Severe weather threat in South as wind and snow target Plains, Midwest and East this weekend

A storm system is producing severe thunderstorms in the Southern Plains and will spread snow, rain and strong winds across parts of the Plains, Midwest and East through the weekend. A tornado was confirmed near Purcell, Oklahoma.

A fast-moving storm system is affecting a wide portion of the United States and is expected to continue through the weekend. Severe thunderstorms began early Thursday in the Southern Plains, and Doppler radar confirmed a tornado near Purcell, Oklahoma. Forecasters describe two main rounds of activity that will move eastward, bringing varying mixes of rain, snow and strong wind. Timing and impacts will vary by region as the system progresses. Key details: - A tornado watch was issued for parts of northwestern Arkansas, far southwestern Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma; a radar-confirmed tornado occurred near Purcell, Oklahoma, and wind gusts and hail were reported in the Oklahoma City area. - The system will produce snow in parts of the Rockies and Plains, with rain spreading into the western Great Lakes, Midwest and East through Friday and Saturday. - A more elevated severe threat is possible Friday across parts of the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, with locally heavy rain and the potential for strong wind gusts that could lead to downed limbs and power outages. Summary: The storm is expected to continue through Sunday with two rounds of precipitation and strong winds moving from the Southern Plains eastward. Regions of concern include the Southern Plains early, then the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys into Friday, followed by broader wind and rain impacts into the Midwest and East over the weekend. Undetermined at this time.