Fierce storms could bring strong tornadoes to Deep South

ATLANTA – Forecasters say storms could bring tornadoes, hail and damaging winds to several states in the Deep South.

The National Weather Service estimates that about 6.7 million people are in an area of enhanced risk for severe weather – including the potential for a few strong tornadoes – Tuesday.

Meteorologists at the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center say the most dangerous storms are likely to strike southern sections of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana and the western tip of the Florida Panhandle.

In Louisiana, weather service meteorologist Andrew Ansorge says forecast models project strong damaging winds, with the possibly of isolated tornados and large hail. Ansorge says storms could hit the New Orleans area from mid-afternoon Tuesday through early evening.

In Mississippi, forecasters say strong tornadoes could form south of the Interstate 20 corridor.