Louisiana and the ArkLaTex region are preparing for severe weather conditions in the coming days as a volatile spring weather pattern continues to move across the area. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for northeast Texas, McCurtain County in Oklahoma, and portions of southwest Arkansas until noon. Meanwhile, a cold front will bring rain and thunderstorms through the ArkLaTex region today, with scattered severe storms likely throughout the day.
Tornado Watch in Effect for Northeast Texas, Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch for northeast Texas, McCurtain County in Oklahoma, and portions of southwest Arkansas until noon. This means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in these areas. Residents in these regions should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Scattered Severe Storms Expected Throughout the Day
The cold front moving through the ArkLaTex region today will bring with it scattered severe storms throughout the day. Thunderstorms are expected to increase between 47 a.m. across the I-30 corridor of northeast Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Warm and humid air will remain over much of northwest Louisiana this afternoon, where scattered thunderstorms will redevelop between noon and sunset. Temperatures will stay on the mild side today.
Rain Continues Thursday and Friday
The cold front is expected to stall near the Toledo Bend region of Louisiana and Texas overnight. This means that rain is likely to continue through Thursday and Friday until the system moves out of the area. The ArkLaTex region should brace itself for wet conditions over these two days.
Easter Weekend To Bring Pleasant Weather
Despite the threat of severe weather over the next few days, Easter weekend is predicted to be dry with pleasant weather conditions. South Louisiana is likely to receive at least a couple of inches of rainfall between Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The Weather Prediction Center includes a portion of Louisiana in the slight risk zone for excessive rainfall on Thursday. Rain chances will be high on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with Friday having a slightly higher chance of rain.
Tornado Watch in Brazos Valley Cancelled
In Brazos Valley, Texas, the National Weather Service has canceled all tornado watches as severe weather conditions have passed. However, it is still important to be cautious as more counties may be added to the watch throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening. The largest hazard continues to be the risk of large hail, with isolated large hail up to apple size possible. Winds could also gust up to 70 mph in some regions. Isolated tornadoes are also possible tonight.
Severe Weather Continues in Brazos Valley
The Storm Prediction Center updated its severe weather outlook, with most of the Brazos Valley now included in a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop through the afternoon hours as unstable Gulf of Mexico air rushes back into the Brazos Valley. The severe weather concerns include large hail up to golf ball size, wind gusts up to 5065mph, and rotating storms that could produce tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center is monitoring the afternoon’s potential for storm development, with a 40% chance of a watch being issued for the Brazos Valley. Stormy weather is expected to clear the Brazos Valley by sunset, ending the severe weather concerns for the day.
In conclusion, individuals living in Louisiana and ArkLaTex region are advised to stay informed about changing weather conditions over the coming days and take necessary precautions to stay safe during adverse conditions like severe thunderstorms or tornadoes.
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