Latest news with #NWSMemphis
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Two Memphis-area attractions are closed after record breaking rainfall
As the Mid-South recovers from five days of severe weather and heavy rainfall, some Memphis-area attractions are closed, dealing with floodwaters and repairs from the storms. The National Civil Right's Museum, located in the South Main area of Downtown Memphis, has closed its doors Sunday and Monday for repairs, according to a bulletin on its website. Shelby Farms Park shut its gates on Sunday, April 6 due to "extreme flooding," according to their Facebook page. The Sunday closure followed an early closure on Saturday due to "rising water levels and continued rainfall." The park announced they would have a delayed opening on Monday to "allow operation teams to assess conditions" at Shelby Farms. Between Wednesday and Sunday, NWS Memphis recorded 14.07 inches of rain in East Memphis. Here's what it recorded across the Mid-South during that time period: Memphis International Airport: 12.35 inches of rain West Memphis: 10 inches of rain Jonesboro, Arkansas: 8.75 inches of rain Blytheville, Arkansas: 8.41 inches of rain Tupelo, Mississippi: 2.66 inches of rain Commercial Appeal reporter Lucas Finton contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: National Civil Right's Museum, Shelby Farms Park closed after rain
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Towns in Tennessee, Kentucky swamped as central US braces for 'generational flooding'
Fast Facts: Rounds of storms could drop more than a foot of rain across the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. The same region devastated by a deadly tornado outbreak now faces 'life-threatening' flooding. NWS Memphis said: "This is not your average flood risk. Generational flooding with devastating impacts is possible." Flood Watches cover northeastern Texas through central Ohio, stretching over 900 miles and including more than 20 million Americans. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Potentially historic flooding is underway Thursday in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys, as repeated rounds of rain pummel several states in America's heartland. More than a foot of rain could fall on the region by Sunday. This is the same part of the country that was devastated by a deadly tornado outbreak Wednesday. A stalled front draped over the central U.S. will bring continuous rain and storms through the weekend, causing both a flood threat and a severe weather threat. The National Weather Service offices in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Paducah, Kentucky, have highlighted a particularly dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding situation. Parts of Tennessee and Kentucky have already been inundated ahead of the additional rain that is forecast. Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was flooded early Friday morning. City officials told FOX Weather that approximately 60% of the downtown was underwater, and a building had collapsed due to the heavy rain. A woman had to be rescued from floodwaters in her home and another from a car. Hopkinsville City Councilwoman Brittanie Bogard told FOX Weather she hasn't seen flooding this bad in the city before. Water Rescues Reported In Nashville As 'Generational Flooding' Slams Region Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued a dire warning during his Thursday news conference. "It's the decisions about when to get out, about what to drive through – when to go stay with someone else, that can be the difference between life and death over these next couple of days," he said. More than 7 inches of rain fell earlier this week in western Tennessee, and flooding has been reported in Nashville. In the early morning hours of Thursday, cars were seen stuck in floodwaters in South Nashville. The Nashville Fire Department performed more than a dozen water rescues Tuesday. Due to flooding, numerous roads in the metro area were closed. By Thursday afternoon, creeks and rivers had already overflowed their banks in Memphis. Nashville and Memphis both recorded daily rain records on Thursday. Nashville more than doubled its daily rain record with 3.8 inches of rain, shattering the old record of 1.5 inches from 1977. This was Music City's second-wettest April day on record. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee urged people to remain vigilant through the weekend and heed guidance from first responders and local officials. Live Storm Tracker: Severe Weather Maps, Flooding Forecasts, Radars And More NOAA's Weather Prediction Center issued a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood threat Friday, covering parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. According to the FOX Forecast Center, models have been indicating rainfall totals of several inches, especially across Arkansas into western Kentucky. That is where 24-hour totals in excess of 5-8 inches could be realized in some places on top of rain that has already fallen. Flood Watches also remain in place through Sunday for southern Illinois, southern Indiana and Ohio. How To Watch Fox Weather The NWS office in Memphis issued this statement on Friday morning: "Total rainfall amounts through Sunday could exceed 10 to 15-inch range along and north of I-40. This is not your average flood risk. Generational flooding with devastating impacts is possible." Flood Watches have been issued from northeastern Texas through central Ohio, stretching over 900 miles and affecting over 20 million Americans. The Level 4 out of 4 flash flood threat shifts east and expands Saturday to include the rain-fatigued areas of western Tennessee and western Kentucky. Why High-risk Flood Days Are So Serious "Saturday is the day that concerns me the most right now," said Meteorologist Ryan Husted with the National Weather Service in Nashville. "Because we have time for our atmosphere to recharge, which means we have the potential for dangerous severe thunderstorms once again. In addition, our ground is saturated -- that means any rain that falls will run off and it's going to cause flooding. I'm very confident that Saturday is a dangerous day for flash flooding going into Saturday night." Remember, it is never safe to drive through article source: Towns in Tennessee, Kentucky swamped as central US braces for 'generational flooding'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How geography leads to severe weather in the Mid-South
