National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. 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.