A pair of upper-air weather disturbances will produce strong to severe thunderstorms over the southern Plains and Gulf Coast today.
A stationary front stretches from southern Texas to the central Gulf Coast and into the Southeast states today. A series of upper-air weather disturbances moving over this front will help trigger scattered strong to locally severe thunderstorms today.
Farther to the north, an upper-air low pressure system will continue to spin over the central and southern Plains. With a pool of cold air aloft and warm, humid surface conditions, these ingredients will combine to fuel a few stronger thunderstorms today as well.
As such, the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk, or a 1 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for many of these regions for today. However, a small area of southern and southeast Texas has been placed in a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for today.
Damaging wind gusts greater than 60 mph will primarily occur from Texas to southern Alabama and the western Florida panhandle. Large hail will be possible across portions of the southern Plains, while an isolated tornado will be possible along the central Gulf Coast.
Some cities at risk for these thunderstorms include Tulsa, Okla., Austin and Houston, Texas, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across southern Texas this morning.
In addition to the thunderstorm threat, localized heavy rainfall will occur today, especially across southeast Texas eastward through southern Mississippi. Rainfall totals of one to 3 are expected, with locally higher amounts more than 5 inches possible. Flood Watches remain posted across far southeast Texas, much of Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, and across the far western portion of the Florida panhandle. Remember, if you approach a roadway covered in water, follow a simple motto – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Thunderstorms will expand across the Deep South and Southeast into portions of the Mid-Atlantic for Thursday. Locally damaging winds and hail will be the main threats from these thunderstorms, though localized downpours may lead to instances of urban and flash flooding.
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!"
