Remnants of Ike to affect Mid-South

Though it won't be nearly as bad as when it made landfall, the remnants of Ike will affect the Mid-South over the next 24 hours or so. As the center of the storm moves into southwest Arkansas tonight and then east-northeast through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, heavy rain will fall mainly west and north of the metro area, though showers and a few t'storms are likely beginning late tonight and through at least the first half of Sunday. In addition to the rain, wind shear in the environment will increase significantly, providing the possibility of isolated tornadoes from early Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has placed areas west of the Mississippi River in a SLIGHT risk for severe weather on Sunday.

The main effect everyone will feel though will be strong wind. It's already picking up today with gusts in the lower 20 mph range, but as the center of Ike draws closer, especially very early Sunday morning, sustaied wind will increase to 20-25 mph with gusts well into the 30s. Once again, stronger wind will be felt northwest of Memphis. A WIND ADVISORY has been posted for the metro area from midnight tonight through noon Sunday.

A sharp cold front will move through late in the day Sunday which will drop the humidity and wind values and provide a very nice start to next week with highs in the 70s Monday and Tuesday and lows likely falling into the 50s in normally cooler suburban locations. So, until Monday, hold on to your hat and be tuned in to commercial radio or TV, NOAA Weather Radio, or MemphisWeather.Net in case severe weather strikes.