A severe thunderstorm & tornado outbreak is possible this week

Today is the first day of spring and spring-like thunderstorms are possible this week. The first outbreak of severe thunderstorms is possible Monday (3/21) and Tuesday (3/22) for parts of the Southern Plains & South. The severe risks include tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. A few of the tornadoes could be strong both Monday and Tuesday along with very large hail on Monday.

The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted an area on Monday for severe storms which includes southern Oklahoma, most of the heart of Texas, southwestern Arkansas, and western Louisiana for severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon, evening, and into the overnight hours (severe risk shifting from west to east). There’s an enhanced (orange) severe risk (level 3/5) for central and southeastern Texas.

Monday’s severe risk

The severe risk shifts east and continues on Tuesday. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted an area on Tuesday for severe storms which includes southeastern Texas, southeastern Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle for severe thunderstorms throughout the day on Tuesday. The severe risk will shift from west to east from the morning hours (west of the Mississippi) into the afternoon & evening hours (east of the Mississippi) on Tuesday. There’s an enhanced (orange) severe risk (level 3/5) for central, southern & eastern Louisiana, central & southern Mississippi, and western Alabama with a moderate (red) severe risk (level 4/5) for southeastern Louisiana and central Mississipi.

Tuesday’s severe risk

Again, all modes of severe storms are possible including strong, violent tornadoes. Please keep aware of the weather over the coming days, have a plan in place in case a watch/warning is issued for your area, and have reliable weather sources to receive watch/warning information from.