Here is an update concerning the severe weather and excessive rainfall threat for today and tonight:
Changes from previous update:
- The threat of severe weather has increased in coverage
- The threat of excessive rainfall has also increased
- Currently watching 2 areas of storms; one over southwest MS assocaited with the front and the other over southeast Texas
WHAT: Marginal Risk of Severe Weather and Excessive Rainfall
WHEN: Mainly this afternoon through this evening
WHERE: Most of the outlook area but primarily southeast LA and coastal MS
CONFIDENCE: We are confident that there will be thunderstorms across the area and that a few will be strong to marginally severe. We have less confidence in exactly where those strong/severe storms will occur. We are also confident that there will be locally heavy rain. We are less confident in location and amounts as there is a chance that storms could line up and train over an area.
Impacts: The main threats associated with any severe storms will be:
- Damaging Winds: Wind gusts greater than 60 mph are possible. Winds of this magnitude are capable of causing damage to trees and power lines, leading to isolated/scattered power outages
- Large Hail: Large hail of up to 1 inch in diameter will be possible.
- Tornadoes: Tornadoes are not expected but one or two can not be ruled out.
- Rainfall: In addition to the severe weather threat, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is forecast. There is a chance of local amounts in excess of 4 inches. Runoff will lead to ponding of water in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage. Street flooding is likely from some storms, and flash flooding will be possible in the areas that receive the most rain. With rivers already elevated, some may climb back into flood or rise to flood stage.