Talk:Tornadoes of 2008/Archive 1

Article for January 7?
While not quite warranted yet (mainly due to the lack of fatalities), maybe it is time to consider at least a sandbox? It is a SLGT only in name right now...recommended location is January 2008 Tornado Outbreak (I highly doubt any modifiers will be needed as these are so rare). CrazyC83 (talk) 01:40, 8 January 2008 (UTC)


 * Probably needs an article if just for the historical perspective. ---CWY2190TC 03:10, 8 January 2008 (UTC)


 * Now that there is a fatality, one will likely be created, but I won't do it until tomorrow due to the lack of good information. Someone else can feel free to create it though...also more severe weather is expected tomorrow... CrazyC83 (talk) 03:14, 8 January 2008 (UTC)

February 5-6
This may be a busy day today. SPC has issued a High Risk of severe weather for the first time in February since 1998, which means that there is a strong probability of seeing EF2 or EF3's today perhaps some violent ones. I already sense that this event will need an article, not to mention that there is a winter storm further north, flooding possible across PA and Ohio, the very warm temperatures across many areas and that also it is Super Tuesday. While I may split time between Super Tuesday and this, if I have the chance I may start a user draft version this afternoon. JForget 16:38, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Will you be archiving NWS and SPC maps from today and tomorrow to include on the page? Do you think it would be a good idea? ~ Triberocker (talk) 17:29, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * That wouldn't be a bad idea. Super Tuesday could be a theme for the outbreak, the Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak of 2008? Mardi Gras can also be used, but it never really affected the areas most in tune with that. CrazyC83 (talk) 23:33, 5 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Sure, I was thinking some sort of title like that if it does need it. I've waited before on launching a user draft version although before dinner there was 0 reports. Right now we have a tornado emergency for Memphis although more like the southern areas.-- JForget 23:41, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Southern and eastern suburbs, it is destructive as I speak. It missed downtown (by quite a bit), so don't add it to the downtown list. CrazyC83 (talk) 23:45, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I've just heard it on WMC and listning it live. I'm starting a list draft for now-- JForget 23:49, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * The SE Memphis area tornado should go in a separate section, since it will need it. Otherwise a list is sufficient for now - don't worry about meteorological stuff or anything until published. What is the draft link? CrazyC83 (talk) 23:49, 5 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I've started it using the same title as proposed but with the user name up front until it meets on of the criterias. See:User:JForget/Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak of 2008. Be advise, this will likely not be the official title when to mainspace JForget 00:21, 6 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I may have heard it wrong, but heard of possible fatalities, although not sure if it is from the Memphis storm, but considering that it hit very densely populated areas, this may automatically meet our criteria of EF2 over a major city. I will give another hour or so until I getmore info comes out.-- JForget 01:05, 6 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I agree, this almost warrants publishing now. It was clearly EF2 or stronger, but I think we should wait for more information. CrazyC83 (talk) 01:07, 6 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Even if it isn't an EF2, I suspect this storm will warrant separate coverage anyway due to the amount of disruption it's going to have on parcel shipping in the next few days--the Memphis storm is listed on the SPC Storm Reports as having removed the roof from one hangar and damaged the roof of the FedEx fire station at the airport, which means that FedEx's central hub is almost certainly going to be, at a minimum, at a reduced capacity to prevent foreign object damage to the engines of their aircraft tonight. Rdfox 76 (talk) 02:12, 6 February 2008 (UTC)

Could we have 2 tornadoes warranting separate sections? Jackson is about 65,000... CrazyC83 (talk) 01:15, 6 February 2008 (UTC)


 * I've just added a header for that section, although you probably know it. -- JForget 01:57, 6 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Good idea. Other sections will be dependant on information - if the 3 deaths becomes much higher (probably 10 or more being a fairly rural area), that may require one too. CrazyC83 (talk) 02:21, 6 February 2008 (UTC)

