Morristown, TN – The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for several counties in East Tennessee, including the Smoky Mountains, from 1 p.m. Tuesday to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Strong south winds between 25 and 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph, are expected, with some higher elevations possibly seeing gusts exceeding 80 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, the affected areas include Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Johnson, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Southeast Monroe, and Unicoi Counties. The extreme wind conditions could result in widespread power outages due to downed trees and power lines. High-profile vehicles may experience hazardous travel conditions.
Residents are urged to take precautions, including staying in the lower levels of their homes, avoiding windows, and securing outdoor objects that could become airborne. If travel is necessary, drivers should use extreme caution, particularly in exposed areas.
Emergency management officials advise monitoring local weather updates and preparing for possible power disruptions. Wind intensity is expected to peak overnight Tuesday into early Wednesday before gradually diminishing.
For the latest weather alerts and emergency updates, residents should stay tuned to local news sources and the National Weather Service.
