The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a flood warning for East Tennessee, specifically Knox and Sevier counties, following a floodgate release from Douglas Dam. This warning is expected to remain in effect through the evening, as per the NWS statement. Residents near the French Broad River below the dam, particularly those in Deerfield Trailer Park near Boyds Creek, are advised to follow local evacuation orders and stay alert to flooding risks in low-lying areas.
Aside from the current flooding, the weather outlook includes a 50% chance of scattered showers today, with patchy fog expected between 4 PM and 5 PM. While the air remains still, a calm wind is expected to shift westerly around 5 mph later in the afternoon. Keep umbrellas handy and drive carefully due to reduced visibility. Additional rainfall amounts will be less than a quarter of an inch in most areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Coming into tonight, the odds for rain drop to a slight 20% chance, with fog reappearing before and after the midnight hour; it’s set to be mostly cloudy with the thermometer hovering around 63°F. The combination of fog and dim skies may lead to tricky nighttime travel, so plan accordingly and consider avoiding the roads if visibility is poor.
The week's forecast anticipates variability, with showers likely tomorrow after 2 PM and possibly again before 8 PM. However, no hazardous weather is expected from Tuesday through Saturday, offering relief to residents who have been navigating the capricious elements. While the week ahead seems promisingly free of severe weather, it's a reminder that nature can disrupt even our best-laid plans, and the need for prepared communities remains constant, as stated in the NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook.
In times of hazardous weather, it is critical not to drive through flooded areas, as most flood-related deaths occur when individuals are swept away in vehicles. For immediate updates or safety information related to flooding, visit the NWS website, where weather conditions are regularly posted. Remember, if you encounter a flooded road, follow the adage: 'Turn around, don't drown.
