Significant Tornado Outbreak Likely Today

This is one of those days that happen only a few times a year when all the ingredients line up for dangerous storms and tornadoes:

A life-threatening, large outbreak of tornadoes is forecast to unfold across the central and southern Plains this weekend.

According to AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "The risk is about as high as it gets."

Oklahoma City and Wichita lie in the heart of the tornado threat area that extends from near Wichita Falls, Texas, to near Omaha, Neb., late Saturday afternoon through Saturday night.

Despite a seemingly tranquil start to the day Saturday, the environment will be such that numerous damaging thunderstorms will form from 4:00 p.m. CDT on through much of the night. A number of these storms will produce tornadoes.

Given current trends, it appears as if the severe weather late Saturday will, at the very least, reach the level of an outbreak with the potential for dozens of tornadoes. Such events are typically seen only a handful of times each year.

Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario is also on the table. In this situation, there is the possibility of a large-scale outbreak of twisters. Some of the tornadoes could be very strong and remain on the ground for miles.

A lot of people I know are in the danger zone today.  If you're within the warning area below, pay attention.