NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rain is expected to develop across Middle Tennessee Wednesday afternoon and evening, becoming more widespread tonight and continuing into Thursday with totals generally ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Nashville.
In a Wednesday update, the weather service said the steadiest rain is most likely after moisture increases later today, with showers persisting into Thursday. While severe storms are not expected, forecasters said a few thunderstorms are possible, especially during the period of widespread rain.
Forecast rainfall amounts shared by the Nashville office show most communities in the 0.5 to 1 inch range, with higher totals focused east. The Cumberland Plateau is favored for the heaviest rain, with up to about 1.5 inches most likely in parts of the plateau region. The agency also noted the chance of more than 2 inches is less than 20%.
On the lighter side of the system, expected totals near the northwest side of the region were shown closer to 0.25 to 0.5 inch, including areas around Clarksville and Waverly. Around the Nashville metro and much of the I-65 and I-24 corridors, amounts were depicted mainly 0.5 to 1 inch, including communities such as Columbia and Tullahoma. East of Interstate 40, the map highlighted 1 to 1.5 inches near the plateau communities, including Crossville and Smithville.
The weather service said temperatures are expected to remain in the 40s to 60s through Friday, before a warmer weekend trend with readings reaching the 70s.
For commuters and school drop-offs, the most likely impacts are periods of reduced visibility and ponding on roads during heavier bursts tonight into Thursday. Drivers are urged to slow down on wet roadways and allow extra stopping distance during the Thursday morning commute.
