Amazing Video of Joplin, MO Tornado

These are 2 amazing videos of the May 22, 2011 Joplin, MO tornado.

This first video is taken from a security camera in someones backyard.  First, notice how long this tornado takes to pass through.  Also consider this is only the outskirts of the tornado because these houses and most of the larger trees are still standing after the tornado passes.  Also notice how the wind is very gusty and not sustained.  In the classic clip from the movie "Twister" you can see an 18-wheeler hundreds of feet in the air being carried with the tornado.  Since a tornadoes winds are very gusty it would be hard for it to carry a large object in the air for a long period of time.  This tornado also seems to be so huge that it acts like a hurricane. There were outer bands, an eye wall, and even what seems like an eye where you can see the actual condensation cloud sweeping in and out.  Right in the middle of the video for just a few seconds its almost completely calm.  I'm also amazed by the amount of lightning inside the tornado.  I can understand that a simple thunderstorms creates enough static electricity with rain drops bouncing off each other, so throw in pieces of metal and wood and you have plenty of places for lightning to go.  This video shows the true fury of nature...I can't even begin to imagine what these people were going through when this hit.

This second video shows the tornado from either the north or western side of it.  The tornado hit between 5 and 6 PM, so its not night time here.  Although the video quality is low, its clear to see how much lightning was inside the tornado.  Also as the camera person points out, there's no thunder at all.  I actually can't figure out why that is...the wind could be strong enough to keep most of the sound of the thunder in the tornado but I don't think that's the case.  There is also a strange light in the sky toward the end of the video.  This is either "ball lightning" or a very strong updraft.  For instance when water drains out of a bath tub, there is one main spiral with other smaller spirals around it.  This could be light coming from the top of the storm which appears to be that bright compared to the pitch black clouds shadowed by the towering tops.  All in all, this tornado is probably about as bad as it gets on earth.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Becoming clear overnight and cooler.  Low temperature around 57.

Saturday-  Sun and clouds throughout the afternoon.  Much cooler with a high temperature around 74.

Saturday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 53.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 76.

Sunday night-  Increasing clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 51.

Monday-  Sun and clouds with a shower possible during the afternoon.  High temperature around 69.

Monday night-  Mostly clear and cool with a low temperature around 50.

Tuesday-  Sunny with a high temperature around 74.

Extended Forecast-  Skies will remain clear and temperatures will warm back up through Friday.  Highs will be in the mid 70s Wednesday and Thursday, and in the upper 70s Friday.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Cloudy with light rain and mist overnight.  Low temperature around 58.

Saturday-  Cloudy with rain likely throughout the day.  A rumble of thunder is possible during the afternoon.  High temperature around 69.

Saturday night-  Cloudy with showers continuing overnight.  Low temperature around 57.

Sunday-  Cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day.  High temperature around 73.

Sunday night-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers overnight.  Low temperature around 56.

Monday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the day.  High temperature around 72.

Monday night-  Showers and thunderstorms likely overnight.  Low temperature around 56.

Tuesday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day.  High temperature around 70.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be likely again Wednesday with highs in the lower 70s.  Showers and thunderstorms are possible but not as likely Thursday with highs in the lower 70s.  Dry conditions will finally return by Friday with a few scattered clouds and high temperatures in the mid 70s.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear with a low temperature around 65.

Tuesday-  Sunny and hot with a high temperature around 92.

Tuesday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 67.

Wednesday-  Mostly sunny and hot with a high temperature around 93.

Wednesday night-  Mostly clear with a few high clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 66.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with scattered afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 87.

Thursday night-  Increasing clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing overnight.  Some storms could be strong with damaging winds, small hail, and heavy rain.  Low temperature around 63.

Friday-  Scattered clouds with showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.  Some storms could be strong with damaging winds, small hail, and heavy rain.  High temperature around 85.

Extended Forecast-  Temperatures will cool down to the lower 80s Saturday and Sunday with a chance of scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.  Clear skies will return by Monday with highs around 80.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 51.

Tuesday-  Mostly sunny and comfortable with a high temperature around 74.

Tuesday night-  Mostly clear with fog developing overnight.  Low temperature around 50.

