Tennessee and parts of Virginia and North Carolina are gearing up for a spate of hazardous weather. The National Weather Service Morristown TN issued an advisory early this morning alerting residents to the risk of possible severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall through the week.

The immediate forecast for Knoxville indicates a "40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms" today, with temperatures peaking around 85 degrees. Southwest winds are expected to blow at a speed of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, according to NWS Knoxville. This evening will carry a "50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 9pm" with similar wind conditions and mild temperatures.

Severe weather is set to escalate on Wednesday, with an "80 percent chance of precipitation" and "some of the storms could be severe." Heavy rain is to continue through Wednesday night, with the NWS predicting a high likelihood of severe thunderstorms along with persistent showers that may exacerbate flooding issues.

The advisory extends through the end of the week, although the severity of storms is anticipated to decrease by Friday. On the brighter side, skies are expected to clear by Friday night, transitioning into what forecasts suggest will be a mostly sunny weekend, albeit with a persistent 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Residents are advised to take caution over the next several days. "Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected again today, mainly during the afternoon and overnight period. Some of these storms could be strong to severe with damaging winds and hail as the main threats," notes the hazardous weather outlook. A "low-end tornado threat" exists as well, particularly "north of Interstate 40 and 81," according to statements obtained by NWS Morristown TN.

The public is being asked to stay alert as the situation develops. While spotter activation is not currently needed, the weather service is calling on locals to report severe conditions, with a greater need likely late Wednesday afternoon through nighttime as the threat of tornadoes and large hail looms. After the tumultuous weather mid-week, forecasts predict calmer conditions ahead.