Severe storms and tornadoes have wreaked havoc across the Mid-South, prompting local authorities to open emergency shelters and issue warnings as the dangerous weather continues to unfold. On April 2, 2025, shelters began opening their doors in anticipation of severe storms, with locations established in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas to provide refuge for residents.
The following shelters are now open to the public: in Memphis, the Hospitality Hub at 590 Washington Avenue; in West Memphis, Arkansas, the Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School (1402 Crestmere St.), ASU Mid-South (2000 W. Broadway), and Wonder Jr. High School (2501 E. Broadway Ave); in Arlington, Tennessee, the Arlington Tornado Safe Room (11842 Otto Lane); in Oxford, Mississippi, the Oxford Recycling Center (135 MS-7) and OFD Station 3 (139 Hwy 7 South); in Selmer, Tennessee, the Selmer Courthouse (Court Avenue); in Olive Branch, Mississippi, the Olive Branch Storm Shelter (9549 Pigeon Roost Road); in Lafayette County, Tennessee, the LCFD Central Station (50 Cr. 1032); in Southaven, Mississippi, the Southaven Community Safe Room (Highway 51 North and Dorchester); in Dyersburg, Tennessee, the Dyersburg Storm Shelter (South Court Avenue); in Atoka, Tennessee, Atoka Town Hall (334 Atoka-Munford Rd) and Atoka Elementary School (870 Rosemark Road); in Covington, Tennessee, The Cellar at Covington Square (102 E Court Square) and Liberty Baptist Church (2097 Holly Grove Rd); and in Drummonds, Tennessee, Apostolics of Drummonds (2357 Wilkinsville Rd).
These shelters will remain open until the severe weather threat has passed. The Mid-South Red Cross is also on standby to provide additional shelter support if necessary, and a shelter trailer has been set up at the County Road Department in Marion, ready to be deployed if conditions worsen.
The situation escalated on April 3, 2025, when two large tornadoes struck Selmer, Tennessee, early in the morning. Reports indicate significant damage, including downed trees and impassable roads, with one account noting that a gas station was destroyed. The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded by clearing roads and checking for stranded drivers amidst the chaos.
In a tweet around 2:30 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Memphis warned, "Another tornado is heading directly north of Selmer, TN, in 40 minutes. This is an incredibly dangerous situation." They later added that while the initial tornado-warned storm had passed, another storm was approaching, urging residents to remain vigilant.
As the storm system continued its destructive path, the NWS issued dozens of tornado warnings across parts of the South and Midwest, affecting states including Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These violent storms had already caused significant disruption the previous day, on April 2, 2025, leading to widespread alerts and emergency preparations.
In the wake of these storms, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) confirmed that one weather-related death occurred in McNairy County, highlighting the severity of the situation. TEMA reported that storms were still moving through the Midstate and other regions of West Tennessee, with multiple tornadoes confirmed in the Selmer area.
As residents cope with the aftermath of the storms, local officials are working tirelessly to assess the damage and ensure public safety. The community is coming together, utilizing the opened shelters and emergency services to provide support to those affected by the severe weather. In times like these, the importance of preparedness and community resilience becomes starkly evident.
With the threat of severe storms still looming, residents are urged to stay informed through local news outlets and weather services. The NWS continues to monitor conditions closely, providing updates and warnings as necessary. In the face of such unpredictable weather, it is crucial for individuals to have a plan in place, know their nearest shelter, and stay updated on the latest developments.
The events unfolding across the Mid-South serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community readiness. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will be on restoring normalcy and ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need.
As the situation develops, authorities and emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to any further incidents related to the ongoing severe weather. The emotional and physical toll of such disasters can be significant, but the strength of community bonds often shines through in the darkest times.
