Residents in parts of southwest North Carolina, east Tennessee, and southwest Virginia should brace for potential severe weather today. The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a statement warning of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, some possibly reaching strong to severe levels. Isolated damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail from 1 to 1.25 inches in diameter could accompany the stronger storms. The forecast for Knoxville shows an 80% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm mainly before 11 am, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, higher in thunderstorms.
Following today's tempestuous outlook, the weather is expected to mellow out. According to the NWS, no hazardous weather is expected from Saturday through Thursday. However, the vigilant eye of those in the skies will monitor conditions as the fronts roll through. For tonight, Knoxville can expect a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 pm, followed by a mostly cloudy sky with lows around 54 degrees. The weekend will usher in cloudy skies initially, shifting to mostly sunny by the afternoon with highs near 68 degrees.
Looking ahead to Saturday night, the area will see increasing clouds with a low of around 48 degrees. Sunday forecasts a marginal 20 percent chance of showers. Monday is set to be sunny, with a high near 66, followed by a clear night with lows around 42. The stretch of generally fair weather is predicted to continue through the coming week, with no significant disturbances on the horizon.
The NWS also calls for spotter activation, which may be needed today. The agency asks spotters to relay any severe weather information while following local, state, and CDC guidelines. The extended forecast for Knoxville anticipates daytime highs to be consistently pleasant, hovering in the 60s and low 70s, with the next chance of showers on Tuesday night at 20 percent, and a slight 10 percent chance lingering into Wednesday. "A 10 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71," the NWS indicates for hump day, with nighttime conditions remaining mostly clear.
The NWS advises the public to stay alert and keep an eye on weather updates throughout the day, especially those with outdoor plans. With swift shifts in weather conditions, preparedness remains a vital shield against the elements.
