Forecasters warn of severe weather outbreak today

NORMAN, Okla. -- Forecasters say residents of the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys should be on alert for severe weather today and be prepared to take shelter if it approaches.

The Storm Prediction Center says a severe weather outbreak is possible this afternoon and evening in an area from Arkansas to Indiana. Storms could also be severe from Texas to Ohio.

Moist air could reach into the middle of the country as a low-pressure system and cold front approach from the west. Large hail and high winds will be the main threat early, but supercells could produce tornadoes.

Computer models suggest powerful storms could form in the late afternoon and early evening today. The greatest risk is in Arkansas and adjoining parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee, plus Southern Illinois and western Kentucky.