From: National Weather Service, Fort Worth
Date: Monday, 3 Feb 2011 9:55 CST

Good morning,

We have low clouds, fog, drizzle, and rain this morning, but later today there will be the potential for strong thunderstorms across much of North Texas. A short PDF presentation has been attached to depict the areas that could be impacted later today.

OVERVIEW

A strong storm system is moving through the Rocky Mountain States today, and is responsible for the areas of low clouds, drizzle, and beneficial rainfall across portions of North Texas this morning. As of this morning, a tornado watch is in effect for areas to the north and west, covering parts of Oklahoma and areas beween Vernon and Childress. As the main storm system moves east, we are expecting a line of thunderstorms to develop during late afternoon and evening hours. Rainfall will continue until then, with the bulk of the severe weather potential occuring this evening. We will have plenty of low and mid level moisture and lift to produce thunderstorms. The limiting factors could be the amount of available wind shear and instability.

Please review the assessment of the 2011 Joplin tornado from the NWS Service Assessments.

Preface

On May 22, 2011, one of the deadliest tornadoes in United States history struck Joplin, Missouri, directly killing 158 people and injuring over 1,000. The tornado, rated EF-5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with maximum winds over 200 mph, affected a significant part of a city with a population of more than 50,000 and a population density near 1,500 people per square mile. As a result, the Joplin tornado was the first single tornado in the United States to result in over 100 fatalities since the Flint, Michigan, tornado of June 8, 1953.

Because of the rarity and historical significance of this event, a regional Service Assessment team was formed to examine warning and forecast services provided by the National Weather Service. Furthermore, because of the large number of fatalities that resulted from a warned tornado event, this Service Assessment will provide additional focus on dissemination, preparedness, and warning response within the community as they relate to NWS services.

Service Assessments provide a valuable contribution to ongoing efforts by the National Weather Service to improve the quality, timeliness, and value of our products and services. Findings and recommendations from this assessment will improve techniques, products, services, and information provided to our partners and the American public.

Lynn P. Maximuk
Director, Central Region
National Weather Service
July 2011

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