Big Storms to March toward Northwestern Gulf Coast
The same storm that is spreading heavy snow from the Rockies into the Plains will also trigger locally damaging storms on its southeastern flank into the weekend.
The main threats with the storms include blinding downpours, locally damaging wind gusts over 50 mph, and large hail. While a widespread tornado outbreak is not expected, there is some risk for a few isolated tornadoes.
Sporadic power outages can occur where winds blow hard enough to down large tree branches and power lines. Roof damage may also occur in some areas.
Sudden downpours will slow travel along portions of the heavily traveled I-10 and I-20 corridors. The heaviest storms can also trigger localized flash flooding.
Late this afternoon and tonight, the threat for storms will focus from eastern Oklahoma to northern Texas. Dallas will lie in the path of storms.
The threat for storms will increase by Saturday afternoon over an area spanning central Arkansas to the coast of Texas and western Louisiana. Houston, Galveston and Shreveport are some of the cities at risk.
Storms will concentrate over the central Gulf Coast Saturday night, threatening places like New Orleans and Mobile, Ala.
The conditions for severe weather may diminish by Sunday over the southern Atlantic Seaboard.
More Weather News
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In Charlottetown, P.E.I., the storm unloaded 42 cm (17 inches) of snow, 32 cm of it within six hours.
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Child Rescued from Avalanche in Kosovo
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The child is reported to be recovering at a hospital in the nearby town of Prizren.
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Giovanna Winds Up, Sets Aim on Madagascar
Feb 12, 2012; 4:11 PM ET
For Madagascar, there can be no escaping the imminent threat of a large Tropical Cyclone.
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Deep Alaskan Freeze Gives Way to Mild February
Feb 12, 2012; 4:04 PM ET
Winter has been nothing less than a roller-coaster ride for residents of Alaska.
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Time-Lapse Video of Snowfall on a Connecticut Golf Course
Feb 12, 2012; 4:00 PM ET
Golfers miss the snowfall on Feb. 11, 2012, that coated the ground of the Oak Hills Golf Course in Norwalk, Conn.
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Amazing International Snowfall Pictures and Videos
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AccuWeather Facebook fans share their pictures and video of the snowfall from Bosnia, England and Italy.
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No Explanation for Pennsylvania's Purple Squirrel
Feb 12, 2012; 3:46 PM ET
The third purple squirrel ever found was released back into the forest on Tuesday.
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Cozy Up to Your Valentine as Arctic Air Plunges into the US
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High Hopes for First Dutch Skating Marathon in 15 Years
Feb 12, 2012; 9:46 AM ET
"If they don't do it this year, who knows when it could happen again."
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Inside Slider to Bring Rain, Mountain Snow to California
Feb 12, 2012; 7:11 AM ET
A storm system called an "inside slider" will deliver some more rain and snow to the Northwest and California early this week.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 82° | Gila Bend, AZ |
| Low | -13° | Clayton Lake, ME |
| Precip | 1.24" | Spanish Fork, UT |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
Gulf Coast 1 (899)
ry cold morning along Gulf Coast; New Orleans 6.8 deg.; Mobile -1 deg.; Pensacola 7 deg.; Tallahassee -2 deg (All time record for Florida. Brownsville 12 deg. (all time low).
North Dakota 1 (936)
this date the mercury plummeted to -60 deg. at Parshall, ND - the coldest temperature ever for the State of ND. Later the same year, the mercury soared to 121 deg. at Steele, ND - the hottest temperature ever for the state of ND.
Rough Weather
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