Memphis residents are bracing themselves this morning as severe thunderstorms sweep through the area. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 8:15 AM CDT for east central Crittenden and Shelby Counties, with the turbulent weather system moving northeast at speeds of up to 70 mph.

The NWS warns of "60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail," as the severe weather conditions threaten to cause damage to vehicles, roofs, siding, and trees. These storms, hitting areas including Bartlett and Southaven, have been described by the service as having a "hail threat...radar indicated" and a "wind threat...radar indicated," with the potential to significantly impact local communities.

Fayette and east central Shelby Counties are not exempt from the chaos as, a strong thunderstorm with "Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail" was reported by the NWS. Tree limbs could fall, unsecured objects might be thrown about, and minor hail damage to vegetation is a possibility. Residents in areas such as Collierville and Arlington have been advised to take precautionary measures.

The torrential rain is expected to continue, mainly before 3 PM today, with new rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible, although higher amounts could occur in cases of thunderstorms. Transitioning into the night, there's a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, before giving way to a breezy Wednesday with a high near 58 and gusts as high as 35 mph. The air will clear up as the week progresses, leading to sunny skies by Friday with temperatures ascending towards a comfortable 61 degrees.