Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and localized flooding are the primary concerns from late Tuesday night through Wednesday. A limited tornado risk exists near the Kentucky border.
Meteorologist Kyle Grainger | Smokies.LIVE Storm Center
The Smokies.LIVE Storm Center is monitoring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms developing late this evening and continuing into the early morning hours Wednesday across East Tennessee.
While not everyone will experience severe weather, storms that do develop could produce damaging wind gusts, torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding. A very low tornado risk cannot be completely ruled out, mainly across communities near the Kentucky border.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from midnight tonight through Wednesday evening for much of East Tennessee, including the Smoky Mountains.
What You Need to Know
⏰ Timing
- Late Tuesday Evening (After Sunset): Storms begin developing and increasing in coverage.
- Overnight into Early Wednesday Morning: Greatest threat for strong to severe storms, especially north of Interstate 40.
- Wednesday Morning: Storms gradually become less severe, but periods of heavy rain continue.
- Wednesday Afternoon & Evening: Flooding becomes the primary concern as repeated downpours move across the region.
Main Threats Tonight
- Damaging wind gusts capable of bringing down trees and power lines.
- Frequent lightning with any thunderstorm.
- Torrential rainfall reducing visibility on area roads.
- Localized flash flooding, especially in poor drainage and low-lying areas.
- Very low tornado risk, mainly near the Kentucky border.
Flood Watch Details
The Flood Watch is in effect from midnight tonight through Wednesday evening.
Smoky Mountain Areas included include:
- Knox County
- Sevier County
- Blount County
- Cocke County
- Jefferson County
Flooding Concerns Wednesday
Wednesday’s greatest concern shifts away from severe weather and toward heavy rainfall.
Repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms may produce:
- Rapid rises on creeks and streams.
- Flooding of low-lying roads.
- Water covering roadways.
- Flooding in locations that have already received heavy rainfall in recent days.
It will not take as much additional rain for flooding to develop in areas that have recently experienced high water.
How to Prepare
- Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight.
- Charge phones and electronic devices before storms arrive.
- Secure loose outdoor furniture and decorations.
- Never drive across a flooded roadway.
- Be prepared for isolated power outages if damaging winds occur.
From Meteorologist Kyle Grainger
“Tonight’s storms have the potential to produce damaging winds and heavy rain, particularly north of Interstate 40. As we move into Wednesday, our focus shifts to the increasing threat of flooding as repeated rounds of downpours develop. Now is the time to stay weather aware, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or have travel plans. We’ll continue providing updates throughout the event as conditions change.”
The Smokies.LIVE Storm Center will continue monitoring conditions throughout the night and provide updates as watches or warnings are issued. Stay with Smokies.LIVE for the latest forecast, radar updates and any important weather alerts.
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