Thunderstorms Hang Over Oxford Until Noon, Possibly Into the Evening

A graphic from the National Weather Service in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo: NWS Facebook

Thunderstorms crossed over Batesville and Oxford this morning causing a lot of water to stand in the road along Highway 6 between the two cities. Rain and thunderstorms are still predicted for parts of the day.

According to accuweather.com and the National Weather Service, the chance of rain will diminish in the afternoon around 1 p.m. The sky will remain cloudy. A 20 percent chance of thunderstorm activity will remain throughout this evening and into the night.

“Strong storms possible thru midday over northeast Mississippi. Heavy rain possible north of a stationary front into West Tennessee,” the National Weather Service said.

Though storms surround our area today, tomorrow will be cloudy following some sunshine for the rest of the week.

Weather Safety Tips: 

In the case of lightening, as we have seen this thunderstorm produce much of, please remember these safety tips from the National Weather Service: 

Lightning: What You Need to Know

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• Never lie flat on the ground
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

Emily Newton is a staff reporter for hottytoddy.com and the editor of Experience Oxford magazine. She can be reached at emily.newton@hottytoddy.com. 

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