Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama Face Slight Risk of Damaging Winds, Very Large Hail and Tornadoes Wednesday With More Significant Tornado Threat Possible if Storms Go Discrete
TEXAS — A large and widespread severe weather risk is in place for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from Texas to North Carolina, with the core Slight Risk zone centered across Dallas, Shreveport, Jackson, New Orleans, Mobile and Birmingham where damaging winds, very large hail and a few tornadoes will all be possible.
Slight Risk Core Covers the Deep South Wednesday
The categorical outlook updated at 2:59 AM ET Tuesday, May 5 places the Slight Risk yellow zone across a corridor from northeast Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi and into Alabama. A broader Marginal Risk surrounds the core area extending the general threat from Oklahoma City and Tulsa northeast through Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Charlotte and Raleigh.
Primary hazards Wednesday across the Slight Risk zone:
- Wind — damaging wind gusts
- Hail — very large hail possible
- Tornado — a few tornadoes possible
Discrete Storms Could Trigger a More Significant Tornado Threat
The critical wildcard for Wednesday is storm mode. If storms remain discrete rather than organizing into a line, a more significant tornado threat could develop across the Deep South. Storm mode remains uncertain at this time but will be monitored closely through the day.
Risk Zone Summary Wednesday
| Risk Level | Cities |
|---|---|
| Slight Risk | Dallas, Shreveport, Jackson, New Orleans, Mobile, Birmingham, Houston |
| Marginal Risk | Memphis, Nashville, Little Rock, Knoxville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta |
| Thunder | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Louisville, Lexington, Savannah, Jacksonville |
What Residents Need to Know Before Wednesday
Residents across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts active before Wednesday and have a shelter plan ready before storms develop. If storms go discrete during the afternoon and evening hours, the tornado threat could escalate quickly across the Deep South.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for live Wednesday severe weather updates across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
