A tornado watch is in effect in the area through early Wednesday, and strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.
The NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, said a severe weather outbreak is possible through Tuesday evening over the Ohio Valley, with the broader severe weather risk including parts of the Southeast.
“Strong and potentially long-track tornadoes are possible from Indiana and Ohio southward into the Mid South,” the Storm Prediction Center said. “A threat for strong tornadoes may focus this evening into tonight across parts of Alabama and Georgia.”
The region’s tornado watch is in effect until 2 a.m. Wednesday, and it includes Anderson, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Scott, and Union counties, among others. Oak Ridge is in Anderson and Roane counties.
The hazardous weather outlook is for parts of East Tennessee, southwest North Carolina, and southwest Virginia. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through the early overnight hours, the NWS said.
“Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a few tornadoes will be possible,” forecasters said. “The highest risk of severe weather will be west of the Interstate 75 corridor. Please monitor the forecast and have multiple ways to receive any watches or warnings that are issued. Have a severe weather safety plan for your home and workplace.”
The NWS said temperatures will cool significantly at higher elevations Wednesday into Thursday while showers will linger until late Thursday night.
“As a result, expect some light snow accumulations in the mountains during this time,” the Weather Service said.
The forecast for Oak Ridge calls for showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2 a.m. Wednesday, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am.
“Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall,” the forecast said.
Wind gusts could be as high as 30 miles per hour. There is a 100 percent chance of rain, with one to two inches of precipitation possible.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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