DeSoto County is set to unlock a network of certified safe rooms at 5:30 p.m. Sunday as a powerful line of thunderstorms and an enhanced severe-weather risk zero in on the Mid-South. Emergency officials say the shelters are intended first and foremost for people living in mobile homes or in buildings that are not likely to hold up well in strong winds.
Where the safe rooms will be
DeSoto County Emergency Services has listed several school-based safe rooms that will open at 5:30 p.m.: Olive Branch Elementary, Lewisburg Elementary, Hernando Elementary, Horn Lake Elementary, Hope Sullivan Elementary, and Walls Elementary. The lineup was reported by LocalMemphis, which cited information from county emergency officials.
Southaven community room and arrival guidance
The City of Southaven says its Community Safe Room near the Arena on U.S. 51 will open if the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch, according to the city’s alert page. County preparedness guidance repeats a key point that is easy to forget in the rush: do not drive to a shelter once a warning is already in effect. When possible, residents are urged to move to the nearest sturdy building or an interior room instead. DeSoto County Emergency Management outlines those basic safety steps.
What the forecast shows
The national severe weather outlook puts the Mid-South under an enhanced risk of strong storms on Sunday, with a fast-moving squall line expected to bring widespread damaging winds and embedded tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center Day 1 outlook describes that threat in detail, including the potential for a couple of stronger tornadoes ahead of the main line.
How to prepare
Officials recommend getting to a public safe room before watches or warnings are issued, not after sirens start and radar lights up. People heading to a shelter are advised to bring a photo ID, essential medications, and a small supply of water, and to keep phone chargers and key documents handy in case power or internet service is interrupted. DeSoto County Emergency Management also urges residents to know in advance where the nearest certified shelters are and to stay tuned to alerts from the National Weather Service and county officials as conditions change.
Local emergency pages and broadcasters are expected to push out updates throughout the afternoon. Residents should check county channels and National Weather Service platforms for the latest storm information and any changes to shelter status. For the full list of locations and county announcements, see the LocalMemphis report.
