Severe Storms in Tennessee Lead to Death and Tornado Alerts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Severe storms sweeping through Tennessee have resulted in at least one confirmed weather-related death, as the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced early Thursday morning.

The fatality occurred in McNairy County as destructive storms continued to pose a risk across the Midstate and West Tennessee regions. TEMA did not provide further details on the individual who died.

As of 2:22 a.m. CDT, the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Memphis reported an alarming situation, informing the public of two large tornadoes confirmed in the Selmer area. “A particularly dangerous situation should unfold for northwest Mississippi and Selmer in McNairy County,” the NWS tweeted.

The severe weather system has prompted a Level 5 out of 5 risk for severe weather for the vast majority of the Mid-South, according to the Storm Prediction Center. This is the highest risk level, indicating the potential for widespread, life-threatening weather.

Areas of concern primarily include Memphis, a large portion of eastern Arkansas, and as far south as Fordyce, Arkansas, and Clarksdale, Mississippi. Tornado touchdowns have been reported in various localities with significant damage in Mississippi and areas within Tennessee including Selmer, Grand Junction, and Moscow.

“This isn’t routine. This is a rare, high-impact, and potentially devastating event,” the NWS warned in a statement, highlighting the threat of generational flooding. Heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate flooding conditions, particularly along and north of Interstate 40.

Severe weather is anticipated to persist throughout Thursday, with forecasts indicating long-lived, violent tornadoes could strike regions across northeast Arkansas, the Missouri bootheel, and northwest Tennessee.

Local officials have emphasized ongoing concerns about wind and flooding, urging residents to remain vigilant. A Flood Watch has been issued through Saturday for many parts of the region, predicting excessive rainfall that could lead to dangerous flash flooding.

In a seven-day outlook for Memphis, initial storms are expected to lead to flooding as rain continues and soils become saturated. The NWS reports a high of 76°F is expected on Thursday with a 90% chance of rain.

As residents prepare for the severe weather, the message from local authorities remains clear: stay indoors, monitor weather updates, and take immediate shelter when tornado warnings are issued.

Potential flood impacts include road closures, residential flooding, and disruptions as creeks and rivers rise. Officials remind the public that flash flooding can occur swiftly and is particularly dangerous at night.