After a wild Christmas week with the coldest air in 33 years and so far this winter season over the majority of the nation, we switch the pattern towards wet/mild.
Starting late this week and continuing through the first 2 weeks of January, we will see multiple heavy rain/flash flood and severe weather threats. Total rainfall amounts through next Tuesday are in the 2 to 4 inch range across Northwest MS with amounts up to 5 inches back in Arkansas.
The first storm system is expected to move through late Thursday through Saturday. For now, the greatest risk of strong to severe storms would be found across South-Central MS and along the Gulf Coast. Primary threats: damaging winds and a few isolated tornadoes. For North MS, the primary risk would be heavy rainfall of 1 to 3 inches with locally 3+ and isolated flash flooding.
We'll see a brief break on Sunday before the next system arrives Monday and through Wednesday. This system has potential to bring a greater and more widespread severe weather threat along with additional 2+ inch rainfall amounts. Depending on how much rain falls with the first system, a Flash Flood or Flash Flood Watch might be warranted across some areas of the South.
The 3rd storm system is expected to impact the Gulf Coast states towards the end of next week into the following weekend. This system too has potential to bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and a severe weather risk.
Get ready for a wild end to 22 and a wild start to 23!