Knoxville, Tenn. – Severe storms are expected to sweep across East Tennessee Friday afternoon and evening, putting 20 counties under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. EDT. Damaging winds, hail, and lightning are the main threats as unstable air moves through the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes major population centers like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Cleveland, as well as rural counties such as Morgan, Scott, and Meigs. The alert was issued at 2 p.m. and warns of potential wind gusts over 60 mph and isolated hail up to one inch in diameter.
Drivers along I-40 and I-75 should remain alert for sudden downpours and debris on roadways. Power outages are possible, especially in wooded or rural areas where tree limbs may fall. Residents in Anderson, Hamilton, and Loudon counties are urged to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during storms.
This system marks one of the first widespread severe thunderstorm events of May for the Tennessee Valley. Similar outbreaks last spring caused scattered outages and minor structural damage.
Thunderstorm activity is expected to taper off after sunset, but additional watches or warnings could be issued if the system intensifies. Stay tuned to local alerts and keep weather radios or phone notifications enabled.
