Tennessee is in for a soaking over the next few days, with heavy rain and possible flooding expected through Sunday. Some areas could see up to 3 inches of rain, which means rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas could quickly overflow.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of East and Middle Tennessee, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated. The heaviest rain will hit Wednesday through Thursday morning, but another round of rain this weekend could make things even worse.
If you live in an area that tends to flood, now is the time to prepare. Here’s what’s coming and how to stay safe.
🌧️ How Much Rain Are We Talking About?
✔ 1 to 1.5 inches north of I-40
✔ 1.5 to 2 inches south of I-40
✔ 2 to 3 inches possible in Polk, Cherokee, and Clay counties
✔ Some areas could see even more, especially in flood-prone spots
With this much rain falling so quickly, water levels could rise fast, and roads, yards, and even homes in low-lying areas could be at risk.
⏳ When Will It Hit?
- The first round of heavy rain arrives Wednesday afternoon and lasts through Wednesday night.
- Showers will stick around through Thursday, keeping things wet and messy.
- A second round of rain moves in Saturday night into Sunday, bringing another flood risk.
If that second wave is as strong as expected, rivers and streams could overflow, making flooding even worse.
🚨 What Areas Are Most at Risk?
✔ Urban areas with poor drainage—heavy rain could quickly turn streets into rivers.
✔ Low-lying neighborhoods and flood-prone spots—small creeks and rivers could spill over.
✔ Places that have already had a lot of rain—the ground is soaked, so any extra rain has nowhere to go.
If you’ve dealt with flooding before, assume it could happen again and take precautions now.
🚗 If You’re Driving… Be Extra Careful!
✔ Never drive through floodwaters! Just 6 inches of moving water can sweep a car away. Turn around, don’t drown!
✔ Watch for road closures—some streets and highways could become impassable.
✔ If you see standing water, don’t assume it’s shallow—it could be much deeper than it looks.
✔ Check Tennessee road conditions before heading out (smartway.tn.gov).
🏠 How to Prepare at Home
✔ Clear gutters and storm drains so rainwater can flow away from your house.
✔ Move valuable items to higher ground if you live in a flood-prone area.
✔ Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, extra batteries, food, and water.
✔ Stay weather-aware—keep your phone charged and alerts turned on.
If your home has flooded before, have a plan in case you need to leave quickly.
⏳ When Will It Be Over?
- Heavy rain will ease up by Thursday morning, but standing water and soggy conditions will remain.
- More rain moves in Saturday night into Sunday, which could cause additional flooding.
- By Sunday night, the worst should be over, but water levels may take time to go down.
This isn’t just a typical rainy week—we’re looking at a real risk of flooding in parts of Tennessee.
If you live in a low-lying area, stay alert and prepare now. If you’re driving, never take chances with flooded roads—it’s not worth the risk.
