Source: Storm Prediction Center
Rare November High Risk Severe Weather Outbreak
A major severe outbreak is underway for the Great Lakes Region, with a High risk issued by the SPC for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Typically, only 2-3 high risks are issued in the U.S. each year, and to get one in November is an extremely rare occurrence, especially this far north. Currently, a large tornado has been reported on the ground in northern Illinois, to the southwest of Chicago (see radar image of the couplet below). Additionally, PDS Tornado Watches (PDS stands for "particular dangerous situation) are in effect for much of Illinois and Indiana, as well as the southern half of Michigan. It's going to be a dangerous day for a populated region that is unaccustomed to severe weather at this time of year. In addition, NFL games this afternoon in Chicago and Cincinnati and 70,000+ fans at each could be affected.
Large tornado on the ground in Illinois, to the northeast of Peoria and southwest of Chicago. Notice the couplet near Dana where the tornado is located. Source: Radarscope
Source: Storm Prediction Center
Source: Storm Prediction Center
Early season storm brings heavy snow to the Colorado High Country
Heavy snow falls near the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 near Loveland Ski Area Saturday afternoon
A strong storm system in the Rockies has brought good snow to nearly all of Colorado's mountain ranges this weekend. The San Juan Range, Elk Range (Aspen/Crested Butte), and Park Range (Steamboat) appear to be the biggest winners, with SNOTEL locations in these areas reporting as much as 1.5 - 2" of snow water equivalent. The SNOTEL site has actually been down since 1:30 am, so more has likely fallen since then.
The new snow is great news for the mountains, which are generally near to above average for snowpack at this time of year, and much better off compared to the past two seasons, which started off exceptionally dry. The early season snow is also providing a good starting base for ski areas that have recently opened or will be opening soon. 48-hour ski area snow reports include: 16" Crested Butte, 16" Aspen Mountain, 15" Winter Park, 15" Wolf Creek, 15" Breckenridge, 13" Copper Mountain, 11" Keystone.
The image below shows the 48-hour changes in snow water equivalent as of 1:35 this morning (more has likely accumulated in the northern mountains since then, but the site has been down).
The image below shows the 48-hour changes in snow water equivalent as of 1:35 this morning (more has likely accumulated in the northern mountains since then, but the site has been down).
Source: Andrew Slater, NSIDC
