A very special set of meteorological parameters are coming together over the Mid-South, setting the stage for what is expected to be a very rough afternoon across Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and surrounding states to the north and east; the threat for tornadic storms will extend literally from the Gulf of Mexico all the way into northern New York and Canada by late evening. Extreme wind shear--the result of intense winds intersecting at various levels of the atmosphere, which today is especially pronounced in the lower levels--and moderate to high instability will be in place over the same areas, providing what can only be described as an ideal environment for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. This combination of shear and instability can be presented as the Energy Helicity Index, or EHI, also at left. (Click here for more on the significance of EHI.)  As such, the Storm Prediction Center has issued another HIGH RISK for severe weather across this area, including a rare 45% hatched area for tornadoes (see graphic at left). Of particular concern is the potential for long-tracked, strong to violent tornadoes (hence the current PDS Tornado Watches found here).  There will be a number of chasers covering this extremely dangerous weather event today, providing live video streams for local media and NWS to monitor so they can see conditions on the ground in real time. As always, those in the risk areas are urged to keep themselves safe by being prepared and aware of this serious weather situation, and have a plan in place in case of warnings.

**Click here for Reed, Chris and Joel's video from yesterday**