The weather-weary states of Oklahoma and Texas will have multiple days of heavy rain and stormy weather, with the worst of it being today and Tuesday. Parts of Florida as well as the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic will also be dealing with potent thunderstorms.
A disturbance cut off from the main west-to-east flow will be slow to progress as it starts to tap into Gulf moisture over the southern Plains. As a result, some of the same areas that saw severe thunderstorms and flooding last week will be at risk for more of the same.
Today's severe storms will be mostly focused over the southern Plains, where Slight and Enhanced Risks (levels 2 and 3 out of 5) can be found in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. This includes Lubbock, Abilene, Midland, and Fort Stockton, Texas, along with Hobbs, N.M. However, any part of the southern Plains should be on the lookout for dangerous thunderstorms.
Large, damaging hail will be the main threat with these storms, with gusty winds and a few tornadoes also possible.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been posted for parts of eastern Texas, which includes Houston.
Additional disturbances launched two more additional Slight Risk areas, encompassing parts of eastern Florida along with the southern Mid-Atlantic into the northern Ohio Basin. Cities like Miami, Fla., Norfolk, Va., Washington, D.C., Youngstown, Ohio, and Erie, Penn., could also observe hail and damaging winds.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for most of eastern North Carolina into southeastern Virginia, which includes Raleigh and New Bern, N.C., and Richmond, Va. An additional Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of eastern Florida and includes Palm Bay, Orlando and Miami.
Tuesday's severe storms will shift a bit eastward into central and eastern Texas, southern Oklahoma, and western Louisiana. The Interstate 35 corridor from Dallas to San Antonio are all under a Slight Risk for severe weather. Strong winds, hail, and a few tornadoes could occur.
The next two days feature plenty of rain across most of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, where 1 to 3 inches and locally heavier rain is likely. Flood Watches have been hoisted across eastern New Mexico, most of Oklahoma, and northern Texas, far eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, and western Louisiana.
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!”
