Knoxville, Tenn. – More than 3.5 million people across Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia are under a Tornado Watch until 2 a.m. EDT Wednesday, with scattered storms capable of producing tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service, a few tornadoes are likely in the watch area, which includes cities such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, Athens, Cartersville, and Middlesborough. Scattered gusts up to 70 mph and hail as large as tennis balls are also possible with these storms.
Communities in eastern Tennessee—including Morristown, Dalton, and Calhoun—are expected to see the most significant activity overnight. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, charge mobile devices, and have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially as storms peak after dark. Interstates 75, 59, and 24 may see rapid deterioration in travel conditions if severe cells pass through.
The watch includes more than 1,000 schools and 85 hospitals, underscoring the risk to critical infrastructure. Officials recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, especially in rural or mountainous areas prone to poor cell coverage.
Tornado Watch #308 remains in effect until 2 a.m. Wednesday, with additional advisories possible as the storm system pushes east.
