Storm wrap-up

Yesterday's storm system brought plenty of fireworks, with 342 preliminary reports of severe weather plotted on the national map:

High winds were definitely the biggest problem (with 327 reports).

During the evening, the forecasters at Paducah warned that the squall line would intensify as it moved over the area (despite coming after sunset). That's what happened: although Southeast Missouri saw its fair share of damage, the reports from Southern Illinois are more intense, with numerous observations of 70 mph wind gusts.

In the wake of the storm, we will see yo-yo temperatures. It probably won't get above freezing all day Friday, but we should back into the 50s by Sunday. Very little precipitation is expected over the next 7 days.