An active weather pattern will remain in place through the weekend, with multiple rounds of severe weather in the offering.
Today’s severe weather will be found over the central and southern Plains and will stretch eastward into the Tennessee and Ohio valleys. This is where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, for severe weather today. A pair of Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, dot portions of western High Plains today.
All modes of severe weather are likely today, with the greatest risk for very large hail and a few tornadoes found over the western High Plains. Some cities at risk today include Denver, Lubbock, Texas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kan., Springfield, Mo., Little Rock, Ark., Nashville, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is already in place this morning across portions of northern Oklahoma.
A few stronger thunderstorms will also form over portions of the Appalachians into New England ahead of a cold front. Marginal and Slight Risks are also found here today, including cities such as Columbus, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Albany, N.Y., Boston, and Portland, Maine.
Severe weather threats will continue into Saturday from the southern Plains to the Southeast and southern Mid-Atlantic. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a large Slight Risk stretching from northern Texas and Oklahoma into Missouri and Arkansas eastward into the Carolinas and southeastern Virginia.
Damaging winds and hail will be the primary threats from these storms, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Cities such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Ark., Nashville, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala, Atlanta, Raleigh, N.C., and Virginia Beach, Va. will be at risk for severe weather on Saturday.
Severe weather will continue Sunday, with the greatest threats found across Texas and Oklahoma into Arkansas and Missouri. A secondary area of concern will be found from southeastern Virginia into southern Georgia.
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!"
