Weather Service: Tornadoes, large hail possible today

TEXARKANA — The potential for strong tornadoes is possible today as part of a widespread severe weather outbreak.

Texarkana and nearby counties have been upgraded to a moderate risk because of the potential for large hail, 80 mph winds and high chances for EF-2 or greater tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

An EF-2 twister can pack winds up to 125 mph. There will be two chances for severe weather during the day. The first will come during the early or mid-afternoon hours, when individual storms with a strong updraft move through the area ahead of the main line of storms, said Chris Nuttall, meteorologist with NWS.

“All modes of severe weather will be possible” Nuttall said. “There is still a lot of uncertainty for when it begins, but it should be sometime after 1 p.m.,” Nuttall said.

A second round is expected later in the afternoon and into the evening as a cold front sweeps through the area. A line of thunderstorms is expected through the region, bringing an additional threat of damaging winds of 70 to 80 mph and embedded tornadoes, Nuttall said.

Moderate to heavy rainfall will bring the potential for isolated flash flooding across the northern portion of the region, with some locations potentially seeing 2 or more inches of rain.

The NWS urges area residents to stay weather ready by doing the following:

■ listening to local news or a NOAA weather radio for updates on storm watches and warnings.

■ if at home, going to a secure location if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, since damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take pets with you if time allows.

■ if at work or school, stay away from windows if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Do not go to large, open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.

■ if outside, go inside a sturdy building immediately if a storm warning is issued. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly, since the tree may fall. Standing under a tree increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

■ if in a vehicle, drive to the closest secure shelter. If one is not nearby, seek shelter in a low-lying area, like a ravine.