Residents in parts of Tennessee and North Carolina should prepare for strong winds and potential severe weather as the National Weather Service in Morristown issues a High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory. These alerts will be in effect from this afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. South winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected, especially in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service, the Wind Advisory affects parts of southwest North Carolina and east Tennessee, where gusty winds may cause tree limbs to fall and lead to sporadic power outages. Strong winds could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, and advises caution on the roads. There is also an elevated fire risk in areas north of I-40 and east of I-75 due to lower humidity and high winds.
As per the National Weather Service, the weather will include precipitation, with a 100% chance of rain tonight and possible rain and snow showers on Wednesday night as temperatures approach freezing. While today's forecast calls for partly sunny skies and a high near 68 degrees, conditions will shift rapidly, with a mostly sunny Sunday expected to bring more stable weather.
A strong cold front will bring late-night severe thunderstorms, with potential damaging winds expected mainly for the southern plateau and Tennessee Valley areas. The National Weather Service notes a low risk of severe thunderstorms tonight, with storms possibly continuing along their path. As the front clears, light snow showers are expected in the mountains of East Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau, and southwest Virginia, with up to an inch of snow accumulation possible at higher elevations.
Weather spotters should remain vigilant, though activation is not currently needed.
