Another day of numerous severe thunderstorms looms across the central and southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, with more scattered storms also developing from the Tennessee Valley to the Carolinas.
The same system that brought a regional tornado outbreak to the central Plains on Sunday will slowly advance eastward today into tonight while maintaining its strength. New storms will erupt over the eastern half of the central and southern Plains this afternoon and evening, which will work eastward into the Middle Mississippi Valley during the evening and overnight hours.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued Enhanced and Moderate Risks (levels 3 and 4 out of 5) from northeastern Texas to central and eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, western and central Missouri, and northern and western Arkansas.
Strong tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds are all possible today, with the best chance being in central and eastern Oklahoma, which includes Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The broader Enhanced Risk includes Wichita and Kansas City, Kan., Wichita Falls and Dallas, Texas, and Jefferson City and Springfield, Mo.
A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of the eastern Plains from eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa into eastern Oklahoma, north-central Texas and northwestern Arkansas. This includes Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla., Fayetteville, Ark., and Denton, Texas.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for southern Iowa and northern Missouri. Cities include Kirksville, Mo., and Lamoni and Ottumwa, Iowa.
Further east, a warm front will be the focal point of more scattered strong to severe storms in the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas this afternoon and evening. A Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) stretches from central and eastern Tennessee to northern Georgia and western South Carolina. This includes Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn. Gusty winds and hail are the main concerns in this region today.
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!"
