Stay Safe: Severe Weather Alert Highlights Major Tornado Threat Ahead | Weather.com

A severe weather outbreak is on the horizon for the Midwest, South, and East, starting Friday and continuing through the weekend. This situation is serious, as the NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has rated the risk level as high—4 out of 5. Such a high alert means we could see powerful storms, potentially including tornadoes and damaging winds.

Friday Forecast

On Friday, areas like St. Louis, Paducah, Kentucky, Memphis, and Tupelo, Mississippi are in the red zone for severe storms. Expect the worst weather to kick off in the afternoon and advance eastward into the night. These storms could bring strong winds, hail, and even tornadoes, with some possibly rated EF2 or stronger.

Saturday Forecast

As we move to Saturday, the risk shifts to the Deep South, affecting Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans are on high alert. The storms may start in the morning and intensify in the afternoon. The potential for tornadoes and significant wind damage remains high, alongside the risk of flash flooding from heavy rain.

Sunday Outlook

By Sunday, the cold front may still trigger some storms across the Southeast and into the mid-Atlantic states, impacting areas like Charleston and Washington, D.C. While the storms may continue, the main threat will likely be damaging winds and the possibility of flash flooding.

Expert Insights

Meteorologists warn that nighttime tornadoes can be particularly deadly; research shows that they are twice as likely to cause fatalities compared to daytime ones. This underscores the need for preparedness and awareness, especially if storms strike after dark.

Why Does This Happen?

This kind of severe weather is typical for March and spring. The jet stream dips southward, creating favorable conditions for storm development, fueled by moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This combination often leads to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

To stay safe, keep an eye on local weather updates, and know where to find shelter. Always take severe weather alerts seriously, especially when storms are predicted to hit at night.

For more detailed updates, you can check resources like the National Weather Service.

Source link