This blog will be a bit shorter than usual, I'm sort of blogged out after the comprehensive information on the tornados over the weekend. Last night @ 9:15 I did, I think, a pretty cool graphic on the Tuscaloosa tornado and talked about the path the tornado took, specifically the path length. One thing that stands out about many of the strong tornados is the unusual path lengths they had. Very long. There are numerous 30-40-50-60-70 and even an 80.3 mi path length. Think about that, a tornado that's anywhere from 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles across on the ground for as long as 80 miles straight. While the intensity of it varied and the size fluctuated during it's lifetime it is very impressive needless to say.

So what I did was create a scenario, then graphically show it. The scenario was let's say that same tornado touched down near the Sprint Center, then hopped on I-70 going WEST...how far would it have traveled? Well it would've gotten to the Speedway (15 mi.)...then it would've gotten to Lawrence (39 mi.) then Big Springs, KS (52 mi.)...however this tornado (like many of the others just would not quit). It then would've made it to Topeka (63 mi) then it would've stayed on the ground through West Topeka towards I-470/70 (69 mi)...finally after 80 miles it would've lifted. Amazing.

Now let's flip the track and head EAST along I-70...the tornado would've stayed on the ground for 80.3 miles total. Past Concordia, Emma, and Sweet Springs. Finally some 15 miles or so east of Sweet Springs it would've lifted just east of Marshall Junction.

Anyway it was an quick interesting scenario. Obviously so much would've happened along the I-70 corridor in the metro. It brought back memories of the Greensburg-KC Study I did a couple of years ago that I've presented to various groups over the last couple of months. In that scenario, nearly $8 BILLION (low side figure) in damage/destruction would've taken place. Something for our local Emergency Managers to think about.

Anyway...back to more local weather.

Frost Advisories are posted for N MO and NE KS. There were some areas this AM with some frost. Although KCI dropped to 36, there were lower readings in Lawrence and St Joe. Those thermometers, while accurate are in valleys. Basehor dropped to 31 and Hamilton did as well. In the metro the temps dropped to 33-38 degrees and tonight may see the same type thing. So if you're concerned about some of those tender plants...cover them up!

Should overall be a quiet week. Maybe a few light showers early THU AM...then a chance of some storms on SAT...towards the middle of next week..severe weather may develop closer to home. So have that on you radar screens about a week from now.

Have a great week!

Joe