National Weather Service Forecast Office - Memphis, TN

� Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO)	Latest Hazardous Weather Outlook
The "Hazardous Weather Outlook" is a forecast of the hazardous weather potential during a 7 day period in the Mid-South. The primary purpose of this outlook is to assist emergency managers, the media, volunteer radio operators, public safety groups, and the general public as they plan daily activities. The Hazardous Weather Outlook is normally issued during the early morning hours, and updated as additional information dictates.
� Tornado Watch	Latest Watches
A "Tornado Watch" means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in the watch area can continue with their day-to-day activities, but should keep an eye to the sky for threatening weather. If threatening weather does approach, tune to NOAA Weather Radio, or local broadcast media, to keep abreast of the changing weather situation. Watches usually last about 6 hours and cover areas of about 25,000 square miles each, and are issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK. The local NWS office issues a county list of counties included in each watch. See "Areal Outline" below.
� Tornado Warning (TOR)	Mid-South Watches/Warnings
A "Tornado Warning" is issued when a tornado is detected on radar or a reliable report of a tornado is received. Persons in the warning area should take immediate action to protect their lives and the lives of others. Warnings are issued by county and usually last for less than one hour.
� Severe Thunderstorm Watch	Latest Watches
A "Severe Thunderstorm Watch" means that conditions are favorable for the formation of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Severe thunderstorms produce winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) and/or hail 3/4 inch or larger. Persons in the watch area can continue with their day-to-day activities, but should keep an eye to the sky for threatening weather. If threatening weather does approach, tune to NOAA Weather Radio, or local broadcast media, to keep abreast of the changing weather situation. Watches usually last about 6 hours and cover areas of about 25,000 square miles each, and are issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK. The local NWS office issues a county list of counties included in each watch. See "Areal Outline" below.
� Severe Thunderstorm Warning (SVR)	Mid-South Watches/Warnings
A "Severe Thunderstorm Warning" is issued when a severe thunderstorm is detected on radar or a reliable report of severe thunderstorm activity is received. Severe thunderstorms produce winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) and/or hail 3/4 inch or larger. Tornadoes can and occasionally do accompany severe thunderstorms. Persons in the warning area should take immediate action to protect their lives and the lives of others. Warnings are issued by county and usually last for less than one hour.
� Areal Outline (SLS)	Latest Areal Outline: TN / MS / AR / MO
The "Areal Outline" (also called the "Redefining Statement") is issued when either a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or a Tornado Watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center. Its purpose is to list the counties and major cities affected by the watch. This product is issued by state, with Memphis producing the product for all of Tennessee; Little Rock for Arkansas; Jackson for Mississippi; and St. Louis for Missouri.
� Severe Weather Statement (SVS)	Mid-South Watches/Warnings
The "Severe Weather Statement" is used to keep a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning up-to-date. This product will keep the public informed of a severe thunderstorm or tornado; where it is located, and if there has been any severe weather reported to the National Weather Service. Most warnings issued by the NWS have at least one Severe Weather Statements issued to follow up on them. This product is also used to cancel warnings when severe weather has moved out of the warned area.
� Special Weather Statement (SPS)	Latest Special Weather Statement
A "Special Weather Statement" is issued to keep the public and media abreast of weather situations that are significant, but not thought to be life-threatening. It can also be used to clear counties from a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch. Finally, it may also be used to inform the public of an interesting or unusual weather phenomena.
� Special Weather Advisory (SPS)	Latest Special Weather Advisory
A "Special Weather Advisory" is issued to keep the public and media abreast of certain thunderstorms detected on radar that may be producing non-severe hail or non-severe wind gusts to a particular area. People living in the area should stay alert for potential warnings/statements.
� Local Storm Report (LSR)	Latest Local Storm Report
A "Local Storm Report" is issued by the National Weather Service after a severe weather episode. It details the severe weather reports received by the NWS. It states when the severe weather occurred, where it occurred, and what the event was. This report may include reports of tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, or flooding. Fatalities and/or injuries may be included if they can be confirmed by emergency management or law enforcement officials.