News Summary
Memphis and the Mid-South are facing severe weather, including high winds, hail, and tornadoes. Community leaders opened storm shelters, and a State of Emergency was declared in Mississippi. The storm has already caused injuries and outages. Residents are urged to stay informed and safe as they navigate through this challenging situation.
Severe Weather Batters Memphis and the Mid-South
As the skies above Memphis darkened on Friday night, a wave of severe weather hit the Mid-South, prompting community leaders to spring into action and open storm shelters across the region. Residents are bracing for a challenging night ahead, with a Level 4/5 Risk Zone declared for severe weather throughout the entire area.
What’s in Store with This Storm?
The main players in this fierce weather system are not to be taken lightly: residents can expect tennis ball-sized hail, gusty winds reaching as much as 75 mph, heavy rains, and possibly powerful tornadoes as the storm system lingers into Saturday. It’s a potent mix that has every right to raise alarms in the community. But don’t let panic set inโlocal leaders have established shelters in areas like Oxford and Lafayette County, Mississippi, ready to take in those who need refuge from the elements.
Keeping You Updated
As the storm begins to unfold, regular updates on storm shelters and the weather situation itself will be available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed to best navigate through this tempest, as widespread storms continue to create a hazardous environment especially in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding. A Flood Watch remains in effect for several counties due to heavy rainfall, prompting folks to take precautions to stay safe.
Impact of the Severe Weather
In the wake of these storms, many citizens have felt the impacts firsthand. Reports indicate that three individuals were injured due to the severe weather in Mississippi, and concerningly, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management has reported three tragic deaths and 29 injuries across eight counties in Arkansas from the same storm system. Itโs a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable nature can be.
Additionally, a significant impact has been felt in Memphis itself, with about 5,000 customers experiencing power outages as storms rolled in Friday evening. MLGWโs President and CEO has reached out to address customer concerns during this stressful time, emphasizing the team’s commitment to restoring power as quickly as possible.
Emergency Measures and Safety
In response to the storms, Mississippi’s Governor has declared a State of Emergency across all 21 impacted counties, a proactive step to mobilize resources and assistance for the communities most affected. The key takeaway here is to remain vigilant and update your plans as necessary.
On top of all this, the residents of Memphis have dealt with a series of intense thunderstorms, and unsettling reports of a shooting incident in Hickory Hill left one person injured and led to two detentions. The chaos of the storm seems to echo the unrest in the community, reinforcing the need for safety precautions and vigilance.
What Lies Ahead?
As we move past this severe weather system, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The worst of the weather is expected to push eastward, making way for cooler and drier air. While scattered showers and thunderstorms may linger, a return to more moderate and dry conditions is anticipated in the week ahead.
Expect mild temperatures and the chance for only a slight risk of rain showers later in the week. As we transition from this tumultuous weather event, itโs a chance for our communities to band together and help one another, showing true strength in the face of Mother Nature’s fury. Let’s remember to stay safe, take care of each other, and patiently wait for those sunbeams to break through once again.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Mid-South Weather Update
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Fox Weather: Live Weather Updates
- Google Search: Severe Weather Memphis
- Action News 5: Apartment Evacuations Due to Severe Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- WREG: Strong Storms Possible in the Mid-South
- Google News: Mid-South Weather
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Weather Storm Outlook
- Daily Memphian: Reasons to Be Concerned About Tornadoes
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
