The National Weather Service in Memphis is flagging Friday as a day to watch, warning that scattered severe storms could rumble through the Mid-South with the biggest punch aimed along and west of the I-40 corridor. Forecasters say the main troublemakers will be large hail and damaging wind, with heavy rain a secondary issue that may trigger localized flooding. Parts of the Memphis area sit under a Slight, or level 2, risk, and residents are urged to stay alert as the forecast sharpens.
Storm Zone Centered On Memphis, Jonesboro And Little Rock
According to the National Weather Service Memphis, the Slight risk stretches from Jonesboro and Little Rock through Memphis into parts of north Mississippi. Storms are expected to fire up Friday afternoon and evening, then slide from northwest to southeast. An NWS graphic underscores damaging wind and large hail as the primary threats and notes that isolated heavy rainfall could briefly flood low-lying spots.
What Forecasters See Under The Hood
The office's Area Forecast Discussion cautions that "the ingredients may come together for a few strong thunderstorms" as moisture and instability build, while deep-layer shear is described as marginal yet still capable of supporting isolated severe storms. The discussion points to modest CAPE and elevated PWATs that could let storms crank out very large hail and damaging wind gusts. For those who like the raw meteorology, the details are laid out in the NWS Memphis Area Forecast Discussion.
Local Officials Urge Prep Before Storms Hit
Sheriff Shannon Beasley has already boosted the signal, sharing the outlook images on Facebook to get the word out to city and county residents. Officials are advising people to secure loose outdoor items, top off phone batteries and turn on multiple warning methods, including NOAA Weather Radio, local TV and wireless emergency alerts, in case watches or warnings are issued Friday.
