Severe Storms Target the Plains to the Southeast This Weekend

Multiple rounds of severe weather will target areas from the Plains to the Southeast this weekend.

A Tornado Watch is in effect across northern and central Arkansas. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch stretches across southwestern Tennessee and northern Mississippi.

Thunderstorms this morning across the Plains will swiftly move eastward into the Deep South and Tennessee Valley by this afternoon. Ahead of these storms, additional thunderstorms may pop-up across parts of the Southeast during the afternoon and evening. 

The government’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather from southeastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas eastward through central Georgia, the Carolinas, and far southeastern Virginia. 

Within this area, an Enhanced Risk is found across far eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, southern Tennessee, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, and northern Georgia. 

The biggest thunderstorm risks include hail larger than golf ball size and damaging gusts up to 70 mph. A few tornadoes will be possible in the most intense thunderstorms as well.

Some cities at-risk for severe weather today include Little Rock, Ark., Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Jackson, Miss., Birmingham, Ala., Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., Raleigh, N.C., and Richmond, Va.

Sunday will feature two distinct areas of concern for severe weather. The first will be in the east along and ahead of a cold front where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk from near Washington to southern Georgia. The second area of concern will be over the Plains into the Mississippi Valley where both Slight and Enhanced Risks are found. 
 
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!"