National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Dangerous Heat in the Central and Eastern U.S.; Severe Thunderstorms in the Central U.S. and Northeast; Critical Fire Weather in the Four Corners

Dangerous, record-breaking heat will intensify across most of the central and eastern U.S this week. Heat indices will likely exceed 100 degrees. Severe thunderstorms are forecast from parts of the central High Plains into the Upper Midwest, and across parts of the Northeast. Critical fire weather conditions will continue across portions of the Four Corners and Great Basin. 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.