Dangerous Storms and Tornado Threat Loom Over the South After Recent Outbreak
Just days after tornadoes caused significant damage across parts of the South, the region faces the risk of more severe weather, including the possibility of additional twisters. On Thursday, a Level 3 out of 5 severe weather threat was issued as several tornadoes touched down in Texas and Louisiana, primarily around the Houston metropolitan area. Fortunately, no injuries or major damage were reported from this outbreak.
However, meteorologists are warning millions of people, from Texas to the Carolinas and down to Florida, to stay vigilant over the weekend. A Level 3 severe weather zone, which includes parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, has been designated for Saturday. Additionally, a Level 2 zone extends from Texas to Florida.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center, factors such as a warm sector with dew points in the mid-60s, a negatively tilted trough, and a strengthening low-level jet will contribute to the likelihood of severe weather. This could include multiple rounds of storms with all forms of severe weather hazards, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Some of the tornadoes may reach EF-2 strength or higher.
Residents in affected areas are advised to review their tornado safety plans and ensure they have reliable ways to receive weather alerts, such as through the FOX Weather app, which provides location-based notifications and 3D radar for storm tracking.
The severe weather threat will shift eastward on Sunday, with the greatest risk expected to stretch from Virginia to Georgia. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail are all possible in this region as storms continue to develop.
