Memphis, Tenn. – A tornado watch is now in effect for 21 counties across West Tennessee, including Memphis, Jackson, and Dyersburg, as severe storms threaten the region through 2 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 270 was issued at 6:50 p.m. CDT Friday and includes the potential for a few tornadoes, hail up to apple-size, and wind gusts reaching 75 mph. The watch remains active until 2 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 17.
Counties under the watch include Shelby, Madison, Fayette, Dyer, Henry, Gibson, Tipton, Hardeman, and Obion. The alert spans key travel corridors, including I-40 and I-155, increasing the risk of nighttime driving hazards from fallen trees or downed power lines.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings, stay weather-aware overnight, and move to safe shelter immediately if a warning is issued. Mobile home residents and those in weak structures should seek more secure locations before storms arrive.
This tornado watch covers over one million Tennesseans, including urban and rural communities. Additional alerts may be issued as conditions evolve overnight.
