Locally heavy showers, storms to pulse through southern US early this week
While tracking severe weather, AccuWeather Extreme Meteorologist, Reed Timmer captured this rope tornado touch down near Channing, Texas on March 22.
Showers and thunderstorms that may disrupt travel, dampen outdoor plans and become locally heavy and gusty will sweep through the southern United States early this week.
The same storm that triggered severe weather to end the weekend from Missouri to Texas will affect the Southeast into Monday night.
"Expect extensive shower and thunderstorm coverage with this storm as it moves eastward, but the threat for widespread severe weather will be low in the Southeast," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido said.
Showers and storms will slowly spread southeastward through the region.
A few of the storms can produce gusty winds in addition to torrential downpours and frequent lightning.
Rainfall may be heavy enough for low-lying and poor drainage areas to take on water.
However, any incidents of flooding are expected to be isolated given how dry the area has been recently.
Downpours and blowing spray from other vehicles can cause a sudden reduction in visibility on stretches of interstates 20, 40, 55, 59, 75, 85 and 95.
Motorists are advised to slow down to lessen the risk of hydroplaning and spinning out while traveling at highway speeds.
Since much of the region has been in a dry spell, roadways can be even more slippery at the onset of rain due to oil buildup.
Areas where umbrellas will be needed and travel slowdowns can occur include Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Atlanta; Columbia, South Carolina; and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Air travelers with departure, arrival or connection flights at Atlanta's international airport should anticipate delays.
Anyone with travel or outdoor plans across the region can download the free AccuWeather app with exclusive MinuteCast® to see exactly when rain will arrive and exit the area.
Spotty showers may linger across the southern Appalachians and along the Southeast coast on Tuesday before drier weather moves in for the middle and latter half of the week.
