Tornado Watch #001 & #002

Two Tornado watches have been issued early this afternoon for areas stretching from the central plains of KS/MO extending northeastward to the IL/WI borders. These two watches both continue until 9 PM tonight as a strong storm system continues to fire thunderstorms. Three Iowa counties are included within watch #2, however these counties are already nearing the time where they could be discontinued as the broken lines of thunderstorms have moved east of their locations. Previous storms within the state did produce some hail near Creston, IA and other areas near Dubuque.

Current storms of concern include a cell along the IL/WI border to the northeast of Rockford, IL. This storm now has a confirmed tornado on the ground near Poplar Grove, IL and is moving eastward at ~45 mph. This storm should continue to move east/northeast along the IL/WI border, a very dangerous storm especially for this time of the year when tornadoes are not expected in that area. Another tornado warned storm is located in Missouri in vicinity of Columbia, MO; in fact two seperate storms may produce tornadoes in this area. No confirmations currently, but strong rotation has been noted on radar.

Those of you within the watch areas should continue to keep a close eye on the weather and stay tuned into local radio and TV for updates. Several chasers are out and about today, an update tomorrow may focus on these storms and what was produced by them throughout the day and evening.