Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are on the table for Memphis and parts of northeast Mississippi today, mainly from late morning through early evening. A few of the stronger cells could toss down quarter-size hail and kick up gusty winds, the kind that can quickly make driving tricky. Storms will be hit or miss, but officials want residents tuned in to changing skies this afternoon.
Isolated thunderstorm chances, mainly south of the Tennessee-Mississippi state line, are expected to ramp up by late morning, opening a window this afternoon into early evening for a few strong to severe storms with hail as the primary threat, according to the National Weather Service in Memphis. Not everyone will see a storm, but the most concentrated activity is expected over northeast Mississippi.
The City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management posted an advisory on Facebook, saying the threat window runs roughly 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and urging residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings and a plan to take shelter if needed, according to the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management. The post stresses being ready to move to shelter quickly if a warning is issued.
Where The Risk Is Highest
Memphis and nearby northeast Mississippi communities such as Oxford, Tupelo, Jackson, and Corinth are all included in the outlook, with the strongest storms most likely over northeast Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service in Memphis. Even so, spotty storms may still clip parts of the metro, so residents are urged to watch local conditions.
Impacts And Preparation
Recent forecasts highlight hail up to quarter-size as the main concern, with a few storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts. WLBT reports gusts in the 40 to 60 mph range, while the Storm Prediction Center Day 1 outlook shows a marginal severe risk across portions of northern Mississippi and continues to track the setup.
How To Stay Ready
The City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management recommends residents have more than one way to receive warnings, keep a shelter plan ready, and move indoors away from windows if severe weather approaches, according to the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management. The National Weather Service safety guidance likewise urges people to seek sturdy indoor shelter and avoid windows during severe thunderstorms.
Not everyone in the Mid-South will see storms today, but conditions could change quickly during the 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. window. Keep an eye on local radar and outlets such as WMC Action News 5 for the latest warnings and any traffic or road impacts.
