On December 28, 2024, a rare and intense severe weather outbreak unfolded across the Deep South and Southeast, disproving the common misconception that severe weather only happens in the spring and summer months. This event, which involved tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, served as a stark reminder that severe weather can strike at any time of year.
On the morning of December 28, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a Moderate Risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe weather, highlighting the heightened risk for damaging wind gusts and large hail, but more-so the risk for tornadoes, including the likelihood of strong (EF3+) tornadoes. This marked the first December Moderate Risk since 2022 and the latest December Moderate Risk since 2006, highlighting the unusual nature of the event.
The day began with an early Tornado Watch issued around 7:30 AM CT for portions of Louisiana, southeastern Texas, and southern/central Mississippi as thunderstorms began to intensify in the warm sector of the system. This initial threat marked only the beginning of what would become a more dangerous day as the cold front approached in the afternoon.
By 2:15 PM CT, as the storm system grew in intensity, the SPC issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch for Southeast Arkansas, Central and Southwest Louisiana, Southwest Mississippi, and Southeast Texas, valid until 9:00 PM CT. The issuance of a PDS Tornado Watch highlighted the heightened concern for strong, long-track tornadoes. 
By the end of the event, preliminary reports indicated that 53 tornadoes had touched down across the region, accompanied by 344 severe weather reports (damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes). These numbers are subject to change as additional data comes in and damage surveys are conducted.
Damage surveys, led by National Weather Service (NWS) offices, are still ongoing. These teams will be busy over the coming days assessing the extent of the destruction and rating the strength of the tornadoes based on the damage they caused.
While December is typically less prone to such outbreaks, this event proves that severe weather, including destructive tornadoes, can indeed occur during the winter months, making preparedness crucial at all times of the year.
Clarity by BAM Weather offers comprehensive analysis of storm systems, providing long-range forecasts that alert clients to potential storm dates and locations days to even weeks ahead of time. As the storm develops, tools like daily insights, hourly insights, NowCasts, and forecast videos keep users informed with real-time details, including timing and specific threats.