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National Weather Service meteorologists have issued a Tornado Watch for our area and the surrounding, in effect until 7pm this evening.
This photo taken by Josh Allen, south of Paris, in June 2012, shows the typical look of a severe ‘Squall Line’ thunderstorm as it approaches.
This watch is associated with a strong storm system to our west, making its way in our direction. There are very strong winds associated with this system, combined with a very unseasonably warm, unstable and moist atmosphere.
The results are likely to be very severe storms along the cold front boundary, with high winds and hail, although the chance for isolated tornadoes is growing as the storm develops and gains strength with its easterly trek.
We have been bumped up to a rating of ’6′ on www.weather.com’s severe weather specialist, Dr. Forbes’, signature ‘TOR:Con’ scale, meaning that there is a predicted 60% chance for isolated tornadoes in Northeast Texas. That percentage is based on these same atmospheric ingredients one hundred times over.
According to meteorologists, the southerly winds are causing the storm to ‘tail’ out as it moves east/northeast, causing heavy rainfall and flash flooding in areas, as well as a lengthy stay for the storms.
Be on the lookout for watches and warnings and stay tuned to the eParis Extra! for all your local weather updates. Do not forget to send your cell phone number in to josh@eparistexas.com, so that you can be added to our eParis Text Alert System. You will know of any impending severe weather event as soon as we know.
It looks like the current storm system is still well to the west, but will begin to arrive in our area after 5pm, although some rain showers and isolated ‘pop up’ storms can not be ruled out in the areas ahead of the cold front boundary system.
Photo from www.Weather.com (Click to Enlarge)
These ‘pop up’ storms are usually less severe and move quickly. The severe system that is approaching looks to be forming into a ‘squall line’ thunderstorm, packing very high straight-line winds, hail, lightning and heavy rain. Be prepared to take shelter if prompted. However, typically with ‘squall line’ thunderstorms, tornadoes are less likely, but do often form along the top and bottom tips of the ‘squall line’ where wind sheer is most prominent.
It looks as if Northeast Texas will get the brunt of the center of the ‘squall line’; we are most likely going to take a heavy hit of straight-line winds (wind speeds upward to 70-75 mph have already been reported to the west).
Stay tuned for more updates as they are made available.
- This article was written referencing information gathered by the National Weather Service and www.Weather.com.
Josh Allen Josh is the Managing Editor of www.eParisExtra.com. If you have a suggestion or comment about a story or possible story, you may email him at josh@eparistexas.com.
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