Severe Weather in Store for Large Portion of South-Central and Eastern U.S. This Weekend

Posted: December 8, 2023 9:11 am

A severe weather outbreak is shaping up in a zone stretching from the Mississippi Valley and up into the Atlantic coast in the coming days. Here is what you can expect with this fiery weather maker.

Severe Weather Firing Up Across Mississippi Valley to Kick Off Weekend

A storm system is expected to pick up steam and ignite severe storms in a large area of the south-central U.S. and across to the Eastern Seaboard this weekend. The line of storms will bring a number of impacts, including thunder, lightning, and strong winds. The peak of the threat will happen late Saturday afternoon and into the evening hours, however, the rain will begin to fall in many areas on Friday.

These storms will be the result of a minor disturbance that is forecast to move to the north over the Plains states at the end of the work week. The initial round of storms will erupt Friday night across portions of northeastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, the southeastern corner of Kansas, southwestern Missouri, and into western and central Arkansas. Friday’s storm cells will bring the risk of heavy rain, powerful winds, and hail.

Saturday’s Forecast Sends Storms to the East

The next round of likely severe weather will hit a region farther to the east on Saturday afternoon. Unlike Friday’s severe weather event that will be limited to a narrow zone of impact, Saturday’s system will be more widespread as it moves across the middle and lower portions of the Mississippi Valley and well into the Ohio Valley.

The region will see a moderate risk of thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and evening, packing the potential of creating tornadoes. The unseasonably warm air will be the impetus for these storms.

Forecasters are warning that any potential tornadoes are most likely to spin up after dark. This makes the twisters harder to spot. In addition, low clouds and fog hanging around the region may also obstruct the funnel clouds.

The storm cells are forecast to move into Ohio and central portions of Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee by late Saturday. These storms may also dip as far south as southeastern Louisiana and into the panhandles of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

Storm Cells Spread on Sunday

A cold front moving to the east through the central portions of the Appalachians and the northeastern Gulf Coast will meet up with the rain early Sunday. This is also when the area will see the greatest chance of high winds as the storm system churns toward the Eastern Seaboard by the end of the day on Sunday.

It is likely to be a disruptive travel day on Sunday both in the air and on the roads thanks to the torrential rain and strong winds. Air travelers should anticipate delays in a number of major hubs, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Atlanta, and Charlotte.

Unlike most storm systems that lose steam as they move over the Appalachians, this particular weather maker is going to feed on the available fuel from the cold front and intensify. This will translate to a high chance of severe weather in many areas of the Atlantic coastline late Sunday and into Monday.

Winds could approach 75 mph beginning Saturday and lasting through Monday morning. These gusts could lead to widespread power outages and minor property damage. The anticipation of heavy rain at times will also trigger the risk of flooding on the roadways. Be sure to stay tuned to this forecast through the weekend to see how it develops.

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