The fall severe weather season is underway, with AccuWeather expert meteorologists forecasting a risk for severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging wind gusts across parts of 22 states through Sunday. The threat spans the central United States and the Rockies before shifting to the Southeast.
The current forecast indicates a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms on Saturday, with the potential for isolated tornadoes in parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Localized damaging wind gusts of 60–70 mph are possible, impacting major metropolitan areas including St. Louis, Memphis, and Little Rock.
This “second severe weather season” often occurs when warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico clashes with colder air surging in from the north, creating atmospheric conditions similar to those seen during the primary severe weather season in spring.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter stressed the need for preparedness, especially with the risk of storms hitting over the weekend.
“Everyone in these areas should prepare for the return of severe weather this fall. Make sure everyone in your family and workplace knows what to do and where to go if a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued,” Porter advised. He urged residents to ensure storm shelters are stocked with emergency supplies, including water, snacks, flashlights, and charged cell phones with notifications enabled.
Forecasters note that weather patterns conducive to severe weather unfold in the autumn as the jet stream dips farther south, causing late-summer warmth to clash with incoming chillier air.
AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok explained that while tornadoes can occur, “Damaging wind gusts and straight-line winds are often the most widespread concern during the second severe weather season.” Late-fall severe weather typically impacts the Gulf Coast and Southeast.
The secondary season can linger through late November. Historical data from AccuWeather experts highlights the significance of this period, with major severe weather outbreaks having occurred in November in years such as 1989, 2005, and 2015, spawning hundreds of tornadoes across the country.
READ: Powering Through Peril In Florida: Essential Generator Safety As Hurricane Season Looms
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