News Summary
Memphis prepares for severe storms and heavy rain over the Memorial Day weekend, prompting weather alerts. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as thunderstorms and significant rainfall are expected, with potential risks including damaging winds and localized flooding.
MEMPHIS – Severe storms and heavy rain are expected to hit the Memphis area over the Memorial Day weekend, prompting local authorities to issue weather alerts and advisories. Residents should remain vigilant as conditions may bring hazardous weather, with thunderstorms anticipated throughout the holiday period.
Expecting a warm but wet day, today’s high temperature is forecast to reach 72°F, accompanied by east-southeast winds ranging from 10 to 15 mph. Rain is already in the area this morning, transitioning to cloudy skies with a high likelihood of rain this afternoon. The National Weather Service has indicated a 100% chance of rain today, with expected rainfall totals between 2 to 3 inches, and localized heavy downpours possible.
This evening is likely to see continued rain showers with numerous thunderstorms developing overnight. The low tonight is predicted to be around 65°F, alongside winds from the east at 5 to 10 mph and a 60% chance of further rain. Area residents experienced a severe thunderstorm warning this morning for extreme northeastern Shelby County due to potential wind gusts reaching 60 mph and nickel-sized hail; however, this warning was lifted shortly after its initial issuance.
An active weather pattern is forecast to develop late tonight as a weakening storm system approaches the Mid-South, resulting in several rounds of rain and thunderstorms throughout the region until Tuesday. Rain totals for the area are projected to reach between 2 to 4 inches, with some locations possibly seeing up to 5 inches. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, some individual storms may briefly reach severe status, particularly where repeated downpours occur. Local safety officials have urged residents to stay informed regarding weather updates and to identify safe shelter locations in case of severe weather.
The region is currently under a Tornado Watch, as the system moving into the area may yield damaging winds, hail, and lightning associated with thunderstorms. Monitoring the weather will be critical during this time, especially considering the most severe storms are expected to occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20.
Looking ahead, warm and drier conditions may follow the storms after Tuesday, with temperatures expected to warm up later in the week. Severe Weather Center 13 has predicted a general trend toward warmer and wetter conditions as the spring storm season progresses, and the National Weather Service has categorized the situation as a growing threat for tornadoes, specifically in western Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
As weather conditions evolve, it is imperative for residents to keep themselves updated on alerts and be prepared for possible severe weather instances over this holiday weekend. Taking proactive steps to ensure safety can significantly mitigate risks associated with extreme weather.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Weather Alert: Isolated Strong Storms Possible This Weekend in Memphis
Memphis Faces Overnight Storm Threat Following Sunny Wednesday
Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Memphis Area
Memphis Braces for Severe Weather with Potential Tornadoes
Memphis Weather Update: Thunderstorms Expected
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Strong Storms Blow Through the Mid-South
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Memorial Day Weekend Weather
- Local Memphis: Memphis Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Memphis, Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
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