The Storm Prediction Center has issued a warning for the possibility of severe storms, including isolated tornado formations, in parts of the southern United States. The alert mainly covers areas in southeastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The slight category corresponds to level two on a five-level scale and means there is a probability of severe storms.
All of them could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and, to a lesser extent, tornadoes. The cities affected by this warning could include Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Gulfport, and Mobile, among others. Additionally, a broader area, ranging from eastern Texas to parts of the Tennessee Valley and the Gulf Coast, is under a marginal risk warning.
In this case, it implies a lower but still significant threat of storms that could quickly become severe. This area includes parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, northern Florida, and western South Carolina. According to the SPC forecast, atmospheric conditions in the southern part of the country are conducive to storm formation.
The causes of strong storm formation
All of this is due to a combination of high humidity, thermal instability, and wind shear in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. This scenario will favor the development of intense storms, especially in the afternoon and early evening hours. Meteorological authorities recommend that residents keep informed through official channels and review emergency plans.
The storm system is expected to move eastward throughout the day. Therefore, other regions like western Florida and parts of Georgia could experience heavy rains and wind gusts later on. Experts also warn about the possibility of localized flooding due to the rapid accumulation of water.
A time of meteorological instability
There is no doubt that spring is a time of instability par excellence. The change of season brings days of umbrellas, lots of wind, and storms of varying consideration. Temperatures are also not quite rising, but summer is about to arrive, and gradually the maps will stabilize.