A few strong thunderstorms could ruin weekend plans from the Mississippi valley to the Southeast this weekend, with the first round of heavy storms expected beginning tonight.

With the storm system taking shape today, the threat for any gusty thunderstorms will remain low. A few storms will rumble around the Ozarks, with the balance of the Southeast still dry and warm.

By this evening, the threat for severe weather will be heightened from eastern Oklahoma through Arkansas and northern Mississippi. McAlester, Okla., and Little Rock, Ark., are among the cities that could see a thunderstorm capable of producing a powerful wind gust and damaging hail.

A tornado cannot be ruled out from the strongest thunderstorms, though a widespread outbreak is not expected.

The threat of severe weather during the overnight period is especially dangerous, since many are asleep and don’t receive timely warnings. Be sure to keep a weather radio capable of specific alerts nearby before bed.

Over the weekend, the threat for severe thunderstorms will shift east to include much of the Southeast.

Locations from Mississippi to Georgia, including Jackson, Miss., Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta, Ga., could see a few powerful storms on Saturday before the threat moves closer to coastal areas by Sunday.