A major early season severe weather outbreak will take shape late today and tonight, spanning about a dozen states from the Deep South to the Ohio Valley.

Some of the thunderstorms are even expected to spawn tornadoes, making for an especially dangerous situation given the veil of night.

Several factors will come together for this rare, significant January severe weather event. A cold front marking the leading edge of colder air will slice into an unusually warm and moist air mass.

The threat for twisters will come via a powerful and rotating blast of air arriving in the upper levels of the atmosphere.

While a widespread tornado outbreak is not anticipated, the enhanced threat existing tonight is certainly noteworthy. A few destructive, long-track tornadoes are quite possible.

Cities at risk for these damaging severe storms through tonight include: Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Evansville, Ind.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Lexington, Louisville and Bowling Green, Ky.; Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville, Tenn.; Jackson and Tupelo, Miss.; and Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery, Ala.

Most of that area will actually enjoy a nice day, with mainly dry conditions and near-record warmth. However, around sunset the weather scene will begin take a shift toward violent in some areas.

Beginning around the late evening hours, the Mississippi Valley will be the first threatened by severe storms, stretching from near the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers south to northern Louisiana.

Overnight, the lower Ohio Valley, much of Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as the Deep South will become the focal point for the powerful storms.

Powerful wind gusts above 60 mph, capable of downing trees and power lines will be the largest threat faced from any thunderstorm. Pelting hail up to the size of golf balls will also be possible.

Most of the storms will sweep east in a line, heightening the risk for widespread wind damage. Additional storms will form ahead of the main line, and those too could turn severe.

Given the strong possibility of nighttime severe storms and tornadoes, residents and visitors alike should have a plan in place before they go to bed in case they are targeted by such a storm overnight.

Have flashlights ready and an emergency NOAA Weather Radio on standby. Know ahead of time where you and your family will be going, such as a basement or interior closet, in the event a tornado warning is issued

Shortly after sunrise on Monday, the severe storm threat will begin to wane as the storms head toward the Appalachians. The East Coast will experience additional thunderstorms later in the day, but the threat for severe weather will be greatly diminished.