Spin-off article: List of US tornadoes of 2008?
I came up with the idea of a spun-off article with a brief list of tornadoes recorded in the US, with the basic information - EF-scale rating, length, time, date and location, plus any brief notes (basically the same as the tornado chart) for those in events not warranting an article, including those with no mention at all on this page. (Events with articles have links to that article.) Any thoughts of that? It would be pretty empty now (since at this time of year most tornadoes seem to happen in big outbreaks) but once we get into spring and summer there are a lot more tornadoes that happen a few at a time. CrazyC83 (talk) 16:34, 12 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I've been thinking about that too, I'll gladly help out if this is going to be done. Cyclonebiskit (talk) 03:59, 18 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I've started the page and completed it through the end of the Super Tuesday Outbreak. Cyclonebiskit (talk) 20:35, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

Another Tornado outbreak
This one just started. So far 3 - 5 Texas counties under a tornado warning, and the servere weather has just started. I'm in the area affected. The outbreak started as of the displayed time here. 65.173.104.126 (talk) 00:06, 17 February 2008 (UTC)
 * It is nowhere near warranting an article, and not expected to warrant one. CrazyC83 (talk) 02:01, 17 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Wrong! It has one because the situation has exploded into a tornado event. 65.163.115.237 (talk) 02:39, 18 February 2008 (UTC)
 * 30 reported. I'm guessing maybe 20 will be the confirmed total.  Not quite article worthy. ---CWY2190TC 02:42, 18 February 2008 (UTC)
 * That's correct, 30 and no fatalities generally does not warrant an article, especially considering it is likely many were duplicate reports since they are mostly related to the same supercell. CrazyC83 (talk) 02:51, 18 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Up to 44 reports, BUT quite a few of them were later confirmed false (many in Georgia have been confirmed as straight-line winds). CrazyC83 (talk) 03:57, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Someone started an article (although a stub right now); it is a borderline case - I would say yes if it weren't for the key (and fortunate) statistic holding things down - 0 fatalities, which according to project standards increases the criteria needed for an article. CrazyC83 (talk) 21:44, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Generally, the criteria (although not cut-and-dry, can be bended in some circumstances) are:


 * Any (E)F5 tornado, provided enough information can be written (Not met, strongest EF3)
 * Any (E)F2 or stronger tornado in a major city (Not met, no major cities affected by any tornadoes)
 * 25 or more tornadoes, with at least one fatality (25 tornadoes met but fatalities not met)
 * 40 or more tornadoes unless a quick spin-up event (Not met, total 28 at last check)
 * Significant fatalities (Not met, no fatalities)

CrazyC83 (talk) 19:41, 21 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Both should be merged or put on AFD. ---CWY2190TC 19:46, 21 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Merge both into tornadoes of 2008 Per criteria Southern Illinois SKYWARN (talk) 15:11, 23 February 2008 (UTC)

Article for Atlanta tornado?
It might be warranted, considering it hit the downtown core and caused considerable damage - those get articles at a much lower level than other tornadoes (typically an EF2 in a major city, and especially a downtown, gets an article unless there is not enough information available). CrazyC83 (talk) 04:02, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I would say yes, this seems like a big deal. Gopher backer (talk) 04:04, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Assuming it was a tornado, they sure. But wait for the report. ---CWY2190TC 04:06, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * The most likely location would be 2008 Atlanta tornado as this was an isolated tornado and not an outbreak. CrazyC83 (talk) 04:08, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * The supercell which moved through Atlanta was discrete, and there may be one or two tornadoes with it. There were other supercells in the area, but apparently they weren't tornadic.  Other tornado warned supercells and linear structures have also occurred in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.  If other tornadoes occurred it would be a small outbreak but I would stick with the Atlanta naming.  Evolauxia (talk) 04:23, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Those cells to the west are due to a separate system - this was from a trough to a low over eastern Kentucky, those are from a warm front to a low over Oklahoma. CrazyC83 (talk) 04:27, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * It's good to see tight adherence to definitions for tornado outbreaks, if not for outbreak sequences ;-). Anyway, it sounds more and more like this was a tornado.  Witnesses report seeing "cyclones" and funnels, many are saying two.  That could be lack of condensation or a multivortex event.  I've also seen substantial structural damage (appeared to be at least EF2 just from the video) to an auto shop.  Evolauxia (talk) 04:57, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Tornado outbreaks generally require a good number of tornadoes in a certain area, and outbreak sequences need such from separate systems in close proximity. As for the multiple reports, that could have been the tornado coming up and down. Indeed I would say EF2 with the damage. CrazyC83 (talk) 14:10, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Two tornadoes missing.
A tornado in Cleveland County, AR (EF2) and Sharkey County, MS (EF2) are not mentioned in this article or any others. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.157.0.145 (talk) 05:36, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Look here. ---CWY2190TC 01:34, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

