Dyersburg High School Reschedules Graduation Due to Severe Weather

Setup for Dyersburg High School graduation ceremony under cloudy skies

News Summary

Dyersburg High School has postponed its graduation ceremony to Saturday morning due to severe weather forecasts predicting thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has warned of high risks for damaging winds and tornadoes in the region. This change aims to prioritize the safety of students, families, and staff amidst the impending severe weather expected in the Mid-South area. Graduating students and their families are advised to monitor updates as the ceremony approaches.

Dyersburg, TN – Dyersburg High School has rescheduled its graduation ceremony due to severe weather forecasts, moving the event to Saturday morning, May 20, 2025. This decision comes in response to expected severe thunderstorms affecting the Memphis area and the broader Mid-South region on the same day.

The National Weather Service has predicted a significant risk of severe weather for eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee, coinciding with the originally scheduled graduation time. Strong thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon and continue into the evening, coinciding with the ceremony’s original timing.

Details of the Weather Forecast

As of early May 19, the weather forecast indicates a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning after midnight. Early Tuesday morning may see some light showers or isolated thunderstorms; however, the real concern is the anticipated severe weather later in the day. The most intense storms are expected between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with damaging wind gusts, hail, and lightning posing significant threats to residents and attendees.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and could also create hail as large as golf balls. The National Weather Service has classified the risk level for severe weather at a 3 out of 5 for a sizable portion of the Mid-South region. This elevated risk includes tornadoes, particularly in western Tennessee and northern Mississippi, highlighting a dangerous situation for anyone planned to be outside.

Impact on Graduation Plans

Due to these forecasts, Dyersburg City Schools has made the decision to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff by moving the graduation ceremony to the morning of May 20. The exclusive focus on rescheduling around severe weather conditions illustrates the district’s commitment to safety first.

Rainfall for the Dyersburg area is projected to reach approximately 80%, with the likelihood of volatile weather affecting the whole of West Tennessee later in the day. Wind gusts may also increase to 25 mph, further complicating the situation.

Background Context of Severe Weather Risks

This recent weather forecast comes on the heels of severe storms that have already proven deadly across other areas of the United States, resulting in at least 28 confirmed fatalities from tornadoes and severe storm conditions. The Dyersburg High School adjustment to its graduation timing serves as a precautionary measure to avoid adding to these tragic numbers by ensuring the community remains safe during the significant weather event.

Weather conditions are expected to improve by May 21, although there may still be a chance of rain and isolated thunderstorms. Families and students are encouraged to monitor weather updates as they prepare for the special ceremony, now scheduled for Saturday morning, to celebrate the graduating class of 2025.