Severe thunderstorms possible today KTALnews.com

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Thanksgiving week will start out with a bang as strong to severe thunderstorms are possible from late this morning through the afternoon. All severe weather risks are on the table.

The risk of severe storms will be highest along and south of I-20 in east Texas and northwest Louisiana. The Storm Prediction Center expects a Level 3 “enhanced risk” for severe storms for these areas where wind and hail will be the primary threats, but the probability of tornadoes will be higher in these areas of the ArkLaTex by the afternoon. A strong tornado (EF-2+) is possible.

North of the ArkLaTex is in Level 1 and 2 “Marginal” and “Slight” risk forecasts and storms could become severe in these areas late this morning as a cold front approaches from the northwest. Storms in these areas will primarily be capable of producing large hail and damaging wind gusts, but a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.

The severe weather threat ends this evening as cool, breezy conditions arrive behind the cold front tonight.

Be sure to review your severe weather safety plan today, and know where to go if a tornado warning is issued for your location. You have multiple ways to receive warnings as well, such as by phone, TV, or weather radio. You can follow the weather condition and any watches and warnings via our weather agency application:

In addition to severe weather threats, today’s storms will see heavy rainfall, and areas exposed to the strongest storms will likely receive more than 2 inches of rain. While widespread flooding is not expected, localized flooding of roads and streams is possible in places where heavy rainfall occurs.

Our temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s this morning, but will rise to the 60s and 70s this afternoon. Tonight, active and cold northerly winds will develop behind the cold front, with cold air flowing over the region. Lows will settle into the 40s and 50s.

Don’t expect much warmth on Tuesday as highs will be in the 50s to mid 50s, with gusty north winds gusting to 20 or 25 mph keeping wind chill temperatures in the 40s. Winds should calm somewhat on Wednesday with highs remaining in the 50s

Thanksgiving will be mostly cloudy and cool with highs in the 50s. Rain is likely south of the ArkLaTex, but we may benefit from some of that rain which is why we’ve included a 20 percent chance of rain on Thanksgiving Day.

The weather will be cold and dry on Black Friday and throughout the weekend. It will be a great but storm-free weekend to put up your Christmas decorations outside.