Barbecues will not be the only thing firing up today, as Mother Nature prepares a feast of strong to severe weather that will likely dampen any outdoor festivities in the central U.S. All modes of severe weather will be on the table.

Competing air masses will be the catalyst for the storms that erupt today across portions of the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Warm, humid air funneling from the Gulf into the somewhat cooler air found over the northern U.S. will sandwich an area of strong and robust thunderstorms through this evening. 

As such, the government’s Storm Prediction Center has placed two areas under an Enhanced Risk (level 3 out of 5 on the severe weather potential scale). This includes north-central Texas into south-central Oklahoma as well as east-central Arkansas into northern Mississippi and far northwestern Alabama. Surrounding this main region, a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5 on the severe weather potential scale) can be found stretching from eastern New Mexico eastward to southwestern Tennessee, northern Mississippi and northern Alabama. Cities such as Lubbock and Wichita Falls, Texas, Oklahoma City and Norman, Okla., are in the bullseye for severe weather today. However, Dallas, Tulsa, Okla., Little Rock, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala., could also see a few severe thunderstorms as well.

Regardless of location, cities within these regions will have the best chance of seeing thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 50 to 60 mph today, with large hail and short-lived tornadoes possible as well. In fact, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across southeastern Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, far southwestern Tennessee and northern Mississippi. This includes Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., and Tupelo, Miss.

An additional threat from today’s storms will be heavy rain and urban flash flooding as well. Across northern Texas, central Oklahoma, northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, rain totals of 2 to 4 inches will be likely, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches being possible in heavier storms. As such, there are Flood Watches in place here. 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!"