Although the calendar does read late December, the ingredients coming together across the region are more typical of February or March.
An area of low pressure will quickly slide northeastward from the Mid-South into the Ohio Valley today, drawing copious amounts of Gulf moisture northward into the Deep South and Upper Tennessee Valley. The low’s cold front will deliver a punch of cool and drier air from the Plains and Rockies. The result will be a dangerous mixing of the atmosphere, leading to strong to severe thunderstorms from Texas to Alabama.
The biggest threat today will be found from central Louisiana across Mississippi into western Alabama, where numerous tornadoes are likely, including some that could be particularly strong, as well as wind gusts of 65 to 75 mph and hail to the size of baseballs. The threat is significant enough that the national Storm Prediction Center considers it an Moderate Risk for severe thunderstorms. Cities at risk for these powerful storms include Alexandria, La., Greenville and Jackson, Miss., and Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Surrounding this core of powerful storms will be a large area of severe thunderstorms developing across eastern Texas then expanding across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as the evening progresses. Here, the Storm Prediction Center has placed an Enhanced Risk and Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms. This includes Houston, New Orleans and Shreveport, La., and Mobile and Birmingham, Ala. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph and a few tornadoes are the primary threats here.
ATornado Watch was issued for parts of eastern Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee and Pensacola, Fla., Montgomery, Ala., and Atlanta, Macon and Albany, Ga.,
Unfortunately for most folks’ holiday weekend plans, inclement weather will drag down the mood as storm systems soak the Northwest and the eastern half of the nation.
The storm threat will continue into Sunday as the storm and its cold front advances toward the Eastern Seaboard. With plenty of warm air in place across the Carolinas and Georgia, severe thunderstorms will be possible in cities such as Atlanta, Savannah and Macon, Ga., Columbia, Charleston and Greenville, S.C., Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., and Roanoke, Va. A few rumbles of thunder could be found as far north as Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. The Storm Prediction Center has already issued a Slight Risk for severe storms on Sunday from eastern Alabama and Georgia northward to central Virgina.
Even though it is late December, remember what to do during severe weather, and have a plan to get to your safe place even at night. If you are visiting friends or family in the threatened area, try to familiarize yourself with where the best place to go during a tornado. Know the difference between a watch and a warning, and follow the storm threat on WeatherBug throughout the weekend.
Tornado Outbreak Eyes Deep South, Southeast
As severe weather continues to batter the Deep South and Southeast, meteorologists are warning of a potential tornado outbreak in the region. Multiple tornado warnings have already been issued, with several tornadoes touching down in various states.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes seeking shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows and doors, and staying informed through local news and weather alerts.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for several states in the region, indicating that conditions are favorable for tornado formation. It is crucial for residents to have a plan in place in case of a tornado, including knowing where to go and how to stay safe.
As the storm system continues to move through the region, it is important to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and warnings. Remember to take any warnings seriously and prioritize your safety above all else.
Our thoughts are with those in the path of these dangerous storms. Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this turbulent time.
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