Memphis, TN – A widespread severe weather threat is forecast to impact much of the Mid-South on Saturday, October 18, bringing the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, according to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
The Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) covers nearly a dozen states — from southern Illinois and Missouri through Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and northeast Texas. Forecasters expect storms to form during the afternoon and continue into the evening, tracking from west to east ahead of an advancing cold front.
According to the SPC, the main hazards include wind gusts up to 70 mph, pockets of large hail, and a few isolated tornadoes, especially across Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. Areas including Memphis, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Shreveport are within the primary risk zone.
Residents are urged to stay alert for changing conditions and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during evening hours when storms may arrive after dark. Travel delays and brief power outages are possible where stronger cells develop.
