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Unseasonable Warmth Fuels Major Storm System
8 Jan
Summary
- A major storm system is expected from Thursday through Saturday.
- Severe storms with potential tornadoes will hit the South.
- Significant snowfall is forecast for the Great Lakes and Canada.
An unusual stretch of warmth is setting the stage for a significant storm system expected to impact the eastern United States from Thursday through Saturday. This system is forecast to bring spring-like weather conditions, including thunderstorms and heavy rain, which are atypical for this time of year. Moisture streaming from the Gulf Coast will contribute to a dangerous mix of severe weather.
The risk of severe storms, with damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes, is concentrated from Oklahoma to East Texas and Southern Kentucky. This threat begins Thursday and will persist into Saturday morning. A particular concern is that many of Friday's most dangerous storms are predicted to occur after dark, increasing vulnerability for those asleep when warnings are issued.
Beyond severe weather, excessive rainfall is expected from Louisiana to West Virginia, with Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama anticipating three to five inches of rain, raising the probability of flash flooding. Contrasting this, the northern edge of the storm system will bring significant snowfall to eastern Wisconsin and northern Michigan as it collides with colder air.