Wednesday-  Fog clearing out late in the morning with mostly sunny skies for the afternoon.  High temperature around 78.

Wednesday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 55.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 77.

Thursday night-  Scattered clouds overnight with a low temperature around 58.

Friday-  Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 80.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be likely during the afternoon Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  High temperatures will be in the low 70s Saturday, around 70 Sunday, and in the mid 70s Monday.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear with a low temperature around 46.

Friday-  Sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 80.

Friday night-  Clear and not as cold.  Low temperature around 53.

Saturday-  Mostly sunny and breezy.  Winds gusting up to 25 MPH.  High temperature around 84.

Saturday night-  Scattered clouds and mild with a low temperature around 59.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  High temperature around 83.

Sunday night-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms.  Low temperature around 62.

Monday-  Scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.  Not as warm with a high temperature around 75.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again Tuesday with highs in the middle 70s.  Clear skies will return Wednesday and Thursday with highs around 80 Wednesday and in the lower 80s Thursday.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 50.

Friday-  Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 69.

Friday night-  Mostly clear and cool with a low temperature around 43.

Saturday-  Sunny with a high temperature around 72.

Saturday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 45.

Sunday-  Scattered clouds throughout the day.  High temperature around 77.

Sunday night-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms developing overnight.  Low temperature around 53.

Monday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely during the afternoon.  High temperature around 72.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible early Tuesday with highs middle 60s.  Sunshine will return Wednesday before another chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday.  Highs will be lower 60s Wednesday and in the middle 60s Thursday.

No Forecasts

I'm sorry for not updating this the past week.  It's definitely been a week I should have been updating this.  Finals took over my life for a little bit.  In the mean time, there's been one of the worst tornado outbreaks in U.S. history.  Towns all across the south in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia have been effected by tornadoes the past 3 days.  We can all agree that Alabama took the worst of it though.  Parts of Tuscaloosa, AL were completely wiped off the map when an extremely powerful tornado swept through (likely rated EF4-EF5).  As of right now, the death toll on Wednesday alone is approaching 300.  Preliminary reports show over 30 deaths in Mississippi and Tennessee with a few in Virginia and North Carolina.  I cannot say for sure how many died in Alabama because the number seems to change every few minutes.  Please pray for those that lost loved ones across the south.

Hailstorm- Starkville, MS

These are pictures of the supercell that moved through Starkville on Wednesday April 20th.  Hail stones between 1 and 2 inches in diameter fell (quarter to golfball size with some larger), along with torrential rain, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, and well defined rotation.  I'll also try and post video of it soon.

This actually looked like a funnel cloud behind the trees.  It was clearly rotating but we could not tell if it was on the ground.

  

This is the hail on the ground seen from the second story window.  It had melted a little bit, but most of those are still about the size of golfballs.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  *TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 5AM* Mostly cloudy and breezy with showers and thunderstorms developing by sunrise.  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH and higher in thunderstorms.  Low temperature around 68.

Wednesday-  Showers and thunderstorms throughout most of the day.  Some storms could be severe with strong winds in excess of 60 MPH, small hail, and heavy rain.  High temperature around 81.

Wednesday night-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly during the evening.  Low temperature around 63.

Thursday-  Scattered clouds throughout the day.  High temperature around 83.

Thursday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 62.

Friday-  Mostly sunny and hot.  High temperature around 87.

Friday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 65.

Saturday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 85.

Extended Forecast-  Clear skies will continue Sunday and Monday with high temperatures in the lower 80s.  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday with high temperatures around 80.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy with patchy fog.  Low temperature around 50.

Wednesday-  Scattered clouds and breezy with showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  Some storms could be severe with strong winds in excess of 60 MPH and heavy rain.  Winds gusting up to 35 MPH outside of thunderstorms.  High temperature around 85.

Wednesday night-  Cloudy during the evening with partial clearing overnight.  Low temperature around 48.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny and breezy with a high temperature around 66.

Thursday night-  Scattered clouds and cool with a low temperature around 43.

Friday-  Mostly cloudy with showers developing during the afternoon.  High temperature around 58.

