Forecasters warn that strong storms are still moving eastward on Saturday, posing a possibility of tornadoes in parts of over a dozen states.
The National Weather Service predicts that the outbreak will spread throughout the Tennessee Valley, the Deep South, and the central Gulf Coast, with some tornadoes lasting a lengthy time and potentially wreaking havoc.
According to the weather service, the greatest threat is anticipated to strike eastern Louisiana and Mississippi on Saturday afternoon before moving on to Alabama, Georgia, and the western Florida Panhandle.
The lower to middle Mississippi and Tennessee valleys could see the development of potentially powerful tornadoes on Saturday, the National Weather Service warned on Friday. Through Sunday, the outbreak will affect portions of the valleys and Southeast, bringing with it lightning, wind gusts of at least 74 mph, and hail of at least two inches.
“These storms will move quickly and pose a serious threat. The weather agency cautioned on X that having a severe weather plan and several methods of receiving watches and alerts are crucial.
For the first time since May 26, 2024, AccuWeather issued its most severe severe weather category, the “extreme risk” warning. The forecasters cautioned that the scenario is extremely perilous because the threat level will continue until Saturday after daylight hours.
Which states may see tornadoes?
The Saturday tornado threat is forecasted over parts of the following states:
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Florida
- Virginia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Texas
Which states are at highest risk for tornadoes?
AccuWeather reports that its highest tornado threat level is forecasted for the following areas:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Mobile, Alabama
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Tupelo, Mississippi
- Jackson, Mississippi