National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms, Heavy Rainfall and Dangerous Heat

Severe thunderstorms are expected today and Friday from the upper Midwest, central Great Lakes into the Ohio and mid-Mississippi Valley's. In addition, heavy rainfall threat increases on Friday across the Ohio Valley. Meanwhile, early summer-like heat wave across portions of southern Texas with new daily records are forecast today and through the weekend; The heat spreads across the Gulf States. Read More >

An outbreak of severe thunderstorms occurred on May 18th, 1997 across our County Warning Area (CWA). Large hail up to 4.5" in diameter was reported with numerous reports of 1.75" inch hail. Some brief tornadoes also occurred. Below, you will see the satellite picture and a surface analysis overlaid at about the time a tornado was reported. We also had a Tornado Vortex Signature (TVS). 

21Z Satellite Picture May 18th, 1997

Storm Pictures

Photos courtesy of Jim Lee.