Friday night-  Cloudy with showers possible overnight.  Low temperature around 49.

Saturday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.  Warmer with a high temperature around 74.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible during the afternoon Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.  Highs will be in the mid 70s Sunday and Monday and in the lower 70s Tuesday.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear with a low temperature around 47.

Monday-  Mostly sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 83.

Monday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 62.

Tuesday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 85.

Tuesday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 66.

Wednesday-  Scattered clouds with showers and thunderstorms developing late in the afternoon.  High temperature around 84.

Wednesday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening, with a few showers possible overnight.  Low temperature around 61.

Thursday-  Sun and clouds mixed throughout the day with scattered showers and thunderstorms.  High temperature around 79.

Extended Forecast-  A stray thunderstorm is possible Friday afternoon with highs around 80.  Showers and thunderstorms are likely Saturday afternoon with highs in the lower 80s.  Clear skies will return Sunday with highs in the upper 70s.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 51.

Monday-  Scattered clouds throughout the day.  High temperature around 70.

Monday night-  Mostly cloudy with a low temperature around 53.

Tuesday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  High temperature around 72.

Tuesday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening, then remaining mostly cloudy overnight.  Low temperature around 55.

Wednesday-  Scattered clouds and sun with showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  Some storms may be strong with damaging winds and hail.  High temperature around 81.

Wednesday night-  Showers during the evening with partial clearing overnight.  Low temperature around 50.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 66.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will return late Friday night and linger through Sunday.  High temperatures will be in the mid 60s Friday, in the upper 60s Saturday, and around 70 Sunday.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear and cool.  Low temperature around 42.

Sunday-  Sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 76.

Sunday night-  Clear with a low temperature around 45.

Monday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 82.

Monday night-  Mostly clear and mild with a low temperature around 61.

Tuesday-  Mostly sunny and breezy.  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH.  High temperature around 84.

Tuesday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 63.

Wednesday-  Sun and clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing late in the afternoon.  High temperature around 83.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible Thursday afternoon with highs in the lower 80s.  Clear skies will return Friday and Saturday with highs around 80.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 49.

Sunday-  Sunny and windy.  Winds gusting up to 40 MPH.  High temperature around 67.

Sunday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 45.

Monday-  Mostly cloudy for most of the day.  High temperature around 69.

Monday night-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers overnight.  Low temperature around 53.

Tuesday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.  High temperature around 72.

Tuesday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening, with partial clearing overnight.  Low temperature around 57.

Wednesday-  Scattered clouds and sun with showers and thunderstorms likely during the afternoon.  High temperature around 81.

Extended Forecast-  Expect scattered clouds Thursday and clear skies Friday.  Highs will be in the mid 60s Thursday and lower 60s Friday.  Showers and thunderstorms will return Saturday with highs in the upper 60s.

Possible Tornado in Leesburg

As the storms moved through Leesburg, the southern edge rushed eastward, met by southeasterly winds at the surface.  As this happened, the storm began to rotate and a brief tornado likely developed directly over Leesburg, touching down for probably less than a minute.  As of right now, the only damage report from Leesburg is a large sign blown down and multiple trees down along S. King street and Davis Ave.  Here are some radar images during the storm:

 This first radar image shows the hook echo directly over the eastern side of Leesburg.  Notice the defined "hook" shape as the storm pulls wind and rain from the storm and rotates.

 This is a closer view from the terminal radar used by Dulles airport.  You can see the clear hook shape over Leesburg which is likely where the tornado was.

This is storm relative velocity at the same time as the previous images.  The bright green on the south side of Leesburg represents winds traveling southbound at 50 to 60 MPH, while the pocket of dark red just to the east of Leesburg represents winds traveling north at 30 to 40 MPH.  This is known as wind shear, or a "couplet" on radar, where wind travels in opposite directions over a very small area.  This commonly represents rotating winds associated with a tornado.

Severe Weather- Leesburg, VA

Severe thunderstorm warning now in effect for Loudoun county including Leesburg until 7:45 PM.  Expect strong winds in excess of 50 to 60 MPH, hail to the size of quarters, and heavy rain.  This storm will move through Leesburg by 7:20 PM.

