Storm Development Update

Good afternoon and happy Tuesday. There has been some changes on the storm chances this afternoon. We are expecting those strong to severe storms to arrive earlier than previously thought. As the cold front works its way through Kentucky and Tennessee this afternoon and evening, it will provide lots of forcing in an unstable atmospheric environment.

Currently, we have a line of storms pushing through parts of the valley bringing lightning, heavy downpours, and small hail in spots. As we get further into this afternoon, storms will become more widespread throughout the area. As of 12:05 pm, NWS Morristown has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for parts of Roane, Anderson, Knox, and Loudon counties. Hazards associated with this warning include wind gusts up to 60mph and hail up to a quarter in size. This warning is valid to 12:45 pm. Unfortunately, the radar site in Morristown is under maintenance this week so we must use other locations that cover parts of the area. Bare with us as precipitation and data may not be as clear (on radar) with the main site down for the week. 

Looking ahead, storms will continue to develop this afternoon bringing with it the chance for damaging winds, hail, and flash-flooding. With this environment we can't rule out isolated areas of spin-up, but confidence is very low in this. By tomorrow morning, showers and storms will have moved through leaving mostly cloudy skies. By the afternoon, we will start to clear out leaving high's in the upper 80's and partly cloudy skies. For the remainder of the work week, a high pressure system will move in leaving us dry with high's in the upper 80's. We will also feel a bit more comfortable as dew points will be lower. Friday and into this weekend, the moisture will return and so will the higher temperatures. Until then, continue monitoring our social media for the latest in the development of these storms today.