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's a sound all too familiar to Mid-Southerners – tornado sirens blaring across the region over the weekend as multiple twisters touched down. This scenario is unfortunately not uncommon and the reason why has everything to do with geography. 'The Mid-South is in this unique position in the United States thanks to its proximity to the gulf,' said NWS Memphis Science and Operations Officer Mike Johnson. 'So we're allowed this abundance of moisture that streams into the area ahead of these strong storm systems.' Along with moisture, the Mid-South gets clashing air masses. 'You can get the arctic air that descends from Canada, you can have the dry air that comes out of the desert southwest and even that dry air can make it into the Mid-South,' said Dorian Burnette, the associate professor of meteorology at the University of Memphis. MFD, American Red Cross distribute over 250 free smoke detectors When the gulf moisture clashes with these air masses from out west, storms start to form. 'Usually when it makes it this far east, no good comes of that,' Burnette said. Warmer temperatures in the gulf and the fact that we're in a La Nina year is leading to an increasing number of tornadoes in the region. 'The scientific literature has shown that when they're anomalously warm it can be easier for that moisture to advect northward and increase the count of those severe thunderstorms,' Burnette said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to prepare for severe spring storms
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Meteorological spring is here, and that means spring storms. From tornadoes to hail to lightning and damaging winds, the Mid-South gets it all. Ahead of the stormy weather, here are the different types of severe weather to help you prepare for the storm. Mid-Southerners are no strangers to severe weather and tornadoes are atop the list for dangers. Tornadoes are responsible for death and destruction in the Mid-South almost every spring. For safety, go to the lowest room of your home and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. WREG Memphis Weather Saturday Morning 3/8/25 However, severe storms can bring multiple dangers. 'Knowing that those severe thunderstorms can bring lightning, flash flooding, possibly tornadic activity,' said Melissa Egan, the Community Relations Officer for TEMA. 'Just because you have a tree down doesn't mean it's necessarily a tornado,' said Caroline Adcock of NWS Memphis. 'We can get some very strong winds and a lot of hail.' Even non-severe storms bring lightning. It helps to remember the saying, 'When thunder roars, go indoors.' xAI purchases 1 million-square-foot property in Memphis Behind the lightning comes heavy rain; it pours and pours on already saturated soil. Now you have a flood. 'We really want people to check to make sure that they have homeowners insurance, flooding insurance, and also know where they live,' Egan said. Putting together a kit with some basic items like water and a flashlight is a great idea, too. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ways to prepare for upcoming severe weather
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With severe weather in the forecast, there are ways you can stay safe and alert. In the next 24 hours, downed tree limbs and possible power outages could be the result of the strong wind gusts and thunderstorms in the Tuesday forecast. 'We have to kind of wait and see what happens and storms come through. But, the way that things are looking right now, those winds, with the storms, could be damaging,' said Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS Memphis, Todd Beal. 'We could see some trees down. Things along those lines. We'd have a lot of rain lately, so it might not take as strong of winds to bring down some trees.' Severe thunderstorms to roll through Mid-South Tuesday afternoon The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has seen a significant impact to staffing following recent job cuts under the Trump administration. Despite this fact, the National Weather Service Memphis office says they're prepared for Tuesday's weather events. 'So we've been preparing for several days for this weather event. We've seen it coming now for the better part of 4 or 5 days. We've been messaging this to the public,' said Beal. 'We've had a very active social media presence to get the information out about what we can expect with the weather. We're preparing our emergency management officials and our public safety officials, briefing them on the latest.' Restaurant Inspection Scores, February 25 – March 3 Beal said that the NWS Memphis wants people to know what to do during severe weather and to prepare accordingly so they can leave to their safe place when a warning is issued. Having an emergency weather kit goes a long way. A few items for kits include batteries, phone chargers, and a flashlight. In case of power outages for unexpected periods of time, keep a blanket handy. Memphis Light Gas and Water says if customers have an outage, they can report it by calling 901-544-6500. You can always stay weather aware by downloading our WREG Memphis Weather app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
