First Killer Tornado of 2017 Strikes Hattiesburg MS and Vicinity

Four people are dead after a tornado- preliminary-rated by the NWS as an "EF-3-"  struck Hattiesburg and it's suburbs before 4 am Saturday morning.

At least 50 were reported injured.

The YouTube video shown here is the actual broadcast from WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg- before- during and after the tornado struck.

The real excitement begins around the 47 minute mark in the video.

Independence MO Police Report a Homicide

According to The Scots- New Twilight Zone Begins January 20

The "new" Twilight Zone?

This story from an Oakland CA TV news site:

Chiefs Observations From South of Arrowhead

I may not be a huge sports "fan" now- but it wasn't always that way.

Dad took us to a Chiefs game back in 1964. 

Worked at Arrowhead- and then-Royals stadiums in the 1980's.

When we lived by Swope Park in the '60's- the Chiefs practice facility was across the 63rd Street bridge- about a mile away,

This was around the time of the first 'Super Bowl (It wasn't called that then)' and we swam in Chiefs paraphernalia and personally autographed photos and items.

Same with the old A's and the new Royals in baseball. 

Two of my brothers and I took the Prospect bus and walked to attend the last doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox in 1967.

Two friends and I ditched school in April 1969 to see the Royals first game as a new team.

The love of Royals baseball brings floods of memories far too vast for this blog.

So now I'm full-circle back to the Chiefs.

Tonight we played a team that didn't score ANY touchdowns against our 2 and lost (steam comes from ears).

 Well- we were West Division AFC champs I guess (gritting gums).

Mr. Kelce drew my ire earlier this year with his flag-throwing penalty.

After tonight's performance and tirade encore- Chiefs mgmt. should bid Kelce farewell.

What Ice? Kansas City Chiefs Fans Prepare to Tailgate at Arrowhead

Metro KC roadways are wet- but are generally ice-free.

Current temperature here at my weather station in South KC is 35.

Ice Storm 2017 - Some Regional Images and Radar Update No. 8

Freezing rain has now enveloped Metro Kansas City from the southwest and west- with more on the way (see radar image below).


Here are some photos of the icing from around the Central States:

KANSAS

Wichita State University Cam - Wichita

MISSOURI

NEBRASKA

OKLAHOMA

TEXAS

Here's the latest regional Doppler weather radar composite from the NWS:

.

Ice Storm Warning Continues - Radar Update No. 7

The warning for ice continues for all of Metro Kansas City- as well as much of Missouri- Kansas- Oklahoma and parts of Iowa- Nebraska and Texas.

The heaviest rain still sits in the far southern Metro- southern Miami county KS east to southern Cass county.

The activity continues to move east faster than it works north- and I think that except for some scattered drizzle/mist- the heaviest activity will hold-off until tomorrow.


Tomorrow meaning after 3 am Sunday morning.


In addition- temperatures with the on-going precipitation Sunday night will be very tricky- we could possibly remain at freezing or slightly below even up to Chiefs game time.


Below is the regional weather radar composite shortly after 2 am Sunday morning:

BREAKING: Three Houses Damaged by Fire in Kansas City MO

The 5-company regular alarm for a house fire at 2323 Chestnut was dispatched at 5:31 pm Saturday afternoon.


Upon arrival- firefighters found a 2-story "vacant" house fully-involved in fire.

That fire spread to adjoining structures to the north and south of the fire structure- at least 1 of those houses also reported to be vacant.


Three additional fire companies have been called to the scene.


No injuries reported as of this post- will update when further info is heard....

Ice Storm 2017 Update 6 - Rain in Wichita

A large area of rain is moving through south-central Kansas- on it's way to the Metro Kansas City area after sunset.

That rain has reached Wichita- but it's mostly just rain for now.


Temperatures have risen above freezing in Lawrence (who has partial sunshine) at 36- Topeka at 37 and Wichita at 35 as of 3 pm weather observations (see map).

Temperatures in Metro Kansas City have actually reached or exceeded the freezing mark in the central city- it's currently 35-degrees here in south Kansas City near I-435 and 87th Street.


More updates to come as the area of rain approaches KC....

Ice Storm Creates Weird Ice Sculpture

It appears to be the front end of a vehicle that escaped from under this icy coating.

I believe this is from the St. Louis area.

BREAKING: House Fire in Southeastern Kansas City MO

A "working fire" broke out in a home in the 9500 block of Spring Valley around 1:38 pm Saturday afternoon.

Five fire companies responded- and first-arriving "Pumper 41" at 1:42 pm reported "smoke showing from (the) 2-story" house there.

"All occupants out" was the report- apparently uninjured.

At 1:49 pm- the fire was reported "under control" with "2" handlines used.



Update here if any additional info received....