Memphis, Tennessee – Residents across the Mid-South should prepare for the potential for isolated severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, especially west of the Mississippi River. While many communities will avoid severe weather, any stronger storms that develop could produce damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall capable of creating brief travel issues.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, the greatest threat will develop late Friday afternoon through Friday evening as thunderstorms move from west to east across portions of eastern Arkansas, the Missouri Bootheel, west Tennessee, and north Mississippi. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the region under a Level 1 of 5 Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms.
The primary hazard will be damaging wind gusts, with localized heavy downpours serving as a secondary threat. Communities including Memphis, Jonesboro, Dyersburg, Union City, Clarksdale, Oxford, Tupelo, and Corinth should monitor the forecast as storms approach. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could briefly become strong enough to produce isolated damage.
Travel along Interstates 40, 55, 22, and 240 could be impacted by reduced visibility and water-covered roads during heavier downpours Friday evening. Motorists should slow down in heavy rain and never drive through flooded roadways.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to move indoors if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Additional watches or warnings may be issued Friday as confidence increases in storm development and coverage across the Mid-South.
