They warn that hail the size of tennis balls could fall in the US

Meteorologists warned of the possibility of strong tornadoes that could span long distances in parts of the southern United States on Tuesdayas well as torrential rains and hail the size of tennis balls.

Plus More than 25 million people will be at risk as the powerful storm system on Tuesday it moves through a region that stretches from eastern Texas to Indiana and Georgia.

The National Storm Prediction Center reported that affected cities could include New Orleans; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama.

Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi will have the highest risk of strong storms Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the possibility of severe weather continuing through Wednesday and moving into Alabama.

“Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms—some capable of forming long-range tornadoes with EF3+ damage potential—will be possible this afternoon through tonight over parts of the lower Mississippi Valley region and the MidSouth,” the Mississippi Prediction Center said. Storms based in Norman, Oklahoma.

Los EF3 tornadoes on the Fujita scale can produce gusts of wind up to 266 kilometers per hour.

Flood watches have been issued for parts of southeastern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama, where 3 to 5 inches of rain could trigger flash flooding, the National Weather Service said.

The Emergency Management Agency of Mississippi urged residents to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and to know in advance where to go to stay safe.

He also urged people to take photos of their homes before severe weather hits. “These photos may be used for insurance purposes and/or possible assistance if your home is damaged in the storm,” the agency said on Twitter.