Update on winter weather (and flooding) in the area this afternoon and tonight

Posted Tuesday, 3:30pm:

Due to very heavy rain for much of the afternoon, flash flooding and stream flooding has become an issue across the area.  An Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory was followed quickly by a Flash Flood Warning for Shelby, DeSoto, Tunica, and southern Crittenden Co and points SW of the metro due to excessive rainfall.  The updated map is shown below.  While we were worried about ice on the roads for the afternoon commute, with temps up to 33-34 now across the area, the bigger concern is actually ponding and flooding on the roads. Stay with us for the latest via  Facebook and Twitter.

/EP


Posted Tuesday, 2:30pm:

A continuous stream of heavy rain is training over the area from the southwest and reports are flooding in (literally in some cases) of ice accumulation increasing on trees and power lines with scattered power outages.  The NWS has decided to upgrade most of the metro, except Marshall and Tate Co, MS, to a Winter Storm Warning and extended the time until midnight.  They are now calling for up to 0.40″of ice across portions of the area and minor sleet accumulations. The updated warning map is shown below.

So far, roads seem to be in decent shape, likely because temps are near, not below, freezing and rain is falling so quickly that it is running off rather than freezing. We welcome all reports of accumulating ice and particularly hazardous road conditions. Drop them to us through our continuously updated streams on  Facebook and Twitter.

/EP


Posted Tuesday, 1:40pm:


Another update to the advisories and warnings. Tipton County now under a Winter Storm Warning until 6pm for ice accumulations of up to 0.40″.  The rest of the metro has seen their advisory extended until 6pm for accumulations under 0.25″.  See the latest radar below, as well as the current advisory and temperature maps in the previous update.

/EP


Posted Tuesday, 1:15pm:

Brief post on today’s evolving weather scenario.  It doesn’t get much tougher than this.

Temperatures are floating between 31-33 depending on the time you look and the weather station you look at. Some areas, especially north and west of Shelby County are seeing accumulating ice, while recent reports indicate some light icing starting to occur on exposed surfaces and trees in parts of Shelby County that was not there this morning.  Temps will not trend in any particular direction this afternoon, staying just about where they are. Metro temps, updated every 20 minutes, are shown below.

Fortunately the roads remain warm enough in the immediate metro for rain that is falling to remain liquid. However, as we go through the afternoon, some bridges and overpasses could see some slick spots.  Some school systems in the area have announced early dismissal.

A Winter Weather Advisory that was to expire at lunchtime has been extended for the metro, except Marshall County, through the afternoon hours (latest advisory map below).  It’s possible it could be extended again as we expect precip to continue through about 9pm.  Overnight, periods of freezing drizzle are likely as low level moisture lingers and colder air moves in, dropping temperatures into the upper 20s.

  

Bottom line:
Significant icing is NOT expected in Memphis and Shelby County, however some areas will see light ice on trees, power lines, and exposed objects and bridges and overpasses may develop slick spots. More impactful icing is expected north and west of the city. Follow our social media streams below for the absolute latest on this very borderline winter weather scenario.

–Erik Proseus, MWN Meteorologist

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