Little Rock, AR – A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Eastern Arkansas, South-central and Southeast Kentucky, Northern Mississippi, and Western and Middle Tennessee until 10:00 p.m. CDT tonight. The watch includes the potential for severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), severe storms, including supercells, are expected to develop across the region this afternoon and evening. A moist environment, coupled with strong low-level shear, will increase the chances of tornado formation, some of which could be intense. In addition to tornadoes, wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail as large as 1.5 inches in diameter are also possible.
Residents in the affected areas should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and listen for updates on potential warnings. The NWS advises everyone to be prepared for severe weather and to take cover if warnings are issued.
The tornado watch covers an area approximately along and 50 miles north and south of a line from 65 miles southwest of Memphis, TN to 15 miles southeast of Jackson, KY.
