Just days after a deadly tornado outbreak ravaged the region, the southern United States is preparing for another round of severe storms this weekend, with the potential for tornadoes by Sunday, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
The forecast indicates that portions of the southern Plains and the Mississippi Valley will be under threat, as a front approaching from the Northwest is expected to draw in moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, triggering thunderstorm development.
While Friday saw relatively dry conditions across the southern Plains, late Saturday and Saturday night are expected to bring the first wave of potentially severe storms. The area from eastern Kansas to Missouri and far western Illinois faces the greatest risk, with threats including large hail, torrential downpours, and strong wind gusts.
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The severe weather threat is expected to intensify and expand further east and south on Sunday, stretching across a wide swathe of the Mississippi Valley. Areas in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri are all in the potential path.
The primary concerns for Sunday’s storms include powerful wind gusts reaching 60-70 mph, large hail, and the potential for flash flooding. Additionally, a few tornadoes could be spawned by the strongest thunderstorms.
Residents in the affected areas are strongly advised to closely monitor weather updates and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. The situation could escalate beyond isolated storms.
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The threat of severe weather may continue into Monday, potentially impacting parts of the southern East Coast and the northeast Gulf region.
Meanwhile, drought-stricken areas of Texas will continue to experience dry and windy conditions, exacerbating fire risks.
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