Flood Watch Extended Through Thursday Afternoon for Parts of the Smokies

Repeated rounds of heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in the mountains and nearby communities.

By Meteorologist Kyle Grainger | Smokies.LIVE Storm Center

A Flood Watch has been extended through Thursday afternoon for portions of East Tennessee as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms continue to move across the region.

The greatest concern is not severe weather, but repeated heavy downpours that could quickly overwhelm creeks, streams and low-lying areas. While not everyone will experience flooding, locations that receive several rounds of rain in a short period of time could see flash flooding develop.

The Flood Watch includes:

• Blount County Smoky Mountains
• Cocke County Smoky Mountains
• Sevier County Smoky Mountains
• North Sevier County
• Northwest Blount County
• Loudon County

What to Expect

• Today through Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to develop.
• Heaviest Rain: Some storms will produce torrential rainfall capable of dropping several inches of rain in a short amount of time.
• Flood Threat: The risk increases wherever storms repeatedly move over the same locations.

Main Impacts

• Flash flooding is possible in flood-prone areas.
• Rapid rises on creeks and small streams.
• Water covering low-lying roads and poor drainage areas.
• Reduced visibility and hazardous travel during heavy downpours.
• Campgrounds, hiking trails and streams in the Smokies could become dangerous with little warning.

Safety Tips

• Never drive through a flooded roadway. It only takes a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.
• If you’re camping or hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, keep a close eye on the weather and be prepared to move to higher ground if heavy rain develops.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if you’re sleeping or traveling.

From Meteorologist Kyle Grainger

“This isn’t expected to be a constant rain event, but rather several rounds of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing very heavy rainfall. Areas that see storms repeatedly move overhead will have the greatest risk for flash flooding. If you live near a creek, stream or flood-prone roadway, stay weather aware through Thursday afternoon.”

The Smokies.LIVE Storm Center will continue tracking rainfall totals, flood potential and any Flash Flood Warnings that may be issued. Stay with Smokies.LIVE for the latest forecast, live radar and weather updates throughout the event.