WILMINGTON — Tornadoes, huge hail, flash flooding, and severe wind gusts were expected in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Carolinas Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
This weekend, heavy rains could cause flooding and travel difficulties in the southern Appalachians and areas devastated by Hurricane Helene.
According to AccuWeather expert meteorologists, the potential of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is growing over the Gulf Coast states on Saturday.
“We’ve already seen multiple tornadoes this week. “Get ready; the threat of severe weather persists throughout the weekend in the South,” warned AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
AccuWeather meteorologists issued a high-risk zone for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, extending from central and western Louisiana into eastern and central Mississippi.
Severe thunderstorms have the potential to generate destructive tornadoes as well as big hail and downpours, which can cause flash flooding. AccuWeather predicts destructive wind gusts of 60-70 mph, with a maximum speed of 90 mph.
“There is enough warm and humid air to support several lines of thunderstorms. Everyone in this region should be prepared. Storms in this type of climate can easily produce tornadoes,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny stated. “Large hail and wind gusts greater than 60 mph can cause significant damage. Ensure that your family understands what to do if a tornado warning is issued in your region. As the storms approach, keeping your vehicle parked safely and avoiding travel if possible is best.
The general threat of severe weather on Saturday spans from eastern Texas and southeastern Arkansas to middle Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida’s panhandle.
AccuWeather’s experienced meteorologists say the severe weather threat shifts eastward and northward on Sunday, with severe thunderstorms possible from Florida to the Carolinas and Virginia.
Severe thunderstorms may affect areas in the southern Appalachians that were severely devastated by Helene’s catastrophic flash flooding in September.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say areas in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee that are still recuperating from Hurricane Helene may face storms and heavy downpours this weekend, potentially causing floods.
Storms are forecast to wreak havoc on the Gulf Coast and Southeast on Saturday, making holiday travel difficult. Wet weather may also affect travel in the Northeast and Northwest on Saturday.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists predict bad travel conditions for much of the East Coast on Sunday as rain and storms pass through the region before going offshore.
Poor travel conditions are also forecast in the Northwest and Northern California on Sunday, as back-to-back storms continue to pound the area.