Isolated Severe Storms Thursday in the Deep South

news image
Top Stories
20 May 2021 3:30 PM
Isolated severe storms including a few brief spin-up tornadoes are possible today in Louisiana, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. This comes along with some small-scale low pressure systems and favorable low level wind change with height.

Severe Outlook

A marginal risk (category 1 out of 5) is in effect denoting the potential for isolated severe storms. Wind gusts of 30-40 mph are possible along with a brief spin-up tornado. Heavy rainn will be ongoing as humid air from the Gulf of Mexico streams north. Brief spin-ups are the primary threat today during the afternoon and early evening.

Forecast

Heavy rain will be ongoing through the morning and early afternoon.  By mid-afternoon though as temperatures start to heat up, iolated storms will be able to form from east Texas into Louisiana and Oklahoma. Without much steering in the upper atmosphere, rain and storms will move from south to north and train over much of the same areas through the afternoon and early evening. This means multiple rounds of storms are possible especially along the I-49 corridor in Louisiana. Spin-up tornadoes will be the primary threat, but a few strong wind gusts are possible too. The intensity of storms will diminish overnight, but there's enough energy and moisture to keep heavy rain and a few thunderstorms around. While most storms will remain weak, a brief spin-up will be possible overnight. This will mainly be in central Louisiana and Arkansas.  Waterspouts forming in the Gulf may try to move on shore in Louisiana. We will continue to keep an eye on these storms, we're always streaming 24/7 on WeatherNation to keep you safe when a severe storm hits.
All Weather News
More
Record Heat Spreads into the Plains

Record Heat Spreads into the Plains

A ridge of high pressure that brought record

14 Nov 2025 3:35 AM
Weekend System Brings Snow & Ice In Northeast

Weekend System Brings Snow & Ice In Northeast

Low pressure will track through the Northeast

14 Nov 2025 3:25 AM
Solar Storm Visible as far south as The South - Another Round Arrives Tonight

Solar Storm Visible as far south as The South - Another Round Arrives Tonight

The Northern Lights (Auroras—commonly seen ne

13 Nov 2025 2:45 AM
Last Morning of Record Cold - Digging Out the Rest of the Week

Last Morning of Record Cold - Digging Out the Rest of the Week

The season’s first Arctic blast surged into t

12 Nov 2025 7:30 PM
Lake Effect Snow Wraps Up Today

Lake Effect Snow Wraps Up Today

The lake effect snow season has arrived, with

11 Nov 2025 5:05 PM
Severe Threat Ending With Florida

Severe Threat Ending With Florida

The much-anticipated cold front that will sla

10 Nov 2025 12:50 AM
Midwest Clipper Brings Light Snow, Gusty Winds

Midwest Clipper Brings Light Snow, Gusty Winds

A system has been bringing snow across the Pl

8 Nov 2025 11:05 PM