Damaging thunderstorms to jolt Gulf Coast states this weekend

Renee Duff

16 May 2024 at 11:10 am·2-min read

AccuWeather meteorologists are tracking new episodes of severe weather that are forecast to erupt this weekend, and the central Plains will once again take center stage for damaging thunderstorms for the end of the weekend.

There will be a risk of serious, life-threatening flash flooding within the severe weather zones this weekend, which can pose an even greater threat to life and property than the dangers from hail, damaging winds and lightning strikes combined.

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The same storm was responsible for producing thunderstorms on Thursday evening, which led to four fatalities related to strong winds. In New Orleans, a wind gust of 84 mph was recorded. Hundreds of thousands of customers were still without power early Sunday morning.

Outdoor graduations, wedding ceremonies and beach plans are likely to be disrupted.

The next few days of wet weather will add to the staggering rainfall totals so far this month. In Mobile, Alabama, over 9 inches of rain had fallen as of early Sunday morning, compared to the historical average rain for the entire month of May of 5.39 inches.

"A much-needed break in the rain and severe storms looks to move into the Southern states for the first part of [this] week," Pydynowski said.

While this region catches a break, AccuWeather forecasters say that a multi-day risk of severe weather will return to the nation's midsection beginning on Sunday.

Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, Chicago and Oklahoma City are a handful of the cities that can be impacted by thunderstorms on one or more days during the first half of this week.

Tuesday could be a significant day of severe weather as the storm system intensifies and pulls warm and humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico, with AccuWeather meteorologists highlighting a zone to face a high risk for severe storms.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.

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