Memphis Weather

After being sidetracked for over a month with the historic flooding event and other severe weather...MEG has gotten around to building a much more extensive page for this outbreak... http://www.srh.noaa.gov/meg/?n=apr2011toroutbreakhome Included is a lot more detailed information about each tornado. In addition...their CWA-wide tornado count between April 25-27 has been raised from 14 to 21 (mostly just adding EF-0s). The 4/27 count itself is 16.

Wow! Add to that the latest SGF wind estimates above...we clearly have the strongest EF-5 of the modern scale era...and probably somewhere in the discussion among the strongest tornadoes ever thought to have occurred.

http://www.ky3.com/news/ky3-national-weather-service-insight-into-ef5-rating-for-joplin-tornado-20110527,0,7121986.story JOPLIN, Mo. -- The National Weather Service provided additional insight into the decision to rate the tornado last Sunday at the top of the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado was given an initial rating of an EF-4 before it was upgraded the next day. Bill Davis with the National Weather Service said investigators look at structural damage and how far heavy objects were thrown. This tornado, for example, tossed concrete parking lot "bumpers" that sit low to the ground and can weigh up to 300 pounds. The NWS investigators also noted that tractor-trailers parked near the Wal-Mart store were thrown farther than 1/8th mile. Manhole covers were also lifted and tossed. The tornado's path is an estimated six miles long. It's from three-quarters of a mile to a mile wide at some points. The winds are estimated to have briefly hit between 225 and 250mph.

I'm very sure the NWS will do a service assessment for Joplin (they already have been conducting one for 4/27) and all of these issues being discussed will surely be raised. Typically it will be 6-12 months before their release...so it won't be until 2012 until we see it and perhaps later before any major changes are implemented...if any are recommended.

All excellent points. There are still areas where the science and awareness needs to improve...and hopefully such events that we've unfortunately seen multiple times this year will help that out. BTW...as if they need it...a pretty strong storm about to move into Joplin. Not severe...but does likely have some small hail and strong wind gusts.

I agree that there IS an issue with SGF TORs...I've thought/said that myself for years...but just not the appropriate moment to bring it up and I doubt there's a direct correlation between the number killed and how many Tornado Warnings were issued but non-verified in Joplin the last two years or whatever. The tragic fact is that many if not most that died...may not have survived no matter what they did...how much time they had...or how seriously they took any warning.

JoMo...I'm very glad to hear you are safe. Your story is incredible and I personally can't imagine having to endure what you have in the last several days. You and the entire community of Joplin remains in my thoughts and prayers. Speaking of the SGF TOR issue (and their high FAR)...leave it to Accuweather to try and distastefully exploit this since its an opportunity to discredit the NWS. They apparently sent this email yesterday to partners and clients (excerpt pasted below)...

Smithville, MS tornado has been upgraded to EF5 by MEG WFO...see assessment thread for more...