Memphis, Tennessee – Drivers along the I-40 corridor could face sudden wind gusts up to 60 mph and reduced visibility by mid-afternoon as severe storms begin firing across the Mid-South.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a Level 2 out of 5 severe risk is in place from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. for northeast Arkansas, the Missouri Bootheel, and northwest Tennessee. Storms will move southwest to northeast, bringing damaging wind as the primary hazard, along with hail up to ping pong ball size and a low-end tornado risk.
In Arkansas, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Batesville sit in the zone where storms may intensify quickly. Gusty winds could down tree limbs and cause scattered outages, especially along U.S. Route 67 and Interstate 30. In Tennessee, Memphis metro areas including Germantown and Bartlett may see the strongest cells during the late afternoon commute, with I-240 and I-55 vulnerable to sudden downpours and debris.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours. High-profile vehicles on bridges and overpasses may be especially impacted by crosswinds.
Storm activity is expected to weaken after 9 p.m., but additional advisories could be issued if stronger cells develop.
