Lightning peels bark off hickory tree like a banana in NW Jasper County, Mo.

JASPER COUNTY, Mo. – Just before 5 a.m. Wednesday morning storms across the region produced a lot of rain in some areas and others it seemed to be a lightning show.

NW Jasper County near Spring River one resident, James Roy, shows us a hickory tree in his front yard that looks like it was peeled as if it was a banana.

There was no fire. Pieces of bark were thrown 43 feet and 50 feet. But they aren’t burned,” he tells us.

It was loud. About 5 minutes before 5 Wednesday morning, it woke us all up.”

It wasn’t until the sun came up that James and his wife could see the tree was stripped of it’s bark from ground level to about 15 feet up, all the way around. Above the 15 foot mark the tree looks normal. It’s a tall hickory tree, about 100 feet in all.

He says he’s never seen anything like it. It didn’t burn the tree. The bark is not charred. It’s just stripped down.

This is something that isn’t too far out of the ordinary. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension it can happen.  Each time a tree is hit by lightning there is going to be a different response, because each tree is different. “A tree’s biological functions and/or structural integrity are affected by lightning strikes. Along the path of the strike, sap boils, steam is generated and cells explode in the wood, leading to strips of wood and bark peeling or being blown off the tree.”

James pointed out the tree is splintered long ways into three sections, so it is obvious the tree will need cut down.

“Hickory makes good firewood!” he says.

 

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Fire danger is elevated across area; Flood Advisory expiring in Barry County

FLOOD ADVISORY IN BARRY COUNTY, MO. UNTIL 2 p.m. THURSDAY

BARRY COUNTY, Mo. - Thursday morning at 5:45 a.m., the Department of Transportation reported flooding from previous heavy rain in the advisory area.  Wednesday morning Roaring River State Park Campgrounds were evacuated due to rising waters.

This advisory now includes the following low water crossings...
Flat Creek at Highway Y
Flat Creek at Highway U
Flat Creek at Highway C
Rockhouse Creek at Farm Road 2145

Some locations that will experience flooding include...
    Cassville, Exeter, Butterfield, Mcdowell, Jenkins,
    Wheelerville and Ridgley.

JOPLIN REGION — Conditions Thursday are not favorable for outside burning according to area fire departments as the National Weather Service states ELEVATED FIRE DANGER.

Elevated Fire Danger is expected today as a result of warm, dry, and gusty conditions.” – NWS-SGF

Fire can spread rapidly in these conditions. They suggest to avoid activities with open flames or sparks.

Additionally they remind, “properly discard cigarettes.”

The threat is greater north of I-44.

Friday evening severe storms are possible  into Saturday morning. Large hail and damaging winds are main threats.


Storm formed around Northwest Arkansas Mall then traveled into Springdale causing damage

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Storms rolled through the region overnight and struck an area just off I-49 in Springdale.

Appears to have developed around the Northwest Arkansas Mall which had downed trees and some damage. The path was very evident from there to the NE into Springdale… downing a cell tower, destroying a business, before moving into more residential areas where numerous homes were heavily damaged.” — Photojournalist Brian Emfinger

The Mayor of Springdale, Doug Sprouse, held a press conference just before noon declaring the city in a state of emergency. Information released says that seven people were injured and two are critical.

“Today, shortly after 4:00a.m., a possible tornado touched down in the southern and the eastern portions of Springdale, causing significant damage. Our first responders have completed door-to-door searches, and we believe everyone has been accounted for. Many residents have been displaced from their homes and numerous businesses have reported significant damages. While we are thankful that there have been no fatalities reported at this time, we have confirmed seven individuals who were taken to area hospitals, including two who are in critical condition.” — Mayor Doug Sprouse

Springdale Public Schools were closed today. They release the following images showing damage at George Elementary.

“The gymnasium was destroyed and the kitchen and cafeteria were severely damaged.

Maintenance staff are assessing damage in all buildings throughout the Springdale School District
Thank you to the Springdale Police Department, the City of Springdale and the first responders who worked so quickly to serve our families.
The outpouring of love and support from our community is what makes Springdale great.” — Springdale School District

The fire department ask the public to avoid the following areas:

  • Don Tyson from Thompson to Old Missouri.
  • Black Oak Ave
  • Powell Street from Robinson to Don Tyson.

The area of Thompson to Old Missouri and Lake Fayetteville to Robinson have seen significant damage. At this time crews working in these areas have reported multiple power lines down and gas leaks.  PLEASE ADVOID THIS AREA!!!” — SPRINGDALE FIRE DEPT

Elevated fire danger today with wind gusts to 30 mph

JOPLIN, Mo. — Even though snow covered the Joplin Metro area a few days ago Sunday poses an elevated fire risk according to the National Weather Service at Springfield.

Outside burning is discouraged.

