Nashville, TN – Residents across portions of southern Middle Tennessee are being urged to stay weather aware Monday afternoon and evening after a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for seven counties through 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Nashville and the Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Bedford, Coffee, Giles, Grundy, Lawrence, Marshall and Wayne counties. The watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. CDT Monday, June 22.
Forecasters say the strongest storms could produce damaging straight-line winds with gusts reaching up to 75 mph. Large hail up to quarter size is also possible, along with the potential for a couple of tornadoes.
The watch covers communities including Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, Waynesboro and Altamont. Travelers along Interstate 24 and other major roadways across the region could encounter rapidly changing weather conditions during the afternoon and evening commute.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. It does not mean severe weather is occurring everywhere within the watch area, but residents should be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.
The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if outdoor activities are planned this evening. Those in mobile homes, campers or outdoor venues should be prepared to move to sturdy shelter quickly if severe storms approach.
The watch is part of a larger severe weather area stretching across portions of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, where millions of residents are under the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and be ready for rapidly changing weather conditions through sunset.
