Severe Storms, Heavy Rain Target Southern Plains

Severe thunderstorms will be on the menu in the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley through early Friday morning as a cold front treks across the central U.S. In addition, heavy rain and flooding could again be a concern for some areas.

A strong upper-level area of high pressure is in place across the eastern half of the U.S., pumping warm air into the Mississippi Valley and southern Plains. Meanwhile, a cold front moving eastward through the nation`s midsection will be the catalyst for thunderstorms.

As the cooler air associated with the front interacts with the unseasonably mild weather in place, showers and thunderstorms will bubble up and slide eastward as the day wears on, feed by Gulf of Mexico moisture.

Severe thunderstorms will be possible from central Texas into the Red River Valley, with additional severe thunderstorms expected throughout the Mississippi Valley.

The strongest storms will be capable of producing large hail and damaging winds, along with a chance for isolated tornadoes. Due to this threat, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for parts of western Arkansas, including the city of Hot Springs, Ark., through this evening.

As if that weren`t enough, heavy rainfall will accompany today`s storms. Two-to-three inches of rain are potentially expected from San Antonio to Dallas and into western Arkansas. This amount of rain falling on an area that has already seen more than its share of rain in the last two weeks could cause flash flooding. As a result, Flash Flood Watches stretch from the Rio Grande Valley to western Arkansas.

Remember, if you come across water in the road, do not attempt to cross it. It is likely deeper than it appears, so "Turn Around, Don`t Drown!"

On Friday, the storms will continue their push eastward and in their wake, high pressure will move into the central U.S. and provide cooler temperatures and less humidity.