MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A chance of severe weather is again in the forecast for the Deep South a week after a tornado outbreak killed at least 36 people in the region.
"Numerous severe storms appear likely Sunday from east Texas to South Carolina," the National Weather Service said in an alert.
Forecasters said several strong tornadoes may occur from parts of northeastern Louisiana into central and southern Mississippi and Alabama Sunday afternoon and evening. A swath of damaging winds and a continued tornado threat will also extend across Georgia and parts of South Carolina through Sunday night.
Large hail is possible over much of the area as well, the agency said.
Locally, moderate rain showers are expected around 7 p.m. Sunday evening and will continue overnight until 9 a.m. Monday morning, according to WRCB. Though the focal area for severe weather will be well to the south of Chattanooga, counties including Chattooga, Gordon and DeKalb have a chance of seeing severe storms with high winds, possible tornado and hail. Those in Georgia and Alabama are encouraged to stay alert.
The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center currently has most of central Georgia in an "enhanced" risk for Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.The primary hazards will be tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain. Heavy rain across central Georgia could also lead to localized flooding and rapid rises in creeks and streams, according to NWS in Peachtree City.
The storm threat comes a week after Easter storms pounded the Deep South. The National Weather Service said more than 100 tornadoes struck the South on Sunday and Monday. Officials said at least 36 people were killed in the two-day outbreak of storms.
Forecasters and governors urged people to monitor the weather and take needed precautions.
"As severe weather is expected this weekend, I urge everyone to stay weather aware and get a game plan. Please continue to monitor local media outlets for weather-related information and updates and heed directions from local officials," Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a post on social media.