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Significant storms are forecasted for this weekend across the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States, according to meteorologists from AccuWeather.
As the weekend progresses into the new workweek, severe weather hazards may include flash flooding, tornadoes, hail, and strong wind gusts, particularly in regions that have already experienced heavy rainfall and intense storms recently.
“Sustained moisture from the Gulf is a key factor in the potential for severe weather. When this moisture interacts with an active upper-level system, it creates an environment ripe for strong winds, hail, and tornado formation, especially in the afternoon and evening hours of Saturday,” stated AccuWeather meteorologist Grady Gilman.
AccuWeather.com
The highest risk for severe storms, including potentially numerous and damaging tornadoes, is expected to affect north-central Louisiana, southeastern Arkansas, and western Mississippi during Saturday afternoon and evening. Key routes in this area such as I-20, I-49, and I-55—including cities like Alexandria, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi—will be particularly vulnerable.
As night falls, the potential for tornadoes to form under the cover of darkness in the Mississippi Valley could heighten the risks for unaware residents.
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Gilman further noted that tornadoes are also possible further north, impacting the mid-Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. These areas are already facing significant flash flooding that poses life-threatening risks.
As of Saturday morning, many regions in western Kentucky have received more than 10 inches of rain, causing severe impacts such as submerged vehicles and blocked roads.
Severe weather will continue on Sunday across the Southeast.
AccuWeather.com
“While the atmosphere won’t be as conducive as it was on Saturday, there will still be enough moisture to present a moderate risk for severe weather on Sunday, particularly in the Atlanta metro area,” warned Gilman. Threats on this day include heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and hail, with tornadoes again being a possibility.
During Sunday and into the night, localized wind gusts could exceed 60 mph, with some storms potentially reaching the AccuWeather Local StormMax speed of 75 mph.
Urban areas from Mobile, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, through to Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, as well as Atlanta, will face threats from intense thunderstorms throughout the day.
As the main storm system progresses to the east on Sunday, intense rainfall and thunderstorms could extend northward into Virginia, with additional precipitation affecting parts of West Virginia, southern Pennsylvania, and the Mid-Atlantic region, including thunder in southeast Pennsylvania and central New Jersey.
On Monday, additional thunderstorms are expected along the Southeast coast.
AccuWeather.com
Storms advancing toward the Carolinas and northern Florida on Monday are anticipated to be less severe than those seen over the weekend.
“Although the system will start to weaken by Monday, it will still bring heavy rainfall and isolated damaging winds as it moves eastward, mainly impacting the Southeastern coastal areas and northern parts of Florida,” said Gilman.
Forecasters indicate that after Monday, much of the Central U.S. and Eastern regions can expect a respite from severe weather and flooding. However, the recovery period for storm-related damage and high river levels across regions like the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys could extend for weeks.
For advanced safety measures and personalized alerts, consider unlocking enhanced, localized severe weather notifications by subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. Our expert meteorologists continuously monitor weather threats to help keep families safe.
Source
www.yahoo.com