A massive storm pattern with conflicting cold and warm, wet air is threatening the Southeast with severe weather for many days, in time for the weekend.
"These factors have set the scene for blooming severe thunderstorms this afternoon then in Thursday evening," the Weather Prediction Center stated Thursday morning.
Storms that hit the region late this week have already dumped up to a foot of delayed snow throughout the high Rockies.
It could also wreak havoc on wildfires in western and central Texas.
Thunderstorms will reach south this weekend
The major storm's effects will be felt in areas of the Mississippi River Valley, which is home to an estimated 22 million citizens, before the system moves eastward, affecting another 45 million people from the Ohio Valley to the eastern Gulf Coast on Friday, as per CNN News.
Strong thunderstorms will develop throughout sections of southern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, and the central Gulf Coast on Thursday evening, with thunderstorms lasting until early Friday morning.
For Thursday's severe weather possibilities, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a modest risk, level 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Severe weather, including hail, wind, and tornadoes, might disrupt any outdoor activities for St. Patrick's Day in places such as Dallas, New Orleans, and Jackson, Mississippi.
The main concern from these storms will be severe straight-line winds blowing up to 60 mph.
Winds of this magnitude will pull down trees, damage power lines, and make driving dangerous along portions of Interstates 10 and 20.
Also Read: Australia Braces For Severe Thunderstorm That May Prompt Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding
Flooding rainfall and more storms on Friday
The danger in New Orleans surges early Friday, as the intensity swings east throughout the early afternoon, as from Ohio Valley to the southeastern Atlantic coast.
The Storm Prediction Center has declared a severe weather hazard region that extends from Columbus, Ohio, down to Wilmington, North Carolina, and south to the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast states.
On Friday, cities from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky, will be met with rain and the possibility of a few powerful thunderstorms, some of which may bring destructive gusty winds and big hail.
The risk will be greatest in the northern Gulf Coast, where heavy rain, strong gusty winds, and huge hail are all likely in towns such as Mobile and Dothan, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
The potential of a few isolated tornadoes exists, particularly closer to the Gulf Coast, where the air is much more volatile.
Forecast for the next week
This system will be over the Rockies on Sunday, causing snowfall in the mountains. Strong winds will rage through the Southwest and Plains, as per The Weather Channel.
Monday may see widespread showers and thunderstorms over the Plains and potentially as far east as the lower Mississippi Valley.
The risk of strong storms will also increase on Monday.
The biggest risk of severe weather now extends from central and eastern Texas through western Louisiana and southwest Arkansas, although this area may alter in future updates. Tornadoes, strong winds, and huge hail are all possible risks.
Snow and severe winds are possible across the Rockies and neighboring High Plains, including the Denver metro region.
Tuesday night will bring a band of rain and thunderstorms, which will slowly move eastward through most of the Midwest and South.
Severe storms with destructive winds, hail, and potentially tornadoes are expected from the northern Gulf Coast into the lower Mississippi Valley.
Flooding might occur in parts of the Ohio Valley and the South.
In the Plains and upper Midwest, this system could continue to deliver precipitation or a combination of rain and snow.
Related article: Massive Storm May Bring Thunderstorm Risks to Central, Southern US
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