NOAA Storm Prediction Center The powerful storm system that has prompted Tornado Watches over a wide area from east Texas to Alabama Wednesday afternoon and evening is expected to threaten the Palmetto State on Thursday. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center -- who is responsible for storm outlooks across the United States -- has assigned their highest rating, a level 5, for much of Mississippi and Alabama into Wednesday night. They have upgraded much of South Carolina to a level 4 on Thursday, which means atmospheric conditions are likely to be conducive for a regional outbreak of damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail.