Severe Weather?
Well, the weather system we have been watching take shape the last few days is now in full force over the TX/OK/CO area. This vigourous weather-maker has brought blizzards to Colorado and tornadoes to the southeastern portion of Texas. As of right now, there have been 15 confirmed tornadoes along with several reports of golf-ball sized hail.
Obviously this system is not one to disregard, but for our area tomorrow the severe threat seems to look minimal at this point. There WILL be very gusty winds, possibly gusts of 30-35 mph and also very heavy rainfall. I do expect the NWS to issue Flash Flood Watches for our area as we go through the day tomorrow.
As far as the threat for damaging tornadoes.....personally I do not see a tornado outbreak for our area like we saw today in Texas. Instability is going to be much lower across the South tomorrow, primarily because there should be a fair amount of clouds throughout the day. Although, i can't completley rule out anything given what we have seen today. There is definately good directional shear in all levels of the atmosphere (good turning of the winds with height).
The main threat will be very gusty winds and very heavy rainfall. So, please take care on the roads if you are traveling this weekend for the New Year!!
Busy Weather Week
* We have a lot of weather on our plate through this week, so we'll get right to it:
* COLD: The first part of the week has certainly offered some chilly weather. Morning lows Wednesday fell into the middle 20's in most communities. Christmas Day was also quite chilly; temperatures struggled to reach the middle 40's.
* WARM and WET: That's what's on the way. The warmer temps arrive tomorrow, as we rise into the middle 60's. The rain will begin as early as late Friday night and especially into the day on Saturday. Thunderstorms could be strong, and the rain could be heavy at times. Lauren will keep a close eye on things...
* COOLER (Again): Some cooler temperatures will arrive in time for the new year. Monday and Tuesday will see temperatures reaching the middle 50's with cold mornings.
* Enjoy what's left of 2006...Seems like each year passes a little faster than the previous year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year's holiday!
Too Warm for Snow?
I know all of us have been dreaming of a white Christmas, but it doesn't look like we will be getting that this year.
There have been numerous discussions throughout the week as to whether or not it will be cold enough for this storm system to actually produce some snow in our area. As of right now, all model data are keeping precip in liquid form due to above freezing lows Monday night.
Now, a wintry mix is definately not out of the question for places in northern Mississippi as cold air will be moving into the area behind this weather system. A mix of precip may even be found as south as the 82 corridor, but we shouldn't see any in our viewing area. In fact, IF flurries or a mix do occurr, it will be in the middle of the night to where no one will be awake to see it anyway!
I hope everyone has a wonderful and very merry Christmas!!!!
Lauren
