Residents across the South are bracing for severe weather this weekend, with meteorologists warning of a heightened risk of tornadoes, flash flooding, and damaging winds.
Central and western Louisiana, along with eastern and central Mississippi, are expected to bear the brunt of the storms on Saturday, while the threat will shift eastward and northward on Sunday.
AccuWeather meteorologists have identified a high-risk zone for severe thunderstorms stretching across central and western Louisiana into eastern and central Mississippi. The storms could produce destructive tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding, with damaging wind gusts ranging from 60 to 70 mph and a possible AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 90 mph.
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“There is enough warm and humid air to fuel multiple lines of thunderstorms,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny. “Everyone in this region needs to be prepared. Storms in this type of environment can quickly spin up tornadoes. Make sure your family knows what to do if a tornado warning is issued.”
The severe weather risk also extends to parts of eastern Texas, southeastern Arkansas, central Tennessee, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
By Sunday, the storm system will move eastward, with the possibility of severe thunderstorms from Florida to the Carolinas and as far north as Virginia. Areas in the southern Appalachians, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, are at risk of flash flooding. These regions, still recovering from catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in September, could see additional damage from heavy rainfall and storms.
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“Frequent downpours in these areas could lead to flooding and travel disruptions,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. Communities already impacted by past storms should remain vigilant as recovery efforts could be further hampered.
Poor travel conditions are expected across the Gulf Coast and Southeast on Saturday as the storms move through. Wet weather may also affect travel in parts of the Northeast and Northwest. On Sunday, widespread rain and storms are likely to cause delays along the East Coast before the system moves offshore. Back-to-back storms in the Northwest and Northern California will also contribute to poor travel conditions in those regions.
AccuWeather experts urge residents in affected areas to prepare for the possibility of tornado warnings, secure outdoor belongings, and park vehicles in safe locations. Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates and plan for potential delays.
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