Heavy, locally damaging storms to disrupt outdoor plans in southeastern US on Saturday
Locally severe thunderstorms will threaten to disrupt travel and outdoor plans in the southeastern United States during the first half of the weekend.
Very isolated tornadoes can also threaten a few communities.
A storm that battered the lower Mississippi Valley with violent weather, including tornadoes, to end the week will soak the Southeast into Saturday evening.
The greatest risk from Saturday's storms will come in the form of downpours, frequent lightning, hail and damaging wind gusts.
Some communities may experience broken tree limbs and power outages due to the strong winds. Loose outdoor items should be brought inside to prevent them from being tossed around and damaged.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on the weather conditions and head immediately indoors at the first clap of thunder or stroke of lightning.
People with travel plans from near Tampa to Jacksonville, Florida, should anticipate reduced visibility at times and a heightened risk of hydroplaning at highway speeds.
Areas farther north that will be spared from the severe weather threat will still deal with a damp and dreary start to the weekend, including the 2018 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
The whole weekend will not be a washout, however, as sunshine returns on Sunday across a majority of the Southeast.
Showers and thunderstorms will remain across the central and southern Florida Peninsula to close out the weekend and may put a damper on beach plans.
Heavy to locally severe storms may return to the South early next week, but may be confined to Florida.
"Rainfall would be beneficial to ease the ongoing drought and resultant fire danger," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
