Memphis, Tennessee – Drivers across the Mid-South have a narrow window to prepare before a line of severe thunderstorms moves in by 9 p.m. Wednesday, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail that could down trees and knock out power before the Thursday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, a shortwave trough will trigger scattered severe storms mainly across northeast Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel through 6 a.m. Thursday. The primary threat is damaging straight-line winds, with hail as a secondary concern. Storms will track southwest to northeast, increasing the risk along and north of Interstate 40.
In Tennessee, Memphis, Jackson, and Dyersburg sit in a Level 1 marginal risk, while areas west toward Jonesboro and Paragould, Arkansas face a Level 2 slight risk. That places parts of Craighead, Mississippi, and Dunklin counties in the zone most likely to see stronger wind cores capable of snapping tree limbs and damaging roofs.
Heavy rainfall may briefly reduce visibility below one mile, especially on I-55 and I-240 during peak storm movement. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel after 9 p.m. Power outages could impact thousands if wind gusts reach projected levels.
Storm activity should weaken toward sunrise Thursday, but additional advisories may be issued if storms intensify overnight.
