Memphis, Tennessee – Isolated severe thunderstorms could disrupt travel and outdoor plans across western Tennessee Thursday afternoon as a Marginal Risk level expands across the region, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph between 2 and 10 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, the main threat includes damaging straight-line winds as storms move from east-southeast to west-northwest. The Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) now includes cities such as Jackson, Savannah, and Corinth, with localized power outages and minor tree damage possible.
The strongest storms are expected to develop along and south of I-40, including parts of northern Mississippi and northeast Arkansas. Memphis, Dyersburg, and Bolivar could see fast-moving cells this evening, especially in areas with recent rainfall that may lead to minor flooding on low-lying roads.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects, monitor weather alerts, and avoid driving through flooded roadways. No tornadoes are expected, but isolated hail up to a quarter-inch could accompany stronger storms.
Storms are expected to taper off by 10 p.m., but the NWS warns that additional advisories may be issued if instability continues into the evening.
