Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, California, and Oregon Placed Under SPC Marginal Severe Weather Risk
UNITED STATES — The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Day 1 Marginal Risk outlook for parts of the Southeastern United States, along with California and southwest Oregon, signaling the potential for isolated strong thunderstorms through the current forecast period.
While this is the lowest level of organized severe weather risk, forecasters warn that a few storms could still produce gusty winds, brief heavy rainfall, and isolated lightning impacts, especially in areas where instability briefly increases.
Southeast States Under Marginal Thunderstorm Risk
The SPC outlook highlights a broad Marginal Risk area stretching across the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and coastal North Carolina.
In these areas, warm, moisture-rich air is interacting with a weak upper-level disturbance, creating an environment favorable for scattered thunderstorms. While most storms are expected to remain below severe limits, a few stronger cells could briefly intensify.
Primary concerns include:
- Localized gusty winds
- Heavy downpours reducing visibility
- Frequent lightning in stronger storms
The SPC notes that storm coverage will remain spotty, but residents should remain weather-aware, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
California and Southwest Oregon Also Included
On the West Coast, parts of California and southwest Oregon have also been placed under a Marginal Risk, mainly tied to onshore flow and upper-level energy moving inland.
In these regions, thunderstorms are expected to be isolated, but any storm that develops could produce:
- Brief heavy rain
- Small hail
- Wind gusts capable of impacting outdoor activities
Mountain and coastal locations may see the most activity as atmospheric lift increases.
What “Marginal Risk” Means for the Public
A Marginal Risk does not indicate widespread severe weather. Instead, it means that a few storms could briefly reach strong levels, often catching people off guard due to limited coverage.
The SPC emphasizes that most locations will not see severe weather, but isolated impacts are possible, especially for outdoor events, travel, and evening plans.
Timing and Preparedness
The risk is valid through early Sunday, with storm chances fluctuating as individual cells develop and dissipate. Forecast confidence remains moderate, with conditions expected to evolve quickly.
Residents across the affected states are advised to:
- Monitor local radar and forecasts
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes
- Avoid outdoor activities during active thunderstorms
Stay tuned to ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continued weather updates, national outlooks, and clear breakdowns of developing conditions across the U.S. If storms move through your area, share what you’re seeing and stay weather-aware.