Wow, just wow. A potent spring-like winter storm will impact over half the country over the next two days. This system has it all - severe thunderstorms, heavy snow, record warmth, and high winds. In some cases a few miles will separate snow and severe storms.
An upper-level low is positioned over north Texas today. This set up has helped to fuel a severe outbreak across the Southern Plains. Arklatex will be at the greatest risk through the night. Tornado watches have been hoisted for eastern Texas and Oklahoma, northwestern Arkansas, and southwestern Missouri. Along with isolated tornadoes, damaging winds are possible with thunderstorms.
The severe threat will shift into the Deep South and Tennessee valleys. A strong upper-level jet will meet up with a moisture-laden southerly flow. The surface low moves out of the Texas panhandle and will race toward the Ohio Valley. The combination will renew chances for severe weather with an increased wind threat and isolated tornadoes. The Deep South can expect numerous severe thunderstorms.
The severe potential will clip southern Kentucky. A few lines of wind-driven storms will pass through the Commonwealth beginning late Saturday morning. Futuretrack has locked in on the threat that will linger through the early evening. Damaging winds will be the primary threat. The wind will pick up as the low-level jet screams through the region tomorrow. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible outside of thunderstorms. The storms that develop will be able to focus the wind and could result in damage and power outages. Activity will weaken as it moves eastward through the evening. However, heavy rain will continue as the line of storms weakens.
