Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected on Thursday along the Gulf Coast. Freezing rain is likely across parts of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Precipitation chances will begin to increase across the region late Thursday as a surface low continues to develop over the Deep South. Given the cold air that will be in place at the surface, with a warm, above-freezing layer expected above the surface, freezing rain is expected to be the primary precipitation type. Ice accumulations of one tenth to one quarter inch are expected across the region. Locally higher amounts in excess of one quarter inch will be possible in some locations. These ice accumulations may lead to tree damage as well as scattered power outages.

Thunderstorms will begin to develop early Thursday afternoon over east Texas ahead of a cold front. A warm, moist, and unstable air mass in place across the region will allow for some thunderstorms to become severe. Given the strong wind shear that will also be possible across the region, all modes of severe weather including hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will be possible. The most likely time for severe weather will be during the afternoon and evening hours, with the threat diminishing after midnight. In addition to this severe weather threat, locally heavy rain in excess of two inches will be possible in some locations.