Spring Severe Weather 2025
News Releases
Monitoring a Severe Weather & Flooding Event
National Weather Service forecasts show both significant severe weather and flooding from Wednesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 6, with a high risk of severe weather issued over West Tennessee on Wednesday and another chance of severe weather into Thursday night. In addition, rainfall totals through Sunday are forecast to be up to 15” for much of West Tennessee, with some areas possibly receiving more.
For updates and forecasts specific to your region, follow your local National Weather Service:
Media Briefing (April 2, 2025): TEMA Shares Preparedness Measures Ahead of Expected Severe Weather, Flooding
Press Release (April 2, 2025): Gov. Lee, TEMA Declare State of Emergency, Request Emergency Federal Assistance Ahead of Severe Weather
TEMA will update this website regularly through springtime, as needed. This will include any Press Releases or Flash Reports that may be shared during a severe weather threat. If you are a member of the media and have a question or interview request, please email TEMA.Info@tn.gov.
TEMA maintains a map of open or established shelters during weather events. The map is frequently updated to reflect the status of county or local shelter operations.
We encourage Tennesseans to connect with local officials to identify safe places and their operational procedures ahead of a weather event. For further assistance, please contact your local emergency management agency.
Stay Informed
- Monitor Official Sources: Stay up to date with current weather information through your local National Weather Service Office and through your local news.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Make sure weather notifications are active on your mobile device. Some counties may offer emergency alerts through the local emergency management agency.
- Have a Weather Radio: NOAA Weather Radios can provide life-saving alerts, even during power outages.
Make a Plan
- Create a Family Communication Plan: Your family may not be together when a disaster happens. Make sure everyone knows how to get in touch with one another and where to meet if separated. Know where you would go if you needed to evacuate.
Build a Kit
- Essentials: Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Consider Specific Needs: Your kit should also include supplies that are specific to your daily needs and responsibilities. Don’t forget to pack supplies for pets, infants, or elderly family members.
Have multiple ways to receive alerts on changing conditions and understand the terms used by the NWS when those alerts are distributed.
Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding. Be prepared!
Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or
occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden
violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood
in areas not immediately receiving rain.
If there is a Tornado Warning issued, seek shelter immediately.
Indoors
- Get to a basement or safe room. If there’s no basement, get to a small, interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Outdoors or in a Vehicle
- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.
- If there’s no nearby shelter, take cover in a stationary vehicle and buckle up. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris.
If there is a Flood or Flash Flood Warning issued, move to higher ground immediately.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises - get out!
- Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. Floodwater can contain a variety of hazards that pose a health and safety risk.
- Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may
be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces,
electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee has established a donation fund that goes directly to survivors. If you would like to donate, please visit their website.