The scheduled update for 6:00 pm is coming a bit early. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) just issued a special discussion stating that there is a 40% chance of them extending the severe t-storm watch to Cumberland and Fentress Counties in the coming hours. The main threat is a damaging wind gust.
Current radar shows a line of storms slowly moving eastward. The red-outlined area is the area the SPC is considering for a severe t-storm watch extension. Everyone west of Nashville has been dropped from the watches, as the threat has ended now that the line of storms has passed through those counties.
A line of strong to severe storms has just moved through Nashville and is now moving through Lebanon. Storm within the line have been severe on occassion, producing some damaging wind gusts.
Our storm threat will increase as this line approaches. The estimated time of arrival will likely be in the 7:00-9:00 pm timeframe, assuming the line maintains its current speed and doesn’t slow down. I’ll monitor that closely.
All threats remain on the low end of the scale (but not zero). This reminds me more of a summer cold front that kicks off some storms as it sluggishly passes through. The tornado threat is very low.
I’ll keep an eye on things. Don’t be suprised if a severe t-storm watch is issued for Cumberland and Fentress Counties, as this line slowly makes its way toward the plateau. From my experience, fronts of this nature often struggle to maintain intensity as they climb the plateau. We’ll hope the same is true with this one.
An isolated shower or storm are possible ahead of the main line, so be aware of that, as well.
Thank you Mark for the info.Hopefully they will weaken as they come up the mountain.