The rain associated with the warm front lifting northward is now north of Interstate 20. Skies are clearing to our south, which will add more heat and instability for storms later this afternoon. Our winds will now turn southeast and bring in much warmer and more humid air.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma is looking at issuing a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch for eastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. This watch may contain Jones and Wayne County, depending on how far north they draw the watch box. A PDS Tornado Watch means strong tornadoes (tornadoes greater than EF-2) are expected.

Do not let the clear skies fool you! The storms will be coming later this afternoon. The tornado and strong wind threat is still very real, and as we head through the afternoon, it will materialize from southwest to northeast. Storms have developed back in Texas and Louisiana have been tornado warned and produced tornadoes. Strong winds have also been with these storms.

As Stephen, Jeff, and I have been saying all week, the timing for the severe weather looks to really ramp up starting around 2pm. Make sure you and your guests know your tornado safety plans and what to do in the event of a tornado. We will continue to update as the weather warrants.