Severe storms threaten Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama putting 30 million Americans at risk. All you need to know?
More than 30 million Americans across eight states are at risk of severe weather on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service
Severe weather conditions continue to wreak havoc across the southern portion of the United States this week. With northern Texas and Florida experiencing an "enhanced risk" of thunderstorms on Wednesday, residents in the Southeast will once again be on alert for severe weather on Thursday as storms target the area. The National Weather Service has warned that more than 30 million Americans across eight states will be at risk of severe weather.
Severe Weather Risk in Gulf Coast
The Gulf of Mexico will see a storm system that has a marginal or slight risk of severe weather hitting Texas, with the greatest impact in the Corpus Christi area. The risk for severe weather stretches across the gulf, from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, putting cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama at heightened risk.
The Weather Channel has noted that "the best chance of scattered severe (thunderstorms) Thursday is near the Gulf Coast from south Texas to southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle." The NWS has also warned that "a few storms should become organized enough" to support the severe weather threat through the afternoon in the lower Mississippi Valley region.
More Wet Snow, Winter Weather Advisories around the Rockies
{{/usCountry}}The Weather Channel has noted that "the best chance of scattered severe (thunderstorms) Thursday is near the Gulf Coast from south Texas to southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle." The NWS has also warned that "a few storms should become organized enough" to support the severe weather threat through the afternoon in the lower Mississippi Valley region.
More Wet Snow, Winter Weather Advisories around the Rockies
{{/usCountry}}In addition to the severe weather risks, some areas around the Rockies will experience wet snow. While heavy snow hit the Rockies earlier in the week, the NWS said that it is tapering off, but wet snow will still be in the mix on Thursday. The NWS noted that "higher elevation wet snow up to around 6-8 inches in Colorado will once again be possible." Winter weather advisories are also in effect beginning Thursday morning in mountain areas of Wyoming and Montana.
Flood Risk Continues in the West
While most of the country deals with severe weather or chilly temperatures, some parts of the West are experiencing above-average temperatures, with some regions in the Southwest creeping towards 100 degrees. The NWS stated that "above average temperatures should be most notable across the West Coast states, where a few record high maximum/minimum temperatures could be tied or set Thursday."
However, the rising temperatures also bring melting snow and an increased risk of flooding. A flood watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon through Sunday around the Greater Lake Tahoe area and Yosemite National Park around the California-Nevada border. As a result, the National Park Service will close most of Yosemite Valley beginning Friday night.
Safety measures
Residents in the Southeast should take the necessary precautions as severe storms continue to threaten the area on Thursday. The Gulf Coast, Southeast, and the Rockies will all be at risk for severe weather, wet snow, and winter weather advisories. Meanwhile, the West Coast will experience above-average temperatures, with some areas nearing record highs. It is essential to stay informed about the changing weather conditions and take appropriate measures to stay safe.
(Source: Twitter, USA Today)
