A heightened risk for severe weather is now stretching farther south than previously anticipated, putting the northern parts of the Mid-South on high alert from Friday evening through early Saturday morning. According to updated forecasts, the threat level has been raised to a Moderate Risk (4 out of 5) — a serious indicator that significant and potentially dangerous storms could impact the region overnight.
This upgraded risk level suggests a greater chance for intense and widespread severe weather conditions. Residents across the affected areas should be prepared for a full range of storm hazards. This includes the potential for damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and even the possibility of strong tornadoes. The overnight timing of these storms raises additional concern, as threats occurring after dark are harder to detect and respond to quickly.
Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the evolving forecast as storm systems build across the central U.S. and move toward the Mid-South. The atmosphere will likely become increasingly unstable heading into the evening hours on Friday, with warm, moist air from the Gulf interacting with upper-level disturbances. These conditions create a volatile environment ripe for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing fast-moving and destructive systems.
It’s important for those living in northern Mississippi, west Tennessee, and surrounding areas to remain weather-aware throughout Friday night. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts — especially ones that will wake you up if warnings are issued while you’re asleep. Power outages, flash flooding, and debris from high winds are all possibilities that could impact travel and safety during this time.
As always, it’s better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Review your severe weather safety plan with your family, know where your safe place is, and ensure your devices are fully charged before nightfall. While not everyone in the highlighted area will experience dangerous storms, the potential for life-threatening weather is real and should be taken seriously.
