Storm Prediction Center Issues Rare 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' Tornado Watch for Six Mid‑South, Lower Ohio Valley States

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” tornado watch Monday afternoon for parts of six states in the Mid-South and lower Ohio Valley, escalating the day’s severe-weather threat and warning that several tornadoes are possible, including some that could be intense. Tornado Watch 162 was issued at 2:45 p.m. CDT and remains in effect until 11 p.m. CDT Monday.

The watch covers parts of northeast Arkansas, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri and western Tennessee. In the watch text, the Storm Prediction Center said, “...THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION... ”

The Storm Prediction Center listed the main threats as: “Several tornadoes and a few intense tornadoes likely,” “Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events to 2.5 inches in diameter possible” and “Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely.” In its summary, the center said intense supercell development is expected through late afternoon, followed by multiple rounds of severe storms through the evening. It also said strengthening deep-layer and low-level winds could support strong to intense tornadoes, including the potential for EF2+ or EF3+ tornadoes if they occur.

A particularly dangerous situation, or PDS, tornado watch is used sparingly by the Storm Prediction Center and signals an unusually high-end, life-threatening severe-weather setup. The designation is notable because it is reserved for situations in which forecasters see a heightened risk of significant tornadoes and other severe hazards across a broad area.

The Storm Prediction Center emphasized that this is a watch, not a warning. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms over a larger region and time window, while tornado warnings are issued by local National Weather Service offices for specific counties or communities when a tornado is imminent or occurring. As the watch text puts it: “Remember...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.” People in the watch area should monitor later statements and possible warnings from their local National Weather Service office through Monday evening.