This is storm relative velocity.  Green is wind moving toward the radar which is just east of Leesburg.  The bright green just west of Leesburg is wind gusting up to 50 to 60 MPH.  Some rotation associated with this, so be alert.

Severe Weather- Leesburg, VA

Another round of storms will move through Leesburg within the next hour to hour and a half.  The first line along the Blue Ridge mountains in western Loudoun county will likely merge with the faster eastbound line entering Clarke county and push east.  Expect heavy rain, gusty winds in excess of 50 to 60 MPH, and hail to the size of quarters with these storms.  The yellow box indicates a severe thunderstorm warning which is in effect for Loudoun county until 7:15 PM but does not include Leesburg yet.  Another warning will likely be issued within the next 30 to 45 minutes to include Leesburg as these storms intensify.  I will try to keep this updated as storms develop.  A tornado watch remains in effect for the entire area until 9PM tonight, however after this line passes the severe weather threat will diminish.

Severe Weather- Leesburg, VA

While it may seem strange that severe weather could be possible on a cloudy day with temperatures in the upper 50s, it is happening.  This is the current radar image for areas in and around Leesburg.  The large red box indicates a tornado watch which is in effect until 9 PM tonight.  There is a severe thunderstorm warning (yellow box) on the storm in Shenandoah and Frederick county, which is moving to the east-northeast.  This storm is capable of producing winds up to 60 MPH and heavy rain.  Expect this storm within the next 1 to 2 hours.  I do not expect very many tornadoes to develop today around Leesburg given the lower temperatures and available moisture.  However, that does not completely eliminate the risk.  Winds from the southeast at the surface coupled with winds from the southwest just 10,000 feet from the ground will help thunderstorms to rotate.  I will do my best to keep this updated as severe weather develops.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Mostly clear and breezy.  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH, calming down around sunrise.  Low temperature around 51.

Saturday-  Mostly sunny and cooler with a high temperature around 66.

Saturday night-  Clear and cool with a low temperature around 43.

Sunday-  Sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 78.

Sunday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 50.

Monday-  Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 81.

Monday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 62.

Tuesday-  Mostly sunny with scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  High temperature around 83.

Extended Forecast-  An afternoon thunderstorm is possible Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid 80s Wednesday and lower 80s Thursday.  Thunderstorms will be likely Friday with highs in the lower 80s.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy with showers possible by sunrise.  Low temperature around 47.

Saturday-  Mostly cloudy and breezy with showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.  Some storms could be strong during the afternoon with damaging winds in excess of 60 MPH and heavy rain.  Winds gusting up to 40 MPH outside of thunderstorms.  High temperature around 65.

Saturday night-  Cloudy with showers likely during the evening.  Partial clearing overnight but remaining breezy.  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH.  Low temperature around 46.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny and breezy.  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH.  High temperature around 66.

Sunday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 45.

Monday-  Scattered clouds with a shower possible during the afternoon.  High temperature around 67.

Monday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Low temperature around 52.

Tuesday-  Mostly sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 75.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible Wednesday, some possibly strong, with a high temperature in the lower 80s.  Clear skies will return Thursday with highs in the lower 70s.  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again Friday with highs around 70.

Severe Weather Outbreak- Starkville, MS

This is the current severe weather outlook according to the Storm Prediction Center.  A line of thunderstorms currently stretched across eastern Texas and western Arkansas will continue to push east ahead of a cold front and associated dryline.  Thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of this line during the afternoon Friday, moving through Starkville mainly between 2 and 5 PM.  While that sounds like a broad time frame, multiple rounds of storms will be possible.  Any storms developing ahead of the line will be in a very unstable atmosphere given the high amounts of wind shear and instability, causing them to rotate and become supercells and possibly produce tornadoes.  There is really no cap in place, so any storms that develop will explode upward which will also make large hail possible.  The main threats tomorrow will be for damaging winds in excess of 70 to 80 MPH, hail up to the size of baseballs, and strong/long-tracked tornadoes.  Stay aware of rapidly changing weather conditions as well as watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.  If a tornado warning is issued, do not drive.  Take shelter in a sturdy building away from doors and windows.  I will do my best to keep this updated as severe weather develops.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy with showers possible before sunrise.  Low temperature around 67.

