Sunday, May 10, 2015

Bad Weather: Here Are Cities You Don't Want To Visit Today

Deadly tornado near Cisco, Texas on Saturday.
More severe weather is on tap today, mostly in
East Texas and the upper Mississippi Valley.  
Bad, damaging and at times scary weather is scattered around the United States and around the world today.

There's the usual springtime severe weather, and there's flooding, and tropical storms, and even a blizzard. The extremes keep coming.

I'll list some cities that in most cases are quite lovely, but ones you don't want to visit this fine Mother's Day. Also, don't take your mom to these places unless you really hate her.

Sioux City, Iowa and Wichita Falls, Texas: These two cities fall roughly into the middle of two broad zones that have the biggest risk of severe thunderstorms, large hail and maybe a few tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center received 50 reports of tornadoes yesterday, mostly in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Unfortunately, at least one death was reported with a tornado in Texas.

This zone of severe weather shifts east today, and forecasters say the areas I outlined above are most likely to be in for it today. This means the upper Mississippi Valley and the Red River Valley between Texas and Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: This storm-battered city has already received more than 11 inches of rain this month and more torrential thunderstorms are forecast today. The ground is saturated, there's already been a lot of flooding and the area is bracing for more. Luckily it will dry out in Oklahoma City for a couple days anyway early this coming week.

Rapid City, South Dakota: A late season winter storm is socking parts of Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota with up to 15 inches of snow. This type of thing occasionally  happens in this region in May, but it's still unwelcome.

Winter storm warnings are still up for a wide area in this part of the country, and a blizzard warning of all things continues for areas near Rapid City. You like to torture yourself with spring snow? Head to Rapid City. Otherwise, avoid.

Wilmington, North Carolina: Early season Tropical Storm Ana came ashore early today not far from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The weakening storm was still spinning near the Carolina coast today, and that region can expect gusty winds, dangerous surf and occasionally heavy rain.

Santa Ana, The Philippines: Super Typhoon Noul was crashing ashore near this northern Philippines city today, packing winds of 160 mph. Authorities fear massive destruction from storm surges, incredible winds, and huge floods.

The Philippines get typhoons pretty frequently, but this one is stronger than most and might cause extreme damage and lots of deaths. Let's hope not

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