Severe Thunderstorm Warning: 4-Inch Hail and Damaging Winds Expected Today in Southern U.S.

The United States has seen a recent run of severe weather, including thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. The stretch will continue on Tuesday across parts of the lower half of the country.

The latest round of forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center is calling for "several days of severe weather and heavy rainfall" over the Mid to Lower Mississippi Valleys, Mid-South, and Gulf Coast.

What to know for Tuesday

Earlier this morning, the official NWS X/Twitter account shared a graphic indicating an enhanced chance of severe weather today in areas of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri.

In addition to heavy rain, massive-sized hail and damaging winds are also expected, along with possible tornadoes.

"Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms will occur across parts of the southern Plains into the lower Mississippi/Tennessee Valleys and Southeast through this evening," the NWS tweet reads. "Very large to giant hail (2-4+ inches), swaths of severe/damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible."

Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms will occur across parts of the southern Plains into the lower Mississippi/Tennessee Valleys and Southeast through this evening. Very large to giant hail (2-4+ inches), swaths of severe/damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible.… pic.twitter.com/S9ppoUeIwf

— National Weather Service (@NWS) April 28, 2026

Major cities covered in the enhanced risk territory include Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Plano in Texas and Memphis, Tennessee. The slight risk region includes Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee and Birmingham, Alabama.

You can read the full forecast here.

What to do

If you're in one of the areas preparing for a strong thunderstorm, the American Red Cross has a series of tips to follow for when the storm hits.

They include:

• Pay attention to weather alerts and local information. Postpone outdoor activities if the forecast calls for thunderstorms.
• When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Stay inside until weather forecasts indicate it is safe to leave.
• Lightning can be dangerous even when you are inside.
  Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water. Lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• Remember, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter.
• Sheds, gazebos, dugouts, and bleachers do not protect from lightning and high winds.
• It is dangerous to take shelter under a tree as it is the leading cause of death from lightning strikes. You could also be killed or injured by strong winds blowing down trees and branches.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside.
• If you are driving and can’t get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won’t hit you.
• Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around! Don’t Drown!

You can read more at the official American Red Cross website.