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 today 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 this afternoon 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, Lower Mississippi Valley, and the southern Plains. Much of these regions are under 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 afternoon and evening.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect from northern Kentucky, most of Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania. This includes Lexington, Ky., Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh and Erie, Pa. An additional Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been posted across central Texas and includes Waco, Killeen 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!”
