How Will Millions in the Southern US Weather Monday’s Severe Storm Threat?

Millions of people across the Southern United States are preparing for another round of severe weather as a potent storm system is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for large hail on Monday. While the severity of this week’s weather is expected to be less intense than recent deadly outbreaks, the threat of severe thunderstorms remains.

According to forecasts from the FOX Forecast Center, the storm system is projected to move eastward from the southern Plains to the Carolinas, sparking the development of strong to severe thunderstorms along its path. In addition to severe weather, flooding is a significant concern, especially in areas that are already saturated from previous rainfall and flooding incidents.

The risk of flooding is particularly high in parts of East Texas and western Louisiana, with communities like Waco, Athens, Conroe, and Lufkin facing the greatest threat. These regions have already endured significant flooding in recent weeks, with Texas leading in flash flood reports for the year 2024.

Flood Watches have been issued across East Texas, while Flood Warnings remain in effect due to overflowing rivers caused by recent heavy rain and thunderstorms. As the severe weather system progresses eastward on Monday, approximately 19.5 million people in the South are under a Level 2 out of 5 risk on the severe thunderstorm risk scale.

Major cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Waco, Houston, and Corpus Christi in Texas, as well as Shreveport and New Orleans in Louisiana, are within the threat zone. Portions of western Mississippi and southern Arkansas are also included in the risk area.

The primary threats from these storms include large hail and damaging wind gusts, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes. While the flash flood threat in Texas and parts of Louisiana may decrease on Monday, it is expected to rise along the Gulf Coast.

A Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk has been issued for portions of southern Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle, encompassing cities like Hattiesburg in Mississippi and Mobile in Alabama.

Looking ahead, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is monitoring the Southeast from Mississippi to the Carolinas for potential severe thunderstorm development on Tuesday. Currently, more than 21 million people in the region are under a Level 1 out of 5 risk.

Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed by downloading the free FOX Weather app and enabling notifications for severe weather alerts. Additionally, portions of the Southeast and mid-Atlantic are at risk of flash flooding on Tuesday, with the threat extending from southeastern Alabama to southern North Carolina.

While the exact impact of the storm system may change in the coming days, residents need to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather conditions.

As reported by Fox Weather in their recent article