Knoxville woke up to partly cloudy skies and about 75°F Friday morning, but the calm is on borrowed time. A Flood Watch is in effect from noon Friday, July 10, through Sunday evening, July 12, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected to roll across the metro. Forecasters warn that heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas, while gusty winds may knock down tree limbs where the ground is already saturated.
Afternoon Storms And Rising Flood Risk
Showers and thunderstorms are likely to fire up this afternoon, with forecasters most concerned about tonight and Saturday. That is when rounds of heavy rain could repeatedly pass over the same neighborhoods, a setup that can quickly turn nuisance puddles into dangerous street flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Morristown, there is about a 90% chance of showers today. New rainfall amounts of a quarter to a half inch are possible this afternoon, with another half to three quarters of an inch tonight and Saturday. Localized totals will run higher wherever storms keep redeveloping over one spot. Southwest winds should stay around 5 to 10 mph, but stronger storms could produce gusts up to 25 mph, increasing the risk of downed limbs in soggy soils and brief power outages.
Commutes And Outdoor Plans
Evening drives are likely to slow down as heavy rain cuts visibility and water ponds on low stretches of road and underpasses. Drivers are urged to avoid low-water crossings and stick to the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" rule, since street flooding can pop up fast where storms cluster.
For a reminder of how similar setups have already snarled Knoxville traffic this summer, check out our earlier coverage of street-swamping downpours.
Where To Go For Help
If you lose power or just need a cool, dry place between storms, several local cooling centers and nonprofits have been extending hours during hot stretches. Knox Area Rescue Ministries and Volunteer Ministry Center are among the options. Call 2-1-1 before you head out to confirm which sites are activated, their hours, and any shelter rules, and keep an eye on local updates for last-minute changes.
Local outlets list details on available resources from WVLT.
Stay Weather Aware
Keep your phone charged, have a basic emergency kit handy, and avoid driving through flooded roads. If water starts rising near your home, move to higher ground. Check local emergency channels and the National Weather Service for Flash Flood Warnings and road closure information through Sunday, July 12.
