Tornado Threat Continues Saturday
The most extensive and dangerous outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes so far this season will continue through Saturday and target populated areas of the lower Mississippi Valley.
There is an elevated risk of the type of thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes Saturday into Saturday evening.
Among the dangers is the risk that some tornadoes may be hidden by heavy rainfall or under the shroud of darkness.
The greatest risk of violent thunderstorms, capable of producing tornadoes Saturday and Saturday night, will stretch from the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama coasts northward to eastern Missouri, southern Illinois and much of Kentucky.
Major cities in this threat area include New Orleans, Jackson, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Memphis, Nashville, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and Louisville.
Talladega Superspeedway is among the locations included in this severe thunderstorm and tornado risk area through Saturday evening.
While not all of the storms will produce tornadoes, many areas could be hit by damaging wind gusts, large hail, flash flooding and frequent lightning strikes.
Some areas may be hit by more than one severe thunderstorm over a several-hour period.
People are urged to stay on top of the weather situation this weekend, as conditions could become life-threatening in their area in a matter of minutes.
Keep checking in at AccuWeather.com for updates on the severe weather situation this weekend.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 113° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 30° | Bellemont, AZ |
| Precip | 9.70" | Miami, FL |
WeatherWhys®
A large, horrific tornado struck the city of Joplin, Mo., last year on this date. The twister cut a deadly path across the south side of the city, leaving over 159 dead and at least 1,150 injured. The Joplin tornado currently ranks as the 7th deadliest tornado in U.S. history.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
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