Severe storm to unleash rain, hail and tornadoes across Gulf Coast: weather forecast

Attendees of the Taste of Mississippi event wait in line in the rain in Jackson, Miss., on April 8, 2024.

A powerful storm system is forecast to continue unleashing a barrage of severe weather conditions across the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, knocking out power, disrupting travel and closing schools.

Meteorologists warned of possible winds exceeding 75 mph, damaging hail and tornadoes throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms could dump around 2 to 4 inches of rain over much of the same area, and up through southwestern Georgia.

“Ensure you know where you would take shelter no matter where your day takes you,” the weather service said.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Several school districts in Louisiana and Mississippi are holding classes virtually or canceling sessions altogether due to the storm.

More than 129,000 homes and businesses were without power Wednesday morning across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to a USA TODAY’s database. By Tuesday night, over 40 flights out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport were canceled and about 440 were delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.

The storm began on Monday, and led Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to deploy emergency response resources to areas of the state badly impacted by the severe weather conditions. On Tuesday, the governor said he had deployed additional resources throughout the state in preparation for Wednesday’s storm conditions.

The intense weather system arrived on Monday as people flocked to parts of Texas to watch the full solar eclipse. Out of caution, organizers of the large Texas Eclipse Festival ended the celebration early, citing the threatening forecast.

Louisiana weather map

Storm heads to Midwest, East Coast

The system will arrive in the Midwest, Ohio Valley and the East Coast by Thursday.

The Carolinas, northern Florida and the Mid-Atlantic will see the greatest threat of damaging wind gusts, the service said. Heavy rain and potential scattered flash flooding may occur from the southern/central Appalachians to the northern Mid-Atlantic.

The East Coast could see a combination of gusty winds and coastal hazards from the southeast to the Mid-Atlantic, according to the service.

US weather watches and warnings

National weather radar

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Severe storm to unleash rain, hail and tornadoes across Gulf Coast: weather forecast