Murfreesboro, Tenn. – A tornado watch remains in effect until 3 a.m. CDT Saturday for 18 counties across Middle Tennessee, including Murfreesboro, Columbia, and Tullahoma, as severe storms continue moving through the region overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville, Tornado Watch 271 covers areas from Giles County east to Cumberland and White counties. Cities under threat include Shelbyville, Murfreesboro, Manchester, Crossville, and Lawrenceburg. The greatest risk includes isolated tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph, and large hail. The watch remains active until 3 a.m., with storms expected to gradually weaken after midnight.
Emergency officials are urging residents to remain weather-aware and keep NOAA weather radios or phone alerts active through the early morning hours. Many areas, especially along I-24 and U.S. 231, could experience sudden wind gusts and low visibility. Power outages are possible in rural areas of Maury, Van Buren, and Perry counties if storms intensify.
Those in mobile homes or older structures should have a safety plan ready. Overnight storms are especially dangerous due to reduced visibility and delayed warnings. Take shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor if warnings are issued.
Tornado Watch 271 remains in effect through 3 a.m. Updates will follow as new warnings or advisories are issued overnight.
