SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Storm Team 3 is tracking a developing system over the western U.S. and Great Planes now. It will bring the risk for strong to severe storms to the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry Wednesday morning and into the afternoon.

As of Monday evening, the main low pressure center that we are watching is located over easter Colorado and the trailing cold font extends southward through West Texas. The cold front is quickly moving east and it will begin to pick up deeper Gulf moisture which will lead to severe storm development throughout Tuesday over Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

This system will move into our region on Wednesday.

Local Timing & Impacts

There is a medium risk for severe storms in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry Wednesday morning and into the afternoon. It will be moving into our western counties (Montgomery, Bacon, Jeff Davis) just after sunrise Wednesday.

The line of storms is forecast to be weaker initially Wednesday morning, though it is forecast become stronger again as it will be able to feed off of very warm conditions after sunrise. The line of storms is expected to quickly move toward the coast by early Wednesday afternoon.

The primary threat from any severe storms Wednesday morning will be damaging straight-line wind gusts in excess of 50-60 mph. Isolated tornadoes are possible in some of the stronger storms.

The overall tornado risk is low at this time, but it is not a zero risk. Some of the stronger and taller storms have potential to produce large hail. The overall hail risk is also low.

Local conditions will remain very breezy and gusty throughout Wednesday afternoon and evening after the line of storms moves off of the coast. Sustained wind is forecast to be 15-25 mph with higher gusts.

How To Prepare

Since we are now heading into springtime – when severe thunderstorms become more likely – it is a good idea to think about what you would to in the even that a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued for your area. Have a plan to get indoors and to the lowest level of a sturdy structure away from windows and doors.

You also need a reliable way to receive critical weather alerts. A NOAA Weather Radio is a great tool to have in your home or place of work. They are dependable – even when the power and cellular service may be disrupted.

Another great tool to have ready is the Weather NOW app which can receive weather alerts directly to your mobile device anywhere you are. It is free and is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Storm Team 3 will have you covered as conditions change, stay tuned for the latest forecast.