A large storm system will help stir up strong to severe thunderstorms across the Tennessee Valley, Deep South, and Southeast today.
With plenty of warm and humid conditions in place across these regions, a slow-moving cold front combined with an upper-air low pressure system will help produce scattered thunderstorms through this evening. Gusty winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado or two will all be possible from the strongest thunderstorms today.
The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a large Marginal Risk, or 1 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for thunderstorms today across much of the Deep South, Tennessee Valley, Southeast, and even portions of the Mid-Atlantic. Within this area, Slight Risks, or 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, are found across both southern Appalachia and southeastern Georgia to northeastern Florida, respectively.
Some cities at risk for these strong to severe storms include Atlanta, Nashville, Tenn., Orlando, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., and Washington, D.C.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for southern Kentucky, all of Tennessee and northeastern Mississippi into northern Alabama, northern Georgia, the western Carolinas and southwestern Virginia.
Meanwhile, a second weather disturbance will produce a few strong to severe storms across portions of southern Texas where additional Marginal and Slight Risks have been issued. This includes cities such as Brownsville, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Ft. Stockton.
A second Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of southern Texas.
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!"
