Severe storms all day Saturday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There is a significant risk of severe weather in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky from now through late Saturday night (ending around midnight). All severe threats are possible, including the risk of strong tornadoes.

Tornado watches have been issued for much of middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. We expect additional tornado watches to be issued throughout Saturday.

Storm summary & timing

This will be our greatest severe threat in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky in quite a while, and impacts will occur in many areas. Storms will start early Saturday morning. They will then continue all day Saturday and end around midnight. These storms will move quickly, so warnings may not give you much lead time.

All modes of severe weather are possible. This includes damaging winds, heavy rain, hail (golf-ball size and larger), and tornadoes (some strong aka EF-2 or greater). These storms will be moving fast at 60-70mph so you will need to seek shelter and take cover quickly.

Also, heavy rain to bring flooding appears likely. A Flood Watch in effect for all of Middle Tennessee from 1 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. Rain amounts could exceed 3 inches, and our forecast model is showing over 4-5+ inches of rain.

Winds will be high even outside of the thunderstorms due to a vigorous low-pressure center passing to our northwest and north. A Wind Advisory is in effect until Saturday evening for gusts possibly to 45 mph.

Below is the timing of storms according to the HRRR Model. Note that times may change somewhat.

On Saturday, the severe risk turns to the Ohio & Tennessee Valleys, along with the Southeastern United States. A High Risk of severe weather in parts of the southern Gulf Coast states, and now the Moderate Risk (level 4/5) extends into much of southern middle Tennessee.

Stay tuned for additional updates. This could become a significant weather event for our region.