Severe weather potential for Friday, March 31, 2023

Below is a look at what the radar may look like through Friday, March 31, 2023. Any of those storms that get going have the chance to become severe quickly with tornadoes, hail, and damaging wind all possible.

Strong to severe storms will be possible on and off Friday, March 31, 2023. All modes of severe weather will be possible. Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind. Please have a way to be alerted should a warning be issued for your area. Below is a look at all the severe weather possibilities.

Above shows the overall extent of this severe weather potential. It stretches from Iowa, through Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and into Mississippi.

For our area, most of us is in the Level 4 “Moderate Risk” area. This is a very high risk for all modes of severe weather.

The tornado potential above shows a 10-15% chance for a tornado at any given time. The black lines indicates the potential for an EF2 size tornado or greater.

Large hail potential (above) is also a concern. There is at least a 15% for hail with the areas seeing the black lines having a risk of hail 2″ in diameter or bigger.

Damaging wind potential (above) is at 30% for most of us. The black lines indicates areas that may see wind gusts in excess of 75 mph.

We want you to be safe, so please take the following precautions to stay safe during severe weather:

• Stay Weather Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe weather watches and warnings.
• At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. Tornadoes, damaging wind, and/or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you if time allows.
• At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a warning and a tornado, damaging wind, and/or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.
• Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if a severe storm is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also put you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
• In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe weather is safer than being outside; however, drive to closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time.

Storm Alert Team Chief Meteorologist
Rusty Dawkins