Hurricane Ian Sets Its Eyes On The States

Good morning! Things are cool and quiet across East Tennessee this morning, with temperatures running in the mid 40s across the valley and upper 30s across the Plateau (7 am). Looking much further south, this is now major (cat 3) Hurricane Ian across Cuba. This storm is expected to continue its strength, eventually making landfall in Florida later in the week.

How will this impact our neck of the woods? Well, as it makes landfall and works north, remnants of the storm will bring rainfall to much of the east (including us). Heavy rainfall and even some gusty winds can't be ruled out later Friday and into the weekend. Until then, anticipate quiet and cool conditions, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the 60s and 70s each day.

In terms of rainfall amounts, of course Florida will see the heaviest. As Ian works north, it will weaken, though still bringing rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches to East Tennessee. The good news is this system should stay east of the Appalachians, helping to limit some of the heavier rainfall from making it into the area. Still can't rule out some flash flood potential, but it will come down to the exact path Ian takes, which (to a degree) is still up for debate. The slightest path change could make a big difference.

That will do it for today. Certainly reach out to family members who may be in the path of this storm, particularly across Florida. Landfall looks to be late Wednesday and into the day Thursday as a major hurricane near the Tampa area. Pay attention to local announcements and news for those living on the West coast of Florida. We will see remnants by late work week and into the weekend, with some potential for flooding depending on the exact path and strength of the storm. Check back in for more details in the days to come.

                                                    Pre-recorded for 5pm weather broadcast