Knoxville, Tenn. – Much of East Tennessee and parts of southern Middle Tennessee remain under a tornado watch until early Saturday morning, with storms capable of producing damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Morristown and Huntsville, Tornado Watch 271 is active until 4 a.m. EDT (3 a.m. CDT) for 29 counties, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Franklin. The watch covers major population centers and transportation corridors across the Tennessee Valley and into southwest Virginia.
Residents in cities like Sevierville, Maryville, Cleveland, and Kingsport should stay alert for rapidly changing conditions overnight. Strong winds and brief tornadoes are possible, especially in areas of enhanced terrain like the Cumberland Plateau and foothills of the Smokies.
Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel and stay near shelter through the early morning hours. Mobile home residents and those in vulnerable structures should have alternate safety plans in place.
The tornado watch includes high-impact areas such as I-40, I-75, and U.S. 441. Emergency officials recommend charging devices, enabling weather alerts, and preparing to move to interior rooms if warnings are issued.
Additional advisories may follow depending on how storms track through the early morning.
