Gusty, Drenching Storms To Move Across the Southeast

While the nastiest thunderstorms will fade as they cross the South Central states late tonight, storms capable of causing localized travel and power disruptions and damage will tour the Southeast Wednesday.

Isolated severe thunderstorms, as well as a line of heavy, gusty thunderstorms are likely to push across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas a day after violent storms, including some tornadoes, hit areas from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas to Mississippi.

There is the potential for strong wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning strikes and blinding downpours. There is the chance that a couple of the strongest storms may trigger a brief tornado.

In addition to the dangerous weather Wednesday, the setup will also bring needed rain to some locations.

Since May 1, much of the area has received about 50% of its normal rainfall.

This includes Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Dothan, Ala., and Tallahassee, Fla

The passage of the storms will mark an end to the buildup of warmth and humidity this week.

Temperatures will be slashed by 15 to 20 degrees in the wake of the thunderstorms and the front they precede.

Highs in the 70s to near 80 into Wednesday will be replaced by highs in the 50s and 60s in many areas Thursday and Friday.

A cold front and a storm system moving along it will grind toward the southern Atlantic Seaboard into Wednesday night.

A wedge of warm, humid air ahead of the system will be made somewhat volatile by chilly air moving in aloft, triggering heavy, gusty and locally severe thunderstorms.

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist - Accuweather.com