Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2014

Tornado Warning 6, NWS Paducah, KY

February 20, 20144 counties in Illinois

NWS Paducah, KY issued this tornado warning at Feb 20, 2014, 5:41 PM CST for 4 counties in Illinois. It was in force for 34 min. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued: Feb 20, 2014, 5:41 PM CST (23:41 UTC)
Expired: Feb 20, 2014, 6:15 PM CST
In force: 34 min
Issued by: NWS Paducah, KY
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 1.25 in

Counties Edwards County, IL, Wabash County, IL, Wayne County, IL, White County, IL

The radar

The Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 22 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:45 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

Time	Report	Where	Remark
Feb 20, 5:54 PM CST	FUNNEL CLOUD	Springerton, IL	CONFIRMED FUNNEL CLOUD HEADING TOWARD SPRINGERTON. REPORTED THROUGH EM OFFICE.
Feb 20, 5:55 PM CST	HAIL 1	Springerton, IL	LATE REPORT. QUARTER SIZE HAIL REPORTED.
Feb 20, 6:15 PM CST	TSTM WND DMG	Burnt Prairie, IL	OVERTURNED TRACTOR TRAILER ALONG INTERSTATE 64.
Feb 20, 6:17 PM CST	FUNNEL CLOUD	Grayville, IL	FUNNEL CLOUD MOVING TOWARD BELMONT.
Feb 20, 6:25 PM CST	TSTM WND DMG	Grayville, IL	SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER OVERTURNED ALONG INTERSTATE 64.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

Issued	Product	Office	Lasted
Feb 20, 2:23 PM CST	Tornado Watch	SPC	7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 11.7 hours before the alert went out and 219 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL: 507 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 49 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 582 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 576 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

467 
WFUS53 KPAH 202341
TORPAH
ILC047-185-191-193-210015-
/O.NEW.KPAH.TO.W.0006.140220T2341Z-140221T0015Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
TORNADO WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
541 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PADUCAH HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  SOUTHERN EDWARDS COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS...
  SOUTHWESTERN WABASH COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS...
  SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS...
  NORTHERN WHITE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS...

* UNTIL 615 PM CST

* AT 536 PM CST...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A
  TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR MCLEANSBORO...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 65
  MPH.

  HAZARD...TORNADO AND HALF DOLLAR SIZE HAIL.

  SOURCE...RADAR INDICATED ROTATION.

  IMPACT...MOBILE HOMES WILL BE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED. DAMAGE TO
           ROOFS...WINDOWS AND VEHICLES WILL OCCUR. FLYING DEBRIS
           WILL BE DEADLY TO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS. TREE DAMAGE IS
           LIKELY.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  CROSSVILLE...GRAYVILLE...SPRINGERTON...MILL SHOALS...BURNT
  PRAIRIE...PHILLIPSTOWN AND KEENSBURG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TORNADOES ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE AND CONFIRM AT NIGHT. TAKE COVER NOW.

&&

LAT...LON 3836 8784 3830 8785 3831 8787 3827 8791
      3830 8791 3830 8793 3824 8797 3825 8798
      3822 8799 3816 8793 3817 8791 3813 8795
      3805 8838 3825 8837
TIME...MOT...LOC 2341Z 239DEG 55KT 3812 8838

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
HAIL...1.25IN

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Paducah, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 3 hours 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 3 hours 8 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
233 PM CST Thu Feb 20 2014

.SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Saturday night)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

The big news in the short term continues to be approach and passage
of a strong cold front this afternoon and evening having the
potential to produce severe weather.

A low pressure system over northern Missouri will track northeast to
east central Wisconsin by midnight. In the process it will drag a
strong cold front across the region. The front is expected to enter
our far western counties around 3 PM and clear our far southeast
counties around 8 PM. Up to this point today, aside from a few
scattered showers, a capping inversion around 750 MB has held
convection at bay. Aside from the possibility of a few discreet
supercells, it appears that the most widespread  thunderstorm
development will be linear (QLCS) along and just ahead of the front
as evidenced by ongoing convection over eastern Missouri. Although
severe thunderstorms are possible just about anywhere prior to
frontal passage, we expect the highest potential for widespread
severe weather to be mainly south and east of the Ohio river after 6
PM.

The main threat with any thunderstorms that become severe will be
damaging wind gusts, but with decent instability for this time of
year and very impressive wind shear, a few discreet tornadic
supercells and embedded tornadoes in the line are certainly not out
of the question.

The threat of showers and thunderstorms diminishes sharply from west
to east through the rest of the evening hours with the passage of
the front. Beyond that high pressure at the surface and near zonal
flow aloft should keep things dry and a little cooler through the
short term period.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Thursday)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

Medium confidence in the long term.

Surface high pressure will build into the region Sunday in the wake
of a reinforcing cold front. The extended init generated low pops
over the area Sunday. The GFS and NAM support this albeit a weak
signal. The ECMWF is much drier Sunday. The models have had a hard
time resolving this weekend weather. Also looking at the forecast
soundings from the aforementioned models they might support a few
flurries/sprinkles but not supportive of any real impact. For these
reasons opted to leave it dry until a little better continuity
exists among the models. Otherwise another low pressure system
passes just south of our area that could try to pump a little
moisture up our way. Will monitor this closely for possible intro of
precip Monday night into Tuesday but dry for now as this is a weak
signal as well. The models are hinting at an increase in moisture
toward the end of next week...this to will be monitored closely.

As for temps we will once again cool back down to below normal with
highs struggling to reach 40 next week.

