ATLANTA (AP) – Though the sun is shining now, forecasters say storms could produce tornadoes in several states across the South and flooding in Mississippi, where up to 5 inches of rain could fall.
The national Storm Prediction Center says nearly 60 million people in several states – including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi – will be at risk for severe storms Wednesday into Thursday.
In the Chattanooga area, a storm system will move across the Tennessee Valley on Wednesday, bringing strong and gusty winds, with “moist and unstable” air ahead of the system, according to storm watchers.
Widespread showers with heavy rain are possible on Thursday along with possible flooding, the National Weather Service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
A few “strong to severe” storms can’t be ruled out for Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said.
“Still a lot of questions with this system,” forecasters wrote in their outlook.
In Mississippi, forecasters say multiple rounds of storms could drop 3-5 inches of rain, with even higher amounts in some spots.
In Alabama, forecasters say hail to the size of quarters will be possible in parts of the state, including Birmingham. Rain totals between 2 to 3 inches are being forecast for northern Alabama.
Forecasters say many large cities will be at risk, including Dallas, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and New Orleans.