A large and dangerous severe weather outbreak is expected Sunday across at least 11 states from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest, with tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail all possible, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
The severe weather threat stretches from eastern Texas and Louisiana through Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, Missouri, and parts of Ohio.
Forecasters say a powerful line of thunderstorms will develop and move east through the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys throughout the day and into the overnight hours.
The primary threat will be widespread damaging wind gusts, but storms may also produce tornadoes and pockets of large hail, especially within stronger storms embedded along the squall line.
Areas from Arkansas and northern Mississippi through western Tennessee and southern Illinois and Indiana face one of the higher risks for severe weather.
The Storm Prediction Center warns that a few tornadoes could become strong, particularly in storms that form ahead of the main line during the afternoon and evening.
Because storms may continue through the overnight hours, officials warn that severe weather could be difficult to see and catch people off guard while they sleep.
Residents across the region are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including weather radios and smartphone alerts, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued.
