Stormy St. Patrick's Day for the Gulf before cold air moves in

Strong storms are in the forecast across the Gulf Coast Friday, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day activities. If you’re headed out to celebrate, the WeatherRadar is the best non-green accessory to keep you prepared for the severe weather.

The system bringing these storms is part of a larger storm sending flooding rains into the East and snow into the northern tier, also disrupting more holiday celebrations.

Due to the warmer temperatures and abundant moisture provided by the Gulf, the severe storms will focus on the Gulf Coast with as much as a slight risk – a level 2 out of 5 on the risk scale – being issued for places like New Orleans, Mobile and Dothan, Ala., and Tallahassee, Fla.

The main hazard from these storms is the damaging winds greater than 55 mph. A tornado or waterspout cannot be ruled out, so be sure to have at least three ways to receive a weather warning.

As these storms move through, the temperatures on the back side of the cold front slicing across the Gulf Coast are 20 to 30 degrees colder than out ahead of it. This large difference in air masses will help create the gusty conditions. Check out the slicing of the air masses on the TemperatureRadar!

The colder air mass will continue its trek east today, and with only three days until the spring equinox, winter will be digging its heels in. Even Florida will get below-average temperatures! Sorry spring-breakers.

So while the strongest storms focus on the Gulf Coast, those from coastal Texas to the Carolinas could have some rumbles of thunder today as the new cold air mass takes the place of the older one. Much of the country will experience below-average temperatures as the upper-level portions of the system brings cold air from the north.

For those who will be taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, bring an umbrella and an extra coat across the Southeast as the colder air moves in by this evening. Give yourself some extra time with the afternoon commute as heavy rain could slow things down, traffic-wise.

For those who are commuting, be sure to turn around, don’t drown if you come to a flooded path or roadway. The water is likely deeper than it appears, posing extra dangers to travelers.