
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Knoxville is forecasting substantial rainfall and potential severe weather for parts of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia this weekend. Showers are expected to start this afternoon, with an 80% chance of rain, totaling between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch. Winds will be light, initially from the northeast at 5 mph, shifting southeast later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service, rain and possible thunderstorms are expected to continue into the night, with a 90% chance of precipitation and totals between a quarter and half an inch. Winds will shift from west to north, and temperatures will drop to around 51°F. Patchy fog is expected after 10 pm.
On Saturday, showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast after 4 pm. Temperatures will reach highs around 65°F with a 40% chance of rain. Winds will be light, coming from the south at 5 mph.
Saturday night into Sunday morning will see gusty winds, possibly reaching 25 mph, and continued showers with a potential thunderstorm. Patchy fog may develop between 8 pm and 9 pm. Winds are expected to remain strong into the early week, with showers tapering off Sunday night and a return to mostly sunny conditions by Monday.
The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook warns of strong winds, particularly in mountainous areas, where gusts could reach 55 mph today and increase Friday evening. Rainfall totals could range from 1 to 3 inches, with higher amounts possible, leading to potential flooding from Saturday to Sunday morning. There is also a low risk of severe weather, including damaging winds and a slight tornado threat, late Saturday into Sunday.