Severe weather season usually begins to ramp up in March and lasts through the start of summer. The dramatic increase in sun angle during the month can spark wide variations in our large-scale weather patterns as pockets of cold, dry air descend south from Canada while warm, moist air surges north from the Gulf.

Dangerous weather conditions will peak Saturday, with one of the most prolific tornado-producing setups in years expected to develop over the Deep South — with disastrous results likely.

A powerful strom system is forecast to sweep the south Friday and into the weekend, spreading the threat for severe weather all across portions of the US.