Memphis weather update: One dead, thousands still without power in Shelby County
Severe storms moved through the Memphis area overnight leaving thousands without power Saturday morning and debris spread across many roads.
One person in Shelby County died due to the storms, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The death was one of four statewide as of late Saturday afternoon.
Several Memphis residents regained power throughout the day Saturday, but at least 11,100 people were still without power early Sunday around 1 a.m. due to 282 outages reported by Memphis Light, Gas and Water.
The update is an improvement from 7 a.m. Saturday morning when 26,000 customers were without power.
The line of storms that moved through the Mid-South caused extensive damage in Northeast Arkansas, hitting a nursing home in Monette that killed one and trapped 20 people inside, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day told The Associated Press.
Nursing hoe: Before storm hit Mayfield, Kentucky, it tore roof off Arkansas nursing home 100 miles away
Five people had serious injuries, and a few others had minor ones, he said. The nursing home has 86 beds.
In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said he expects between 70-100 deaths from the storms.
Friday night, Saturday morning updates:
The almost 80-degree weather in December comes with a bit of bad news as the Memphis area is hit with severe thunderstorms.
A tornado warning has been issued for the Memphis area until 12:45 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The warning was issued for Memphis, Millington and Rosemark, Tennessee, until 12:45 a.m. Saturday. Severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Collierville, Germantown and Oakland, Tennessee, as well as Olive Branch, Horn Lake and Lynchburg, Mississippi, until 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Over 26,000 Memphis, Light, Gas and Water customers were without power in Shelby County as of 1:30 a.m. Saturday, according to MLGW.
A tornado watch was issued for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee until 2 a.m. Saturday — including Shelby County, according to the NWS.
The Storm Prediction Center upgraded portions of the Mid-South to a Moderate Risk (4/5) for severe thunderstorms across the Mid-South Friday afternoon and Friday night.
The risk was upgraded Friday morning because of an increase chance of tornadoes.
Memphis radar: Track storm forecast and possible tornado warnings
The stronger storms are capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.
Thunderstorms are expected to arrive between 9 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Saturday with wind speeds up to 25 mph throughout the evening and early morning. The NWS predicted between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rainfall.
The high pressure will settle Saturday night into Sunday and the lows will drop into the mid-20s to lower 30s.
At around 7 p.m. Friday a tornado warning was issued for Jonesboro, Paragould and Trumann, Arkansas, until 7: 30 p.m.
Spotters reported tornadoes near Weiner, Arkansas, the NWS said.
The Storm Prediction Center has just upgraded portions of the Mid-South to a Moderate Risk (4/5). https://t.co/ZCp4yW9GJ4
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) December 10, 2021
The City of Memphis put out a statement saying it was prepared for the potential effects forecasted as crews inspected and cleared storm drains, inlets and checking other essential areas to minimize the potential for street flooding.
Public Works encouraged residents who experience water entering their homes or accumulating on their property to take measures to prevent or divert water by clearing storm drains near their homes. Clearing gutters, downspouts and nearby storm drains can help reduce the chance of residential flooding.
The chances for warmer weather in December returns in the middle part of next week as temperatures return to upper 60s, lower 70s starting Tuesday — with no precipitation.
A record high of 80 degrees was set in Memphis Friday. The previous record was 75 degrees in 1918.
To report power outages, the city asks that people call MLGW at 901-544-6500. To report downed trees, call 311 and to report downed trees after-hours call 901-636-2525.
Memphis weather radar
Safety Tips
Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a NOAA weather radio.
Know the alerts:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable. Stay alert.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take shelter. Act now.
Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable. Stay alert.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been seen on radar or reported by a spotter. Take shelter.
Be prepared to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Designate a "safe place" to shelter. Underground is best, such as a basement or storm shelter. If not possible, go to the center room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
If you are in a vehicle, try to seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not building is near, pull over, keep seat belt on. Cover head and neck with your arms and cover your body with aa coat or blanket.
Avoid parking under bridges or overpasses
Anticipate power outages.
Commercial Appeal reporter Laura Testino contributed.
Ray Padilla is the digital producer for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at raymond.padilla@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Ray_Padilla_.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Thousands still without power in Memphis, one dead: Weather update