Friday-  Showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  Some storms will be severe with strong winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes.  High temperature around 78.

Friday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening.  Storms may be strong during the evening.  Remaining mostly cloudy overnight.  Low temperature around 52.

Saturday-  A few clouds in the morning, with sunshine during the afternoon.  Cooler with a high temperature around 69.

Saturday night-  Clear and cool with a low temperature around 46.

Sunday-  Sunny and warm with a high temperature around 76.

Sunday night-  Mostly cloudy with a shower possible overnight.  Low temperature around 53.

Monday-  Mostly sunny with a stray thunderstorm possible during the afternoon.  High temperature around 82.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be likely late Tuesday into Tuesday night with highs around 80.  An afternoon thunderstorm is possible Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid 80s.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Clear and cool with a low temperature around 44.

Friday-  Increasing clouds throughout the day.  High temperature around 60.

Friday night-  Cloudy with showers developing around sunrise.  Low temperature around 47.

Saturday-  Showers and thunderstorms likely, especially during the afternoon.  Breezy with winds gusting up to 30 MPH.  High temperature around 59.

Saturday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening.  Remaining cloudy overnight.  Low temperature around 47.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 65.

Sunday night-  Clear with a low temperature around 44.

Monday-  Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds.  High temperature around 72.

Extended Forecast-  Sun and clouds are expected Tuesday through Thursday with afternoon showers possible each day.  Highs will be in the mid 70s Tuesday, around 80 Wednesday, and in the mid 70s Thursday.

Severe Weather Possible- Starkville, MS

This is the current severe weather outlook according to the Storm Prediction Center.  Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop tomorrow in parts of Oklahoma and western Arkansas and push east overnight making their way through Starkville by Friday afternoon.  Latest models show relatively high amounts of instability along with ample moisture and warm air.  However, unlike the last round of severe weather, southeasterly surface winds and west winds aloft make the environment much more favorable for the development of tornadoes.  Although it may seem unethical to predict a tornado outbreak, the Storm Prediction Center says a "tornado outbreak is becoming increasingly possible".  Thunderstorms and some supercells are expected to develop during the afternoon across most of Mississippi and track to the east and northeast.  Some of which will produce large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of strong long-tracked tornadoes.  Stay aware of rapidly changing weather and alerts from the National Weather Service.  I will have more updates tomorrow and during the day Friday as severe weather develops.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear with a low temperature around 51.

Thursday-  Sunny and warm.  High temperature around 83.

Thursday night-  Increasing clouds and mild with a shower possible by sunrise.  Low temperature around 62.

Friday-  Mostly cloudy and breezy with thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  Some storms may be severe with damaging winds and heavy rain. (Details in an upcoming post).  Winds gusting up to 30 MPH and higher in thunderstorms.  High temperature around 78.

Friday night-  Showers and thunderstorms during the evening, with clearing overnight.  Cooler with a low temperature around 47.

Saturday-  Sunny with a high temperature around 72.

Saturday night-  Clear and cool with a low temperature around 46.

Sunday-  Sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 78.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again late Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Highs will be around 80 Monday, lower 80s Tuesday, and in the mid 70s Tuesday.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Clear and cool.  Low temperature around 43.

Thursday-  Sunny and mild with a high temperature around 67.

Thursday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 46.

Friday-  Scattered clouds and sun throughout the day.  High temperature around 65.

Friday night-  Increasing clouds with showers likely overnight.  Low temperature around 44.

Saturday-  Showers and thunderstorms likely throughout most of the day.  Cooler with a high temperature around 58.

Saturday night-  Showers likely during the evening, with partial clearing overnight.  Low temperature around 42.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 64.

Extended Forecast-  Monday will stay clear with high temperatures in the mid 60s.  Showers will return Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, with highs in the lower 70s Tuesday and mid 70s Wednesday.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Clear skies and cooler.  Low temperature around 53.

Tuesday-  Sunny and cooler.  High temperature around 72.

Tuesday night-  Clear with a low temperature around 47.

