Tennessee residents should prepare for strong storms and potential localized flooding on Saturday as a cold front moves through the region, bringing two rounds of rain and storm activity.
The first round begins Saturday morning with scattered rain and heavy downpours likely after 8 a. m.
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, especially in the Cumberland Plateau area.
While this initial round is not expected to produce severe storms, heavy rain could cause localized flooding, officials said.
The afternoon is forecast to be mostly dry with cloud cover and spotty showers.
Meteorologists warn that if sunshine breaks through the clouds, the risk of severe storms will increase during the evening.
A second round of storms is expected Saturday evening into the night, starting after 6 p. m.
and continuing until midnight. These storms may bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning, particularly across the Cumberland Plateau.
Saturday has been declared a First Alert Weather Day by local meteorologists.
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The strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts, with a very low chance of isolated tornado development, according to WSMV.
"A few strong and severe storms are possible as a cold front moves across Middle Tennessee early Saturday afternoon and through the evening hours," said a WSMV weather official.
Temperatures will remain warm and humid, with muggy conditions starting Saturday morning and continuing into Sunday. Highs are expected to reach the 80s over the weekend.
WVLT reported that a Level 2 out of 5 Slight Risk for severe weather has been issued for the Cumberland Plateau, while Knox County and surrounding areas are under a Level 1 Marginal Risk.
"We are looking at two rounds of scattered showers and storms coming for us Saturday," a WVLT meteorologist said.
Sunday's forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with lingering spotty to scattered rain showers and highs in the mid-80s.
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The typical summertime pattern of heat, humidity, and occasional afternoon storms is expected to continue into next week.
