The start of astronomical spring this weekend brings a new severe weather threat to the South. A low pressure system moving from the Northern Rockies into the Plains will introduce a cold front, potentially triggering severe storms on Saturday night and Sunday. While the threat level is lower than last weekend, it only takes one storm to cause significant damage. Thunderstorms are possible this weekend in areas from the Ozarks to the Deep South. The focus of severe weather is expected to be from eastern Kansas to southwestern Missouri and parts of northern Oklahoma and Arkansas on Saturday night and early Sunday. Large hail is a possible risk. On Sunday, the severe weather threat shifts southward from eastern Texas to Tennessee, including parts of the lower Mississippi Valley. Damaging winds and large hail are potential risks, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes. The threat intensifies Sunday afternoon to early Monday as the cold front interacts with warm, moist air from the Gulf. By Monday, the threat moves further south to the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Tallahassee, with strong wind gusts being the main concern. This weekend’s severe weather threat differs significantly from the previous weekend’s outbreak due to fewer favorable conditions such as instability and wind shear. Sara Tonks, a meteorologist with weather.com, provides this information.
