Memphis, TN – A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the greater Memphis area, with torrential rainfall creating hazardous conditions throughout parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, radar detected severe thunderstorms producing heavy rain beginning around 11:40 a.m. CDT Saturday. The warning, which remains in effect until 2:45 p.m., includes Shelby and Fayette counties in Tennessee, along with DeSoto, Tunica, Tate, Benton, and Marshall counties in Mississippi. Southeastern Crittenden County in eastern Arkansas is also under alert.
As of late morning, between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain had already fallen, with more rainfall expected through the afternoon. Flash flooding is ongoing or imminent, particularly in low-lying areas and near small creeks and urban drainage systems.
Areas most at risk include Memphis, Southaven, Collierville, Germantown, Olive Branch, Bartlett, and Horn Lake. Minor street flooding has already been reported in Memphis and surrounding suburbs.
Residents are urged to avoid flooded roadways. The National Weather Service advises: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Motorists should use extreme caution, especially in areas prone to poor drainage.
Flooded streams include Wolf River, Nonconnah Creek, and Coldwater River. Rain is expected to taper off later Saturday evening.
