Texas closes “tornado gap”
It was a good week for Texas tornadoes.
As many as 7 tornadoes touched down in Texas on Wednesday. Though there was damage and a few injuries, thankfully no one was killed in the outbreak.
The tornadoes were spawned by the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine as it swirled through the state this week. Some of the tornadoes formed in the Dallas area, including this one captured on video.
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I'm keeping a close eye on the Texas tornado numbers. Minnesota still has a wide lead with 145 preliminary tornado reports this year according the SPC count. This week's tornado outbreak in Texas brings their second place total up to 94. As you would expect, Texas has lead the nation 7 of the past 10 years in overall tornado numbers.
Texas will likely (unfortunately) add to their tornado totals during the fall severe weather season. Hopefully, Minnesota's numbers will stay at or near 145. Both states will likely see final numbers revised downward about 15% when the final confirmations are complete and multiple sightings of the same tornado are eliminated.
If Minnesota leads the nation in tornadoes this year, it will be the first time on record that has occurred. We have already set records that will insure2010 will go down as the most active severe weather year in Minnesota history.
Weekend forecast: Rain then sun
Look for scattered rain and maybe a clap of thunder Friday night into early AM Saturday. The culprit is a front which will push east of Minnesota early Saturday. That should give way to sunshine as the day progresses, and set us up for a warmer and mostly sunny Sunday, with just an isolated shot at a stray thundershower.
Enjoy the weekend.
PH