Nashville, Tenn. – Widespread severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across Middle Tennessee starting around 9 p.m. Friday, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes through 2 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, storms will likely arrive in waves, with the most intense activity between 9 p.m. and midnight for cities including Nashville, Columbia, and Smithville. Northwest areas like Clarksville and Waverly could see storms beginning as early as 8 p.m., while areas further southeast, including Crossville and Tullahoma, face peak impacts closer to midnight.
Residents in Davidson, Montgomery, and Wilson counties should be prepared for wind gusts exceeding 65 mph and hail up to 3 inches in diameter. A Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) has been issued for parts of northwest Tennessee, with an Enhanced Risk covering much of the region. The greatest tornado risk lies along and north of I-40, especially west of I-65.
Officials urge Tennesseans to charge their phones, check flashlight batteries, and review emergency plans. Discrete storm cells may develop as early as 6 p.m., ahead of the main line.
Severe weather warnings remain possible through early Saturday morning. Stay tuned to local alerts and have multiple ways to receive emergency updates.