What's your point? I see nothing.. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.12.36.104 (talk) 17:06, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

NEW Outbreak
This one just started. Tornadoes have hit Texas, and there are Tornado Watches, Flood and Servere storm warnings and watches being issued right now. 205.240.144.195 (talk) 02:23, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I need a template that alerts people to this matter, since Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas is being affected by this right now and will be all day today and tomorrow. 205.240.144.195 (talk) 02:25, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * There. I added the standard template. ---CWY2190TC 02:33, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks. Be advised that Texas is being hit by tornadoes, as of this time stamp. 205.240.144.195 (talk) 04:41, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * That might be overstated some. There have been three reported tornadoes today.  Two in Texas, one in Arkansas. ---CWY2190TC 04:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Come daylight, more tornadoes will occur, if there are not any forming now. 205.240.144.195 (talk) 05:03, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Yesterday was not an outbreak by any means. Today might be different though, with PDS watches already out north of the original threat area...if today is not significant (i.e. article-worthy on its own), it should remain in its current location, but if significant activity develops, build onto the article for March 14-15, renamed March 2008 Tornado Outbreak Sequence. CrazyC83 (talk) 15:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Total bust today with the PDS watches and little activity. Looks like everything will remain as is (the only reason it has a section on here is because generally speaking events with a moderate or high risk for tornadoes (i.e. at least 15%) or PDS watches - including busts - are mentioned). CrazyC83 (talk) 03:38, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia is NOT Censored!
Sarepta, Louisiana, Springhill, Louisiana, and both Shreveport AND Bossier City has been hit by tornadoes. Why is Atlanta getting all of the space here ? All mentioned towns have been hit by tornadoes, which triggered tornado warnings, servere storm warnings, T-storm and tornado watches. Funnel clouds have also been seen. I have a "Self Powered Radio" that has the Weather Band on it. As of this time stamp, more servere weather MAY be expected. 205.240.144.195 (talk) 06:46, 16 March 2008 (UTC)
 * We are working on it. Yesterday's outbreak was somewhat of a surprise.  The list of yesterday's tornadoes are listed here. ---CWY2190TC 17:12, 16 March 2008 (UTC)


 * There is nothing from stopping you from adding this yourself... If you are familiar with the events then go ahead and add something.  Gopher backer (talk) 19:06, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Tornado hits Harrison County, Texas
One just hit this location, and a servere storm broke out here as well. 65.173.105.141 (talk) 03:22, 19 March 2008 (UTC)


 * That does not, in any remote way, warrant an article. Southern Illinois SKYWARN (talk) 03:25, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Both Carolinas Hit
Both South Carolina and North Carolina have been hit. One has hit near Greenville and another has hit near Rocky Mount. Just seen this on the Weather Channel. 205.240.144.198 (talk) 22:13, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
 * No big deal, I have heard of only minor damage. Please stop posting things on the talk page that will not need an article. Southern Illinois SKYWARN (talk) 22:18, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

