(CNN) — There is an increased risk of strong tornadoes of force EF-2 or greater for this Thursday, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
The area rated at level 3 out of 5 includes most of western and central Tennessee, most of Mississippi, and northwestern Alabama.
The cities at risk include Memphis, Nashville, Jackson, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.
The storms developing along a strong cold front will develop primarily during the late followingnoon and evening hours of Thursday.
Some severe storms are also possible later in Oklahoma and Texas, but they are not expected to be as widespread.