Here is the initial rainfall from the low-moving weather system (ending at 5am): And, here is the current radar (scroll down and compare to the amazingly good radar forecast): And, here is the forecast for additional rain the next seven days. Given these initial rains and the forecast of as much as an additional five inches, there will be significant  drought relief.

While I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information on this specific site, I know the theme is correct: Horrifying numbers of birds, including bald eagles, are being killed by wind farms .

Here is the current radar: Mesoscale computer models indicate that the southern area of thunderstorms will weaken the next few hours while storms increase near and north of Interstate 70. The forecast rainfall between now and 10am Thursday: Then, about this time tomorrow evening, more thunderstorms are forecast to increase across the Central Plains. Here is a rough  idea of rainfall from noon Thursday to 10am Friday: At 10am Friday, the low pressure system in the upper atmosphere that is going to cause the rain is still well to the west. So, there will be several ways of rain through the middle of next week.

We've talked about too much rain in the Midwest. Interstate 70 is closed due to flooding in Ohio. This photo is less than ten minutes old. Fortunately, the Midwest will be relatively dry over the holiday weekend. ADDITION: Another view of the flooding. Note the car roofs.

I'm happy to report that the rain-producing storm that we've been talking about for several days has begun to produce rain in the drought area. With the holiday weekend fast approaching, I want to take another look at the encouraging rainfall forecast for the next seven days. If you compare it to the previous version , the forecast amount of rain has been increased in most areas.  Keeping in mind that a seven day rainfall forecast is not precise down to the county level, I am confident that substantial rains will fall in the drought area. Not  enough to break the drought but enough  to, at minimum, to keep the drought from worsening and to partially recharge some reservoirs. ADDITION 7:47PM:  Wasn't expecting a flash flood warning (green) this soon in the rainy period. The yellow polygon is a severe thunderstorm warning.

Via Twitter, Via Twitter, from my friend, NWS meteorologist Greg Story. This is the rotating "wall cloud" that produced the tornado.

2:28pm: The tornado threat is now between the orange arrow (north) and the gray arrow (south edge of threat), in my opinion. I have circled an area of very large hail that is going to affect the airport. I expect some airliners to be disabled by hail damage, at least for a time. This will be my last update on this storm, please consult local sources.  View of storm from DIA. Get away from windows!!! UPDATE: 2:04PM, the tornado appears to be near I-70 and the airport interchange moving northeast. This is the velocity data from the Denver Terminal Doppler Weather Radar. ORIGINAL POSTING: Want to make sure you and your friends and family are aware a tornado warning has now been issued for the Denver area. This radar frame is from 2:00pm MDT. The storm is moving northeast. Note the pronounced hook echo in yellow. There is also a potentially severe thunderstorm near Englewood. The warning (red) for the tornado covers the identical area as the earlier severe thunderstor...