Update: 65 MPH Wind Gusts Bearing Down on Mississippi, Louisiana This Morning — SevereWX
An intensifying mesoscale convective system (MCS) is targeting the Gulf Coast with a ramped-up severe weather threat this morning.
The Storm Prediction Center's Mesoscale Discussion 2111 highlights a growing risk of damaging straight-line winds gusting to 60-65 mph (most probable peak 55-70 mph) across southern Mississippi, east-central and southeast Louisiana, and far southwest Alabama. This setup stems from an elongated MCS advancing from central Arkansas, where recent radar and satellite trends show deepening updrafts north of Yazoo City, MS.
Juicy boundary-layer dewpoints in the mid-to-upper 70s are fueling 3000-4000 J/kg of MUCAPE, supporting storm escalation as temperatures climb and low-level lapse rates sharpen. Enhanced northwest winds aloft, per regional wind profilers, will drive a potent cold pool capable of producing intense downdrafts.
A severe thunderstorm watch appears likely by 11 AM-12 PM CDT (16-17Z), covering the valid period through about 11:45 AM CDT. Storms should fire along and just ahead of the system's leading edge, peaking in coverage and intensity late morning into early afternoon.
Residents in the watch zone—from near Jackson, MS, southwestward through Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas into Mobile, AL—should prepare for potential power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions.
Stay prepared: Monitor local NWS updates, secure loose outdoor objects, avoid flooded roads, and have a severe weather plan ready.
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