AccuWeather meteorologists are issuing a warning about a substantial severe weather threat that will affect the South Central and Southeast United States in the upcoming week. The storm system, which will develop over the Pacific Ocean during the weekend, is predicted to bring a hazardous mix of tornadoes, hail, and destructive wind gusts starting from Tuesday.
A high-risk zone has been issued for parts of northeastern Texas, northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and central Mississippi. The region is expected to experience damaging wind gusts ranging from 65-75 mph, with the potential for isolated gusts reaching up to 90 mph.
“A severe weather outbreak is possible as thunderstorms erupt quickly on Tuesday,” warned AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin. “Powerful wind gusts above 65 mph can bring down trees and cause damage. These storms could spin up several tornadoes.”
Tornadoes are significantly more dangerous when they strike during the night, according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. In fact, statistics reveal that nighttime tornadoes are 2.5 times more deadly than their daytime counterparts.
“Families need to be prepared with several ways to receive severe weather alerts that can wake them up if they’re asleep,” Porter urged. “Make sure you download the AccuWeather app and turn on notifications.”
The upcoming severe weather is likely to create dangerous travel conditions, especially on major interstate routes such as I-10, I-20, and I-30. Additionally, significant flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are expected at major airports in the region, including Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta.
By Wednesday, severe weather will move towards the east, affecting areas such as the Florida Panhandle, northern Florida, southeastern Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Although the risk is reduced, there is still a possibility of isolated tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds.
Areas to the north of the storm system should brace for colder temperatures, along with rain and possibly even snow. AccuWeather has issued a warning for potential flooding in the interior Northeast due to the combination of rain and existing snowpack, with upstate New York and northern New England being particularly vulnerable.
Residents living in the affected areas should stay updated on weather conditions and pay attention to any warnings issued by local authorities. To stay informed, AccuWeather offers a range of resources, including their user-friendly app, website, and active social media channels.