Wednesday-  Sunny and warmer with a high temperature around 78.

Wednesday night-  Clear with a low temperature around 51.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with showers and thunderstorms developing late in the day.  High temperature around 79.

Thursday night-  Scattered showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly during the evening.  Low temperature around 58.

Friday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon.  High temperature around 75.

Extended Forecast-  Sunshine will return Saturday and Sunday but temperatures will be much cooler.  Expect highs in the upper 60s Saturday and around 70 Sunday.  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again Monday with highs in the mid 70s.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy and mild with rain developing before sunrise.  Low temperature around 64.

Tuesday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and possibly a thunderstorm likely for most of the day.  High temperature around 65.

Tuesday night-  Cloudy and cooler with showers likely overnight.  Low temperature around 46.

Wednesday-  Mostly cloudy with a shower possible during the morning.  High temperature around 59.

Wednesday night-  Mostly clear and cooler.  Low temperature around 41.

Thursday-  Sunny and mild with a high temperature around 68.

Thursday night-  Scattered clouds overnight with a low temperature around 49.

Friday-  Increasing clouds throughout the afternoon with showers and thunderstorms developing late in the day.  High temperature around 71.

Extended Forecast-  Shower and thunderstorms will be likely Saturday with highs in the upper 60s.  Clear skies will return Sunday and Monday with highs in the upper 50s Sunday and around 60 Monday.

Storm Pictures- Starkville, MS

The line of thunderstorms has now moved east of Starkville.  We measured sustained winds of 30 MPH, with estimated gusts of 40 to 45 MPH along with a burst of heavy rain.  Small trees were reported down in Starkville. It looks like another storm moving northeast behind the line may impact Starkville within the next hour to hour and a half.  Expect another burst of rain along with strong winds, but it probably will not be as strong as the initial line.  Here are some pictures of the storm as it moved in:

Severe Weather Update- Starkville, MS

A tornado watch is now in effect until 11PM for Starkville.  Expect strong thunderstorms to move through between 430 and 5PM.  These storms will have strong winds in excess of 60 MPH and heavy rain.  The highest tornado threat will be in southern Mississippi and Alabama where there is a large amount of wind shear and instability.

This is the current radar image.  A line of thunderstorms just ahead of the cold front stretching from central Tennessee through Mississippi will continue to move east this afternoon.

Severe Weather Risk- Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

This the current severe weather outlook according to the Storm Prediction Center.  Areas highlighted in dark red have the highest risk of severe weather Monday afternoon.  As a cold front pushes east across the entire eastern U.S. during the afternoon, a line of thunderstorms will likely be associated with it.  Around Starkville a few thunderstorms may develop ahead of the line given the ample amount of moisture and moderate instability.  The greatest risk from thunderstorms tomorrow will be strong winds in excess of 60 MPH and heavy rain.  Tornadoes are possible but will not be too much of a threat due to the lack of wind shear.  Expect thunderstorms to move through during the afternoon, likely between 2 and 4PM.

There is also a risk for severe weather in Leesburg, however it will not be until after sunset.  Expect a line of strong thunderstorms to move through ahead of the cold front after sunset, mostly likely between 8 and 10PM.  These thunderstorms will also be capable of producing strong winds in excess of 60 MPH and heavy rain.  I will keep this updated as severe weather develops.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Increasing clouds and mild.  Low temperature around 68.

Monday-  Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon.  Some storms could be severe with strong winds and heavy rain.  High temperature around 78.

Monday night-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible during the evening.  Becoming clear overnight and cooler with a low temperature around 52.

Tuesday-  Sunny and nice.  High temperature around 75.

Tuesday night-  Clear and cool with a low temperature around 49.

Wednesday-  Sunny and warm with a high temperature around 79.

Wednesday night-  Clear with a low temperature around 53.

Thursday-  Scattered clouds throughout the day with thunderstorms possible late in the day.  High temperature around 81.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible Friday as temperatures cool down to the lower 70s.  Sunshine will return for the weekend but temperatures will remain in the low 70s.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Scattered clouds overnight and mild.  Low temperature around 58.

Monday-  Mostly sunny and very warm with thunderstorms developing during the evening.  High temperature around 87.

