NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As the middle of February draws near, multiple storm systems are on the way to the Middle Tennessee region. Several rounds of rain will occur that could bring much-needed precipitation and possibly alleviate or erase the drought conditions that continue for Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
There are three weather systems to bring us rain totals in the 3-5 inch range.
Let’s look closely at rounds one and two, and then a general overview of round three.
First, rain increases late Monday night and for sure on Tuesday morning. Some precipitation may have a mixture of wintry precipitation in Southern Kentucky, but accumulation is unlikely on roadways (elevated surfaces/grassy areas could receive a minor accumulation).
This event is mostly rain for our region, and it is heavy at times. Rain does not end until late Tuesday evening in the eastern areas.
Due to the first few rounds of rain, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for parts of Southern Kentucky from 6 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. There is also a low risk for excessive rainfall that could bring flooding in our region.
Round two of rainfall will arrive Wednesday midday and last until the early morning hours of Thursday. A south wind will increase, helping temperatures reach the 50s for most areas, but also bring additional heavier rainfall, especially in the southern/eastern counties.
Wednesday, there will be another risk of excessive rainfall across our area. Rain totals through Thursday morning will be in the 1-2 inch range with isolated amounts near 3 inches for the southern areas.
The third system will arrive on Saturday. While still many days out, there are indications that Gulf moisture may be sufficient with a potent cold front to bring thunderstorms and possibly some severe weather. At this time, the Storm Prediction Center has our far southern counties under a Slight Risk (15%).
The main takeaway: beneficial (and possibly drought-busting) rainfall is coming to our region. Rain totals could hit 3-5 inches, with isolated higher amounts.
With our current drought showing moderate to extreme drought in parts of Middle Tennessee, this could reduce the drought impact significantly or completely!
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.
