The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a series of warnings and advisories for East Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southwest North Carolina, as conditions point to a high potential for dangerous weather conditions, including flash flooding and, consecutively, Tropical Storm Helene making landfall. Citizens are urged to follow safety guidelines and be prepared for the incoming conditions. Knoxville currently reports overcast skies with a humidity standing at a saturated 100% and a calm wind, with a noticed barometer reading at 29.91 inches.
According to the latest forecast update, there's a 90% chance of precipitation today, with new rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Patchy fog is expected to add to visibility issues, and calm winds will shift to the south at around 5 mph. The Flood Watch is in effect from 11 a.m. EDT this morning through Thursday morning, with flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall cited as a significant possibility. Rainfall today and Thursday is set to precede any additional downpours associated with Tropical Storm Helene, poised to further aggravate the situation as it moves northward into the Tennessee valley and southern Appalachians later in the week.
As noted in the Hazardous Weather Outlook, "Scattered showers and thunderstorms to continue this morning before developing into more widespread rain showers and thunderstorms this afternoon." The notification continues to highlight concerns of a low risk for strong to severe wind gusts and an isolated risk for tornadoes earlier in the day, compounded by a possible upgrade in the severity of thunderstorms, which could lead to isolated or scattered instances of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service has also turned its attention to Tropical Storm Helene, projecting confidence on expected impacts including heavy rain and strong, gusty winds, particularly in higher elevations. "The highest winds are expected across the higher elevations of the east TN, southwest VA, southwest NC mountains, and Cumberland Plateau. Flooding will be a concern areawide," states the advisory. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep abreast of updates and prepare to take necessary action should flood warnings be issued. The public service message closes with a reminder to not attempt to travel through flooded roads, emphasizing, "Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
