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Urgent Memphis Forecast: Mid-South Weather Timeline Inside
Weather Alerts for the Memphis Area: Strong Thunderstorm & Flood Advisory
What’s Happening Right Now?
Two weather alerts are active this afternoon for the Memphis metro area and surrounding counties. Think of it like the weather service sending you a text message saying: "Heads up! Stay inside if you can."
- Strong Thunderstorm Warning — Until 3:30 PM CDT
- Flood Advisory — Until 5:00 PM CDT
Alert 1: Strong Thunderstorm Warning
The Basics
- Who: Southeastern Tipton County, Western Fayette County, and Eastern Shelby County.
- When: Until 3:30 PM CDT.
- Where the storm was at 2:59 PM: Over Lakeland (about 7 miles northeast of Bartlett).
- Movement: Drifting East at 20 mph (about the speed of a bicycle going downhill).
The Main Danger: Wind
- Hazard: Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
- Source: Doppler Radar (the fancy weather radar that sees inside storms).
- What could happen:
- Tree limbs snapped off.
- Unsecured patio furniture, trash cans, or trampolines blowing away.
Towns & Cities in the Path
Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Cordova, Memphis, Lakeland, Arlington, Somerville, Ellendale, Southeast Memphis, Eads, Warren, Macon, Oakland, Mason, Piperton, Gallaway, Williston, Braden, and Lenow.
Highways Affected
- Interstate 40 (Tennessee): Mile markers 12 to 43.
- Interstate 240: Mile markers 13 to 17.
IMPORTANT: What to Do Right Now
If you are outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately. A car is safer than being in the open, but a building is best. Stay away from windows.
Alert 2: Flood Advisory
The Basics
- What: Urban and small stream flooding from heavy rain.
- Where: Shelby County (West Tennessee).
- When: Until 5:00 PM CDT.
Rainfall Details
- Already fallen: Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches (as of 2:58 PM).
- Expected additional rain: Up to 1 more inch.
- Result: Minor flooding in low-lying spots and areas with poor drainage.
Areas Likely to See Water Buildup
Bartlett, Southaven, Collierville, Germantown, Olive Branch, Millington, Cordova, Memphis, Lakeland, Arlington, Ellendale, Eads, Southeast Memphis, Atoka, Elmore Park, Lenow, Brunswick, Spring Lake, Raleigh, and White Station.
CRITICAL SAFETY RULE: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®
Never drive into flooded roads. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Just 12 inches of moving water can sweep a car away. Find another route.
Your Action Plan: Numbered Steps
- Get Inside: Move indoors now if you are outdoors, on a porch, or in a mobile home.
- Secure Loose Items: If you have time safely, bring in trash cans, lawn furniture, and toys.
- Stay Away from Windows: Strong gusts can blow debris through glass.
- Do Not Drive Unless Necessary: Roads may have standing water, downed branches, or traffic light outages.
- If Driving & See Water: Turn around. Do not guess the depth.
- Monitor Updates: Keep a weather app, local news, or NOAA Weather Radio on until 5:00 PM.
Summary
| Alert | Main Threat | Expires | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | 50 mph Winds (Tree limbs, flying objects) | 3:30 PM CDT | Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Cordova, Memphis, Lakeland, Arlington, I-40 & I-240 |
| Flood Advisory | Minor Flooding (Roads, low spots, poor drainage) | 5:00 PM CDT | All of Shelby Co. (Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Southaven, Millington, etc.) |
Bottom Line: The storm is moving east. The wind threat ends around 3:30 PM, but the rain and flooding risk continue until 5:00 PM. Stay inside, stay off flooded roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a "Warning" and an "Advisory"?
- Warning (Thunderstorm): Dangerous weather is happening right now or imminent. Take action immediately (seek shelter).
- Advisory (Flood): Conditions are hazardous and inconvenient (flooding), but not immediately life-threatening if you use caution (don’t drive into water).
2. Is 50 mph wind really that dangerous?
Yes. 50 mph is considered "damaging wind." It can break large tree limbs, knock down shallow-rooted trees, blow over unsecured mobile homes, and turn loose items (trampolines, grills, patio sets) into dangerous projectiles.
3. The radar says the storm is in Lakeland. I live in Germantown. Am I safe?
Not yet. The storm is moving East at 20 mph. Germantown is west of Lakeland, so the worst has likely passed for you, but gusty winds and heavy rain can still occur on the back edge. Stay inside until 3:30 PM.
4. How do I know if a road is too flooded to cross?
You can’t know. Water hides washed-out roads, sinkholes, and currents. If water covers the road lines, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. It takes just 12 inches of water to float a small car.
5. When will this be completely over?
The wind threat ends at 3:30 PM. The flooding threat (standing water on roads) lasts until 5:00 PM, but puddles and slow drainage may persist into the evening.
