The multi-day severe weather outbreak will continue into the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys today. Once again, all modes of severe weather will be on the table.
The same system that brought a regional tornado outbreak to the central Plains on Sunday and Monday will slowly advance eastward today while maintaining its strength. New storms will billow up across the central and lower Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys later today.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk (level 3 and out of 5 on the severe weather index) from southeastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and northern Alabama to much of Tennessee and Kentucky. Here, strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds are all likely to occur today for cities such as Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., and just south of Louisville, Ky.
Surrounding this main area, a Slight Risk (level 2 and out of 5 on the severe weather index) for severe weather is also in place from northern Louisiana to central Illinois and as far east as western North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. A few cities included are Little Rock, Ark., St. Louis, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Cincinnati.
A Tornado Watch is in place from southeastern Missouri, eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and northern Alabama into southern Illinois, southern Indiana, most of Tennessee, most of Kentucky and southwestern West Virginia. Another Tornado Watch has been posted for central Illinois and west-central Indiana. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for northern 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!"
