Severe storms possible for this week

Weather service meteorologist Sean Clark in Little Rock says Arkansas could see 3 to 5 inches of rain, plus strong winds – and tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Forecasters at the weather service office in Birmingham noted Monday morning that strong winds will be possible ahead of the cold front on Tuesday night and Wednesday. This storm would then move through Harper County, Oklahoma, and was tracked near Fort Supply.

The potential for severe weather this week is a product of a strong jet stream and high wind shear – when winds blow in different directions at different levels of the atmosphere – meeting moist, unstable air surging in from the Gulf of Mexico. “Organized severe storms are anticipated and at this time there is an enhanced risk of severe storms Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday for most of the area”.

Severe storms are possible with this system today and Tuesday from Texas east into MS, but current indication is that the front will weaken enough to keep any storms short of severe limits here. Many weather-related deaths and injuries occur after people go to bed, so it’s important to know how to get a severe weather alert after going to bed.

A flash flood watch has been issued for 77 counties in Mississippi. There is a slight risk of tornados with these storms as well.

The storm comes shortly after five tornadoes coursed through northern Texas Monday evening, downing power lines and destroying a Halliburton oil plant, according to the National Weather Service.

The rain combined with fallen leaves could combine to produce localized flooding in a few spots.

Because of how much energy this system has with it, despite not having a lot of instability, a couple storms could strengthen to severe limits. Skies will be mostly clear with highs near 70 and lows in the upper 40s.

The storm system is expected to move out of the state by late Wednesday, with more tranquil weather expected for the west of the work week.