Heavy rain and severe storms remain a concern in parts of the southern Plains as storms return to the Ohio and Tennessee valleys as well as the eastern Great Lakes.
A disturbance will head northeastward from the Lower Midwest into the eastern Great Lakes this evening as a cold front slowly works across Oklahoma and northern Texas. The warm, unstable air mass ahead of these features will fuel another round of scattered storms through tonight.
The best chance for storms containing gusty winds and hail will be from Lake Erie and the eastern Ohio Valley into the Tennessee Valley as well as the southern Plains. Both areas have been placed in a Slight Risk for severe storms (level 2 of 5). The main disturbance could also produce a few tornadoes from Lake Erie to Tennessee this evening.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches has been posted across parts northeastern New Mexico as well as the Texas Panhandle and southern and central Texas, and includes Amarillo, Del Rio, Waco and Austin, Texas.
Flooding and flash flooding will remain a concern tonight into Friday across central and eastern Oklahoma, northern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana. Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches could occur, with localized 2 to 3 inch amounts possible. Some areas in this region still have Flood Watches and Warnings in place.
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!”
