Potent storms will develop from the southern Plains to the Lower Mississippi Valley over the course of the day, with heavy rain and flooding also likely.

A large, lumbering disturbance will slowly move eastward into the southern Plains today, drawing ample moisture up from the Gulf and into the Deep South. Combined with the heat already in place, it will provide plenty of instability for storm formation.

The most potential for severe storms will stretch across central and eastern Texas and into Louisiana, where the Storm Prediction Center has placed Slight and Enhanced Risks (levels 2 and 3 out of 5). Already this morning, there is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in central Texas.

Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are all possible today, especially in central and eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. This includes the I-35 corridor from Dallas to San Antonio as well as Houston and Lufkin, Texas in addition to Baton Rouge and Alexandria, La.

There will be plenty of rain across most of the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, where 1 to 3 inches of rain is likely, with locally higher amounts of 3 to 6 inches possible. Flood Watches are in place across eastern New Mexico, most of Oklahoma, northern and eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi.

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!"