Significant Threat for Severe Weather for Northern Gulf Coast Region Today

Figure 1. Severe weather outlook for day. Image: NOAA SPC

A large area of rain and storms, the remnants of a squall line, is impacting east Texas and west Louisiana this morning. However, these storms are mostly sub-severe at this time. The significant severe threat will come later today through early tomorrow morning.

Timing

The environment is expected to become more unstable going into late morning and early afternoon, as a strong low-level jet develops, bringing about a surge of Gulf moisture.

Figure 2. HRRR simulated radar loop for 8 AM CDT this morning to midnight CDT. Source: College of DuPage

This will allow left over activity from early this morning to re-intensify and/or new activity will develop over southeast Texas and Louisiana.

Activity should then shift into Mississippi late this afternoon/this evening (~ 2 PM – 6 PM CDT), and into Alabama and the Florida Panhandle overnight/early tomorrow morning (~ 8 PM – 12 AM CDT).

Placement

CAPE (instability) and  strong shear will favor scattered to numerous severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has maintained a level 3 (out of 5) enhanced risk zone (see figure 1).

Hazards

An intense squall line still looks likely to evolve and strengthen while racing east at some point this afternoon. Some supercells remain likely as well.

Figure 3. HRRR predicted STP values for 3 PM CDT this afternoon. Anything over 1 is considered significant. Image: Pivotal Weather

High resolution model guidance is still in agreement on high storm relative helicity (SRH) values, which will favor a tornado threat with any supercells. Additionally, guidance is in agreement on notable significant tornado parameter (STP) values (see figure 3), meaning there is potential for a strong tornado (EF-2+) or two.

The SPC has hatched a significant tornado risk area for south Mississippi, south Alabama, the western Florida Panhandle, and a portion of southeast Louisiana.

Note: There could also be embedded tornadoes within the squall line itself.

Severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph will also be likely, mainly with the squall line.

While hail is still a possibility, the risk for tornadoes and damaging winds is much greater.

Stay Weather Aware

Stay weather aware today. Monitor the weather conditions. Be sure to have a reliable way to receive watch/warning info. Know your safe place.

REMEMBER that tornado sirens are only meant to alert you if you are OUTSIDE.

Caleb Carmichael
Caleb Carmichael

Caleb is the owner of Gulf Coast Storm Center. He is currently an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University majoring in geoscience with a concentration in broadcast and operational meteorology. While not yet a meteorologist, Caleb has been providing weather updates, news, and analysis for the Gulf Coast since 2014.

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