U.S. News
Major Storm Threat Looms Over Southern States
Clear Facts
- Two storm systems are moving from the West into the Midwest, bringing intense rainfall and severe thunderstorms to the South.
- Over eight million people face a Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Tennessee.
- Flood watches stretch from New Orleans to Nashville, with flash flooding risks elevated due to recent drought conditions.
Millions in the South are bracing for dangerous storms as two cross-country weather systems advance from the West into the Midwest.
These systems will trigger multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, with the most significant threats focused across the Gulf region.
More than eight million residents are under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms, particularly between Baton Rouge, Memphis, and Birmingham.
The main dangers in this area are damaging straight-line winds and the chance for brief tornadoes.
“Survey teams from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Norman continue to evaluate the impacted areas.”
Last week, an EF-1 tornado hit Purcell, Oklahoma during a similar storm event, causing property damage but no injuries.
Several waves of severe weather are expected Friday, bringing the risk of flash flooding from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast.
Residents in cities like Jackson, Birmingham, Baton Rouge, and Huntsville face heightened overnight danger, as damaging winds and tornadoes are possible after dark.
“Since this will happen overnight, ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.”
The first wave should arrive Friday morning, followed by more storms in the afternoon and overnight hours.
Flash flooding is a major concern for middle Tennessee, northern Alabama, and much of Mississippi, with as much as 2-3 inches of rain expected and localized spots getting up to 5 inches.
A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk covers areas from north of Nashville through northern Alabama into Mississippi.
Flood watches now span more than 600 miles, from New Orleans up to Nashville.
Drought conditions in these regions increase flood dangers, as dry soil struggles to absorb rapid rainfall.
The severe weather threat may extend into Saturday for parts of Georgia and the Carolinas, where damaging storms could linger.
Even as the main storms move out, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina may still see flash flooding concerns.
Stay vigilant, have safety plans ready, and ensure your family is prepared for changing weather conditions.
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