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A powerful storm system is moving across the Southern United States this weekend, bringing threats of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding to multiple states.
The severe weather began moving into Texas Saturday morning (February 14), with gusty winds and heavy rain expected to hit Dallas by late morning. The storm system will then track eastward, reaching Houston between 7 and 9 p.m. tonight with damaging winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Overnight, the severe weather will continue its eastward path, affecting New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, between midnight and 2 a.m. Sunday. By early Sunday morning, from 5 to 8 a.m., storms will reach Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, bringing gusty winds and heavy precipitation.
The system will then move toward Georgia and Florida by mid to late morning Sunday. While Atlanta can expect storms and heavy rain, the most severe weather with tornado threats will remain south in areas including Albany, Georgia, and parts of northern Florida including Panama City, Tallahassee, and Gainesville.
Flash flooding poses a significant risk with this weather system, as some areas could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain in a short period. The highest threat for flash flooding extends from just east of Dallas, Texas, through Little Rock, Arkansas, and into Memphis, Tennessee.
Following this system, the western United States will face its own series of powerful storms beginning Sunday afternoon. After an extended dry period, California and surrounding states will experience heavy mountain snow and coastal rain that could trigger flash flooding and debris flows, particularly from south of San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Residents throughout affected regions are urged to stay alert to changing weather conditions, monitor local forecasts, and have emergency plans in place.