Strong to severe thunderstorms will target multiple areas of the country today.
One area of concern is found across the Plains where a strong upper-air weather disturbance dropping southward will trigger strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon into tonight. Here, the government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather across portions of southern Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas.
All modes of severe weather will be possible here, including large hail, damaging winds, and even a tornado. Some cities at risk include Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City, and Wichita Falls, Texas.
The second area of concern today is found across central and southern Florida where a cold front will push southward throughout the day. Strong wind gusts will be the primary threat from thunderstorms today, including around Tampa, Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Miami. A Marginal Risk for severe weather has been issued here by the Storm Prediction Center.
One final area of concern will be found across portions of the central Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and North Carolina. In the wake of Friday’s severe weather, very cold air aloft combined with an upper-air weather disturbance will help fuel isolated to widely scattered strong thunderstorms. Another Marginal Risk has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center in these areas, with threats of locally strong wind gusts and hail.
Severe weather threats will diminish for Sunday, but the threats won’t go away completely. Portions of Carolinas, Texas, and the northern Rockies will all be susceptible for a few strong thunderstorms throughout the day on Sunday.
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be 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. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
