Memphis tornado watch 2021: Thunderstorms predicted in Shelby County

11 Dec 2021

commercialappeal.com

The almost 80-degree weather in December comes with a bit of bad news as the Memphis area is expected to be hit with severe thunderstorms starting Friday afternoon.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee until 11 p.m. Friday — including Shelby County, according to the National Weather Service.

The Storm Prediction Center upgraded portions of the Mid-South to a Moderate Risk (4/5) for severe thunderstorms across the Mid-South Friday afternoon and Friday night.

The risk was upgraded Friday morning because of an increase chance of tornadoes.

Memphis radar:Track storm forecast and possible tornado warnings

The National Weather Serviced announced Shelby County is among the areas on a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Friday.

The stronger storms will be capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

Thunderstorms are expected to arrive after 3 p.m. on Friday with wind speeds up to 15 mph throughout the evening. The NWS predicts between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rainfall. It's possible parts of the Memphis area will see thunderstorms even earlier, starting around noon.

The high pressure will settle Saturday night into Sunday and the lows will drop into the mid-20s to lower 30s.

The City of Memphis put out a statement saying it is prepared for the potential effects forecasted as crews are inspecting and clearing storm drains, inlets and checking other essential areas to minimize the potential for street flooding.

Public Works encourages residents who experience water entering their homes or accumulating on their property to take measures to prevent or divert water by clearing storm drains near their homes. Clearing gutters, downspouts and nearby storm drains can help reduce the chance of residential flooding.

The Storm Prediction Center upgraded portions of the Mid-South to a Moderate Risk (4/5) for severe thunderstorms across the Mid-South Friday afternoon and Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The chances for warmer weather in December returns in the middle part of next week as temperatures return to upper 60s, lower 70s starting Tuesday — with no precipitation.

To report power outages, the city asks that people call MLGW at 901-544-6500. To report downed trees, call 311 and to report downed trees after-hours call 901-636-2525.

Memphis weather radar Safety Tips

Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a NOAA weather radio.
Know the alerts:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable. Stay alert.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take shelter. Act now.
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable. Stay alert.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen on radar or reported by a spotter. Take shelter.
Be prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Designate a "safe place" to shelter. Underground is best, such as a basement or storm shelter. If not possible, go to the center room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
If you are in a vehicle, try to seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not building is near, pull over, keep seat belt on. Cover head and neck with your arms and cover your body with aa coat or blanket.
Avoid parking under bridges or overpasses
Anticipate power outages.

Ray Padilla is the digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Ray_Padilla_.