Weather Twitter is abuzz with storm warnings.
That’s because some of the most dangerous weather possible — severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks — is brewing in the South, and will peak Wednesday night in Mississippi and Alabama (though Southern areas in the surrounding region are certainly at risk too). Dangerous storm threats will continue on Thursday, particularly in the Carolinas and Georgia.
“Today (March 17) and tomorrow (March 18) will be extremely challenging days for U.S. severe thunderstorms,” tweeted meteorologist Steve Bowen. “Please be mindful & alert to any warnings issued for your area. Strong (long-tracked) tornadoes, large hail, & damaging non-tornadic winds all expected.”
It’s extreme. The National Weather Service predicts high tornado risks on Wednesday in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Georgia. The highest risks are in regions of Mississippi and Alabama.
“This is a dangerous severe weather event unfolding,” tweeted Taylor Trogdon, a scientist at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, an organization that researches weather and climate.
“This is a dangerous severe weather event unfolding.”
Severe thunderstorms called “supercells,” the type that can spawn tornadoes, can form when opposing masses of air clash in the atmosphere. In this case, cold air traveling east across the U.S. has collided with warmer, moist air moving north. This creates atmospheric instability and chaos. Strong winds blow from different directions at different heights, setting the stage for storms to form, and for some to start spinning (as air continually rises and falls in a powerful, towering storm, air currents can start spinning in the supercell, potentially leading to a tornado).
Here’s what weather experts are saying:
Only a handful of 45% tornado risks have ever been issued, making up outlooks on 4/7/2006, 4/27/2011, 5/24/2011, 4/14/2012, 5/20/2019, and now 3/17/2021. A terrifying situation.
— Jacob Feuerstein (@Jacob_Feuer) March 17, 2021
A rare 45% tornado risk has been issued for portions of MS and AL. This represents a 45% probability of a tornado within 25 miles of any point in the highlighted area.
Stay safe if you live in the affected states and follow all NWS & emergency alerts! pic.twitter.com/q8FJEWlUyy
— Tomer Burg (@burgwx) March 17, 2021
The @NWSSPC has added a rare 45% contour for tornadoes across E MS/W AL. This is a dangerous severe weather event unfolding.
From their discussion: “A significant tornado outbreak is expected with numerous strong and a few long-track, potentially violent tornadoes.” pic.twitter.com/SSeQPhX7vi
— Taylor Trogdon (@TTrogdon) March 17, 2021
What most concerns a meteorologist or emergency manager? The risk of overnight disasters. A tornado. A wildfire. An earthquake. An event when people are sleeping and not aware of the risk.
Best thing to do? Be prepared: NOAA Weather Radio. Phone Alerts.https://t.co/mUPQ3FMd51
— Steve Bowen (@SteveBowenWx) March 16, 2021
What bothers me most about the upcoming Southeast severe weather event… Poverty*. Mix this with an overnight event. It’s a recipe for fatalities.
*Poverty is the leading cause of vulnerability. It determines who has the ability to absorb impacts. It reduces adaptive capacity. pic.twitter.com/BsgaELRs1t
— Stephen M. Strader (@StephenMStrader) March 16, 2021
Keep a close eye on this warm front as we go through the afternoon. I’m worried about significant tornadoes this afternoon/evening in the magenta, but especially in the red shading. pic.twitter.com/OHjruMDa4x
— Victo☈ Gensini (@gensiniwx) March 17, 2021
Anyone in this stormy region should heed the warnings of both the National Weather Service (NWS) and their local NWS offices.