Just got word
Just got word on the news about a possible tornado outbreak from NOAA. The servere event is expected to start tonight. Hopefully this will mitigate property damage and save some Wikipedian lives. Can I help it if I got a tainted IP NO.#? What the hell happened to "Assume Good Faith" AND "No Personal Attacks"?. Damn good way to drive people OFF from wikipedia. I saw the scandal sheets online about Wikipedia, so far, it looks like they're right. 205.240.144.198 (talk) 22:21, 3 April 2008 (UTC)
 * It was removed for a few reasons. There have been no reported tornadoes yet, and the moderate risk is for hail, not tornadoes.  The tornado risk would only qualify for a slight risk of severe weather. -  CWY2190    ( talk  •  contributions )  22:35, 3 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Yeah, yesterday it was looking like something could happen today, but as yesterday wore on, it became apparent that whatever happened today would not include tornadoes. Dang.  There were some pretty good hailers today, though. Incubusman27 (talk) 05:09, 4 April 2008 (UTC)
 * There was one good supercell that formed unexpectedly in the suburbs of Little Rock (fortunately not another downtown tornado though). Damage appears to be high EF1-low EF2 there. CrazyC83 (talk) 17:46, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

Not over yet
This pattern is similar to the one that hit Atlanta, GA. 65.173.105.141 (talk) 06:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Come daylight, this will "reactivate". Also need that template. Thanks. 65.173.105.141 (talk) 06:15, 19 March 2008 (UTC)
 * My area has been placed under a tornado watch, a thunderstorm watch, flood watch, a "high profile/lake wind advisory as well. Truckers have pulled OFF of I-20 awaiting these watches and warnings. 65.173.105.141 (talk) 06:19, 19 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Just seen on the weather channel that Mississippi just got hit by tornadoes, and it is on now on that channel. 65.173.105.141 (talk) 06:20, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Tornado outbreak of early April 2008
when are you gonna make a separate section for this tornado outbreak and the timeline for it, the National Weather Service confirm some that hit the DFW area on the late evening hours of April 9th & early hours of April 10th--Boutitbenza 69 9 (talk) 07:46, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
 * There is already a section on the page, however, no article is planned; the activity was too spread out over too many days (considering the number of tornadoes) and there were no fatalities (which increases the requirements for an article). If the confirmed total rises above 50 then it should be considered (that is generally the line for notability for an event with nothing else to support an article). CrazyC83 (talk) 03:12, 14 April 2008 (UTC)

I've done the math, and due to a lot of late reports, there were about 55 tornadoes that week. While there weren't too many highly notable tornadoes, the tornado count may warrant an article. I'm not going to start one, but someone else is welcome to. CrazyC83 (talk) 03:18, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

VA tornadoes
Should an article be created? I say no (few tornadoes and not downtown, plus small amount of information), but I won't object to it. It was not an outbreak though. CrazyC83 (talk) 01:08, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I say strongly no. I am having enough trouble keeping the untrue speculation and general unreferened material out of the section. Southern Illinois SKYWARN (talk) 01:10, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * At this point I agree. The EF4 is untrue as well; I'd guess high EF2 or low EF3. CrazyC83 (talk) 01:18, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * It has been rated a low-end EF3 and it is preliminary. I think the minimum population we've discuss was at least a fifth of a million and at least EF2 to get an article. Still it would qualify as a downtown tornado considering what the Public Statement said. JForget 22:49, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * High EF3 actually. I'd call it a suburban tornado though. CrazyC83 (talk) 04:04, 1 May 2008 (UTC)
 * It very well could be higher then EF3. It wasn't rated as low end F3; the PNS said it is rated EF3 pending further review (implying it's considered for higher; which would fit observations of the tornado and its damage suggesting it could be higher).  Unfortunately, at a national level, the NWS Quick Response Team which was required to award a violent (EF4/EF5) rating recently was effectively discontinued by bureaucrats at NWS HQ.  Wikipedia won't be able to go with anything but what official sources state, obviously.  This tornado may be forever misrated.  Evolauxia (talk) 04:58, 1 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I think theres should be an article about this outbreak perhaps 2008 Virginia Tornado outbreak article ?. Storm05 (talk) 12:15, 1 May 2008 (UTC)