After a short-lived break in severe weather, Middle Tennessee faces the threat of rain, hail, damaging winds and tornadoes again Saturday.
“All modes of severe weather are possible, including a tornado or two,” NWS Nashville said Saturday. “Stay weather aware today!”
The weather comes after deadly storms swept through Tennessee on Wednesday night and Thursday. Officials said the storms killed five people. The deaths include one person each in Carroll, McNairy and Obion counties and two people in Fayette County.
Heavy rain and flooding are the main areas of concern through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Nashville. Areas west of Nashville, like Clarksville and Waverly, could see between 6-8 inches of additional rain fall through Sunday on already soggy ground.
“Due to this amount of rain, major life- threatening flooding is expected to start late this afternoon and continue through Sunday morning,” the forecast said.
More information on flood preparation and safety can be found at weather.gov/safety/flood.
“Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris,” the forecast said. “Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain.”
Saturday brings more severe storms, warnings to Nashville, Middle Tennessee
A flurry of severe storm warnings and flash flood warnings were issued across Middle Tennessee early Saturday. The forecast shows the risk of severe weather is primarily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the region. Storms are expected to move west to east.
“This timing is for severe storms only!” the forecast said. “The flooding threat exists both before and after that time.”
Part of the region, including Nashville, is under a slight risk for severe storms (level 2 of 5) while areas further west, including parts of Davidson and Williamson counties, face an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5).
As always, NWS Nashville urges people to remain weather aware throughout Saturday and to have multiple ways to receives warning information.
‘Significant flooding’ a concern for Middle Tennessee this weekend
The threat of flooding persists through the weekend as Middle Tennessee braces for more rain, which could be heavy at times. The rain could trigger rises rivers and creeks and flash flooding.
The highest rainfall amounts are expected in the northwestern part of the region. Clarksville could see 5-6 more inches of rain, while Waverly could get 4-5. Meanwhile, Nashville is expected to receive 3-4 more inches, while the rest of the region could get anywhere from 2-4.
“Multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms will lead to flooding concerns through Sunday,” NWS said. “River flooding will be a concern along with flash flooding.”
Things can change quickly as storms crop up and rain falls. Get the latest watches, warnings, advisories and weather updates from NWS Nashville here. A river flood map, including forecasted river levels, can be found here.
Nashville, Middle Tennessee weather radar
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville weather Saturday: Severe storms, flood risks continue
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