MURFREESBORO - Residents across Rutherford County and across all of Middle Tennessee should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms overnight Tuesday into Wednesday afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe weather, with the potential for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes. While the overall risk for severe weather is low, it’s not zero. Take precautions overnight by ensuring you have a reliable way to receive weather alerts, such as a NOAA weather radio or smartphone alerts. Drivers should exercise caution on flooded roadways, and residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant for rising water levels. Rain is expected to clear by late Wednesday, ushering in colder temperatures to close out the week.
What to Expect:
- Main Concerns:
- Damaging Winds: The most widespread threat, with gusts strong enough to cause minor damage.
- Heavy Rainfall: Additional rain could lead to minor flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from recent storms.
- Secondary Concern:
- Tornado Risk: A very low chance exists for isolated tornadoes, primarily near the Tennessee River.
Timing and Areas of Impact:
- Overnight Hours (3 a.m. – 8 a.m. Wednesday):
- The greatest severe weather risk will focus on western Middle Tennessee, particularly areas west of Interstate 65.
- Morning to Early Afternoon (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday):
- The storm system will progress eastward, impacting the rest of Middle Tennessee. Damaging winds and heavy rainfall remain possible during this time.
Rainfall and Flooding Potential:
Forecasts suggest an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain, which may cause minor flooding on roadways, low-lying areas, and creeks.
Forecast Highlights:
- Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers, especially near the Tennessee-Alabama border. Storm chances will increase after midnight as a warm front moves northward.
- Early Wednesday Morning: Stronger storms are likely, bringing the highest severe weather threat to areas near the Tennessee River.
- Wednesday Afternoon: The storms will diminish in intensity by late afternoon, but lingering showers are expected as temperatures drop into the 50s and 40s.
