A burst of rough weather has Memphis, Southaven and West Memphis on alert this evening, with a short-term special weather statement in effect until 7:30 p.m. CDT Wednesday. Forecasters are calling for pea-sized hail and wind gusts near 40 mph that could knock down smaller tree limbs, scatter debris, and make travel hazardous.
What Officials Are Saying
According to the City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management, emergency managers relayed the advisory and urged anyone outside to get indoors and take cover. The Facebook post echoes National Weather Service guidance to “seek shelter in a sturdy structure” as storms track across the Mid-South.
Where The Threat Is Focused
The National Weather Service in Memphis reports the advisory covers parts of Shelby, DeSoto, and Crittenden counties. On its storm map, communities including Hernando, Germantown and Bartlett are highlighted. Meteorologists say the main near-term concerns are strong straight-line winds around 40 mph and small hail that can dent vehicles and damage outdoor property.
Safety Tips And Local Impact
If you are outdoors, move inside right away and stay clear of windows. Avoid driving if you can, since hail and sudden gusts can cut visibility and toss debris into the road. Federal preparedness guidance calls for using an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and securing outdoor items that could become projectiles. For more details, see Ready.gov.
What To Watch Next
The situation remains fluid, and the Memphis NWS office is urging residents to keep an eye on local information feeds and NOAA Weather Radio through the evening. For the latest watches and warnings, check NWS Memphis or local emergency management pages.
