Let The Watches Begin, Severe Threat Mainly North of NOLA...

The SPC (Storm Prediction Center) began alerting us days ago that a tornado outbreak was possible today.  They upgraded their risk level to high (Level 5) with the bullseye in Mississippi & Alabama.  Not surprisingly, that is where their 1st tornado watch covers.

They highlighted this watch with the phrase PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation, which normally is reserved for the highest/greatest threat level.   Fortunately (for now), it appears we will remain in the Level 2 area which means only an isolated severe storm might develop.

Radar views have the greatest concentration of storms from Mississippi through Alabama into Georgia & Tennessee, but we're beginning to see several lines developing across the North Shore.  If you live north of the Lake, you need to pay attention this afternoon as some warnings could be issued.  South of Lake P., the line is much weaker and we hope that continues.  Low level moisture (dew points 70+) has reached summertime levels so it won't take much to produce heavy downpours.

We will be in the warm air sector all day and the real question will be how far the cold front near Houston pushes eastward?   Hopefully it gets far enough by us to bring drier air for Friday & Saturday?

So expect more rainy periods this afternoon into tonight.  The Flash Flood Watch was canceled, but we could still see another 1-2" until the front staggers through.   A wind advisory is up so expect gusts to top 30-40 MPH.  I'll update again late this afternoon.  Stay tuned!