Locally heavy showers, storms to pulse through southern US early next week

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

Showers and thunderstorms that may disrupt travel, dampen outdoor plans and become locally heavy and gusty will sweep through the southern United States early next week.

The same storm that may bring a bit of snow to portions of the Northeast from Sunday night into Monday will unleash downpours farther south.

"Expect extensive shower and thunderstorm coverage with this storm as it moves eastward, but the threat for widespread severe weather will be low," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Max Vido said.

The stormy weather will first pulse through portions of eastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, Arkansas and the southern half of Missouri on Sunday afternoon and evening.

This day may bring about the greatest risk of localized severe weather, with damaging winds and hail possible in the strongest storms.

People with outdoors plans in St. Louis later on Sunday should keep a close eye out for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Showers and storms will spread southeastward through the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys and into the Southeastern states from Sunday night into Monday night.

A few of the storms can produce gusty winds in addition to torrential downpours and frequent lightning.

Rainfall may be heavy enough for low-lying and poor drainage areas to take on water.

However, any incidents of flooding are expected to be isolated given how dry the area has been recently.

Downpours and blowing spray from other vehicles can cause a sudden reduction in visibility on stretches of interstates 20, 40, 55, 59, 75, 85 and 95.

Motorists are advised to slow down to lessen the risk of hydroplaning and spinning out while traveling at highway speeds.

RELATED: 
AccuWeather 2019 US spring allergy forecast 
Why are hailstorms most common in spring? 
In case you missed it: Pence assures Midwest flood victims as damage tops $1 billion; 50,000 visitors overtake California town to see vibrant superbloom

Since much of the region has been in a dry spell, roadways can be even more slippery at the onset of rain due to oil buildup.

Areas where umbrellas will be needed and travel slowdowns can occur include Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Atlanta; Columbia, South Carolina; and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Air travelers with departure, arrival or connection flights at Atlanta's international airport should anticipate delays.

Anyone with travel or outdoor plans across the region can download the free AccuWeather app with exclusive MinuteCast® to see exactly when rain will arrive and exit the area.

Spotty showers may linger across the southern Appalachians and along the Southeast coast on Tuesday before drier weather moves in for the middle and latter half of the week.