Tennessee and Northern Alabama, tonight’s weather is no joke. A Tornado Watch has been issued, and we’re about to experience some pretty intense storms. We’re talking tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rain coming your way until 3 AM. So let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect—and what you need to do to stay safe.
What to Expect Tonight:
Here’s what we’re dealing with over the next few hours:
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Tornado Risk: While we can’t say for certain that tornadoes will happen, the conditions are right for them to develop. These storms have the potential to create tornadoes. If a Tornado Warning is issued, don’t wait—take immediate action and head to your safe place. Tornadoes can form quickly, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.
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High Winds: On top of tornadoes, we’re also looking at some very strong winds. We’re talking gusts of 60 mph or more. These winds could cause significant damage, including downed trees and power lines. If you have any outdoor furniture, grills, or loose items, make sure they’re secured or brought inside before the winds pick up. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding: The storm will also bring heavy rain that could cause flash flooding, especially in areas that have already seen a lot of rain. Flooded streets can make driving dangerous or even impossible, so avoid traveling if you can. If you’re already out and come across a flooded road, turn around—don’t risk it.
How to Stay Safe Tonight:
Here’s a checklist of things you can do now to make sure you’re ready for whatever tonight brings:
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Stay Informed: The weather can change quickly, so keep up with the latest updates. Set up weather alerts on your phone and check in with local news. If you have a weather radio, keep it close. That way, if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to hear updates.
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Know Where to Go if a Tornado Hits: If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, it’s time to act fast. Head to the lowest part of your home—a basement, storm cellar, or interior room with no windows. If you don’t have a basement, a bathroom or closet can work, just make sure it’s as far from outside walls and windows as possible. Grab something heavy, like a mattress or a blanket, to protect yourself from debris.
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Be Ready for Power Outages: With the strong winds, power outages are a real possibility. Make sure you’ve got flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable charger on hand. Charge your phone now while the power’s still on so you can stay in touch and continue getting weather updates.
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Avoid Travel If Possible: If you don’t have to be on the road tonight, stay put. The rain and winds will make driving treacherous, and flash flooding could quickly make streets impassable. If you absolutely need to travel, be cautious and avoid any areas that are prone to flooding. If you see flooded streets, turn around and find an alternate route.
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Stay Calm and Be Prepared: It’s easy to get anxious when the weather turns severe, but staying calm is key. Make sure your emergency plan is in place and that everyone in your household knows what to do. If a tornado warning comes through, don’t hesitate—act fast and get to safety.
What’s Coming Next:
The heaviest storms are expected to hit between midnight and 3 AM, so that’s when you’ll need to be especially vigilant. After that, the tornado threat should decrease, but the winds and heavy rain could stick around for a while. Even if the tornado risk is over, keep checking for weather updates just in case.
Tennessee and Northern Alabama, tonight is shaping up to be a stormy one, and we’re all in this together. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash flooding are real threats, but the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. Keep your phone charged, know where your safe spot is, and make sure you’re staying informed throughout the night.
