Brace yourselves, the South is facing a severe weather onslaught! Multiple tornadoes have already ripped through several states this week, and the danger isn't over yet. Let's dive into what's happening and what you need to know. This is a developing situation, so staying informed is crucial.
As of January 10, 2026, at 11:42 AM, the Deep South remains under a significant threat of severe weather on Saturday. This includes the possibility of tornadoes and flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is currently in effect, impacting over 8 million Americans across parts of Alabama and Georgia, lasting until Saturday evening.
Early Saturday morning, active storms were already brewing across the South, particularly in Mississippi. The most dangerous conditions are expected to arise from morning into the afternoon, increasing the likelihood of severe weather development.
These storms are projected to continue their path throughout the afternoon, spanning from New Orleans to Clemson, South Carolina. This includes major cities like Atlanta and Pensacola. The primary threats during Saturday morning and into the day are damaging winds, tornadoes, and potentially large hail.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the severe weather threat is expected to diminish later in the afternoon and early evening, the rain will persist, moving east and northeast from late evening into the overnight hours.
Expect additional heavy rainfall, which could lead to further flooding in the South. Many areas could see an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain, with some localized regions in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee potentially receiving up to 3 to 4 inches. This could exacerbate existing flood conditions and create new hazards.
Shifting our focus to the Northeast, rain is anticipated to reach Philadelphia around 11 a.m., New York City after 12 p.m., and Boston and areas along the I-95 corridor later in the afternoon. The rain is expected to continue throughout much of the day across the Northeast and down to the Mid-Atlantic.
On the northern side of the storm, a bit of a mixed bag. Chicago might see some light snow – a quick dusting up to 3 inches – on Saturday morning, but it should clear up before the NFL Wild Card Matchup in the evening. Parts of Wisconsin and especially Michigan could see 3 to 6 inches of fresh snow on Saturday. Meanwhile, northern New England might experience a dusting to 3 inches of snow and up to a tenth of an inch of ice due to the cold temperatures.
What are your thoughts? Are you in an area affected by this weather? How are you preparing? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below!
