Tornado Threat in the Southeast

There is a substantial threat of tornadoes in the Southeast today.

This is the NWS Storm Prediction Center's updated (8am EST) and upgraded severe weather outlook:

Let's break it down: The maximum tornado threat is 10%, which is elevated (5% considered enough to be concerned about).

And, there is serious threat of damaging winds (hatched area = ≥75 mph in the strongest thunderstorms):

I urge you to keep up on local weather information throughout the day in these areas. The first watch(es) may be issued this morning.