(WMC-TV) - Mid-Southerners spent much of Monday morning and afternoon watching the skies as dangerous thunderstorms moved through the area.

Damage was reported across Shelby County, and there were at least scattered reports of damage from North Mississippi. At one point Monday afternoon, about 50,000 MLGW customers were without power.

MLGW confirmed one fatality following Monday's storm.  The utility said 87-year-old Ed Bennett died instantaneously when he came in contact with a downed power line.

The accident happened as the storm rolled through the area of Shady Grove and South Yates.  

"Very difficult," said the victim's son, Michael Bennett.  "He's in a good place."

Bennett reportedly went into his backyard where a wire had fallen into some shrubbery and started a fire.  He became concerned and even called a neighbor before his death.

Mid-Southerners spent much of Monday morning and afternoon watching the skies as dangerous thunderstorms moved through the area.

Damage was reported across Shelby County, and there were at least scattered reports of damage from North Mississippi. At one point Monday afternoon, about 50,000 MLGW customers were without power.

The potential for strong thunderstorms, which could produce tornadoes, exists Monday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say heavy downpours could bring up to 3 inches of rainfall and trigger small-stream flooding.

Monday began with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, but the coming front will drop them into the 30s by dawn Tuesday and there could be some scattered frost.

Temperatures are expected to rebound quickly with highs Wednesday again in the 60s and 70s.

If you see damage, and can do so safely, take photos and email them to My5@WMCTV.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A tornado watch has been issued for all of West Tennessee and the northwestern part of Middle Tennessee in advance of expected storms.

The National Weather Service issued the watch on Monday morning, effective until 3 p.m. CDT, for 25 counties. Additional watches or warnings could be issued later in the day as the weather system pushes eastward.

The potential for strong thunderstorms, which could produce tornadoes, exists Monday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say heavy downpours could bring up to 3 inches of rainfall and trigger small-stream flooding.

Monday began with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, but the coming front will drop them into the 30s by dawn Tuesday and there could be some scattered frost.

Temperatures are expected to rebound quickly with highs Wednesday again in the 60s and 70s.