The start of meteorological spring is bringing a serious severe weather threat across multiple southern states on Thursday and Friday, March 2-3.[0] The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a Moderate Risk (Level 4 out of 5) of severe storms in eastern Texas, northern Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas, and southeastern Oklahoma. This includes the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana.[1] Storms could bring damaging winds up to 80 mph, several tornadoes, and scattered large hail up to the size of a baseball.[2]

Hail, reportedly the size of softballs, fell from the sky and destroyed roofs of mobile homes and truck windshields during a severe storm in Dilley, Texas, on Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.[3] Near Shottsville, Alabama, a tornado was reported to have knocked down trees, resulting in a few roads being blocked off and impassable.[4]

The storms will move eastward, likely impacting areas north of I-30 in SE Oklahoma and SW Arkansas first with severe weather possible by 5pm.[5] Damaging wind, tornadoes, and large hail will be possible with the strongest storms. There is a potential for a powerful tornado

On Thursday, the danger of flash flooding will increase dramatically. Certain regions in the South will experience several rain showers up until Friday.[4] It is anticipated that there will be gusty winds following the passage of the front, and these winds will not be connected to any thunderstorms[6] Friday's winds are expected to be between 15-25 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph or higher. These winds alone could cause isolated downed trees and power outages.

Winds are expected to be high on Friday, with temperatures reaching mid-60s in the afternoon.[5] The weather forecast for the weekend is sunny and tranquil, with temperatures expected to be close to 70 degrees.[7] A Wind Advisory is in effect until Friday.[8] Winds will be sustained at speeds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph. The gusty winds coupled with the oversaturated ground could cause trees to topple, resulting in power outages.

The NWS is warning mobile and manufactured home residents to identify where they will evacuate before storms with tornadoes possible hit tomorrow.[9] Tornadoes pose a threat to those living in mobile homes.[9]

Stay up to date with the latest weather information and stay safe.[10]

0. "More heavy-duty storms headed for Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley" Yale Climate Connections, 1 Mar. 2023, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/03/more-heavy-duty-storms-headed-for-southern-plains-mississippi-valley

1. "Powerful storm set to deliver threat of tornadoes and damaging winds to the South as snow continues in the West" erienewsnow.com, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/48483623/strong-tornadoes-and-baseball-sized-hail-could-strike-texas-and-oklahoma-today-as-storms-pummel-the-south

2. "Millions face threat of severe weather in southern US" The Hill, 2 Mar. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3880714-millions-at-threat-of-severe-weather-in-southern-us/

3. "Watches Issued: Severe Weather Outbreak Likely To Hit South With Strong Tornadoes Possible" The Weather Channel, 2 Mar. 2023, https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/2023-03-02-severe-weather-outbreak-forecast-tornado-damaging-winds-south

4. "Tornadoes, hail spotted in Texas as powerful storm system marches east" Fox Weather, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/tracking-march-severe-weather-threat

5. "First Alert Weather Day: Severe weather expected by this evening" KSLA, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.ksla.com/2023/03/02/first-alert-weather-day-severe-weather-expected-by-this-evening/

6. "Timeline | Strong storms possible for Friday afternoon" 11Alive.com WXIA, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.11alive.com/article/weather/timeline-severe-storms-possible-north-georgia-metro-atlanta-march/85-6c23cda4-4f42-4043-9112-c9e191ee4c01

7. "Severe weather outlook for South Carolina for Friday afternoon" WYFF4 Greenville, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-severe-weather-threat-march/43157082

8. "Heavy rain, strong winds and storms return, stay weather aware" WSIL TV, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.wsiltv.com/news/heavy-rain-strong-winds-and-storms-return-stay-weather-aware/article_f8b37f0e-b940-11ed-9e0f-334347fc24aa.html

9. "LIVE BLOG: Large portion of East Texas under 'Tornado Watch' until 10 p.m." CBS19.tv KYTX, 28 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/severe-weather-expected-across-east-texas/501-dea37aa5-c740-4fb6-a3e6-b2cfa91ef950

10. "LIVE BLOG: Severe thunderstorms hit Central Texas Thursday" KXAN.com, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.kxan.com/news/live-blog-severe-thunderstorms-hit-central-texas-thursday/