COMET Case Study 033: Missouri Isolated Severe Weather

Project Dates

May 20, 2000 to May 22, 2000

Project Description

On 21 May 2000, several isolated severe thunderstorms broke out in northwest Missouri. They produced golfball sized hail, up to 70 MPH wind gusts and spawned a F1 tornado. Forecasts for this region were for sunny skies through the afternoon as the conditions supporting convective development were subtle and difficult to recognize. This challenging forecasting scenario provides a good teaching case for identifying triggers of severe thunderstorms.

Objectives

This case provides an example of severe weather in the wake of a cold frontal passage, in northwest flow aloft.

Data Access for COMET Case Study 033