The dangerous system could then target cities from Springfield, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas, south to Houston and New Orleans. Some of the same cities and towns at risk for the severe thunderstorms were recently hit by a deadly tornado outbreak at the end of November.

"The drastic contrast of the warm, humid air ahead of the storm and the cold, dry air following the storm will create the right atmospheric conditions for an eruption of severe weather," said AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff.