This post summarizes a National Weather Service alert for a significant severe-weather outbreak across the Mid‑South this weekend. It explains the primary hazards—tornadoes-hail-damaging-winds/”>damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding. The post identifies the areas most at risk and offers practical preparedness advice for residents from Mississippi and Arkansas to Tennessee and parts of Ohio.
Overview of the forecast and who is impacted
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings that severe thunderstorms will affect much of the Mid‑South late Saturday into early Sunday. Areas along and south of the Interstate 44 corridor—cities such as Little Rock, Memphis, Shreveport, and Paducah—are highlighted as having the highest potential for severe weather hazards.
The threat window is concentrated from Saturday evening through early Sunday morning when the storm system moves through the region. By Sunday the system is expected to progress eastward.
Primary hazards to watch: damaging winds, hail and tornadoes
The primary concern with this event is damaging straight‑line winds, with gusts possibly reaching 60 to 70 mph. These wind speeds are capable of uprooting trees, causing structural damage, and generating dangerous flying debris.
There is also the potential for large hail—up to the size of golf balls—if enough atmospheric instability develops ahead of the line. Hail of this size can damage vehicles, roofs, and siding.
Forecasters note a risk for isolated tornadoes embedded within a developing squall line late Saturday into the evening. Tornado formation in fast‑moving lines can occur quickly and may be brief, but still dangerous.
Flooding risk and expected rainfall amounts
Flash flooding is an important secondary hazard, particularly across Tennessee where repeated storms could produce several rounds of heavy rain. Total rainfall forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across much of the region, with localized areas possibly exceeding 4 inches.
Even modest accumulations can lead to rapid rises on small streams, poorly drained urban areas, and low‑lying roadways. Multiple storms moving over the same area will increase the flash‑flood potential.
Practical preparedness steps for residents
As a meteorologist with three decades of experience, my recommendation is to prepare now rather than respond at the last minute. Key actions include:
Final notes for communities and local responders
Local emergency managers, utility crews, and public works should be ready for power outages, downed trees, and localized flooding.
Community members should heed local warnings and delay nonessential travel during the peak threat period.
Stay informed via the NWS, follow local emergency instructions, and take basic precautions to protect people and property.
Here is the source article for this story: Severe thunderstorms to disrupt weekend plans across USA