Severe storms will rumble across the Ohio and Tennessee valleys as well as parts of the Deep South today.
A disturbance developing along a large cold front will collide with warm, moist air that is situated over the Deep South and the eastern third of the U.S. As this system drags the front southeastward, numerous storms will develop from Texas to Ohio and Pennsylvania this afternoon and evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued Slight and Enhanced Risks (levels 2 and 3 out of 5) for severe storms across the southern Ohio Valley, the Tennessee Valley, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and central and eastern Texas. Damaging winds and hail will be the main threats, but tornadoes will also be possible.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches stretch from west-central Texas to western Pennsylvania. This includes San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Houston and its suburbs, central to northern Louisiana including Shreveport and Alexandria, central to northern Mississippi, including Jackson, northern Alabama, including Birmingham, most of Tennessee, including Nashville and Knoxville, most of Kentucky, including Louisville, and Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Penn.
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.
Heavy rain could also be an issue from southern and eastern Texas to the Lower Mississippi Valley. While rain amounts will mostly range between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, locally higher amounts of 2 to 3 inches are possible.
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!”
