A winter storm is shaping up across eastern New Mexico and west Texas today. Snow totals in portions of eastern NM have already exceeded 6" in some areas, with ~ 8" from Fort Davis, TX into the Carlsbad, NM area. Near-blizzard conditions can also be expected, with winds potentially gusting upwards of 25 MPH.

Further east, a Slight Risk for severe weather has been issued across the central Gulf Coast region, from the New Orleans area all the way to the Florida panhandle. The Gulf is still quite warm, so unstable air can be abundant close to the coast with southeasterly flow at 850mb and lower; strong directional shear will also be in place, causing the Storm Prediction Center to delineate a 5% tornado threat area.

Tomorrow the chances for severe wx be even higher into Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas, as the low-level moisture and shear will likely be more plentiful.

Several teams of chasers may be out today and tomorrow, including the Austins of WarmSector, Dennis Sherrod and David Drummond, with the Austins and Dennis covering the severe set-up, and David positioned in the winter storm area in west Texas (where it is currently just raining!). Be sure to check the Live page to see what's happening, and to chat with them in the field!