TYLER, Texas — The first severe weather setup for the month of May is on schedule for Thursday, May 5, as a strong, upper-level system sinks into the region.
An area of low pressure will drag a springtime cool front into East Texas. With most severe weather setups, the dueling warm and cool air masses will allow for an explosive environment perfect for storm development.
Air ahead of the front will be warm and muggy with morning dewpoints in the lower 70s. This will provide the moisture-rich buoyant air needed for parcels to rise. On the other side of the front, drier and more arid air will push in, adding an extra level of lift.
Models show ambitious storms entering the region through our far western counties early Thursday afternoon, likely before noon, leading to the development of a squall line. The storm will become better organized moving eastward throughout the peak afternoon heating hours and into the early evening as it advances into the southeast counties.
All modes of severe weather will be possible with this storm system including gusty, damaging winds up to 70 mph or greater; hail that is quarter-sized or larger; a spin-up or tornado out of supercells that may form; and between two to three inches of rain or higher in localized spots, that could potentially lead to minor flooding issues.
Straight-lined winds can be just as damaging as tornadic storms. Check around your property and note any large trees that could fall during the storm. Be sure to have a plan for shelter in case a tornado warning is issued.
For those that live in a mobile or manufactured home, seek shelter elsewhere until the event is over. Do not wait for a warning to be issued if you live in a mobile or manufactured home.
Make sure to download the CBS19 app so you can get severe weather alerts as they are issued. You should always have more than one way to receive severe weather information!
