Updated December 28, 2024 at 9:00 p.m.
An intense outbreak of tornadoes is wreaking havoc in the southern United States. A real mortal danger. Details.
Very high risk
The southern United States is being assaulted by a large system that has an impressive potential for devastating tornadoes. The states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama are particularly affected: the risk of tornadoes is very high in places.
We are talking about a 15% chance of seeing at least one tornado develop within a 40 km radius over almost the entirety of Louisiana and Mississippi. This risk decreases in the periphery, but still remains worrying.
Aggravating factor
The energy in the air will still be available during the evening as well as overnight from Saturday to Sunday and it is important to emphasize this: if a tornado occurs in the dark, it can become even more dangerous. Remember that the United States experiences tornado lightning every month of the year. However, this outbreak turns out to be particularly violent: the warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico comes together with the very close passage of a cold front. Together, these elements create the uplift necessary for the formation of these hazardous conditions.
Surprising fact: in December 2021, an unusual outbreak produced an ef-4 tornado. The monster ravaged the Mayfield area of Kentucky and became the strongest tornado for the month of December.
Quebec at the end of the race
This imposing system will continue its course all the way to Quebec. Although the risk of tornadoes is absent, its effects will still be considerable: it would leave significant amounts of rain, particularly north of the St. Lawrence River. In places, these accumulations could reach 60 mm, particularly in the Capitale-Nationale and Mauricie regions.
SEE ALSO: The calm after the storm: that’s why!
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