Monday night-  Showers and thunderstorms likely overnight.  Some storms may be strong early in the evening with strong winds and heavy rain.  Low temperature around 58.

Tuesday-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers possible during the afternoon.  Breezy with winds gusting up to 25 MPH.  High temperature around 64.

Tuesday night-  Mostly clear and cooler with a low temperature around 46.

Wednesday-  Sunny and mild with a high temperature around 66.

Wednesday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 43.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 69.

Extended Forecast-  Clouds will move in during the day Friday with highs around 70.  Showers will be possible Friday night and Saturday with highs in the mid 60s Saturday.  Rain will begin to clear out late Saturday leaving behind a few clouds and cooler temperatures Sunday with highs around 60.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy and mild with a few sprinkles possible.  Low temperature around 64.

Friday-  Scattered clouds and sun.  High temperature around 85.

Friday night-  Scattered clouds and mild.  Low temperature around 65.

Saturday-  A few clouds in the morning with sunshine during the afternoon.  Hot with a high temperature around 90.

Saturday night-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 67.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with a few clouds during the afternoon.  Breezy with winds gusting up to 25 MPH.  Continued warm with a high temperature around 88.

Sunday night-  Increasing clouds with showers and thunderstorms likely late.  Storms will likely move through after 2AM as a squall line with heavy rain and strong winds.  Low temperature around 64.

Monday-  Showers possible during the morning with clearing during the afternoon.  High temperature around 81.

Extended Forecast-  Sunshine will continue through Tuesday with highs in the lower 80s.  Showers and thunderstorms will be possible again Wednesday and Thursday with highs around 80.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly cloudy with showers developing overnight.  Low temperature around 49.

Friday-  Rain likely for most of the day.  High temperature around 54.

Friday night-  Rain likely overnight.  Low temperature around 45.

Saturday-  Showers likely during the morning.  Remaining cloudy for the rest of the afternoon.  High temperature around 58.

Saturday night-  Mostly cloudy with a low temperature around 47.

Sunday-  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and possibly a thunderstorm developing during the afternoon.  Warmer with a high temperature around 78.

Sunday night-  Mostly cloudy and mild with a low temperature around 62.

Monday-  Scattered clouds with showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.  Warm with a high temperature around 84.

Extended Forecast-  Rain will finally end and sunshine mixed with scattered afternoon clouds will return Tuesday through Thursday.  High temperatures will be around 70 Tuesday and Wednesday, and in the upper 60s Thursday.

Forecast for Starkville, MS and Leesburg, VA

Starkville, MS

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 51.

Thursday-  Mostly sunny with a high temperature around 79.

Thursday night-  Scattered clouds overnight.  Mild with a low temperature around 62.

Friday-  Scattered clouds early with clearing throughout the day.  Warmer with a high temperature around 86.

Friday night-  Mostly clear and mild.  Low temperature around 65.

Saturday-  Mostly sunny and very warm.  High temperature around 88.

Saturday night-  Mostly clear and mild.  Low temperature around 67.

Sunday-  Mostly sunny with scattered clouds during the afternoon.  Continued warm with a high temperature around 87.

Extended Forecast-  Scattered showers and thunderstorms(some severe) will be possible Sunday night into Monday.  Highs will be in the lower 80s Monday.  Clear skies will return Tuesday and Wednesday with high temperatures around 80.

Leesburg, VA

Overnight-  Mostly clear with a low temperature around 44.

Thursday-  Increasing clouds throughout the afternoon.  Warm with a high temperature around 69.

Thursday night-  Cloudy with scattered showers developing overnight.  Low temperature around 47.

Friday-  Cloudy and cooler with showers throughout most of the day.  High temperature around 52.

Friday night-  Showers continuing overnight.  Low temperature around 45.

Saturday-  Mostly cloudy scattered showers.  High temperature around 56.

Saturday night-  Showers likely overnight.  Low temperature around 45.

Sunday-  Scattered clouds with a shower possible during the afternoon.  Warmer with a high temperature around 74.

Extended Forecast-  Showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday with highs in the lower 80s.  Clear skies will return Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the lower 70s.