Anderson County and the Knoxville area are staring down a rough Sunday night, with forecasters warning that severe storms could roll in late and hang around into Monday morning. The main troublemaker is expected to be damaging straight-line winds, which could make travel and outdoor plans a bad idea during the overnight hours.
Before the main line of storms even arrives, mountain communities are in line for a separate punch. High mountain wave winds on the Cumberland Plateau and in the Smokies could stir up especially strong gusts, setting the stage for a bumpy night across east Tennessee.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, “Severe storms are possible on Sunday night, with damaging winds being the main threat.” High mountain wave winds could also kick up strong gusts in the Smokies and across the Cumberland Plateau, a caution that Anderson County Emergency Management has been sharing on Facebook.
Timing and areas at risk
Forecasters expect showers and embedded thunderstorms to move into east Tennessee late Sunday and linger into Monday morning. The strongest gusts are projected to show up first in the mountains and foothills, then push into lower elevations as the line of storms progresses.
National Weather Service Morristown has a hazardous weather outlook in effect through early Monday. Local officials say residents should be ready for downed trees, isolated structural damage and scattered power outages if the stronger cells move through overnight.
How to prepare
A few quick chores before sunset could spare you some headaches later. Bring in or secure loose patio furniture, grills, and trash cans, charge phones and other devices, keep a basic emergency kit handy, and, if you can, park vehicles under cover.
If a warning is issued, move to an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay there until the threat passes. Avoid driving through heavy rain or over debris-strewn roads. It is also a good time to check on neighbors who might need help securing property or getting to shelter, especially older adults and people with access or mobility needs.
Where to get updates
For a broader regional picture and probabilistic storm outlooks, head to the Storm Prediction Center website. Anderson County Emergency Management notes that the wider risk zone stretches from Knoxville and Chattanooga out toward Nashville, Asheville, and Charlotte. As always, your most urgent information on watches and warnings will come from local emergency channels, weather radios and trusted local media.
