Stormy Gulf Coast: Some severe storms possible thru Tuesday

A low-pressure system dragging a cold front will hug the Gulf Coast today and increase the chance for showers and some isolated severe thunderstorms. While another system brings snow for the Central Plains and Ohio Valley this system will continue to travel east, bringing another push of cooler temps this week for the Southeast.

As the storm moves over coastal Texas and Louisiana, there will be a chance for isolated severe storms this afternoon from areas just east of Austin through Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Houston will likely experience storms before sunset and areas across southern Louisiana will increase in storm activity after 7 p.m. Central Time.

The greatest threat from these storms will be damaging winds, large hail, and a tornado or two. The clouds will provide a bit of help across some coastal areas as they will help limit the chance for storms to develop. But if you are seeing sunshine and are in the areas mentioned above, there is a good chance that there will be more storms in the afternoon as there will be more heating allowing the atmosphere to become more unstable.

There will also be strong (likely more coverage too) storms staying close to shore along the Gulf Coast, so today will not be a good day to go out to see on your boats or be at the beach.

Severe storms are likely on Tuesday morning across western Florida’s Panhandle. Pensacola and Panama City Beach should be aware of the risk of damaging winds and the possibility of a tornado forming in the morning and early afternoon hours.

The chance for severe storms diminishes as the front moves over Florida and the low emerges over the Atlantic. Nonetheless, there will be much cooler air arriving in Florida by the end of the week. Even South Florida will get in the “cooler game” with highs on Thursday struggling to reach 80 degrees and much lower humidity values.