Tornadoes, wind and hail threaten millions in Plains, South

States in the southern Plains through the Southeast were at risk for severe weather Friday night into today as a new storm system threatens the region with tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.

There is an enhanced risk for level 3 out of 5 severe weather for more than 5 million people living in portions of four states — Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi — for Friday evening and nighttime, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

This includes Okahoma City, Baton Rouge and Lafayette in Louisiana, and Tyler and Wichita Falls in Texas, where there is an elevated threat for a tornado and damaging winds.

Severe risk shifts today

Today, the risk for dangerous storms shifts into the Southeast as one or two strong lines of thunderstorms quickly moves across the region, from Louisiana and Mississippi through Georgia and South Carolina.

The SPC has set a level 3 out of 5, enhanced risk of severe storms in place for portions of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina for today.

“All severe hazards appear possible, including large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes,” said the SPC.

This includes the potential for 2- to 4-inch hail and damaging downbursts, the SPC added.

The model guidance does suggest the first line of storms, which will drive the severe threat Friday night into this morning across the Gulf Coast states, should weaken by midday today, but a final round of severe storms could develop this evening.

“The severe weather solution for Saturday is still in question with models differing in the location of a potential outbreak. It would be wise to check Saturday morning’s forecast before making any outdoor plans across the Southeast,” said Myers.

The last round of storms could form across portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia around sunset today and will shift toward the east coast, reaching the coastal Carolinas early Sunday morning.

Along with the severe weather, there is the risk for localized flooding, especially from eastern Texas through central Alabama Friday night.

“In addition to the severe weather, locally heavy rainfall will be possible, especially in areas where thunderstorms train. This could lead to some isolated flash flooding,” said the National Weather Service office in Shreveport, Louisiana.

These storms are forecast to produce a widespread, 2-4 inches of rainfall across the South.

Severe weather in the U.S. should settle down Sunday and Monday.