Tornado watch in these areas: What US states are affected today, May 9

The National Weather Service has reported that several states in the country are under a tornado watch, where these weather events are likely to develop.

Ronald W. Erdrich/Abilene Report

Gidget Alikpala

Gidget writes for the latest news section of AS USA, covering breaking news and current affairs. She previously worked for TV for many years, both on and off-camera, as anchor, producer, and writer, reporting on topics from international to lifestyle news. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Update: May 9th, 2024 05:22 EDT

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that severe weather continues in parts of the United States with several areas under a tornado watch.

Strong storms have been buffeting central and eastern parts of the United States, with tornados hurtling through Tennessee, causing extensive damage.

The agency said that a Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

The Tornado Watch will be in effect in these counties until May 9, 10 a.m. CDT.

Tennessee

Bedford, TN
Cannon, TN
Coffee, TN
Franklin, TN
Giles, TN
Grundy, TN
Hardin, TN
Lawrence, TN
Lewis, TN
Lincoln, TN
Marshall, TN
Maury, TN
McNairy, TN
Moore, TN
Rutherford, TN
Warren, TN
Wayne, TN
Williamson, TN

Mississippi

Benton, MS
Marshall, MS
Tate, MS
Tippah, MS
Tunica, MS
Alcorn, MS
Calhoun, MS
Chickasaw, MS
Coahoma, MS
Itawamba, MS
Lafayette, MS
Lee, MS
Monroe, MS
Panola, MS
Pontotoc, MS
Prentiss, MS
Quitman, MS
Tallahatchie, MS
Tishomingo, MS
Union, MS
Yalobusha, MS

Alabama

Colbert, AL
Cullman, AL
DeKalb, AL
Franklin, AL
Jackson, AL
Lauderdale, AL
Lawrence, AL
Limestone, AL
Madison, AL
Marshall, A
Morgan, AL
Fayette, AL
Lamar, AL
Marion, AL
Walker, AL
Winston, AL

The Tornado Watch will be in effect in these counties until May 9, 11 a.m. EDT.

Marion, TN
Sequatchie TN
Dade, GA

For more information on current tornado warnings, consult the National Weather Service website or its social media channels.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee until 10 AM CDT pic.twitter.com/gHOYcRLe0C
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) May 9, 2024

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

A tornado warning and a tornado watch are both issued by the National Weather Service to alert the public about the potential for tornado activity, but they signify different levels of urgency and risk.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in a specific area. During a tornado watch, people should remain vigilant and be prepared to take action in case a tornado develops. It’s a time to stay informed by monitoring weather updates and preparing a plan of action, such as identifying a safe shelter and having an emergency kit ready.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar in a specific area. It’s a more urgent alert than a tornado watch and indicates that immediate action should be taken to protect life and property.

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When a tornado warning is issued, people in the affected area should seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building, preferably in a basement or interior room on the lowest level away from windows.

It’s important to take both types of alerts seriously and follow recommended safety precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones during severe weather events.