Memphis, Tennessee – Isolated severe thunderstorms could hit northeast Arkansas and parts of western Tennessee beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, with risks of 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail through midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, storm development is expected to initiate in northeast Arkansas and shift southeastward. The surface environment is more conducive to severe weather than the upper atmosphere, limiting overall storm intensity and coverage. The severe threat is expected to taper off after midnight as instability diminishes.
Cities including Paragould, Jonesboro, and West Memphis could see brief, intense cells capable of damaging gusts and hail. Though tornado chances remain low, residents are urged to monitor warnings and have shelter plans in place. Storms will move from northwest to southeast across the region, potentially affecting evening commutes and early travel plans.
Little Rock, Batesville, and Union City are also in the marginal risk zone, which signals limited, short-duration storms that may still carry localized threats. Flooding is not expected, but sudden wind shifts could down tree limbs and temporarily disrupt power.
The severe threat window closes after midnight, but showers may persist into Friday morning. Stay alert for future updates from NWS Memphis.
