NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Strong winds and possible thunderstorms moving into the area Tuesday night and Wednesday morning have prompted local officials to issue warnings in Middle Tennessee.
According to the Nashville Weather Service (NWS), there is a high chance for thunderstorms, including a low chance of severe weather. The NWS said the best chance for severe weather will be along the Tennessee/Alabama state line.
In the Nashville area, the main impact is expected to be damaging winds and heavy rain, according to the Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
Strong winds will impact all of Middle Tennessee Tuesday night and into Wednesday, March 5, with gusts anticipated to reach between 35 and 50 miles per hour, and a “medium chance” gusts exceed 50 mph.
These kinds of strong winds can blow away lightweight and loose outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture and trampolines, as well as down trees and branches and cause sporadic power outages. Nashvillians are urged to secure any outdoor objects now and use caution if driving Tuesday—especially on east-west oriented roads.
Winds this strong can also make driving difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as box trucks and 18-wheelers.
According to Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, south winds up to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph are expected to hit in and around Cookeville.
He warned Putnam County residents that the increased winds could also mix with dry conditions to increase the fire risks in the area.
According to Porter, the NWS said winds would “relax slightly Tuesday night” but could become “gusty again Wednesday from the west.”
Officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) also issued notifications to drivers in the mid-state, assuring motorists that TDOT crews and equipment like chainsaws, skidsteers, and Gradealls were being readied.
“Make sure you stay weather aware by following your favorite meteorologist and turn your phone location settings ON!” Erin Ziegler, Regional Communications Officer for Region 3, said on X.
According to News 2 Meteorologist Marcus Bagwell, the far eastern counties of Middle Tennessee have been upgraded to a high wind warning for gusts nearing 60 miles per hour, with the winds expected later Tuesday evening into the overnight hours.
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“All areas should prepare for increasing wind gusts as the rain arrives this evening,” he said.
The wind has already seen some effects, with Dickson County Schools cancelling its after-school programming on Tuesday. Warren County officials warned of an increased fire risk due in part to the winds, coupled with low humidity in the area. The Centertown Fire Department announced a restriction on burning while the hazardous conditions continue.
In Cheatham County, fire officials responded to a structure fire in Pegram. Officials told News 2 it appeared burning brush was blown into a Pegram home, catching it on fire briefly. Pegram and Kingston fire officials soon announced the blaze was under control.
Don’t forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app.
