AccuWeather has issued an "extreme risk" warning for severe weather, marking its first use of this intense category since May 26, 2024. The warning signals a significant threat as parts of more than a dozen states brace for possible tornado outbreaks on Saturday. The severe weather is expected to persist beyond daylight hours, raising concerns for residents in the affected areas as the storms continue moving eastward.
The tornado threat is forecasted to impact regions across Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas. Notably, AccuWeather has identified New Orleans, Atlanta, Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tupelo, and Jackson as some of the highest risk areas for tornado activity.
Severe Weather Warnings and Areas at Risk
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that potentially strong tornadoes may develop on Saturday over the lower to middle Mississippi and Tennessee valleys. The highest threat is expected to materialize across eastern Louisiana and Mississippi on Saturday afternoon before expanding into Alabama and western parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia later in the day.
Accompanying the tornado outbreak will be lightning, wind gusts reaching at least 74 mph, and hail measuring at least two inches. The central Gulf Coast, Deep South, and the Tennessee Valley are bracing for the possibility of long-track tornadoes that could cause significant damage.
"These storms will be fast-moving and extremely dangerous. It is important to have a severe weather plan and to have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings,"
The National Weather Service on X.
Preparation and Ongoing Coverage
The NWS has issued tornado watches for parts of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana by Friday evening. As the severe weather outbreak is forecasted to continue through Sunday, officials emphasize the importance of having a robust severe weather plan in place.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed through multiple channels to receive timely updates on watches and warnings. USA TODAY is providing live coverage of Saturday's severe weather and tornado developments to keep the public informed.
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