Nashville, Tennessee – Tennesseans should prepare now for multiple rounds of steady rain March 5-11 that could create water-covered roads and rising rivers across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Tennessee sits in a 60 to 70 percent chance of above-normal precipitation during the March 5-11 period. The state also carries a 90 to 100 percent chance of well above-normal temperatures, signaling a warm and moisture-rich setup across the Tennessee Valley and Southeast.
In Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, most precipitation will fall as rain, with periods of moderate to heavy downpours possible. Warmer air will dominate throughout the period, eliminating any threat of snow and allowing rainfall to move efficiently into area streams and rivers.
Heavier bands could lead to ponding along Interstates 40, 65, 24 and 75, particularly in low-lying urban areas and construction zones. The Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi rivers may see noticeable rises if repeated rain tracks over the same counties.
Residents should clear gutters and storm drains, check sump pumps and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The wet pattern remains active through March 11, and additional flood advisories could be issued if rainfall totals trend higher.
