The Dyersburg area will be under a moderate risk of dangerous weather this afternoon and tonight as a widespread severe thunderstorm outbreak is likely across the Midsouth.

Michael Scotten, a lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Memphis, said the brunt of the severe weather is forecast across north Mississippi, "but there is still a chance for tornadoes in Northwest Tennessee."

(Advertisement)

Scotten said during an 11 a.m. teleconference with local emergency management officials the highest severe weather threat with tornadoes will be a line from Helena, Ark. to Iuka, Miss.

There is less certainty for widespread severe weather north of Interstate 40, though severe threats everywhere include large hail (golf ball size or larger) and high wind (more than 60 mph).

The Northwest Tennessee region is expected to be affected from 5 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, with the most active time across the MidSouth from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.