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Memphis Forecast: The Hour-by-Hour Timeline You Can’t Miss
Weather Alerts for West Tennessee: Thunderstorms & Flooding Explained Simply
What’s Happening Right Now?
Imagine the sky is throwing a bit of a tantrum. We have two separate weather alerts active right now for parts of West Tennessee (mainly Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette counties). Think of them like two different warning lights on a car dashboard—both need your attention, but for different reasons.
Alert #1: Strong Thunderstorm Warning
Until: 3:30 PM CDT
Where: Southeastern Tipton County, Western Fayette County, Eastern Shelby County
The Simple Version
A strong storm is moving east at about 20 mph (the speed of a fast bicycle). It was last seen near Lakeland (about 7 miles northeast of Bartlett). The main danger? Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Important: 50 mph winds are strong enough to snap tree branches and turn unsecured patio furniture, trash cans, or trampolines into flying hazards.
Towns & Areas in the Path
- Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Cordova, Memphis
- Lakeland, Arlington, Somerville, Ellendale, Southeast Memphis
- Eads, Warren, Macon, Oakland, Mason, Piperton, Gallaway
- Williston, Braden, Lenow
Highways Affected
- Interstate 40 (between mile markers 12 and 43)
- Interstate 240 (between mile markers 13 and 17)
What Should You Do? (Step-by-Step)
- If you are outside: Go inside a sturdy building right now. A house, store, or office is perfect. A shed or carport is not sturdy enough.
- Secure loose stuff: If you have time before the wind hits, bring in or tie down lawn furniture, grills, and bins.
- Stay away from windows: Wind can blow debris through glass.
- Driving? Slow down, keep both hands on the wheel, and watch for sudden gusts or debris on the road.
Alert #2: Flood Advisory
Until: 5:00 PM CDT
Where: Shelby County (West Tennessee)
The Simple Version
The ground is like a saturated sponge—it can’t hold any more water. Heavy rain from thunderstorms has already dropped 0.5 to 1.5 inches, and up to 1 more inch is coming. This causes urban and small stream flooding—basically, water pooling on roads, in low spots, and in ditches/creeks.
Important: This is not a Flash Flood Warning (which is life-threatening right now). It’s an Advisory—meaning flooding will be a nuisance and a hazard, but not usually catastrophic if you stay smart.
Areas Likely to See Water Pooling
- Bartlett, Southaven, Collierville, Germantown, Olive Branch
- Millington, Cordova, Memphis, Lakeland, Arlington
- Ellendale, Eads, Southeast Memphis, Atoka, Elmore Park
- Lenow, Brunswick, Spring Lake, Raleigh, White Station
The #1 Rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Most flood deaths happen in cars. It takes only 12 inches of moving water to carry away a small car, and 18-24 inches for an SUV/truck. You cannot see how deep the water is or if the road is washed out underneath.
If you see water covering the road:
- Stop.
- Turn around.
- Find another route.
KEY TAKEAWAYS (Callout Box)
| Alert Type | Main Danger | Time Frame | Your Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | 50 mph Winds, Flying Debris | Until 3:30 PM | Get Inside a sturdy building now. |
| Flood Advisory | Water on Roads, Low-Lying Flooding | Until 5:00 PM | Do NOT drive through standing water. |
Quick Summary
Two weather alerts are active for the Memphis metro area and surrounding counties:
- A Strong Thunderstorm is moving east with 50 mph winds capable of downing limbs and tossing loose objects. Seek shelter inside a building immediately if you are in its path.
- A Flood Advisory is in effect due to heavy rain. Roads may flood. Never drive through standing water—Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Stay alert, stay inside if you can, and keep an eye on local radar or weather apps for updates.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What’s the difference between a "Warning" and an "Advisory"?
Think of a Warning like a "Red Light"—Take Action Now (danger is happening or imminent). An Advisory is a "Yellow Light"—Be Aware & Cautious (conditions are hazardous but usually not life-threatening if you use common sense).
2. Is 50 mph wind really that dangerous?
Yes! 50 mph is officially "damaging wind" territory. It can break large tree limbs, knock over shallow-rooted trees, damage roofs/siding, and turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles. Treat it seriously.
3. The rain stopped. Can I drive through that big puddle now?
No. Water depth is deceptive. The road underneath could be washed away. Also, water hides hazards like open manholes or debris. Turn Around, Don’t Drown applies until the water fully recedes and the road is confirmed safe.
4. My area isn’t listed specifically. Am I safe?
The lists cover major locations, but storms and flooding are hyper-local. If you are in Shelby, Tipton, or Fayette County, assume you could be affected. Check a radar app (like RadarScope, MyRadar, or your local news station’s app) to see exactly where the heaviest rain/wind is relative to your house.
5. Where do I get official updates?
- National Weather Service Memphis: weather.gov/meg
- NOAA Weather Radio (best for overnight alerts)
- Local TV Meteorologists (they break down radar in real-time)
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your smartphone (keep these ON!)
