Severe outbreak expected across the South tonight

An unusual June weather pattern will trigger a severe weather outbreak across the South tonight as a potential derecho brings widespread damaging winds and tornadoes.

Thunderstorms are already ongoing early in the day but more widespread, high-impact severe storms are expected later today and tonight from eastern Texas, southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, east across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, into northern Florida and southern South Carolina. These areas have the potential to see a few rounds of severe storms, including widespread severe wind event, that could lead to substantial wind damage. There's also the possibility of large hail and even tornadoes, some of which could be strong—EF-2 or greater.

Because of the numerous coverage of storms and high intensity storms, the Storm Prediction Center has a moderate severe risk, a level 4 of 5, for parts of the South for today and tonight. This level 4 risk area extends from northeastern Louisiana into central and southern Mississippi, central and southern Alabama, and southwestern Georgia.

If you live in or near the severe risk, make sure you have a way to get timely, accurate warning information today and during the overnight hours.