Strong Thunderstorm with Pea-Size Hail Moves Through Memphis Area
A radar-tracked thunderstorm brought pea-size hail through Memphis and surrounding communities Sunday morning, affecting major highways across Tennessee and Mississippi.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — A strong thunderstorm capable of producing pea-size hail moved through the Memphis metropolitan area Sunday morning, prompting weather officials to issue a special weather statement for multiple counties in Tennessee and Mississippi.
The National Weather Service office in Memphis tracked the storm on Doppler radar near Southaven at 10:48 a.m. CDT, moving eastward at 25 mph. Weather officials warned that minor hail damage to vegetation was possible as the system progressed through the region.
Affected Communities
The thunderstorm impacted numerous communities across the Memphis area, according to the weather service. Locations in the storm’s path included Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Memphis, Byhalia, Lewisburg, Fairhaven, Cedarview, Handy Corner, Capleville, Miller, Jago, and Plum Point.
The storm system also affected major transportation corridors in the region. Interstate 22 in Mississippi experienced impacts between mile markers 1 and 14, while Interstate 55 in Mississippi saw effects between mile markers 288 and 290.
Weather Service Advisory
The National Weather Service Memphis office issued the special weather statement based on radar-indicated conditions rather than ground observations. The primary hazard identified was pea-size hail, which typically measures about one-quarter inch in diameter.
Officials noted that while the hail was relatively small, it could still cause minor damage to sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. The radar-based tracking allowed meteorologists to monitor the storm’s movement and provide advance warning to residents in affected areas.
Regional Impact
The thunderstorm represented typical spring weather activity for the Mid-South region, which frequently experiences severe weather systems during the warmer months. The storm’s eastward movement at 25 mph meant that communities had limited time to prepare for the approaching weather conditions.
Weather officials continued monitoring the system as it progressed through the region. The National Weather Service maintains regular surveillance of developing weather patterns to provide timely alerts and warnings for public safety.
