Severe Weather Outbreak Expected In Southern States, Officials Warn Of 'Long-Lived Tornadoes'

Severe thunderstorms are expected Tuesday in parts of the South, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. Officials said flash flooding is possible in some areas and residents should prepare for the possible appearance of "long-lived tornadoes."

"A Severe weather outbreak which could include strong and long-lived tornadoes is possible across the south tomorrow afternoon and evening," the NWS said in a tweet Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) said long-lived tornadoes typically last longer than an hour, and one such tornado is a supercell, which is considered a "highly organized storm" that could trigger the formation of "most large and violent tornadoes."

The NWS Storm Prediction Center also said some "(strong/long-track) damaging winds, and hail are all possible" in the lower Mississippi Valley region from Tuesday afternoon through the evening.

Flash flooding is possible in the lower Mississippi Valley due to severe thunderstorms, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said in its Short Range Public Discussion report published Monday.

In Louisiana, the NWS in New Orleans said flash flooding is a concern "mainly Tuesday night overnight into Wednesday morning." Officials said up to 3 inches of rainfall per hour is likely.

The NWS in Nashville, Tennessee has also warned of possible large hail and several tornadoes are possible Tuesday evening, with areas "west of I-65" possibly experiencing severe weather conditions.

Similar weather events are also expected in Alabama, according to the NWS in Huntsville.

In Georgia, where officials said "20% of the state is in a severe drought," the storm system Tuesday through Wednesday is expected to bring up to 2 inches of rain in "areas that need it most!"

Meanwhile, a High Wind Watch has already been issued in Tennessee. Officials said widespread power outages are possible in affected areas and damaging winds may down trees.

The following areas are affected by the High Wind Watch effective from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning: Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Johnson, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Southeast Monroe and Unicoi.

A Wind Advisory effective through Tuesday noon is up for Arkansas in the following areas: Washington, Madison, Carroll and Benton.

Weather officials in Louisiana have issued a Flood Warning effective through 6 p.m. Tuesday for the Calcasieu River near Salt Water Barrier.

Officials have not issued similar weather warnings in other southern states but they urged residents to keep track of possible changes in weather alerts and advisories through Wednesday.