A destructive and deadly tornado outbreak that took place across the Southern and Central United States from May 1 to May 3, 2008. The outbreak was responsible for at least seven fatalities (six from tornadoes) and 23 injuries in Arkansas. There were at least 29 tornado reports from Iowa to Oklahoma on May 1 and 67 more in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas on May 2. A total of 60 tornadoes were confirmed by weather authorities.
Meteorological synopsis
On May 1, 2008, a large low pressure system developed over Nebraska, with a long warm front stretching east towards the Great Lakes. A cold front and dry line were situated across Oklahoma and Kansas during the late afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a moderate risk of severe weather for eastern Kansas and a small part of Missouri, which included Kansas City. On May 2 another moderate risk of severe weather was issued by the SPC from Central Illinois to northern Louisiana. The risk area was later revised southward to only include eastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, and northwestern Mississippi. Most of the severe weather shifted into Arkansas where dewpoints were near with CAPE values over 2000 j/kg (in some places up to 3000 j/kg) and helicity values (potential for rotating winds) were exceeding 200 m2/s2.
While most of the severe activity was situated across the southern states, tornado watches were also issued for portions of southern Wisconsin, southern Michigan and northern Indiana as activity developed near the center of the low. No tornadoes were reported in this watch area.
On the northern fringes of the storm system heavy snow fell across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota. The town of Lead, South Dakota received a total of 54.5 inches, or about of snow from April 30 to May 2. Several other areas received one – four feet (30 – 120 cm) of snow.
Confirmed tornadoes
May 1 event + List of confirmed tornadoes – Thursday, May 1, 2008EF#LocationCounty / ParishStateStart Coord.Time (UTC)Path lengthMax widthSummary EF0S of Elk FallsElkKS23:50–23:51A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0SW of Sioux CenterSiouxIA23:55–23:56A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF2S of Rock Valley to SE of InwoodSioux, LyonIA23:59–00:24This strong tornado impacted several farms, causing extensive damage to numerous barns, sheds, outbuildings, and grain bins. Many trees and power poles were snapped or uprooted along the tornado's path. EF0ESE of PlattsburgClintonMO00:26–00:27A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0NW of ChoctawOklahomaOK00:29A brief tornado damaged trees and an outbuilding. EF0E of DoonLyonIA00:30–00:31A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0NNE of BuxtonWilsonKS00:35–00:37A storm chaser observed a brief tornado. EF0E of FredoniaWilsonKS00:38–00:39A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0ENE of GlencoePayneOK00:42A brief tornado was reported over open fields. EF0S of SheldonO'BrienIA00:42–00:43A storm chaser observed a brief tornado. EF0W of GeorgeLyonIA00:44–00:45A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0NW of AshtonOsceolaIA01:05–01:06A storm chaser observed a brief tornado. EF0NE of PawneePawneeOK01:18A storm chaser observed a brief tornado. EF0NNE of PetroliaAllenKS01:21–01:23A storm chaser observed a brief tornado. EF1NW of SkedeePawneeOK01:25–01:35One home was damaged while several trees and power poles were downed. EF1SSE of Fairfax to WSW of PawhuskaOsageOK01:37–02:12This long-tracked tornado moved through the Osage Reservation, leaving behind extensive tree damage. Two homes suffered roof damage. EF0WSW of PawhuskaOsageOK02:06–02:17Power lines were downed and trees were damaged. EF0BeltonCassMO02:08–02:09Local law enforcement reported brief tornado. EF0SW of ChanuteNeoshoKS02:14–02:15Local law enforcement reported a brief tornado. EF0N of EarltonNeoshoKS02:44–02:45A trained spotter observed a brief tornado. EF0E of SavonburgAllenKS02:51–02:52Local emergency management reported a brief tornado.
May 2 event