Topline
A storm that swept through the West Coast earlier this week is expected to impact tens of millions of people in the Southeast and Midwest, who face a risk of “significant” tornado outbreaks and severe weather through the weekend, forecasters said Friday.
A satellite view of the Gulf Coast.
NOAAKey Facts
A tornado outbreak will likely start Saturday across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, while severe thunderstorms are expected to impact an area stretching from central Iowa to northern Mississippi, the National Weather Service said Friday.
“Numerous significant” tornadoes are expected to persist through the regions into Saturday evening.
Damaging winds and hail are expected across Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and northern Alabama, with a lesser chance forecast across Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, Tennessee, Kentucky, southeastern Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, western North Carolina and South Carolina, according to the agency.
A risk of severe thunderstorms is forecast for eastern Louisiana, most of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, with a lower risk expected in Georgia and Tennessee.
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Big Number
77,124,924. That’s the estimated number of people who live in areas facing tornado risks through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Where Are Tornadoes Expected?
Nashville, New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham, Alabama and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are under a significantly severe risk of tornadoes. A 15% chance of tornadoes was forecast for Montgomery and Mobile, Alabama, with a 10% chance expected in Columbus, Georgia, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. A lower chance is forecast for areas around Memphis and Johnson City, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, and Asheville, North Carolina.
Where Is Severe Weather Expected?
Significant weather, including high-speed winds, severe thunderstorms and hail, is expected in areas near and in New Orleans, Birmingham, Baton Rough, Montgomery and Mobile. An “enhanced” risk of severe weather is forecast around Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus, Knoxville and Chattanooga, with a “slight” risk expected around Columbus, Ohio, Memphis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.
Wildfire Risks Forecast For The Southwest And Plains
Wind gusts up to 90 miles per hour complement drought conditions for “significant, dangerous wildfire-spread conditions” across the Plains and Southwest on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The agency said the weather in the Southwest creates a “particularly dangerous situation where a risk of property damage or risk of life could occur.” Extremely critical fire conditions are forecast from Texas through Kansas, with other areas in New Mexico likely impacted.
Key Background
The expected tornado outbreaks follow a major storm that pushed through parts of Southern California on Thursday. The storm brought heavy precipitation across Los Angeles County with reports of mudslides and tornadoes impacting some regions, with winds reaching 85 miles per hour early Thursday. Flood warnings were in place for Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties through Thursday evening, though the level of rainfall declined through the day. Santa Barbara County officials warned of flash flooding and debris that may flow from the nearby Lake Fire scar while ordering residents to shelter in place. At least six people were rescued after being trapped in their vehicles after a wave of mudslides in San Jacinto, local officials said, though no injuries were reported.
Further Reading
Powerful Storm Causes Mudslides In California, Threatens Outbreak Of Tornadoes And Wildfires Across US This Week (CNN)
Read the full article here
