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
Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

28 Sep 2026 1:20 AM
Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of

28 Sep 2026 1:20 AM
Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

A Nor'easter...in September? While most peopl

28 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

Weather Nation Correspondent Jonathan Petrama

28 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

FLASH FLOODINGIt has been a very active week

24 Sep 2026 12:10 PM
More Flooding Concerns Out East

More Flooding Concerns Out East

WHAT TO EXPECTRecord rainfall fell this weeke

22 Sep 2026 1:45 PM
Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTSevere storms developed Monday

22 Sep 2026 1:20 PM