Weather updates: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Memphis, 80 mph winds possible
Brooke Muckerman- Severe storms in the Mid-South have caused multiple fatalities and widespread damage.
- A flood watch is in effect until Sunday morning, and residents are advised to stay informed and avoid floodwaters.
- Residents experiencing power outages should report them to MLGW and take safety precautions.
Several days of storms have already brought devastation to some Mid-South communities, killing and injuring multiple people and destroying countless homes and businesses. And the severe weather threat is not over.
The National Weather Service office in Memphis has issued a flood watch through Sunday morning. Saturday could bring flooding to multiple parts of the Mid-South.
We'll update this file throughout the day with all the weather information you need to stay safe. Here's what you need to know today.
Severe storm warning issued for Memphis
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Memphis and Shelby County until 2:15 p.m. by the National Weather Service in Memphis. The warning was extended to 2:45 p.m.
The storm could bring "destructive 80 mph winds."
Quarter-sized hail and tornados are also possible.
Flash flood emergency issued for Memphis, Shelby County
The National Weather Service in Memphis issued a flash flood emergency for Memphis, Shelby County and DeSoto County. The emergency is in effect until 8:15 p.m.
"This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order," NWS said in an emergency alert.
A flash flood emergency is issued in rare situations when "extremely heavy rain is leading to a severe threat to human life and CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon NWS stated on their website.
"Typically, emergency officials are reporting LIFE-THREATENING water rises resulting in water rescues/evacuations," NWS states.
Flash flood warning issued for Memphis
As rain continues to fall in the Memphis area, the National Weather Service in Memphis issued a flash flood warning for the area.
The flash flood warning is in place until 4:45 p.m.
River flooding is a major concern for the Memphis-area as the is expected to receive rainfall that could cause "generational flooding."
Tornado watch issued for Memphis area
The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a tornado watch for the Memphis area. The watch will last until 7 p.m.
The watch includes parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee.
A tornado watch means the weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms or tornados. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar.
The National Weather Service recommends taking the following steps if a tornado warning is issued in your area:
- Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room.
- Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
West Tennessee under 'enhanced risk' of severe weather Saturday
The National Weather Service in Memphis said the Memphis area is under an "enhanced risk" for severe storms until 3 a.m. Sunday.
The continued severe storms come after multiple days of rain and tornadic activity have hit the Memphis area. Storms have been hitting the Memphis area since Wednesday evening.
"Several rounds of heavy rainfall will move across the Mid-South through tonight resulting in storm total amounts over 10 inches along and north of I-40. Isolated amounts of 15 inches are possible. This could lead to catastrophic flooding," the National Weather Service in Memphis said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The National Weather Service in Memphis said tornadoes, damaging winds and flash flooding are "primary threats." Large hail is a secondary threat for the Mid-South area.
'Don't put your guard down,' TEMA Director warns as storms continue through weekend
During a media briefing Friday morning, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan warned Tennesseans not to let their guard down as storms and heavy rainfall continue through the weekend.
"We're gonna have a little bit of a lull today, though, in West Tennessee, there's still some risk of severe storms, spotty along areas that have already received a lot of rainfall. So don't get lulled into a sense of that, you can put your guard down or not worry about rain, heavy rainfall happening," Sheehan said. "Because we do know that we're going to continue to get heavy rainfall and we're going to experience river and aerial flooding. Saturday is forecast to have another series of high-impact weather events."
Sheehan was joined by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee National Guard Maj. Gen. Warner A. Ross II and Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Matt Perry. They warned West Tennesseans of the potentially hazardous weather and conditions coming soon. They also all said their individual teams would be working to keep those in hazardous areas safe during the potential severe storms.
"Troopers will not leave West Tennessee in these...affected areas, same with Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee, we still have units that are just there to help the communities put back together, get moving in the right direction," Perry said.
Perry said the THP responded to nearly 400 calls for service during storms this week.
Lee emphasized that because of the advanced warning of the severe storms, lives were saved.
"While there was great devastation, and certainly there was loss of life, the advanced warning and the heeding of that warning, the response from the folks in those communities to take cover, to find shelter...to look for and listen to the professionals saved a lot of lives, we believe," Lee said.
Ross said the Tennessee National Guard has search and rescue crews, high water rescue vehicles and boat teams positioned to respond to West Tennessee.
Memphis weekend forecast, weather warnings
- Saturday will see rain again, with a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day and evening. The high will be 79 degrees, and the low will be 55 degrees.
- Sunday's high will be 61 degrees, and the low will be 44 degrees. Before 1 p.m., there is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
A flood watch is in place through Sunday at 7 a.m., as the forecast calls for 8 to 10 inches of rain between Wednesday and Saturday.
Saturday will be the next harshest day for rain in the area, with the weather service predicting between 2 and 3 inches Saturday and 3 to 4 inches Saturday evening.
What to do in a flood
The National Weather Service in Memphis said during the Friday morning briefing that river flooding is ongoing and could worsen as the weekend goes on.
"Multiple waves of heavy rainfall will bring substantial rainfall amounts, especially along and north of the I-40 corridor, leading to considerable flooding through Sunday. River flooding will likely continue into next week," NWS Memphis said.
The NWS said during a flood, water levels and the rate of water flow can change quickly. The agency recommends remaining aware and monitoring local radio and television outlets, avoiding flood waters at all costs, and evacuating immediately when water begins to rise.
Other recommendations from the NWS include:
- Get to higher ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
- Obey evacuation orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
- Practice electrical safety: Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises, get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it.
- Avoid flood waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires or chemicals. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds, and 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV; 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
Emergency assistance coming to Tennessee
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick C. Sheehan declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening due to the expected impact of the severe storms.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday said in a press release that President Donald Trump had approved an emergency declaration for the state of Tennessee.
The action allows FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts to reduce the "hardship and suffering" the emergency has caused on the local population, the press release said.
"Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency," the press release said. "Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the public assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding."
The assistance applies to all 95 counties in Tennessee.
What should I do if my power goes out?
If the power goes out, MLGW asks customers to report the outage to them by calling their service line at 901-544-6500 or making a report online or through their app.
As for safety measures, Ready.gov, recommends following these measures:
- Keep your refrigerators and freezers cold to avoid food waste due to lack of power. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, have an alternative plan;
- If you have a generator, use it outside and away from windows;
- Unplug all appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges;
- Check with local officials to see if there are emergency centers open.
Try to be prepared for a power outage by keeping an inventory of the items that you need that require electricity, storing batteries and keeping portable chargers charged to power electronics. Make sure that there is a flashlight for every household member in the event of a power outage.
Commercial Appeal reporter Jordan Green contributed to this report.