A severe weather pattern is set to impact millions across the Plains and parts of the Deep South starting Saturday. This system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding, strong winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes.
The threat stretches from southern Texas all the way to southern Kansas.
A robust storm is predicted to move in from the Rocky Mountains by Saturday, drawing in warm air from the Gulf Coast and sparking severe thunderstorms in the afternoon.
The most significant risks seem to be wind damage and large hail; however, tornadoes can’t be ruled out, according to weather experts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a Level 2 out of 5 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting areas from the northern Big Bend of Texas to much of the Texas Panhandle, including Amarillo.
Once the Saturday storm passes, another one could follow closely behind, with severe weather likely continuing through Tuesday.
A supercell capable of producing large hail and tornadoes may start forming by Sunday afternoon.
The Level 2 threat covers south central Texas through Oklahoma and into Kansas, affecting metropolitan areas like Dallas, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Wichita.
The prediction center has noted that flash flooding risks will rise over the weekend as storms repeatedly hit the same areas.
“Drought conditions persist in parts of Texas and Oklahoma, which means several days of heavy rain could trigger flash flooding,” the forecast center commented.
A Level 1 flash flood warning is also in effect for parts of north Texas, including Dallas, southeastern Oklahoma, and western Arkansas.
On Monday, the storm system is expected to move northward, heightening the risk of severe weather from the southern Plains to the upper Midwest.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, another powerful storm system may bring even more significant impacts from the southern Plains into lower Missouri in the afternoon.
