Knoxville, TN – A Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday afternoon, May 30, for much of East Tennessee and parts of southwest North Carolina as rounds of heavy rain continue to move across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, flash flooding remains possible as showers and thunderstorms produce intense rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour in some locations. Areas experiencing repeated storms or prolonged periods of heavy rain face the greatest flood threat.
The watch includes major population centers such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Cleveland, Morristown, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, along with numerous mountain and valley communities across East Tennessee. Cherokee and Clay counties in southwest North Carolina are also included.
Forecasters warn that excessive runoff could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, low-water crossings and other flood-prone locations. Urban areas and locations with poor drainage may also experience flooding if heavier rainfall persists.
The greatest concern through Saturday morning and early afternoon will be localized flash flooding, especially in areas where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations. Mountainous terrain across the Smokies and surrounding foothills may be particularly vulnerable to rapid runoff.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates and remain prepared for possible Flash Flood Warnings. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways, as water depths can be difficult to judge and conditions may deteriorate quickly.
The Flood Watch is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 2 p.m. EDT Saturday, though additional updates may be issued depending on rainfall trends throughout the day.
