Risk for Severe Weather This Afternoon and Evening (3/27/2017)

NOTE: This blog post is pertaining to a chance for severe weather that is forecast for today, Monday, March 27th, 2017.

After having gusty winds and hail come through West Tennessee before sunrise this morning, the atmosphere became somewhat "stable". This usually allows severe weather to be kept at bay and keeps any strong thunderstorms from forming. This is exactly what happened to us on Saturday, when no severe weather occurred because the rain that came through in the morning sucked the energy from the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the sun is starting to come out again, and this will likely put energy back in the atmosphere returning the risk for strong to severe thunderstorms. Here you can see the satellite showing some breaks in the clouds.


On radar, you can see the approaching cold front. Before it arrives, scattered showers and thunderstorms will return to West Tennessee this afternoon becoming more widespread as the cold front moves into West Tennessee tonight.



Here's an idea for what the radar might look like this afternoon and evening.


The Storm Prediction Center with the National Weather Service issued an enhanced risk for severe weather for nearly all of West Tennessee. I thought this was a bit much, and if you like thinking of the categorical risk (marginal, slight, enhanced etc.) in terms of numbers instead, I think we're looking at more of a 2-3 out of 5 instead of a solid 3.



If any thunderstorms become severe this afternoon, large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats but flash flooding and an isolated tornado will also be possible this afternoon and evening.

So to summarize:

• Scattered thunderstorms will return to West Tennessee this afternoon and evening
• Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats, put your cars in a garage or carport if you can
• An isolated tornado is still possible

Stay weather aware! If you have any errands to run, keep your phone off silent so that if a watch is issued you can see that alert on your phone!

I'll keep you posted with another update on WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News!