Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region are facing multiple rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms on Wednesday through early Thursday morning. A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Middle Tennessee until 9 p.m.
Damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes are all possible, according to the National Weather Service. The threat of flash flooding is higher for areas that have already experienced or will experience periods of heavy rain, mainly along and north of Interstate 40.
“There is still a lot of uncertainty as with any forecast,” the weather service said in a news release. “Things will not be bad for every single person in Middle TN, but some people could have a bad day/night if the right storm ingredients come together.”
What to know:How to find shelter in Tennessee when tornadoes are on their way, who to call
Tornado watch vs. tornado warning:What to know in Tennessee as severe weather hits
National Weather Service extends Tornado Watch to more counties
The National Weather Service extended their tornado watch to 19 more counties. The watch, which includes Nashville, will continue until 9 p.m.
Counties in the watch include:
- Bedford
- Cannon
- Cheatham
- Clay
- Coffee
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- DeKalb
- Dickson
- Fentress
- Giles
- Grundy
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Lewis
- Macon
- Marshall
- Maury
- Montgomery
- Overton
- Perry
- Pickett
- Putnam
- Robertson
- Rutherford
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sumner
- Trousdale
- Van Buren
- Warren
- Wayne
- White
- Williamson
- Wilson
Tornado warnings continue for Middle Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service extended the tornado warning for Robertson County until 3:45 p.m.
They also issued a tornado warning for northern Stewart County until 4 p.m.
Flooding reported in White House High School
The National Weather Service said they received a report of flooding at White House High School.
Photos posted on X, the site formerly known at Twitter, appeared to show flood waters inside the school.
Sumner County Schools announced they’d hold busses in the White house and Portland areas until the weather threat passeed.
Flooding prompts road closures in Gallatin
Cloverbrook Way at the intersection of Liberty Lane in Gallatin was closed due to flooding from Lower Station Camp Creek at the intersection of Liberty Lane in Gallatin.
Lower Station Camp Creek Road is also closed due to flooding. The area is near the Carellton subdivision. The Gallatin Police Department is encouraging people to take an alternate route.
The deepest section of flooding is estimated at three feet, by Gallatin Director of Public Works Richard DePriest.
“It there is anyone sees water in the road don’t even chance it,” DePriest said. “Turn around at all possible.”
Tornado warning issued for Montgomery and Robertson County
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for eastern Montgomery County and northern Robertson County until 3:15 p.m.
The weather service confirmed a tornado was located 7 miles northwest of Coopertown, about 10 miles west of Springfield and moving northeast at 30 mph.
Flash flood warning issued for Nashville, Middle Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for five counties including Nashville.
Cheatham, Davidson, Montgomery, Robertson and Sumner counties will be under the warning until 5:45 p.m.
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Nashville
Nashville is now under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The warning primarily concerns northern Davidson County.
“A severe thunderstorm was located near Ashland City, moving northeast at 25 mph,” the weather service said.
This warning, which extends to Cheatham and Robertson counties, includes: Springfield, Ashland City, Madison, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Coopertown, Lakewood, Ridgetop, Joelton, Beaman Park, Bells Bendand Whites Creek.
Tornado warning issued for Middle Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for northwestern Cheatham and central Montgomery counties until 2:30 p.m.
“A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles south of Clarksville, moving northeast at 15 mph,” the weather service said.
The radar indicated rotation in the storm, according to the weather service.
Weather service issues severe thunderstorm warning for Middle Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning for Montgomery, Cheatham and Robertson counties untl 2:45 p.m.
“A severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles southwest of Clarksville, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the weather service said.
Hail damage is expected as well as wind damage with gusts up to 60 mph.
“Remain alert for a possible tornado,” the weather service said. “Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.”
National Weather Service: ‘Do not let your guard down’
The main line of storms will continue to move through Middle Tennessee Wednesday night, said the weather service in a news release.
Flash flooding continues to be a concern, especially north of I-40 where heavy rain has already fallen. According to the weather service, locations north of I-40 have already received 2-4 inches of rain, but could see totals of 6-8 inches or more.
Tornado watch issued for parts of Middle Tennessee
The weather service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Middle Tennessee, including Nashville, as well as Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky until 9 p.m.
A few tornadoes are likely as well as scattered, tennis ball-sized hail, and winds with speeds up to 80 mph.
The counties under the tornado watch include:
- Cheatham
- Clay
- Davidson
- Dickson
- Fentress
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Macon
- Montgomery
- Overton
- Pickett
- Putnam
- Robertson
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sumner
- Trousdale
- Wilson
Nashville Department of Transportation warns against driving through flood waters
As storms move through a dump more rain on the region, flooding is a big concern, the National Weather Service said.
“Flash flooding is likely, particularly north of I-40 where heavy rain has already fallen,” the weather servie said.
The Nashville Department of Transportation reminded motorists about the dangers of driving through flood waters.
“If you see barricades or signs indicating a flooded road, do not attempt to cross,” the department said on social media. “Take an alternate route or wait until floodwaters recede.”
Some Middle Tennessee schools cancel after school activities due to severe weather
Cheatham County schools announced on social media that all after school activities will be canceled on Wednesday, May 8. Daycares will close at 5 p.m.
Houston County Schools announced early dismissal at 2 p.m. while Stewart County Schools announced closure at 1:30 p.m.
Robertson County schools also canceled after school activities. The school system announced on social media that after school daycares will close at 4 p.m.
Sumner County Schools also canceled after school activities.
Follow all closures here:These Middle Tennessee districts are dismissing early, closing due to weather
Flash flood warning issued for Middle Tennessee counties
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Smith County and northern Wilson County until 1:15 p.m.
The area in the warning has already received between 1 and 3 inches of rain, the weather service said.
“Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to the advisory. “Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
National Weather Service: Storms will come in waves
Do not be deceived, just because that first wave of rain is over more is on the way, the weather service said.
“We’ve already seen severe storms across Middle Tennessee this morning,” the weather service said on social media. “Although storms will decrease into midday, they will increase again this afternoon/evening when the main threat of damaging winds, large hail, flooding and a few tornadoes is expected.”
The weather service signed off on their note with a simple message.
“Keep staying weather aware today,” they said.
National Weather Service issues flood watch for Middle Tennessee
A flood watch is in effect until 7 a.m. on Thursday for most of Middle Tennessee.
Multiple rounds of thunderstorms will bring heavy rain. Nashville and surrounding areas are expected to receive between two and three inches of rain, however, amounts could be higher during heavy downpours, the weather service said. Rivers, creeks and streams are expected to rise.
National Weather Service: ‘This is not a one and done day’
According to the weather service, severe weather is to be expected throughout most of the day on Wednesday and overnight.
Until the evening hours, thunderstorms will be scattered and not everyone will see them. However, during the overnight hours (midnight to 6 a.m.), the storms will become widespread and everyone will likely see them at some point. The threat of damaging winds will be higher with this round. Severe storms are possible with all rounds, the service said.
A few, strong tornadoes are also possible. Nashville and the surrounding areas are at moderate risk. The weather service is also warning of potentially golf ball-sized hail and damaging wind gusts of 70 mph.
Nashville area radar
Nashville forecast
Wednesday: Severe weather threat enhanced with two rounds of storms from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. then 10 p.m. through sunrise. A few tornados, large hail and damaging winds possible. Highs around 84 with overnight lows around 66.
Thursday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. then mostly sunny with highs near 82. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight with lows around 55.
Friday: Sunny with a high near 69 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Overnight lows around 51.
Saturday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., sunny and highs near 74 with over night lows around 52.
Sunday: Sunny with a high near 76 and lows around 54.
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