The weather-weary states of Oklahoma and Texas will have multiple days of heavy rain and stormy weather, with the worst of it being today and Tuesday.
A disturbance cut off from the main west-to-east flow will be slow to progress as it starts to tap into Gulf moisture over the southern Plains. As a result, some of the same areas that saw severe thunderstorms and flooding will be at risk for more of the same.
Today's severe storms will be mostly focused over the southern High Plains, where Slight and Enhanced Risks (levels 2 and 3 out of 5) can be found in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. This includes Lubbock, Abilene, Midland, and Fort Stockton, Texas along with Hobbs, N.M.
Large, damaging hail will be the main threat with these storms, with gusty winds and a few tornadoes also possible.
Additional disturbances launched another Slight Risk area, encompassing the southern Mid-Altantic into the northern Ohio Basin. Cities like Norfolk, Va., Washington, D.C., Youngstown, Ohio, and Erie, Penn., could also observe hail and damaging winds.
Tuesday's severe storms will shift a bit eastward into central and eastern Texas, southern Oklahoma, and western Louisiana. The Interstate 35 corridor from Dallas to San Antonio are all under a Slight Risk for severe weather. Strong winds, hail, and a few tornadoes could occur.
The next two days feature plenty of rain across most of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, where 1 to 3 inches and locally heavier rain is likely. Flood Watches have been hoisted across eastern New Mexico, most of Oklahoma, and northern Texas, far eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, and western 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!”
