Tornado threat rocks the south

A wet and stormy day is ahead of us across the South. Severe storms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail are possible, with flooding rains on top of all that.

The severe storm zones are almost a repeat of Monday’s, and as much as an enhanced risk has been issued. Those within the enhanced threat – level 3 out of 5 on the severity scale – include Waco, Austin, Houston, and Lufkin, Texas, as well as Shreveport and Alexandria, La.

Tornadoes, possibly reaching EF2-EF5 strength, especially in eastern Texas and western Louisiana, damaging gusts of 80 mph, and large to very large hail are all possible from these storms today.

The WeatherRadar shows storms already impacting the enhanced risk area Tuesday morning, but a renewed threat will emerge in the afternoon.

Not to be overlooked, marginal and slight risks – levels 1 and 2 out of 5 on the severity scale – are also issued and extend from western Texas, including Midland, to northern Mississippi, including Greenville. Hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are also possibilities in these zones.

Have at least three ways to receive a weather warning.

Another significant threat from this powerful storm system moving across the South is flooding rain. As much as a moderate risk – a level 3 out of 4 on the excessive rain scale – has been issued for those from far eastern Texas to west-central Mississippi.

The threat comes from the training storm system that will continue sweeping in plentiful Gulf of Mexico moisture. The threat for at least isolated flash flooding stands and extends from east-central New Mexico to the Deep South and southwestern Kentucky, where slight and marginal risks are present.

In the lower threat zones, up to 3 or even 4 inches of rainfall could pile up but in the moderate risk locations, anywhere from 5 to 8 inches of rain are possible within the next 24 hours.

Have an emergency plan when it comes to flash flooding and weather emergencies in general. As we head further into the spring months, more rain and severe weather will be in the forecast. Stay weather-aware.