A powerful storm system is moving eastward, bringing dangerous conditions such as hurricane-force winds, large hail, and the possibility of violent tornadoes to states like Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. This storm has already caused widespread damage in the Plains, with strong winds igniting wildfires and smoke spreading for miles, leading to fatal multi-car accidents. It has also brought extreme weather to the Midwest, impacting areas in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Mississippi where numerous storm-related deaths have been reported. Damage assessments are ongoing as recovery efforts begin.
Attention is now focused on the Southeast, where the National Weather Service has issued severe warnings about the high tornado risk. Several states, including Alabama and Georgia, have declared states of emergency, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for severe weather conditions.
For the latest updates on the forecast and timing, refer to the information below:
– Severe Risk: The overall risk of severe weather in the Southeast has been downgraded to a level 4 out of 5, with the possibility of tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash flooding expected in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and the western Carolinas overnight.
– Confirmed Tornado: A confirmed tornado has been reported approximately 40 miles south of Birmingham, moving northeast.
– New Tornado Watch: The Storm Prediction Center anticipates issuing a new tornado watch for eastern Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle due to favorable conditions for significant tornadoes and strong winds.
– Ongoing Updates: Stay informed about the evolving weather conditions and heed warnings promptly to ensure your safety during this severe weather event.
Please remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones during this challenging weather situation.
Certain severe weather warnings are more dangerous than others. Storms labeled as “considerable” or “destructive” pose a higher threat than those meeting minimum hail and wind criteria. A “destructive” warning triggers a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on your phone, indicating imminent life-threatening conditions.
According to senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman from weather.com, tornadoes that occur at night are nearly twice as deadly as daytime tornadoes due to various factors such as lack of storm spotter reports and missed alerts for tornado-warned storms.
Additionally, multiple locations including parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee are under a Tornado Watch. Several homes have been damaged in Louisiana, and there has been a reported wedge near Gordo, AL.
It is crucial to take shelter immediately when a warning is issued. Some storms are moving at high speeds, providing less time for preparation. Some tornadoes may not be easily recognizable as they are concealed by heavy rain.
Tornadoes can vary in speed from a slow crawl to high-speed racing across the landscape. For more information on tornado speed and behavior, refer to the in-depth article provided.
A radar-confirmed tornado is currently affecting Pickens County in western Alabama. It is essential not to assume that the first round of severe weather is the last until the National Weather Service clears the warning from your area.
In Mississippi, there is significant flooding reported. Thunderstorms are approaching New Orleans, and a new severe thunderstorm warning has been issued. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions.
Two tornadoes are currently in progress near Stonewall, Mississippi, and in northern Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Residents in these areas should seek shelter immediately.
Recent storm reports include roof damage to a home and uprooted trees near Elrod, Alabama, and a 66 mph wind gust near Adrian, Michigan.
Understanding the severity of tornado threats and having a plan in place can make a significant difference in ensuring safety during severe weather events.
Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan advises being prepared to quickly take shelter in case of severe weather. Ensure you have a flashlight, a way to communicate (charge your phones now), and remember to consider your pets. Avoid sheltering in mobile homes, vehicles, or under highway overpasses. Safer options include interior rooms of sturdy buildings, basements, tornado storm shelters, or FEMA-approved safe rooms. For more detailed advice on sheltering during severe weather, refer to the list of 14 Things Meteorologists Want You To Know About Severe Weather.
Poweroutage.us reports that over a quarter million customers are without power due to strong winds from Texas to Michigan, with Missouri experiencing the most outages. Flash flooding is also a concern, with multiple counties under warnings from southern Mississippi to middle Tennessee. Flash flooding occurs when bands of thunderstorms train over the same area, leading to dangerous conditions.
The next cities in the severe weather threat include New Orleans, Birmingham, and Huntsville, Alabama. The severe threat is expected to pass over New Orleans by 6 p.m. CDT and by 10 p.m. in Birmingham and Huntsville. The Storm Prediction Center has updated the severe thunderstorm forecast, extending the threat area into southern Mississippi while trimming areas where the outbreak has passed.
PDS, or Particularly Dangerous Situation, is used by meteorologists to highlight confirmed, strong tornadoes that pose a significant risk to life and property. In Atlanta, the severe threat is expected from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. EDT, with a higher risk of strong thunderstorm winds and localized flash flooding. Stay alert to National Weather Service warnings, and ensure your smartphone is not set to “do not disturb” during the night to receive alerts.
Editor Jenn Jordan from her.com expressed concern for her friend who may be in the path of a tornado. The friend’s location is indicated as Cave City, Arkansas, where an EF3 tornado with peak winds of 140 mph has been confirmed. The editor advises on the importance of wearing a helmet for protection during tornadoes to prevent head injuries from flying debris. Information on ongoing tornadoes near Collins and Turnerville in Mississippi is provided, along with an explanation of tornado ratings using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. A weather update mentions thunderstorms in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with a heightened tornado and flood threat in the region. The update also notes tornado warnings in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as flash flood warnings in Tennessee. Additionally, the concept of a “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS) in tornado watches and warnings is explained.
A tornado watch has been issued for regions where strong, long-lasting tornadoes, wind gusts exceeding 75 mph, and large hail are possible in the coming hours. Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado warnings indicate a high likelihood of a powerful tornado or a history of significant damage. Multiple PDS warnings have been issued in the Southeast today. For further details on various tornado warning types, click here.
Updates:
– A social media post shared a chilling image of a tornado in Tylertown, Mississippi, showcasing its immense size. Radar detected two tornadoes hitting the same area in quick succession.
– Video footage reposted by the National Weather Service depicted extensive damage in Tylertown, near the Mississippi-Louisiana border, with wind speeds on radar reaching up to 185 mph.
– Kentwood, Louisiana, experienced significant structural damage from a confirmed tornado straddling the Louisiana-Mississippi border, obstructing a highway with debris. Emergency crews have been dispatched by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
– A life-threatening tornado was confirmed in northwestern Walthall County, Mississippi, moving at 50 mph. Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately.
– Meteorologist Jonathan Belles notes differences in today’s weather compared to yesterday: thunderstorms are concentrated in the Deep South, with more favorable moisture levels. Storms are anticipated to be more isolated today, potentially intensifying tornado activity. Flooding is anticipated in the Tennessee Valley due to increased moisture and widespread storm coverage.
