Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia Face Heavy Rain and Severe Storm Threat as Powerful System Targets Southeast by Friday

SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES — After a brief quiet stretch, a potent storm system is expected to re-energize weather conditions across the Southeast late this week, bringing heavy rainfall, strong to locally severe thunderstorms, and a growing risk of flash flooding from Mississippi and Alabama into Tennessee, Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas by Friday, January 9.

Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service and the Weather Prediction Center shows a well-organized frontal system sweeping eastward, tapping into deep Gulf moisture and creating a wide corridor of rain and storms across the region.

Heavy Rainfall Corridor Sets Up Across the Deep South

The excessive rainfall outlook highlights a notable axis of heavy precipitation stretching from central Mississippi through northern and central Alabama, into eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia.

Model data indicates:

• Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely across parts of Mississippi and Alabama
• Locally higher totals are possible in training thunderstorms
• Saturated ground could lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas

The Weather Prediction Center places much of this corridor under a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall, meaning scattered flash flooding is possible where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.

Severe Storm Risk Expands Eastward

Along with heavy rain, severe thunderstorms are increasingly likely by Friday, particularly across:

• Central and northern Alabama
• Eastern Mississippi
• Middle Tennessee
• Northwest and central Georgia

Storm Prediction Center outlooks show a Marginal to Slight Risk for severe weather, with hazards including:

• Damaging straight-line winds
• Large hail
• A limited but non-zero tornado threat

While the tornado risk remains conditional, forecasters emphasize that Southeast winter systems can evolve quickly, especially once storms interact with strong wind shear after sunset.

Timeline: What to Expect and When

Wednesday–Thursday

• Increasing cloud cover
• Scattered showers developing west to east
• Moisture surging north from the Gulf

Friday

• Main storm system arrives
• Widespread rain and embedded thunderstorms
• Peak window for severe storms and flash flooding

Friday Night into Early Saturday

• Storms gradually push east
• Rain tapers off from west to east
• Cooler, drier air follows behind the front

Why This System Deserves Close Attention

Forecasters are closely monitoring this setup because:

• It combines strong dynamics with abundant moisture
• Storms may occur after dark, when impacts are harder to see
• Heavy rain could overlap with areas already vulnerable to flooding

Emergency managers across the region are urging residents to stay weather-aware, especially those living near creeks, rivers, or flood-prone roadways.

Travel and Safety Concerns

Drivers across the Southeast should prepare for:

• Water-covered roads
• Reduced visibility in heavy rain
• Possible power outages in stronger storms

Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, particularly overnight when severe storms may be ongoing.

Severe weather can disrupt travel plans, outdoor events, and live music schedules across the region, so staying informed is critical as conditions evolve. Follow updates closely and be ready to adjust plans if warnings are issued.

For continued weather updates that could impact events, travel, and live shows across the country, keep following ChicagoMusicGuide.com and share how this upcoming storm may affect your plans.