ORIGINAL POST (MAY 6, 2024):
In North Carolina, the majority of severe weather forecasts typically entail Marginal and Slight Risks, with occasional Enhanced Risks during the summer months. While Moderate Risks are rare in the region, High Risks are exceptionally scarce, not only within the state but across the nation. Notably, the most recent High Risk designation was issued on March 31, 2023. Prior to this, the last High Risk was issued on March 25, 2021. It's worth noting that there were no High Risk days documented in 2020 or 2022, underscoring the extraordinary scarcity of such events.
Today, May 6, 2024, a High Risk has been posted for much of central Oklahoma and far south-central Kansas. There's a powerful storm system moving from the Rocky Mountains towards the central United States, which will impact areas from Nebraska down towards northern Texas. The clashing of moist air from the south and dry air from the west will set the stage for a dangerous severe weather day. Below is the severe weather outlook for today, posted by the Storm Prediction Center.
The latest update, posted at 11:00 AM CT noted that clouds are thickening over Texas and the central plains, while air is becoming more humid in Oklahoma. The humidity in Oklahoma is creating conditions favorable for thunderstorm development.
Forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center anticipate that thunderstorms will form, in western Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota in particular. Some of these storms may evolve into supercells, which are rotating thunderstorms known for their potential to produce severe weather. Supercells are most likely in central Kansas and Oklahoma, where the atmospheric conditions are favorable for the formation of supercell thunderstorms. In this area, there is the potential for very large hail and the development of intense tornadoes.
The National Weather Service office in Norman, OK are urging the public to stay weather aware.
If you know anyone in this area, please make sure they are aware of this very dangerous situation.