Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas Face Day 2 Severe Weather Threat as SPC Issues Slight Risk for Strong Storms
LOUISIANA — Portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast region are under an increased severe weather concern as the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Day 2 Slight Risk for strong to potentially severe thunderstorms. The threat is expected to develop as a dynamic weather system moves eastward late Friday into early Saturday.
SPC Issues Day 2 Slight Risk for the Lower Mississippi Valley
According to the latest SPC outlook, much of Louisiana and Mississippi are included in the Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) area, with surrounding regions of southeastern Arkansas and western to northern Alabama placed under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5).
The highlighted risk zone suggests a higher likelihood of organized thunderstorms, some of which could become severe depending on how atmospheric conditions evolve.
Primary Severe Weather Threats
Forecasters indicate that storms developing within the Slight Risk zone may be capable of producing:
- Damaging straight-line winds
- Isolated tornadoes
- Large hail, though this is considered a secondary threat
The greatest concern appears to be strong wind gusts, especially with any storms that form along or ahead of advancing cold fronts and upper-level disturbances.
Timing: When Storms Are Most Likely
The severe weather threat is expected to increase:
- Late Friday afternoon into Friday night
- Continuing into the early hours of Saturday morning
Storms may initially develop as discrete cells before evolving into clusters or lines, which could enhance the wind threat across parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Why This Setup Is Concerning
Meteorologists are monitoring a combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico interacting with stronger winds aloft, creating an environment favorable for rotating storms. While not everyone in the outlook area will experience severe weather, conditions are supportive enough to warrant close attention.
Even areas outside the Slight Risk zone — including parts of Arkansas and Alabama — could still see isolated strong storms, especially if storms become more organized than currently anticipated.
What Residents Should Do Now
- Stay updated on local weather forecasts
- Review your severe weather safety plan
- Be prepared to receive weather warnings overnight, when storms can be harder to detect
This setup does not guarantee widespread severe weather, but it does increase the odds of impactful storms across the region.
Severe weather patterns can change quickly, especially within 24–48 hours. Stay tuned for updates as meteorologists refine the forecast and new data becomes available. For continued weather coverage and regional updates, keep following WaldronNews.com.