Update on possible Severe Weather Outbreak January 3, 2023
Written by: Candyse Arivett
Severe weather impacted Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from Monday, January 2 into Tuesday, January 3, 2023. At least one large rain-wrapped tornado hit just east of the city of Jonesboro, Louisiana causing significant damage in Jackson County, Louisiana. Another likely tornado hit the city of Jessieville, Arkansas, where at least 14 homes were damaged and several commercial buildings were also damaged. Early reports say a local high school was also hit in Jessieville, Arkansas while school was still in session. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries, and all students were accounted for. Much of the town of Jessieville is reported to be without power currently.
The threat of severe weather is not over across the South though, as the threat will continue overnight with the threat of strong to severe storms continuing as this storm system moves to the East. The greatest risk for severe weather on Tuesday will be across eastern Louisiana, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi where there is an Enhanced Risk of severe weather that was put into place by the Storm Prediction Center. The storms are capable of damaging wind of up to 70 mph, large hail, and possibly a strong tornado or two with stronger storms. The system will extend as far north as western and middle Tennessee and as far east as the Atlanta metro by the evening hours on Tuesday. Several schools in Alabama have already closed or dismissed schools early ahead of the incoming threat of severe weather.
If you are in the areas that are in this risk area, make sure you have a plan in place to get to shelter if severe weather strikes and take all tornado warnings seriously. Have at least two ways to receive severe weather watches and warnings. Make sure you have an NOAA weather radio or smartphone that can wake you up at night if there is a Tornado Warning issued for your area while you are asleep.
For more on Severe Weather Awareness and Preparation, you can check out the following posts:
Severe Weather Awareness - Tornado Safety