Knoxville, Tenn. – A line of severe thunderstorms could bring 60 mph winds, hail, and dangerous lightning to parts of East Tennessee through 9 p.m. Saturday, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch across 15 counties.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Knox, Hamilton, Blount, and Sevier counties, as well as areas stretching from Marion to Monroe. The storms could develop rapidly this evening, with scattered power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions likely on I-40, I-75, and US-64.
Cities including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Cleveland, and Maryville should stay weather-aware, as isolated storms may intensify quickly. The risk of hail and damaging wind gusts is highest between 5 and 8 p.m. Outdoor events and evening travel could be affected.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary driving during peak storm hours, and keep devices charged in case of outages. If you’re in a mobile home or temporary shelter, prepare to seek sturdier shelter immediately if warnings are issued.
This is the first widespread thunderstorm watch in the region this June, a pattern that could continue into early next week.
