The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a Tornado Watch until 11pm for Benton, Carroll, Chester, Decatur, Gibson, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Madison, McNairy and Weakly counties.
This watch is in effect this Thursday afternoon and evening from 345 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Primary threats include… A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75 mph likely Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible.
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are expected to intensify this afternoon from southern Illinois southward into west Tennessee and track across the watch area. Rapidly strengthening winds aloft will increase the risk of damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 75 statute miles east and west of a line from 55 miles north of Evansville IN to 90 miles south southwest of Nashville TN.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.