Norman, Oklahoma — The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, warning that strong storms could develop across the Mid-South through early Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch remains in effect from 7:55 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. CST Saturday.
The watch area includes central and eastern Arkansas, the Missouri Bootheel, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee, including communities near Memphis, Jonesboro, Clarksdale, and Dyersburg.
Forecasters say clusters of thunderstorms moving east across the region this morning and early afternoon could produce scattered damaging wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph.
Additional hazards include isolated large hail up to about 1 inch in diameter, along with the possibility that a brief tornado or two may occur.
Storms are expected to continue tracking generally west to east across the watch area, with the strongest activity occurring within organized thunderstorm clusters.
Officials remind residents that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, and people in the affected region should remain alert for changing weather conditions.
If warnings are issued, residents may need to seek shelter quickly from damaging winds or possible tornadoes.
Strong storms may also create hazardous travel conditions for morning and early afternoon commuters across the Mid-South.
