NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Nasty weather that includes a chance of strong tornadoes and howling thunderstorms is forecast on Christmas Day along the Gulf Coast from east Texas to north Florida.

The National Weather Service says people should prepare their yards for high winds Monday, securing lawn furniture or anything that might be blown into a home or car.

Weather service meteorologist Bob Wagner says the weather is coming from a storm front moving from the West Coast hitting a cold front.

The weather service in Jackson, Miss., says it is unclear how far north and west the threat will spread.

A squall line is expected to cross Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle during the night with high winds and at least a few tornadoes possible into Christmas Day. The Carolinas also may be hit.