts continue into Friday with snow up to 10 inches and slee up to .25". Northern New Hampshire and Maine have winter weather advisories into place and a winter storm warning is in place for Northern Maine. The winter storm warning is where we can see the highest snowfall totals. Rainfall totals of up to an inch are possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679739436162.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/forecast precipitqation-1679739590246.JPG">Looking deeper into the forecast, there is another round of winter precipitation for next Tuesday and Wednesday. There is still a bit of uncertainty in the forecast, especially when it comes to temperature profiles, which determines if we get wet, heavy snow, or sleet and freezing rain. Typically the last snow of the season in the Northeast is in early April. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the northeast winter forecast!</p>

Severe Storms and Snow in the Northeast this Weekend

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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<p>Another low-pressure system moving through the central U.S. will encounter cold air in our atmosphere and become a snowmaker for the Upper Great Lakes this weekend. Once again we will be watching for difficult travel, low visibility, and wet heavy snow that could cause isolated power outages. Winter alerts are in effect for northern Michigan and eastern Wisconsin back into eastern Iowa where there is increased confidence in the snow potential.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/svr storms-1679752168638.JPG">We will see a wet, heavy snowfall as snow will wrap around the area of low pressure through the day on Saturday, keeping Michigan and eastern Wisconsin unsettled, windy and cold. Generally we will see about 3-5" of snowfall through northern Michigan with lesser totals back to the south and southwest. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-25 07-50-38-1679752435903.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/snowfal-1679752373948.JPG"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the snow forecast for the upper Great Lakes this weekend.</p>

Winter Storm System Moving through the Great Lakes Today

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<p>CALIFORNIA - We have had an e! there is no sign of things slowing down in the near future. Snowpack continues to rise in the Sierra, and is inching closer to the snowiest year in history of 1952-53. We are about 10 feet shy of the snow totals of that winter. Additionally, these systems have been creating isolated strong thunderstorms and very heavy rain.</p><h2>Freezing Conditions</h2><p>We are looking at a quieter weekend, but it comes with colder conditions. Temperatures have dropped into the 20s and 30s and will continue to do so for the central Valley the next few nights, prompting frost and freeze alerts. The cold air could be harmful for plants that are already into the growing season.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-24 RSW CA frz-1679703330736.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/CALI LOWS-1679752637189.JPG"></p><h2>Next Wave Monday - Wednesday</h2><p>Looking ahead to next week, another round of wet weather is on the way. Another Pacific low moves onshore, bringing more moisture to waterlogged California. There is confidence in meaningful snow for the Sierra, which will help creep up closer to the snowiest season on record. The incoming storm is focused farther north, impacting the northern Sierra and Cascades with the heaviest of the snowfall. Winter storm watches are in effect for the Sierra from Monday night into Wednesday with heavy snow anticipated over 3000 feet. In addition to snowfall, we expect heavy rain to be a concern along the coastline, prompting more flood alerts and the risk of mudslides &amp; debris flow.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/CALI WINTER ALERTS-1679752669952.JPG"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-24 RSW snow accum-1679703663295.JPG"></p><p>The extended pattern into the beginning of April remains active in the western U.S. with above average rain and snow conditions expected. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the snow amounts and timing for the Western U.S., the Western regional forecast is at :50 past the hour!</p>

Snowpack in California Creeping Closer to Top Spot - More Snow next Week

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<p>Another front on Sunday across the Gulf Coast will touch off more showers and storms on Sunday through the Deep South and Southeast. The timing for Sunday looks to start early, continuing through the afternoon and overnight into Monday. There is a bit more uncertainty in the forecast for Monday, but plan on a stormy start to the week as well.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-25 Sun SPC-1679744908697.JPG">Wind &amp; hail will present the most widespread threat on Sunday, but a few tornadoes are possible as well. Showers and storms develop through the afternoon and evening along a weak boundary, becoming much more widespread along the I-20 corridor overnight Sunday into Monday. Please have multiple ways to get alerts as storms roll through overnight and remember that flash flooding can be deadly, and nighttime flooding is extremely dangerous. </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-25 05-46-35-1679745024162.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Rainfall totals could top 3-6 inches where thunderstorms train over the same location, leading to flood potential.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-25 Weknd SRain-1679745014289.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather and flood threat this weekend and early next week in the south. </p>

Severe Storm Threat Carries into Sunday Across the Gulf Coast

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<p>Heavy rain brought on by torrential downpours and severe weather has create widespread flooding issues through the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys and iwll continue into the nex few days. Sadly, the flooding has turned deadly in central Mississippi where a car was swept off the roadway and into a creek overnight Thursday into Friday, killing two. Please, turn around, don't drown, especially at night when the water and roadways are hard to see. Flood watches are in effect into Saturday from Oklahoma through Pennsylvania. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches can be expected with locally higher amounts of up to 4 to 5 inches possible. Soaking rain is expected to extend from Oklahoma through the mid-south and into the midwestern states of Ohio, Indiana, and even through Pennsylvania. Storms had already produced rain totals of 1-3" Thursday into Friday across parts of the region, including Illinois, Indiana and Oklahoma. Storms are expected to continue along a frontal boundary with heavy soaking rainfall. Storms will "train" over the same areas, meaning repeated rounds of rain over the same areas, overwhelming the soils.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/rain reports-1679676536621.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/flood alerts-1679691390226.jpg"></p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ero">Weather Prediction Center</a> has issued an excessive rainfall outlook for much of the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys Friday due to the incoming heavy rainfall. A <strong>moderate</strong> risk (level 3 out of 4) for heavy rainfall has been issued. This means flooding is likely in the area as streams, creeks and low-lying areas fill up with water. Driving conditions can change quickly, so make sure to be weather aware and always turn around if you come across a flooded roadway.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/0324FriSatRainJPG-1679660245895.jpeg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-24 WPC Fri-1679660276540.JPG">If you feel like it has been a rainy year through the central and southern Plains, it certainly has been in Little Rock - the city is now at its 3rd rainiest in history. Tune in to Weather Nation throughout the hour for all your top weather headlines.</p>

Flooding Turns Fatal in Missouri

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How strong is the jet stream? Enough to take a standard National Weather Service upper-air observation balloon on a journey nearly a thousand miles!

https://twitter.com/weatherdak/status/966741182532304896

Twice a day, every day NWS offices across the country launch radiosondes, or balloons with attached weather observing instruments. Scientists use the data collected as the balloon travels upwards in the atmosphere to build vertical profiles, which are essential to understanding the structure of weather systems. When collected at a large number of locations, <span class="pullquote pullquote-processed">upper-air observations help establish the initial conditions for computer models that forecast weather and climate conditions</span>.

On Thursday morning, the NWS office in Fort Worth, TX received word that one of their balloons got caught up in the powerful jet stream of the current storm system and traveled all the way to Dexter, MI. That's nearly 1,000 miles away!

https://twitter.com/NWSFortWorth/status/966750854878564354

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Karissa Klos.