An active period of severe weather is expected Thu through the weekend across the Plains. All severe hazards are possible with the potential for significant severe weather. Specific corridors of greater risk are expected, but will not become more apparent until later in the week.

Please understand that we don't want anyone to feel like the damage is being minimized. This was a very rare and significant event and likely the worst storm that many citizens in the impacted communities have ever seen in their lifetime.

With that being said, after thorough investigation of the damage and available data, we determined that an intense swath of 70-90 mph straight line winds resulted in extensive damage extending from the city of York, through Rock Hill and continuing to the Lancaster County line.

In addition, there was very large hail ranging from 2-2.75 inches (hen egg to baseball size) that was being driven by the wind. This wind-driven hail further exacerbated damage to trees, structures and vehicles.

During a tornado, the damage patterns are convergent as winds blow in towards the tornado center - this was not observed in the damage across York County.

The environment at the time was not supportive of tornadoes with a lack of wind shear in the lowest levels of the storm necessary for the formation of tornadoes. Data from multiple radars also did not indicate any low-level rotation that would indicate a possible tornado.

When conducting the damage survey, it was noted that damage to structures was mainly confined to one side of the building with trees also blown down in one direction.

The width of the damage swath of was also very wide at over 5.5 miles. For reference, the widest tornado on record is 2.6 miles.

We hope that this thread helps to clear up any confusion regarding the storm that impacted York County on Saturday. This was a very rare storm for the Carolinas that produced damage more commonly seen in the Great Plains and Midwest.

We also understand that there were personal accounts of a tornado being seen. Storms frequently contain what are referred to as 'scud' clouds. Scud clouds are commonly confused with tornadoes as they are ragged and hang very low from the storm giving the impression of a tornado.

.Ginger Zee traveled to Taos, New Mexico to stay with the Earthships community and find out what everyone can be doing to live a bit more sustainably. trib.al/7w7YMgC

🥶 Another frosty night is forecast for much of the area. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect overnight for most areas away from the immediate coast. Tuesday night will be mild, then frost/freeze conditions return later this week. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx

We prefer Elmer Fudd season. At any rate, be vewy vewy weather aware later this week! Typical spring pattern setting up into the weekend. ticker.mesonet.org #okwx #okmesonet

With 14.94' of precipitation as of Apr 20 2024, this year ranks as the 4th wettest start to a calendar year for Albany since 1874. Here's a look at year to date precipitation compared to the last 5 years & to normal (10.13'). We're 4.81' wetter than normal! #nywx #ctwx #vtwx #mawx

This is a nightmare hail pummeling your car, thank goodness everyone was okay.

Saturday April 20, 2024 Lower 48 Temperature Extremes:

6F -- 20 miles WSW of Dubois, WY
101F -- Death Valley, CA

A 95F range

Las Vegas has officially reach its first 90° temp, which occurred at 4:44 PM today. The average first date is April 15. The earliest 90° occurred on March 13, 2007 and the latest was May 21, 1983. #nvwx #vegasweather

In other news, across the pond

How lovely!

Damaging hail has unfortunately occurred with some of the storms today. This video is from our engineer-extraordinaire Mark Smith in Rock Hill