Weekend severe weather outbreak likely in South as millions face threat of tornadoes, hail, damaging wind
Dangerous storms have already hammered parts of the southern U.S. this week. Now, several states across the region are again bracing for severe storms that could produce life-threatening weather.
South faces multiday severe weather threat over the weekend
Parts of several states across the southern U.S. have a significant chance of seeing severe weather this weekend.
JACKSON, Miss. – Just days after tornadoes ripped across parts of the South, the region is again facing the threat of dangerous storms that could drop more twisters.
Several tornadoes ripped across parts of Texas and Louisiana on Thursday when a Level 3 out of 5 severe weather threat played out. Most of the twisters happened in and around the Houston metro. No injuries or significant damage were reported.
THE SPC 5-POINT SEVERE THUNDERSTORM RISK CATEGORY SCALE EXPLAINED
![Several tornadoes were reported across southeastern Texas on Dec. 26, 2024.]()
Image 1 of 6Several tornadoes were reported across southeastern Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. ( )
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Image 2 of 6Tornado touches down in Wharton County, Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. (Wharton County Office of Emergency Management)
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Image 3 of 6Tornado touches down in Wharton County, Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. (Wharton County Office of Emergency Management)
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Image 4 of 6Tornado touches down in Wharton County, Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. (Wharton County Office of Emergency Management)
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Image 5 of 6Tornado touches down in Wharton County, Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. (Wharton County Office of Emergency Management)
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Image 6 of 6Tornado touches down in Wharton County, Texas on Dec. 26, 2024. (Wharton County Office of Emergency Management)
However, forecasters have urged millions from Texas to the Carolinas and south to Florida to keep their guard up this weekend.
A Level 3 severe weather zone has been outlined for Saturday and includes parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. A Level 2 zone stretches from Texas to Florida.
HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE FOR A TORNADO
(FOX Weather)
"Despite the uncertainty on specifics, a broad warm sector with mid 60s dewpoints, a negatively tilted trough, and a strengthening low-level jet will support the potential for a severe weather outbreak with multiple rounds of storms with all severe weather hazards possible," forecasters at NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center wrote in their discussion Thursday.
Large hail, damaging wind and tornadoes are likely with any severe storms that develop from late Saturday morning into Saturday night. Some strong tornadoes, meaning EF-2 or higher, are also possible.
6 TYPES OF CLOUDS YOU MIGHT SEE DURING SEVERE STORMS
(FOX Weather)
People living in these zones should review their tornado safety plans and ensure they have a reliable way to receive weather alerts. Download the FOX Weather app to get alerts based on your location and a 3D radar that lets you track storms.
Severe weather threat moves east Sunday
The dangerous storms will march east by Sunday, with the worst weather expected in a swath that stretches from Virginia to Georgia. Tornadoes, damaging wind and hail are possible with any severe storms that develop in this zone.
(FOX Weather)