Today's Tornado and Damaging Wind Risks

Could be a dangerous day in the northern Plains.

Keeping in mind that 5% is significant, here is today's and this evening's tornado risk.

Damaging wind probabilities are extremely high:

Fifteen percent is the significant threshold and today's probabilities are in excess of 45%. That means there is a 45% chance of a wind gust of 58 mph or higher within 25 mi. of any given point. The hatching means there is the potential for wind gusts of 75 mph or higher!

Large hail:

Again, 15% is significant. The hatching is where hail 2" in diameter or larger is forecast to fall.

Please put away grills, lawn furniture trampolines and other objects that might blow about. Put your car in the garage ahead of the storms.

JAMES GARNER - April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014

Today we honor actor James Garner – a Korean War veteran who received two Purple Hearts – who died Saturday night at 86. An infantry soldier before he made it big in movies and television, Garner took a USO tour to Vietnam in 1967. He will be missed.

Maverick has gone to that Big Riverboat Casino in the Sky . . .

STORMBRINGER SENDS

A New Review of "When the Sirens Were Silent"

Posted at Amazon,

I greatly sensed Mike's passion for weather and simultaneous frustration for warning systems that don't work, or weather prediction centers that don't do their jobs correctly, or people who receive warning but don't act either out of stubbornness or as a result of being desensitized by overusing warning systems. All of this resulted in a dramatic loss of lives in Joplin, I wish the book had been longer because I was absolutely hooked and reeled in by the suspenseful buildup of the storm given by very vivid descriptions. I'm now going back and reading his first book, Warnings.

R.I.P. James Garner

James Garner Square in Norman, Oklahoma

I've been a huge fan of James Garner and have even read his autobiography. I was sorry to read of his passing. He was great actor in many memorable roles. The Rockford Files was a classic. May he rest in peace.

"Heads Up" -- Major Severe Weather Event Tomorrow

A major high wind event, including a couple of possible tornadoes, is likely in the area indicated. Fifteen percent is the significant threshold. The hatched area is where wind gusts of 75 mph or higher are forecast tomorrow afternoon and night.