NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Over the Gulf of Mexico, there is an area of thunderstorms that is forecasted to become a tropical storm or hurricane. If it strengthens into a tropical storm it will be called Francine, and the latest forecast data shows Francine impacting middle Tennessee!
Typically, by the time tropical systems get here, they weaken substantially. This means the main impact is heavy rain.
Another impact is tornadoes. September is when tornadoes are least likely, and only 12 tornadoes have ever been recorded in Tennessee in this month. However, weak tornadoes are possible within the outer bands of a tropical system.
The latest forecast models show the potential tropical storm, Francine, forming in the Gulf on Tuesday or Wednesday, then quickly moving inland on Thursday.
Both the European and American Global Forecast Systems (GFS) show the remnants of the tropical system bringing rain to middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky starting Thursday afternoon. It looks like the heaviest rain will fall on Friday with showers lingering into Saturday.
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Both models are forecasting a lot of beneficial rain. Some parts of the region could receive over 3 inches of rainfall.
It is still early, so the timing and rain totals could change, so continue checking back here for the latest forecast developments.
We will be keeping a close eye on this system all week.