“Very dry conditions, warm temperatures, and southerly wind gusts up to 30 mph will develop today.

Relative humidity values will drop into the lower twenties this afternoon.

These conditions are favorable for erratic fire spread this afternoon.

Outside burning is discouraged today as rapid fire growth is possible with any fire that ignites.

The most fire danger will be west of Springfield, Mo.” — NWS/SPRINGFIELD 

On the road again with Joplin News First road conditions

👉🏽 CLICK FOR CANCELLATION LIST

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD — Round one of wintry precipitation will develop across eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas before expanding into far southwestern Missouri by late this morning. This shield of sleet, snow and freezing rain looks to spread northeastwards towards the Springfield metro area by lunchtime and continue into the evening hours.

11:05 a.m. NO INJURIES AS CAR LEAVES ICY ROAD AND LANDS IN JOPLIN CREEK.

JOPLIN REGION — Road conditions will get worse late Wednesday morning. Beginning around noon conditions will deteriorate south of I-44. The worst areas to suffer will be southeast of Joplin.

A Winter Storm Warning continues for areas along and southeast of the I-44 corridor, with a Winter Weather Advisory further northwest.

A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected across extreme Southeast Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks now through Thursday. This pending episode of winter weather is likely to come in two waves. The first wave will begin late Wednesday morning and continue into this evening.

The second round of wintry precipitation will occur on Thursday. Some pockets of light mixed precipitation remain possible between the two rounds.

Ice amounts of a trace up to half an inch are possible, primarily along and southeast of I-44. Snow and sleet accumulations of a trace up to two inches are also expected, with the higher accumulations along and north of the I-44 corridor.

With wintry precipitation accumulations, slick road conditions are likely to develop leading to travel impacts across the area.

EARLIER SCHOOL CLOSINGS:

JOPLIN, Mo. — “Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, classes are canceled for Wednesday, February 23rd. This will be our 3rd AMI day and will not be made up.” — JOPLIN SCHOOLS

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Tigers in Carthage We will not have school today. Superintendent Mark Baker states online after a 4;15 a.m. call with National Weather Service Meteorologists, “Yes, the decision is based on a forecast provided by the National Weather Service. The amount of snow is not too concerning (less than two inches expected). However, the meteorologists have high confidence freezing rain and sleet will occur late this morning extending into the afternoon drive home. The air and road temperatures will be below freezing when the precipitation begins; thus, the potential for hazardous road conditions is high. Our last school day is Tuesday, May 24.”

WEBB CITY, Mo. — In a message sent to Cardinal Parents, “After an early morning phone call with the National Weather Service and based on their prediction of ice heading our direction, there will be no school today, 2/23/22. This will be an AMI day.”

NEOSHO, Mo. — “This morning’s call with the National Weather Service has a high level of confidence in icy weather conditions around noon. This forecast, coupled with low wind chills, is causing us to cancel today, February 23, 2022.” Neosho emphasizes this is a cancellation, not a virtual day.

 

Fast facts you need to know about tornados

Here’s some background information about tornadoes, rotating columns of air that often, but not always, are visible as funnel clouds. According to the National Weather Service, in 2020 there were 76 tornado-related deaths in the United States.

Facts

Most tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms. Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes.

Tornado winds may exceed 300 miles (483 kilometers) per hour.

Tornadoes can lift cars, mobile homes and animals into the air.

Tornadoes are sometimes called “twisters.”

On average, tornadoes travel at around 10-20 miles per hour.

The average tornado is on the ground about five minutes.

The most destructive and deadly tornadoes occur from supercells, which are rotating thunderstorms with a well-defined radar circulation called a mesocyclone. Supercells can also produce damaging hail, severe non-tornadic winds, unusually frequent lightning, and flash floods.

A tornado over a body of water is called a “waterspout.”

The United States has the highest number of tornado occurrences in the world with an average of more than 1,000 tornadoes reported each year.

A disproportionately high frequency of tornadoes occurs in Florida and a region called “Tornado Alley,” which spans across the central southern plans.

Tornadoes usually occur during the spring and early summer, most often in the late afternoon and early evening.

tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when atmospheric conditions promote the forming of tornadoes.

tornado warning is issued when Doppler radar detects a mesocyclone in a thunderstorm or when a funnel cloud has been spotted.

A tornado emergency is enhanced wording in a tornado warning indicating a large tornado is moving into a heavily populated area. A severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a tornado is imminent or ongoing. The term was coined by forecasters in May 1999 and is used sparingly.

Enhanced Fujita Scale

The Enhanced Fujita scale became operational on February 1, 2007. It is used to assign a tornado a rating based on estimated wind speed and damage the tornado causes.

EF0 is the weakest point on the Enhanced Fujita Scale and EF5 is the strongest.

Timeline

March 18, 1925 – The deadliest US tornado in modern history hits the tri-state area of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, killing 695 people. It is the longest-lived and has the longest path of any recorded US tornado.

