RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (Rutherford Weather) - Rutherford County residents should prepare for a period of unsettled weather as a storm system moves through Middle Tennessee from Friday into early Saturday, bringing the potential for heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms.

The primary concern will be excessive rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding and localized river flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect beginning early Friday morning and continuing through midday Saturday. The heaviest rainfall is expected from Friday night into Saturday morning.

Rainfall totals of one to three inches or more are possible across parts of Middle Tennessee, including Rutherford County, with isolated areas potentially seeing more.

While the overall threat for widespread severe weather has decreased, some strong storms remain possible. Gusty winds will be the main storm hazard, and although the risk is low, an isolated tornado cannot be completely ruled out. The primary timing for strong storms will be early morning hours of Friday. These early storms could be strong due to increasing wind shear and may impact the morning commute to work or school.

Forecast models show a lull during Friday afternoon, but then additional rain and storms are expected to move back into the county Friday evening and overnight. During this period, heavy rain and gusty winds will be the primary threats.

By early Saturday morning, though rain may linger into the mid-morning hours, storm changes will decrease. Temperatures will be mild early Saturday before dropping into the 40s later in the day as a cold front passes through.