May 19, 2013
Today marks the one year anniversary of April 27th Outbreak, which was the deadliest tornado day in the United States since the 1925 "Tri-State" outbreak, at least 239 deaths in Alabama alone.
A strong area of low pressure lifted through the Ohio valley allowing a cold front to sweep through the lower Mississippi valley during the evening hours of April 27th. Ahead of the front, increased moisture emanating off the Gulf of Mexico combined with a potent upper level system to produce widespread severe weather. Numerous long-tracked tornadoes, including two EF-5 tornadoes, raked over much of the southeast states causing extensive damage and, unfortunately, loss of life. Long-track tornados were reported in both Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. It was also the costliest tornado outbreak and one of the costliest natural disasters in United States history (even after adjustments for inflation), with total damages of nearly $11 billion.
Severe weather can happen any time in Wisconsin, so please be prepared with a weather radio. Do not rely on Tornado Sirens; sirens should only be used as a backup. Rely on new and better technology to stay safe during severe weather.
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