Big Thunderstorms to Rumble Across the South

After an active day of severe weather across the Plains, severe thunderstorms will shift into the southern U.S. today. 

A frontal boundary will stretch from northern Texas to the Ohio Valley today, separating a very warm and humid air mass to the south from an advancing cooler and drier air mass building across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Aided by some strong winds aloft, scattered severe thunderstorms are expected later today. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk, or a 2 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, across portions of northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and southwestern Tennessee. 

All modes of severe weather are expected today, including damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. Some cities at risk for the severe weather today include Dallas, Shreveport, La., Little Rock, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., and Jackson, Miss.

Another round of severe weather will target portions of the Plains on Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center has already issued a large Slight Risk across portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, western Arkansas, and southwestern Missouri. There is even a smaller Enhanced Risk, or a 3 out of 5 on the severe weather probability scale, covering portions of southern Kansas, northern and eastern Oklahoma, and far western Arkansas. 

Like today, all modes of severe weather are expected on Saturday, including large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. A few cities at risk on Saturday include Wichita, Kan., Oklahoma City, and Fort Smith, Ark. 

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be issued. A "watch" means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur, and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A "warning" means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"