A severe weather threat is looming over the South this weekend, as soaking rains, hail and an increased tornado threat are possible.
The threat of severe storms will be maximized on Saturday as an area of low pressure delivers heavy, soaking rains to millions from the Plains to the East Coast.
Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi are in the bullseye for severe weather impacts on Saturday.
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During the day, Texas could see hail 1+ inch in diameter as thunderstorms begin to develop.
As the evening moves in, an increasing threat of damaging winds and a couple of tornadoes will stretch from east Texas into Louisiana and southwest Mississippi.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a level 2/5 severe weather threat is in effect, with Houston, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana in the threat area.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated a state of emergency for the severe storms brewing.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Gov. Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency.”
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“It’s fairly warm in this part of the country,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Nick Kosir said. “And all you need are dew points at or above 55 degrees for some storm activity to show up.”
Storms will continue overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, where the severe threat extends into Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
(FOX Weather)
Accompanying the severe storms is the possibility of flash flooding.
A level 2 flash flood threat extends from eastern Texas up through Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma on Saturday.
The FOX Forecast Center said 1-2 inches of rain are forecast from the Central Plains to the Southeast Coast.
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A larger level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat is in place Saturday for much of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The FOX Forecast Center said these areas could see 2-3 inches of rain on Saturday.
By Sunday, the flash flood risk will move further into the Southeast, impacting Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
A level 1 of 4 flood threat persists for these areas, but significant flooding will be mitigated by ongoing drought conditions, the FOX Forecast Center said.
