Severe Weather in January? (Photo Credit: NOAA Storm Prediction Center)

Even though severe weather season is not officially here yet, there is a slight chance people in eastern Texas, northwestern Louisiana, southwest Arkansas, and southeast Oklahoma could see severe weather this evening. Due to surface dew points being in the high 60's, and a low level convergence intensifying along the dry line, storms could erupt during the evening hours of 21 January 2018. Strengthening low level and deep layer shear will be favorable for updraft rotation. Damaging winds are the main threat, but a tornado cannot be ruled out. These conditions may start as semi-discrete cells, then transitioning to quasi-linear mode.the severe threat should diminish in the early hours in the Mississippi Valley. The damaging winds, however, can can persist through the morning. 

This is the same system that will bring rain to the East Coast states. Some areas can even see a stray thunderstorm. Ensure you have supplies to last you a couple of days in the event the power goes out in your home. Also ensure that your family knows what to do and where to go in case a tornado is threatening your area. 

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ⓒ 2017 Meteorologist Brandie Cantrell