4:00 Storm Update

WHAT: Strong to severe thunderstorms

WHEN: 7:00 pm – 10:00 (updated)

MAIN IMPACT: Straight-line winds and flash flooding

The latest outlook from the Storm Prediction Center looks much better. The significant tornado threat for Middle TN was dropped and the chance for damaging winds for our area was reduced. That’s certainly good news!

We can thank this cooler, widespread, and persistent rain for reducing our threats. Remember when I said I wondered if this would happen? This is a classic scenario of where the Deep South (MS, AL, and GA) get very severe storms, while we remain on the northern end of things with rain and gusty winds.

Earlier this afternoon, things were looking much worse for us. It looked as if we would get a break in the rain and that would have led to major problems this evening. However, rain just keeps developing and persisting.

The latest data just out shows a more stable atmosphere for us than what was feared. Hail doesn’t look like much of a threat at all. Our tornado threat here on the plateau has remained unchanged, holding on the low end of the threat scale. Straight-line winds have consistently looked like the greater threat.

With all that being said, we are not out of the woods. We still have some strong to severe storms that could move our way later tonight and that is nothing to take too lightly. With saturated soils, straight-line winds could easily bring down some trees. Plus, I’ve noticed we still have a lot of leaning trees from previous wind events this spring. We have a LOT of wind energy above us and any storm that develops will have little trouble bringing those winds down to the surface.

A line is trying to develop west of Nashville at this hour.

A tornado watch is now in effect for extreme southern Middle Tn but those storms will stay south of us. That’s the closest watch to us at this hour.

Many of you will appreciate this. My level of concern is back to medium. Granted, it’s on the high end of the medium but we’re going in a good direction now!  I’ll have another update in about a couple of hours, if not sooner if needed. You all take care.