Winter Storm Warnings, Tornado Risk Latest as Cold Weather Hits Midwest

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of winter storms as well as risk of tornadoes in parts of the U.S. on Thursday.

The winter storms may strike Kansas and Missouri as well as some southern states like Mississippi and Arkansas. This could see some areas see several inches of snow as well as strong winds.

Severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley and the lower Ohio Valley. This brings the primary threat of damaging winds and tornadoes.

An NWS alert issued on Thursday said winter storm warnings will remain in effect until 9:00 p.m. CT in Kansas and Missouri. The areas that could be impacted are Bourbon, Benton, Morgan, Vernon, and St. Clair.

"Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches and ice accumulations between one-tenth and two-tenths of an inch," it said in the alert.

"Winds gusting as high as 30 to 40 mph and quickly dropping temperatures will lead to rapid freezing potential on area roadways Thursday into Thursday evening."

The alert said this would mostly likely impact southeast Kansas and portions of central and west-central Missouri.

The alert continued: "Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Kansas, call 5 1 1 for road conditions. In Missouri, call 1-888-275-6636 for road conditions."

The NWS Storm Prediction Center also warned potential tornadoes remained a significant threat in some states on its Twitter page. These states included Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.

For these same states there is an enhanced risk of severe weather on Thursday, according to NWS.

"Severe storms are expected across the Lower Mississippi Valley today," it said in the NWS's Twitter caption.

"Damaging gusts and tornadoes are the main threats, and a couple of strong tornadoes are possible."

In Alabama, severe storms will be possible from 2 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Friday. The main threat will be damaging winds up to 70mph, according to an NWS Birmingham report.

In Mississippi, severe thunderstorms are expected during the day on Thursday. Winds could again reach up to speeds of 70 mph and tornadoes remain the primary risk, according to an NWS Jackson report.

The hazards predicted in these states are several damaging gusts, potential tornadoes and isolated severe hail showers.

Regarding the severe weather, the cities named that are at risk are Jackson, Tuscaloosa, Memphis, Nashville, Huntsville and Tupelo.