A Stormy Weekend Continues Across South, East

Today will feature even more storminess across portions of the U.S., with all modes of severe weather on the menu.
 
Two frontal boundaries will be the catalyst for the eruption of thunderstorms across the south-central and eastern U.S., each capable of producing severe weather. One will hug the Eastern Seaboard, while a second, stronger front will move into the southern Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley.
 
The strongest thunderstorms today will likely be found later this afternoon centered on the Red River Valley. Here, a Moderate Risk for severe thunderstorms (level 4 of 5) has been issued. This includes Wichita Falls, Texas, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
 
An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) can be found covering much of the southern Plains. This includes both Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, and Oklahoma City and Norman, Okla. The threat for severe thunderstorms extends westward into New Mexico, northward into the Mid-Mississippi Valley and as far south as the Ark-La-Tex and northern Louisiana. Residents of Tulsa, Okla., Shreveport, La., Quincy, Ill., Kansas City, Mo., and Wichita, Kan., will need to keep an eye on the sky.
 
The primary concern with these storms will be damaging winds, which could approach 65 to 75 miles per hour. Large hail to the size of baseballs will extend across the entire severe threat area as well. In addition, a few tornadoes are also possible across the Enhanced Risk and Moderate Risk areas.
 
Not to be forgotten, a cold front will make its way to the East Coast bringing showers and thunderstorms to the Interstate 95 corridor. A Slight Risk has been issued from Maryland to Georgia and southeastern Alabama, including Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., Columbia and Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and Dothan, Ala.
 
Gusty winds and heavy rainfall will be the main threat from these storms, likely to percolate in the warm and humid atmosphere that has been in place for days. However, a few tornadoes are not out of the question across parts of northern and central Virginia.
 
Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they become issued. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.
 
The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items should you be without power for long periods of time. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"