Strong to severe thunderstorms will erupt across portions of the central and southern Plains later today and tonight.
Plenty of warm and humid air is in place across the central and southern Plains. As a developing low pressure system moves out of the Rockies, it will send cooler and drier air into the Plains. The resulting clash in air masses will help ignite scattered strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon into tonight.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued multiple Slight Risks, or a 2 out 5 of the severe weather probability scale, throughout the southern half of the Plains and the Lower Mississippi Valley.
The strongest of these thunderstorms will be capable of producing wind gusts greater than 60 mph, quarter-sized hail and larger, and even an isolated tornado. Some cities at risk include Amarillo, Abilene, Waco and Austin, Texas, Woodward, Okla., Wichita, Kan., and New Orleans.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of eastern Colorado, northeastern New Mexico, far westerm portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle and northern/central Texas. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is also in effect for parts of eastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. A Tornado Watch has also been posted for far eastern Colorado, western Kansas and the rest of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Locally heavy rainfall will also be possible, especially across portions of the central Plains where rain amounts may exceed 2 inches. This can result in localized instances of flooding.
A few stronger thunderstorms will also be possible today across the rest of the Gulf Coast states into the Southeast, including Jackson, Miss., Birmingham and Mobile, Ala., Jacksonville, Fla., Atlanta, Charleston, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C.
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!"
