Severe Thunderstorms Forecast: 2-Inch Hail and Tornado Risks in Southeast This Week

There are several pockets of severe weather in the forecast throughout the United States this week, including serious thunderstorms and possible tornadoes in the Southeast on Wednesday.

In its latest forecasts, the National Weather Service (NWS) has been warning citizens in the region to be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds and possibly damaging hail.

Here are our Key Messages for Wednesday (5/6). pic.twitter.com/4Olwp2RXyB

— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) May 5, 2026

Southern storms on the horizon

On Tuesday, the NWS Storm Prediction Center account issued a tweet with some guidance on tomorrow's projected inclement weather.

"A few tornadoes appear to be the primary concern across the Southeast," the tweet says. "However, a few instances of severe hail (perhaps exceeding 2 inches in diameter) and damaging gusts may also occur."

Storms may be ongoing through the morning on Wednesday, with things picking up in the afternoon. The peak timeframe for severe storms will be mid-afternoon into the evening, from northern Louisiana to Central Alabama.

The NWS Weather Prediction Center has published additional information on the storm threats.

"Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected Wednesday afternoon and evening from eastern Texas into the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys/southern Appalachians," the WPC says. "Tornadoes appear most likely from Mississippi into Alabama. Corridors of damaging winds may occur from Texas into Georgia."

What should residents do?

If you're in one of the areas covered in this forecast, continue to monitor the situation and search for the latest updates. Also, be prepared to act if watches or warnings are issued.

The American Red Cross has a checklist of steps to follow, which can be found at their official website. Some of the procedures they suggest are:

• Pay attention to weather alerts and local information. Postpone outdoor activities if the forecast calls for thunderstorms.
• When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors. Stay inside until weather forecasts indicate it is safe to leave.
• Lightning can be dangerous even when you are inside.
  
  Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water. Lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• Remember, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter.
• It is dangerous to take shelter under a tree as it is the leading cause of death from lightning strikes. You could also be killed or injured by strong winds blowing down trees and branches.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside.
• If you are driving and can't get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won't hit you.
• Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around! Don't Drown!

Stay vigilant and safe.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 3:19 PM.