Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas Face Elevated Tornado Risk as New 0Z Models Signal Daytime Severe Weather Threat

SOUTHERN UNITED STATES — New overnight tornado forecast data from updated 0Z high-resolution models shows an increasing risk for severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes across parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Arkansas, and western Alabama as a potent storm system develops during the day Friday and into early Saturday.

The latest Nadocast tornado outlook highlights a concentrated corridor of concern along the central Gulf Coast and Lower Mississippi Valley, where atmospheric conditions appear increasingly favorable for organized severe weather.

Where the Highest Tornado Risk Is Focused

According to the 0Z Day Tornado Forecast, the highest probabilities are centered over southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana, with surrounding elevated risk extending into:

• Southern and central Mississippi
• Southeastern Louisiana
• Southern Arkansas
• Western and central Alabama

The darker shaded region on the forecast map indicates a notable increase in tornado potential, including a 10% or higher chance of stronger (EF2+) tornadoes within parts of the highlighted zone.

Why This Setup Is Concerning

Meteorologists are closely monitoring this event due to a combination of strong wind shear, increasing instability, and rich Gulf moisture, which together can support rotating thunderstorms.

Key factors include:

• Strengthening low-level winds during the day
• A developing surface boundary near the Gulf Coast
• Favorable storm timing during daylight hours
• Model agreement showing a focused severe corridor

While this is not a nationwide outbreak, the signals are strong enough to warrant heightened awareness, especially in areas repeatedly impacted by winter severe weather.

Timing: When Storms Are Most Likely

Based on the model validity window:

• Storm development may begin Friday morning
• Peak severe risk expected Friday afternoon into early evening
• Threat may linger into early Saturday in eastern areas

Residents should be prepared for fast-changing conditions, including the potential for damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and heavy downpours.

What Residents Should Do Now

Even though exact storm placement will become clearer closer to the event, officials urge residents across the risk zone to:

• Review tornado safety plans
• Ensure weather alerts are enabled overnight
• Identify safe shelter locations in advance
• Stay informed through trusted weather updates

This is especially important for mobile homes and rural communities across the Lower Mississippi Valley.

Bottom Line

The newest 0Z tornado guidance reinforces concerns for Friday severe weather across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, with localized but potentially impactful tornado risk. While not everyone will see severe storms, conditions are aligning in a way that demands close attention.

Stay weather-aware and prepared as this system evolves.

For continued updates and regional severe weather coverage, follow WaldronNews.com.