Tupelo, MS – Nearly 2.1 million residents across four Southern states are under a tornado watch until 5 a.m. CDT Monday, as severe weather threatens parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Jackson, MS, the watch covers areas including Tupelo, Oxford, Clarksdale, and Columbus in Mississippi; Florence, Huntsville, Cullman, and Jasper in Alabama; parts of western Tennessee near Memphis; and eastern Arkansas communities. The alert includes potential for a couple of strong tornadoes, scattered hail up to two inches in diameter, and wind gusts reaching 70 mph.
Emergency officials urge residents to stay weather-aware overnight and prepare to take shelter immediately if warnings are issued. Schools and hospitals across the region—totaling 764 schools and 64 hospitals—are within the impact zone.
Historically, late March can bring heightened tornado activity to the South as warm, moist air from the Gulf interacts with strong upper-level systems. Residents are advised to charge devices, enable wireless emergency alerts, and secure outdoor items.
The tornado watch, labeled No. 81 by the Storm Prediction Center, remains in effect until 5 a.m. Monday, March 31. Further updates are expected as the storm system evolves overnight.
