Severe Weather Threat Looms Over Mid-South With Tornadoes and Flooding Expected
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A rare and dangerous High Risk (5/5) for severe weather has been issued for parts of the Mid-South, including regions of northeast Arkansas, northwest Tennessee, and the Bootheel of Missouri. This designation, the highest risk level from the Storm Prediction Center, indicates the potential for widespread, life-threatening severe weather, including long-lived tornadoes.
The severe weather is expected to begin in the afternoon today and continue into Thursday, with significant hazards including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. With conditions favorable for storms to rapidly intensify, meteorologists urge residents to remain vigilant.
A Wind Advisory is in effect from 7 AM to midnight, forecasting south winds between 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching up to 50 mph across portions of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee. These winds could cause loose objects to blow around, downing tree limbs and potentially leading to power outages.
According to the National Weather Service, Thursday marks an increase in flood risk due to excessive rainfall, expected to total between 8 to 15 inches in some areas. Flash flooding presents a significant danger, especially as already saturated soils make local streams and rivers more likely to overflow.
“This is not a typical storm day. These storms are capable of producing violent tornadoes and extensive flooding,” said a meteorologist at the FOX13 Memphis Weather Center. “Residents should prepare now for possible evacuations if they live in flood-prone areas.”
Forecasts suggest that severe thunderstorms will likely develop by late afternoon today, continuing through the evening. The storms will include a variety of hazards, with the tornado threat persisting into the early morning hours of Thursday.
Thursday’s forecast predicts rounds of heavy rain and storms, with a 90% chance of rain. Flooding, which could become significant, will dominate the threat with conditions worsening as the storm system lingers through the weekend.
The expected conditions for the upcoming week include:
– **Wednesday**: Severe storms likely by late afternoon, high of 85°F, with a 90% chance of precipitation in the evening.
– **Wednesday Night**: Severe storms continue, low of 65°F.
– **Thursday**: Heavy rain and storms, high of 76°F.
– **Thursday Night**: Continued storms, low of 67°F.
– **Friday**: Storm chances remain high with a threat of flooding, high of 84°F.
– **Friday Night**: Storms likely, low of 70°F.
– **Saturday**: More rain expected, high of 79°F.
– **Sunday**: Conditions dry out, high of 61°F with only a few early showers.
In light of the anticipated severe weather, the public is urged to download the FOX13 Memphis app for immediate updates and alerts. Alerts and watches will be updated throughout the day as conditions evolve.
As severe storms develop across the central U.S., residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and take necessary precautions to safeguard life and property.
