Spring-time weather is heating up across the southern Plains as multiple rounds of severe weather will be possible today into Wednesday.
As is typical for this time of year, warm and humid air will be in place throughout much of the southern Plains today and Wednesday and will collide with a cooler, drier air mass moving out the Rockies. The colliding air masses will result in explosive thunderstorm development over the next couple of days.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms across the Southern Plains today, stretching from western Texas into Kansas. Damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and large hail will be the primary threats, though a few tornadoes will be possible, especially across western Texas.
Some cities at threat today include Midland, Lubbock, and Amarillo, Texas, Woodward, Okla., and Wichita, Kan.
A few stronger thunderstorms will also be possible today across portions of eastern Texas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi, including Lufkin, Texas, New Orleans, and Jackson, Mississippi. A few stronger storms may also impact portions of the Carolinas, including Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.
By Wednesday, the primary area for concern will be confined to western Texas where a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) is in place. This includes Lubbock and Midland, Texas. However, a broader Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) extends northward into the central Plains, including Woodward, Okla., Wichita, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., and Omaha, Neb. Though the tornado potential decreases slightly, Wednesday's storms will still bring dangerous lightning, damaging straight-line winds, and potentially destructive hail.
All residents in the affected areas should remember that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for storms to develop, while a Warning indicates imminent danger requiring immediate action. The best protection is staying informed through reliable sources like the WeatherBug app and having an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. As always, heed the lifesaving advice: "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"
Stay weather alert over the next 48 hours as these potentially dangerous storms develop across the region.
