PDS ISSUED: Strong Tornadoes Possible Today

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma today has issued a "PDS" or particularly dangerous situation. The Stormtrack.org forums are buzzing with activity and it looks like it is going to be a busy day for storms on the plains. So far only hail has been reported but shear is very strong and violent tornadoes are expected this afternoon in eastern Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missori.

"This is an extremely dangerous situation"

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Weather on the Canadian prairies is mixed with a heavy snowfall warning in west-central Manitoba and warm temperatures for the rest of us.

Severe Weather Today In Tornado Alley

A moderate risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued by SPC for eastern parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and western Missori. Meanwhile, Saskatoon is seeing the snow slowly melt away as temperatures continue to increase, leaving the shortest winter ever behind. The lighting map is indicating that strikes are being recorded along the Manitoba/USA/Ontario borders, with some convection on radar even at this hour of day.

If that's not a thunderstorm....

4:20pm SST Radar Image

That looks like a pretty strong cell with those red colours in there. It looks like the city of Brandon is going to see the first thundershower of the year on the Canadian prairies.

Earliest Spring Thunderstorms Ever?

This just in....

Weak convective cells have emerged over south-east Saskatchewan and it looks like the lighning map is indicating the most northerly strikes are coming closer to Canada today. SPC has a huge "slight risk" area drawn for the plains on Thursday which may indicate a very active day over a wide spread area. A little more heat and all this moisture will make for an interesting spring storm season. The earliest severe thunderstorm in recent memory was on April 19, 2004.

See the snow in this archived photo:

April 19, 2004

New Snow Photos From Saskatoon

This has been quite the month of March for snow in Saskatoon. Driving is very tricky in this kind of situation. Slush one day, then blinding snowfall followed by ice and snow covered streets. And now, freezing cold with super bright sunshine.

Tornado Threat For Southern Ontario Today

After over one hundred tornadoes devastated parts of the midwestern United States yesterday and now the threat has moved on to southern Ontario today. A moderate risk area encompasses a huge area today, including Michigan, New York, and Ohio. Severe Thunderstorm Watches have been issued and one tornado has already been reported from Missori as well as golf ball size hail in Michigan. Normally, the month of March produces about 50 tornadoes.

Tornado Statistics

This weather is very unusual.

Snow Piling Up Quickly in Saskatoon

The second major snowfall in a week has begun here in Saskatoon and it looks like this one is going to be a doozie! After between 15 and 20 cm earlier this week, city crews had just got some of the main roads reletively clear as the next batch began to fall. Another 15 cm is forecast by Sunday morning. Driving in the city is difficult, dangerous and not recommended. Highways will most likely be closed tonight. Pizza delivery is still going at TJ's, so stay home and relax tonight!

Saskatoon Snowstorm Causes Gridlock

The snow continues to fall in Saskatoon as roads and parking lots are already clogged with vehicles. Drivers are going not much faster than 20 or 30 km/hr on most roads in the city. 33rd Street West and Confederation Drive have been plowed already making things a bit more bearable for west side residents. No word as to how things are on the east side but everyone has no choice but to help each other out if they want to get around town today. Here are a couple of photos taken before the pizza delivery rush begins. TJ's Pizza is open for delivery today but don't expect to get your pizza very quickly, especially during rush hour or crawling hour as it will be called today.

Saskatoon Digs Out From Heavy Snowfall

The snow continues to fall in Saskatoon as residents attempt to dig themselves out from one of the biggest snowfall events this season. The heaviest amounts fell in the early morning and the snow is expected to stop falling by this afternoon. The snow has slowed the city to a crawl as it is making for some adventurous outings. Pictures and maybe some video will be posted here later today.