NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Weather Alert is in effect on Saturday through early Sunday morning in Middle Tennessee as WKRN Meteorologists are tracking a significant rain and flood threat along with possible severe storms. Due to the 1-3 inches of rain already received earlier this week, the ground is very saturated and streams are higher than normal. It will not take much rain to cause flooding concerns.
Heavy rain remains the PRIMARY threat and already a Flood Watch has been issued for nearly all counties in Middle Tennessee and all Southern Kentucky counties from 12 a.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Sunday at the latest. We are anticipating anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of rain. That could lead to flash flooding as well as creeks, rivers, and streams getting close to their flood stages.
Due to this high rain total risk, the Weather Prediction Center has our region in a Slight Risk (level 2/4) and a Moderate Risk (level 3/4) of excessive rainfall to bring flooding.
Besides heavy rain, severe storms are also possible late Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. The Storm Prediction Center most of Middle Tennessee under a Slight Risk (2/5) and far northern areas of Middle TN and all of Southern Kentucky under a Marginal Risk (1/5). This will mainly be a late afternoon threat last well into the night as temps warm.
All modes of severe weather are possible on Saturday including gusty winds, hail, and tornadoes.
On Saturday morning, heavy rain and storms increase. It is important to note that this round of storms should not be severe, but it will be noisy with very heavy rain. Severe storms are not expected until the warm front passes north on Saturday afternoon.
There will be a line of storms that develop along the frontal boundary. That line could contain gusty winds, hail, and even spin-up tornadoes. We will also have to watch individual cells that develop out in front of the line because they could quickly start to spin. This line will pack a punch and move out early Sunday morning as temperatures plummet.
On Sunday, cloudy and temperatures falling into the 30s. A light wintry mix possible, but accumulation is not expected.
Please stay weather alert on Saturday. There is a lot of high water in our streams and creeks, and this next wave of rain will only make it worse. Also, please know your safety plan, and have two ways to receive weather information.
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.
