A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat will affect most of Southside on Sunday, with forecasters warning that damaging winds, heavy rain and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Overview of the threat
Forecaster Derrah Getter's First Warning Forecast says scattered showers and thunderstorms will increase during Sunday evening, elevating the risk for severe conditions. The region will see a mix of sun and clouds in the morning with hotter temperatures through the day. Storms are expected to fade early Monday morning, but unsettled weather with frequent rain chances will persist into the coming week.
"A level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat is in effect for most of Southside on Sunday. Damaging winds, flash flooding and an isolated tornado can't be ruled out."
What to expect through the period
The forecast detail supplied by the First Warning team includes:
- Saturday night: partly to mostly cloudy skies with isolated showers and storms lingering; overnight lows in the low 70s.
- Sunday: morning sun and clouds with highs into the mid to upper 80s; scattered showers and storms increase in the evening and carry the severe threat.
- Early Monday: storms should weaken and exit the area; temperatures are then expected to climb into the low to mid 90s early next week.
Hazards and impacts
The main hazards called out are:
- Damaging wind: Strong straight-line winds associated with storms could down trees and power lines and damage structures.
- Flash flooding: Heavy rain in a short period may lead to localized flash flooding, reducing visibility and making roads hazardous.
- Isolated tornado: While less likely than the other threats, an isolated tornado cannot be excluded.
These combined hazards can produce dangerous travel conditions, power outages and property damage. Residents in the affected area should prepare for rapidly changing conditions in the evening hours on Sunday.
Timing and short-term outlook
Scattered storms are expected to intensify during Sunday evening. The severe threat is timed to the increase and evening onset of showers and thunderstorms; the active period should diminish by early Monday morning. Forecasters note that after the storm window, the region will trend hotter with repeated chances for rain through the week.
| Period | Conditions | Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday night | Partly–mostly cloudy, isolated showers/storms | Low 70s |
| Sunday | Mix of sun/clouds; storms increase in evening | Mid–upper 80s |
| Early next week | Storms fade early Monday; unsettled with daily rain chances | Low–mid 90s by early next week |
Preparedness advice
Given the combination of hazards, residents and travellers should take common-sense precautions:
- Monitor local forecasts and watches/warnings from official sources through Sunday evening.
- Secure loose outdoor items and be ready to move vehicles away from trees or low-lying flood-prone areas.
- Avoid flooded roads and stay indoors during severe thunderstorm warnings.
For continuous updates, the First Warning team offers radar and social channels with near-real-time information. The forecast emphasises that while widespread severe weather is not certain, the combination of damaging wind, heavy rainfall and the small chance of an isolated tornado warrants attention and preparedness this Sunday evening.
Forecaster source: Derrah Getter, First Warning Forecast.
