Severe Weather Outbreak in the Forecast for the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Posted: December 7, 2023 9:00 am

The southern and eastern parts of the U.S. are bracing for the good possibility of a severe weather outbreak this weekend. Forecasters are predicting that this outbreak will bring along the chance of strong winds, torrential rain, hail, and isolated tornadoes as the system moves from the Plains states to the east. Here is what you need to know about the severe weather looming on the horizon.

Clash of Competing Temperatures to Ignite Storm Outbreak

A far-reaching storm system is gearing up to impact much of the southern and eastern U.S. by the weekend, bringing millions of Americans into the line of fire. The ingredients for the severe weather will be put in place on Thursday and Friday when winds coming up from the Gulf of Mexico increase the temperatures and humidity levels across the central Plains and to the east. Warm and moist air is a precursor to severe weather, meaning that this region will be ripe for storm development.

Cold air coming in behind the storm system will clash with the milder and humid air circulating ahead of it. This merger will ignite the development of storms in the southern U.S. on Saturday. The potential impact zone for this weather pattern to start the weekend will stretch from Shreveport, Louisiana and into Memphis, Tennessee. This is also the same area that is most likely to see a tornado spin up.

Strong Winds in the Forecast for the Middle Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys

Forecasters are studying the models to predict how far north this line of storms may creep up on Saturday. The current models show that the storms will move into the middle Mississippi and Ohio River valleys by late Saturday, ushering in strong winds. You can expect widespread wind speeds of 40 – 60 mph Saturday night. Cities in the line of fire for strong winds on Saturday include Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

Motorists will want to take care when heading out on the roads, particularly when driving high-profile vehicles. Winds of this magnitude may also make for some bumpy air travel and potential delays.

Forecast for the Rest of the Weekend Shows Storms Marching to the East

Looking ahead to Sunday, the chance of severe weather will move to the East Coast. Another potent cold front is expected to push into the area, also clashing with the warm and moist air from the southern U.S.

Heavy rain will be the biggest concern with Sunday’s weather maker, bringing the threat of localized flooding in the many urban areas that dot the landscape of the East Coast. Cities that may see the risk of flooding include Boston, New York City, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, and Jacksonville. Nearly all of the East Coast will see some degree of rain on Sunday with the exception of northern New England and the southern half of Florida.

This storm system will move off of the Eastern Seaboard and out into sea by Monday, ending the threat of severe weather by the start of the new work week. This is a forecast that you will want to keep tabs on if you live in the eastern half of the U.S.

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