Big Storms Focus On The Deep South
Several large clusters of storms will rumble across the South this evening and tonight.
A stalled front stretching from the southern High Plains to the Carolinas will be the focal point of continued storm activity throughout tonight, with more robust storms developing along and south of the front.
An upper-level disturbance sliding across the south-central U.S. will also provide additional lift to help boost storm strength from central Texas to the Ark-La-Tex region. The best chance for dangerous thunderstorms today will be found in parts of central Texas, where the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk (level 3 out of 5) for severe weather. This includes Austin, Killeen and San Angelo, Texas.
There is also a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe weather that extends from eastern New Mexico into western Oklahoma, and from western Texas into parts of southern Mississippi and west-central Alabama. A larger Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) covers the rest of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley and into the Southeast. Alexandria, La., Jackson, Miss., and Abilene, Waco, Lufkin and San Antonio, Texas, are all included. Gusty winds and hail will be the main concerns, but a few tornadoes could also spawn out of these dangerous storms.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches are in effect for portions of the Texas Panhandle and central Texas. Cities include Amarillo, Lubbock, and Hearne, Texas. Another Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for southeast Texas into the middle and upper Texas Coast. Cities include College Station, Victoria, Houston and Galveston, Texas.
A Tornado Watch is also in effect for parts of central Texas, including Hondo.
Similar areas will see renewed storm activity on Tuesday across the Gulf States, with severe storms shifting ever so slightly southward compared to today.
The persistent stormy weather has also dropped multiple inches of rain over parts of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley this weekend. With more rain on the way, there are Flood Watches in place through far southern Oklahoma and Arkansas, central to eastern parts of Texas, northern Louisiana, and western Mississippi. Should you come across a flooded area, remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
