Nashville, Tenn. – Strong storms could slam into Middle Tennessee through 6 p.m. Saturday, bringing dangerous wind gusts, lightning, and the potential for large hail across 21 counties.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (No. 385) is now active through 6 p.m. CDT, impacting areas from Williamson and Rutherford to Wayne and White counties. Isolated wind gusts may top 60 mph, with localized power outages and downed tree limbs possible.
Cities under the watch include Franklin, Columbia, Shelbyville, McMinnville, Tullahoma, and Fayetteville. Interstate travel along I-24, I-65, and U.S. highways 64 and 231 could be affected during peak weekend hours. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities, secure loose objects, and monitor alerts closely.
Storm development is likely in waves this afternoon, with the most intense cells forming along the Cumberland Plateau and drifting westward. This marks one of the more widespread severe weather events since late April.
The thunderstorm watch remains in effect through the early evening, with additional warnings possible as storms intensify. Continue checking local alerts as conditions evolve.
