Damaging Winds Intensify Over Tennessee Into Mississippi, Alabama — SevereWX

A cluster of thunderstorms is pushing south and east from northwest Tennessee into western and middle Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and northern Alabama this late morning.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) highlights increasing potential for damaging winds of 55-70 mph and hail up to 1.25 inches as these storms tap into a hot, very unstable air mass with temps in the low to mid 80s. Steepening low-level lapse rates are fueling taller echo tops and more lightning, signaling a ramp-up in severity.

SPC Mesoscale Discussion 0934 notes an 80% probability of a severe thunderstorm watch issuance soon, valid through early afternoon (9:30-11:00 AM CDT). Flow aloft is weak, but the primed environment downstream supports wind gusts as the primary threat.

This development follows earlier severe thunderstorm warnings in northwest Tennessee, but the focus shifts southeastward. Keep an eye on updates from SPC and local NWS offices (OHX, BMX, HUN, MEG).

Stay prepared: Have a severe weather plan, monitor radar via apps like RadarScope or NOAA Weather Radio, and seek shelter if storms approach. Safety first as winds could down trees and power lines.