1950 – The United States begins keeping official records about tornadoes.

February 2, 2007 – At least 20 people are killed in Lake and Volusia counties in Florida after at least three tornadoes touch down in the middle of the night.

March 1, 2007 – At least 20 people are killed, one in Missouri, 10 in Alabama, and nine in Georgia from a string of tornadoes. In Alabama, eight of the 10 killed are teenagers from Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama.

February 5-6, 2008 – At least 57 people are killed, 31 in Tennessee, 14 in Arkansas, seven in Kentucky and five in Alabama from a string of tornadoes.

March 14, 2008 – A tornado reaching EF2 strength hits downtown Atlanta, damaging the Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center, the Georgia Dome and many other buildings. One person is killed in a building collapse.

May 9-11, 2008  A series of tornadoes kills 22 in three states including six in Ottawa County, Oklahoma; 13 in Newton County, Missouri; one in Jasper County, Missouri; one in an area of Purdy in Barry County, Missouri, and one in Laurens County, Georgia.

April 14-16, 2011  At least 114 tornadoes touch down in Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Of the 46 fatalities reported, 23 occur in North Carolina.

April 25-28, 2011 – A record-setting outbreak of 362 confirmed tornadoes occurs. There are approximately 321 fatalities in six states during the entire outbreak. The majority of fatalities occur in Alabama, where as many as 249 people are killed. Other states reporting fatalities are Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Arkansas.

May 22, 2011 – An EF5 tornado strikes Joplin, Missouri, killing at least 158 people. It is the deadliest single US tornado since federal record-keeping began in 1950. The tri-state tornado of 1925 is still the deadliest tornado in modern US history.

May 24, 2011 – Tornadoes strike Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas, killing at least 18 people.

2011 – NOAA reports that 757 tornadoes touched down across the United States in April 2011, breaking the previous monthly record of 542 tornadoes in May 2003.

May 20, 2013 – An EF5 tornado hits Moore, Oklahoma. The path of the tornado is 17 miles long. Twenty-four people are killed.

January 20-22, 2017 – Twenty people are killed – more than in all of 2016 – during an outbreak of twisters stretching from Texas to South Carolina. More than 80 tornadoes are preliminarily reported over three days, with more than 60 reported on January 21 alone, according to NOAA.

March 3, 2019 – An outbreak of tornadoes touches down in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. In Lee County, Alabama, an EF4 tornado kills 23 people, making it the deadliest day for tornadoes in Alabama since the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham tornado that killed more than 200 people in 2011.

March 3, 2020 – Two tornadoes strike central Tennessee killing at least 24 people.

Top 10 Deadliest Single US Tornadoes

(Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

March 18, 1925  Tri-state area of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana – 695 fatalities.

May 6, 1840  Natchez, Mississippi – 317 fatalities.

May 27, 1896 – St. Louis, Missouri – 255 fatalities.

April 5, 1936 – Tupelo, Mississippi – 216 fatalities.

April 6, 1936 – Gainesville, Georgia – 203 fatalities.

April 9, 1947 – Woodward, Oklahoma – 181 fatalities.

May 22, 2011 – Joplin, Missouri – 158 fatalities.

April 24, 1908 – Amite, Louisiana and Purvis, Mississippi – 143 fatalities.

June 12, 1899 – New Richmond, Wisconsin – 117 fatalities.

June 8, 1953 – Flint, Michigan – 116 fatalities.

Top 10 Costliest Tornadoes since 1950 (in 2015 dollars)

(Source: NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center)

May 22, 2011 – Joplin, Missouri – $2.8 billion (actual cost) – $2.92 billion (adjusted for inflation)

April 27, 2011 – Tuscaloosa, Alabama – $2.45 billion (actual cost) – $2.56 billion (adjusted for inflation)

May 20, 2013 – Moore, Oklahoma – $2 billion (actual cost) – $2.09 billion (adjusted for inflation)

June 8, 1966 – Topeka, Kansas – $250 million (actual cost) – about $1.81 billion (adjusted for inflation)

May 11, 1970 – Lubbock, Texas – $250 million (actual cost) – $1.5 billion (adjusted for inflation)

May 3, 1999 – Moore/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – $1 billion (actual cost) – $1.4 billion (adjusted for inflation)

April 27, 2011 – Hackleburg, Alabama – $1.3 billion (actual cost) – about $1.35 billion (adjusted for inflation)

April 3, 1974 – Xenia, Ohio – $250 million (actual cost) – $1.19 billion (adjusted for inflation)

May 6, 1975 – Omaha, Nebraska – $250 million (actual cost) – $1.09 billion (adjusted for inflation)

April 10, 1979 – Wichita Falls, Texas – $277 million (actual cost) – about $898 million (adjusted for inflation)