Updated Jan. 1, 2020 3:05 PM
The first major storm of the new year will threaten the Southern states with heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms that could spawn tornadoes.
AccuWeather meteorologists say the risk of flooding and damaging thunderstorms will be greatest on Thursday as some people return to work and school following the New Year's holiday.
"A surge of very mild, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico will clash with a strengthening cold front in southern portions of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to produce potentially severe thunderstorms on Thursday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski said.
Residents from New Orleans to Jackson, Mississippi, and Mobile , Alabama, are urged to keep tabs on the weather situation throughout the day and make sure they know where to seek shelter should a thunderstorm threaten.
"These storms are expected to bring with them flooding downpours, damaging winds and the potential for isolated tornadoes as well," AccuWeather Meteorologist Max Gawryla said.
Straight-line wind gusts to an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 70 mph can snap trees limbs, down power lines and leave some communities without power for a time.
The severe threat may be subdued should clouds and steady rain move into the areas at risk faster than currently anticipated.
Regardless of the severity of the storms, heavy rain can lead to flash flooding from Louisiana to Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Portions of the Tennessee Valley are just recovering from flooding this past weekend.
"With forecasted rain amounts of over 4 inches locally, flash flooding is a major concern," Gawryla said.
Downpours will lead to ponding of water and poor visibility along stretches of interstates 10, 20, 40, 55, 59 and 65. Motorists should make sure to keep a close eye out for high water on the roadways, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
As the storm system's reach expands into the Midwest and Northeast on Friday, rain and thunderstorms will continue to march eastward across the South.
The risk of severe weather is expected to be less across the Southeast at the end of the week, but a few gusty thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, especially along the upper Gulf Coast. A brief spin-up tornado or waterspout can occur.
Soaking downpours are likely to be the main concern for travelers across the region. Rain and a low cloud ceiling can make for a miserable day for airline passengers in Atlanta on Friday.
By Saturday morning, the heaviest rain is likely to reach the southern Atlantic Seaboard.
Gusty winds will usher in much colder air in the wake of the storm. The air may turn cold quickly enough for the tail end of the storm to end as some snow in portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and the southern Appalachians.
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