Severe Weather Threat Looms for Mid-South This Weekend

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Mid-South is bracing for a significant weather event as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to sweep through the region from Friday evening into Saturday night. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, urging residents to stay weather aware as severe weather hazards, including potential tornadoes, severe winds, and large hail, are anticipated.

The severe weather threat is slated to begin Friday night around 9 p.m. and could persist until 3 a.m. Saturday. While not everyone in West Tennessee will experience the storms, those that develop may feature rotating supercells capable of producing long-track tornadoes. Storm Team Chief Meteorologist Joel Barnes emphasizes that while the tornado risk wanes on Saturday, it remains a concern.

“For Friday night, expect storms to start near the Mississippi River, with isolated cells developing across the area,” Barnes said. “Any storms that do form will be tracked closely on radar, allowing us to provide timely alerts for those in their path.”

After a brief lull, additional storms are expected to reemerge Saturday afternoon, particularly affecting areas along the Tennessee River. The winds could reach damaging levels, prompting further caution for residents. The potential for tornadoes will reappear, although officials predict the overall threat to be lower compared to Friday night.

“On Saturday, conditions will support a line of storms moving northeast, with the greatest risk for severe weather occurring in the late morning or early afternoon,” Barnes added. “Residents are advised to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts as these storms develop.”

The Storm Prediction Center has classified the risk level for Friday as a Level 3 out of 5 for much of West Tennessee, indicating a significant possibility of severe storms, with some areas rated at Level 4. These predictions signal threats including damaging winds exceeding 65 mph, along with large hail.

Temperatures leading into this weather system will provide conducive atmospheric conditions for severe weather. Highs on Friday are expected to reach the low 80s, making way for a humid environment assisted by south-easterly winds pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Friday night lows are forecast around 60°F under cloudy skies.

In addition to severe weather, residents should prepare for another drop in temperatures following the storms. By Sunday, highs will plummet into the low 60s, with potential frost returning by early next week.

As the community prepares for this severe weather event, the advice is clear: ensure that emergency plans are established, and stay tuned to reliable sources for the latest updates and alerts. With conditions fluctuating rapidly, it’s crucial to be informed and ready.