Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Millions Across the U.S.

A dangerous multi-day severe weather outbreak is unfolding across large portions of the United States, threatening millions from Texas to the Gulf Coast, and New York to Florida. The National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC) have issued tornado watches, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood alerts as of Tuesday morning.

Quick Overview:

  • Tornadoes possible: Especially in eastern Texas and western Louisiana

  • Flood risk: Significant across the Mississippi Valley and Gulf states

  • Damaging winds and hail: Expected across central U.S. into the Northeast

  • Travel disruptions: Likely at major airports in Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Miami

Severe Weather Could Pack Tornadoes
Severe Weather Could Pack Tornadoes

South-Central U.S.: Tornado Risk and Flooding Emergency

The highest threat level today is across eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and southern Mississippi, where a Level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk is active.

Tornado Watches in Effect:

  • Central and southeast Texas (including Houston, Austin, College Station): until 4 p.m. CDT

  • Eastern Texas and western Louisiana (including Shreveport, Lake Charles): until 9 p.m. CDT

Meteorologists are warning of long-track tornadoes, potentially EF2+ intensity, especially within the red-shaded risk zones. Supercell thunderstorms capable of large hail (up to 2.5 inches in diameter) and wind gusts up to 80 mph are forming along a warm front draped from central Texas into western Louisiana.

Flash Flood Alerts:

  • Rainfall totals of 6–10 inches, locally higher, are forecast from Houston to Baton Rouge

  • Cities like New Orleans, Biloxi, and Jackson, MS are at high risk of flash flooding due to training thunderstorms

  • Urban and low-lying areas are especially vulnerable

Coastal Alerts:

  • Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories in effect for Galveston Bay and coastal Louisiana

  • Dangerous rip currents expected along the Gulf Coast

Northeast U.S.: Flooding Threat as Storms Intensify

The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast face localized severe storms and flash flooding through Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Areas Under Flood Watch:

  • New York City, Philadelphia, Trenton, Scranton

  • Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England

A stalled low-pressure system combined with Atlantic moisture is causing persistent downpours. Flash flooding is most likely where rainfall totals exceed 2 to 4 inches in a short time, particularly in urban areas and near creeks and rivers.

Impacted Rivers:

  • Esopus Creek, Housatonic River, and Passaic River could reach minor to moderate flood stage

  • Flooding may lead to road closures, basement flooding, and transit disruptions in cities and suburbs

Southeast U.S. & Florida: Daily Storms with Isolated Severe Threats

The Florida Peninsula, as well as parts of southern Alabama and Georgia, are experiencing a surge of tropical moisture that will trigger daily rounds of thunderstorms through midweek.

Storm Hazards:

  • Localized hail, gusty winds up to 60 mph

  • Torrential downpours may cause street flooding in urban areas like Tampa, Orlando, Miami

  • Flight delays likely at Miami International, Orlando International, and Tampa International Airport

Even non-severe storms could lead to air traffic control ground stops, especially during peak travel hours.

Forecast Through Midweek

Region Primary Threats Peak Timing Cities Most At Risk
South-Central U.S. Tornadoes, flash floods, hail Tuesday afternoon – night Houston, Austin, Shreveport, Baton Rouge
Northeast U.S. Flash floods, isolated tornadoes Tuesday evening – Wednesday NYC, Philadelphia, Albany, Trenton
Southeast/Florida Heavy rain, gusty winds, air travel delays Daily, esp. afternoons Miami, Orlando, Mobile, Pensacola

Safety Recommendations

“Turn around, don’t drown” — NWS reminder on flood safety.

  • Stay informed: Use NOAA Weather Radio or mobile alerts

  • Prepare for outages: Charge electronics, keep flashlights and food stocked

  • Avoid driving through water: Just 6 inches of moving water can sweep a car away

  • Secure outdoor items: Patio furniture, grills, trash bins should be anchored or stored

  • Review tornado shelter plans: Identify interior rooms or storm shelters

How to Stay Updated

Follow real-time updates from:

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