Severe Storms & Flooding Potential Today

12/29/2021

The Storm Prediction Center has again up-ed the severe risk today, particularly along our southern counties. Chattanooga and the surrounding area sits within the Enhanced (3/5) risk. All areas, but primarily Knoxville and south, will see the opportunity for severe storms. These can include: tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Please have a way to receive alerts and know your safe spot if it is needed. The timing remains similar to what we said yesterday, with the primarily impacts arriving between 7pm and 10pm and gradually working east. Most activity should begin exiting towards midnight, with only a few lingering showers possible.

As is the case in most severe weather days, flash flooding will also be a concern. A slight risk has been expanded to include most of East Tennessee. In areas of "training" storms (meaning storms working over the same areas) or in strong storms, the flash flooding risk will be the greatest. This will again be possible, in addition to a severe risk, New Year's day.

Here is a snip of Hi-resolution data depicting the showers and storms expected this evening/tonight. As you can see, the strongest locations (reds/oranges) are located on the southern flank of the line. This is where we will see the best opportunity for severe storms and particularly the strongest winds for tornado growth. This threat will be the greatest south and west of our area, but remains possible for all. Know your safe spot now if warnings are issued and have a way to receive alerts from the NWS via social media, NOAA weather radio, or TV (assuming you have power) sources. We will be monitoring things closely tonight and updating on our Twitter/ Facebook as well.

Another shot at severe weather and flooding will find us Friday and Saturday, with a similar setup in store. We will have more details into tomorrow, but for today, stay safe, have a way to receive alerts, and know your safe spot if severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings are issued.