&&

.AVIATION...
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

A strong cold front will race across the TAF sites this evening.
Predominant VFR conditions expected with MVFR cigs/vsbys and TSRA
between 21-24Z at KCGI/KPAH and between 23-02Z at KEVV/KOWB, then
becoming SKC from west to east starting at KCGI around 06Z.
Southerly winds at 25-30 knots gusting to 35-40 knots will veer
around to the west starting at KCGI around 23Z, then progressing
eastward across the remaining TAF sites. Westerly winds will drop
off to 10-15 knots starting at KCGI around 06Z.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR ILZ075>078-081>083-
     085>087-089>091-093-094.

     WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR ILZ080-084-088-092.

MO...WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR MOZ076-086-087-100-
     107>112-114.

IN...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR INZ081-082-085>088.

KY...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR KYZ001>022.

&&

SHORT TERM/AVIATION...JP
LONG TERM/FIRE WX...KH

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 20, 3:03 PM CST, 2 hours 38 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-212115-
JEFFERSON-WAYNE IL-EDWARDS-WABASH-PERRY IL-FRANKLIN-HAMILTON-
WHITE-JACKSON-WILLIAMSON-SALINE-GALLATIN-UNION IL-JOHNSON-POPE-
HARDIN-ALEXANDER-PULASKI-MASSAC-GIBSON-PIKE-POSEY-VANDERBURGH-
WARRICK-SPENCER-FULTON-HICKMAN-CARLISLE-BALLARD-MCCRACKEN-GRAVES-
LIVINGSTON-MARSHALL-CALLOWAY-CRITTENDEN-LYON-TRIGG-CALDWELL-
UNION KY-WEBSTER-HOPKINS-CHRISTIAN-HENDERSON-DAVIESS-MCLEAN-
MUHLENBERG-TODD-PERRY MO-BOLLINGER-CAPE GIRARDEAU-WAYNE MO-CARTER-
RIPLEY-BUTLER-STODDARD-SCOTT-MISSISSIPPI-NEW MADRID-
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN
ILLINOIS...SOUTHWEST INDIANA...WESTERN KENTUCKY AND SOUTHEAST
MISSOURI.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

WITH THE PASSAGE OF A STRONG FRONTAL SYSTEM...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS
THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND
INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. ANY STORM THAT DEVELOPS WILL HAVE
THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SEVERE...WITH THE SEVERE POTENTIAL MAXIMIZED
FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM. A SOLID LINE OF STORMS IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
ALONG THE FRONT...HOWEVER A FEW DISCREET SUPERCELLS OUT AHEAD OF
THE LINE IS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN
THREAT...ESPECIALLY WITH THE LINE...BUT A FEW TORNADOES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPERCELLS AS WELL AS EMBEDDED IN THE LINE. IN
ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL AND ALREADY SATURATED GROUND MAY
LEAD TO A FEW FLOODING PROBLEMS...ESPECIALLY OVER WEST KENTUCKY.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA TODAY AND THIS
EVENING FOR VERY STRONG NON THUNDERSTORM WINDS. PLEASE CONSULT THE
ADVISORY PRODUCT FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

THERE WILL BE AN ELEVATED FIRE RISK AREA WIDE ON FRIDAY...
OTHERWISE NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS REQUESTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

JP

In the hours before

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:14 PM CST, 27 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
514 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0513 PM     TORNADO          HERRIN                  37.80N 89.03W
02/20/2014                   WILLIAMSON         IL   PUBLIC

            ...UNCONFIRMED...POSSIBLE TORNADO BETWEEN HERRIN AND
            JOHNSTON CITY REPORTED BY PUBLIC THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:17 PM CST, 24 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
517 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0516 PM     FUNNEL CLOUD     JOHNSTON CITY           37.82N 88.93W
02/20/2014                   WILLIAMSON         IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            REPROTED JUST NORTHEAST OF TOWN.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:28 PM CST, 13 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
528 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0523 PM     TSTM WND DMG     PEMBROKE                36.77N 87.36W
02/20/2014                   CHRISTIAN          KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            3 UTILITY POLES BROKEN AND SHINGLES MISSING FROM ROOF.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:31 PM CST, 10 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
531 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0510 PM     HAIL             WEST FRANKFORT          37.90N 88.93W
02/20/2014  M1.00 INCH       FRANKLIN           IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            QUARTER SIZE HAIL REPORTED.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:37 PM CST, 4 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
537 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0520 PM     TSTM WND DMG     MURPHYSBORO             37.77N 89.34W
02/20/2014                   JACKSON            IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POWER POLE SNAPPED WITH LINES LAYING ACROSS A HOME.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 5:39 PM CST, 2 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
539 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0515 PM     TSTM WND DMG     ALLEGRE                 36.93N 87.22W
02/20/2014                   TODD               KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TREE BLOWN DOWN AND LANDED ON PARKED VEHICLE. NO
            PASSENGERS. ROOF DAMAGE REPORTED TO A HOME.

&&

SMITTY

The office that day

Everything else NWS Paducah, KY issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Feb 19, 8:19 PM CST	Wind Advisory	PAH	Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin and 13 more	28 hr
Feb 20, 4:23 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	PAH	Jackson, Union	37 min
Feb 20, 4:30 PM CST	Tornado Warning	PAH	Jackson, Union	30 min
Feb 20, 4:44 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	PAH	Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry	46 min
Feb 20, 4:50 PM CST	Tornado Warning	PAH	Franklin, Williamson	40 min
Feb 20, 5:06 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	PAH	Franklin, Jackson, Union, Williamson	39 min
Feb 20, 5:09 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	PAH	Alexander, Franklin, Johnson, Union, Williamson	51 min
Feb 20, 5:17 PM CST	Tornado Warning	PAH	Hamilton, Saline	28 min
Feb 20, 5:33 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	PAH	Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Saline and 3 more	42 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Illinois, 2014 Every tornado warning in 2014 Tornadoes in 2014

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.