Wacky, Wild Spring: Week in Review

By Andy Mussoline, Meteorologist

Apr 6, 2012; 3:30 PM ET

Spring, typically a volatile time of the year across the United States, was in full effect this past week. Snow, rain, gusty winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes were all observed across the country, and here we take time to review some highlights.
TEXAS TORNADOES
A flurry of dangerous tornadoes were spawned as a chilly storm interacted with warm, humid air across the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Tuesday, April 3. In total, 14 tornadoes were confirmed in and around the city, with an EF-3 tornado the strongest of all confirmed. An EF-3 tornado can contain winds up to 165 mph.
The Red Cross reported over 1,100 homes were hit by the tornadoes, including over 300 homes destroyed.
This photo shows damage that occurred in Forney, Texas, from an EF-3 tornado that hit Tuesday. Courtesy: NWS.
Although homes and spirits have been damaged in the region, no one had lost their lives during the dangerous day.
One day before, Monday, nearly 100 reports of wind damage were recorded from far eastern Texas to northern Louisiana and central Mississippi from a nasty line of strong thunderstorms.
COLD WEST
The week started off tranquil in the Northwest with a high pressure system in place across the region. The quiet weather was short-lived as a cold front slammed into the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday. In wake of the front, chilly air and unsettled weather settled in for the balance of the workweek.
Seattle, Wash., was part of the area chilled this week, having below-normal temperatures since Tuesday and culminating in a chilly Thursday as temperatures managed to reach only 49 degrees. Portland, Ore., fell one short Thursday, reaching only 48 degrees. Normal highs are 57 and 60, respectively.
Snow covers daffodils as traffic passes by in the background in Denver after a spring storm swept over Colorado's Front Range communities on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The chilly weather brought low snow levels down to 2,000 feet in the Cascades, as several inches accumulated across the mountains. More snow fell across the Intermountain West and Rockies. The storm that fueled the Texas tornadoes, also brought a few inches of snow to the Denver area.
Although the sun was shining across the Southwest, chilly northerly breezes hit the region as the cold storm traversed the Northwest.
SOUTHEAST RAIN
The same storm that produced numerous violent thunderstorms across Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley moved into the Southeast late in the week. Although reports of wind damage and hail were received across parts of the Southeast, beneficial rain also reached the region.
Dry ground conditions are being observed from North Carolina into Florida, with a more severe drought from southern South Carolina to southern Georgia and Florida.
 
Spectators leave Augusta National Golf Course after play was suspended due to inclement weather during the par 3 competition at the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 4, 2012, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The most beneficial rain fell across South Carolina and northern Georgia where more than an inch was recorded in areas. Less fell across the more severe drought areas, but any rain will help at this point.

Wacky, Wild Spring: Week in Review