Severe Thunderstorms Expected Across South and Midwest This Weekend

Little Rock, Arkansas — Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across the South and Midwest this weekend, posing risks of dangerous winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain. The storms are anticipated to begin Saturday afternoon and continue into the night.

Northeast Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and northern Louisiana up to Arkansas and the lower Mississippi Valley face the highest threat of severe weather. The powerful wind gusts could knock out power and uproot trees. Isolated tornadoes may also form quickly with little warning, alongside potential large hail reaching the size of golf balls.

Cities such as Little Rock, Memphis, Shreveport, and Paducah should remain alert for severe weather alerts as people head out for weekend plans. While the region has faced a dry spell, the predicted downpours could trigger flash flooding in certain areas.

The weekend weather pattern is unusual for the fall season, typically marked by cooler temperatures. Instead, warm air is pushing northward from the Gulf, with Saturday highs reaching the 80s in areas like Columbus, Ohio, and approaching record highs in places such as San Antonio, Texas.

The interplay between warm, humid air and stronger jet stream currents results in more energetic storm systems during the fall. Some storms in previous years could lead to a dramatic contrast, where cold fronts create snowfall in northern regions while producing severe storms in the South.

Moreover, nighttime tornadoes are statistically more dangerous than daytime ones, increasing the need for public awareness as the weekend progresses. As colder weather approaches in the coming weeks, the possibility of severe storms remains, urging residents to maintain preparedness plans year-round.

With a significant weekend travel period underway, the severe weather may also disrupt outdoor events and travel. The threat for severe thunderstorms on Sunday will stretch from the Appalachians down to southern Ontario, affecting flight schedules across a busy travel weekend.