NASHVILLE — A line of severe thunderstorms moved from southern Kentucky into Middle Tennessee late Thursday, prompting multiple warnings and a regionwide Flood Watch that remains in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday.
Warnings, timing and immediate risks
National and local forecasts show the initial round of storms developing late Thursday and continuing into early Friday morning as a wave slides southeastward through the region. At several points Thursday night, the following advisories were active:
- Severe thunderstorm warnings — extended for Cadiz, Canton and Linton, Ky., and issued for Calloway and Trigg counties (Kentucky) until 9:45 p.m. local time in one bulletin.
- Tornado warning — issued briefly for Trigg County, Ky., and later canceled for that county as conditions evolved.
- Flood Watch — in effect for Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky through 6 p.m. Sunday, reflecting saturated soils in many locations and continued heavy rain potential.
Forecast meteorologists warned that gusty, damaging winds and frequent lightning are possible with this initial line. As the system moves southeast through Middle Tennessee, meteorologists expect the storms to gradually weaken, though additional clusters of showers and storms are possible Friday afternoon and again Saturday.
Rain, flooding potential and local impacts
Recent rainfall has left much of the area’s ground saturated. Forecasters note that an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain is possible in pockets through the end of the weekend, increasing the risk for localized flash flooding and higher runoff into creeks and low-lying roads.
Practical information for residents and motorists:
- Expect rapidly changing conditions Friday and Saturday — plan extra travel time and avoid flooded roadways.
- Use the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s SmartWay map for real-time roadway impacts and closures.
- Consult local utility outage maps if you experience power interruptions; strong gusts can cause scattered outages.
| Issue | Area | Through |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Watch | Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky | 6 p.m. Sunday |
| Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Cadiz/Canton/Linton (Ky.) + Calloway/Trigg counties (Ky.) | Varied evening times; one warning until 9:45 p.m. |
What to do now
If you are in areas prone to flooding, move vehicles to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through standing water. For those under severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings, follow the guidance of local emergency management: seek an interior room away from windows and remain vigilant for rapidly updated watches and warnings.
Local news and weather services recommend keeping a battery-powered radio or mobile device charged, and enabling weather alerts. News and weather apps provide live radar and alerting; many stations push notifications for warnings affecting your county.
The storm system is expected to produce additional scattered storms Friday afternoon and again Saturday, any of which could bring strong winds, frequent lightning and heavy downpours. By Sunday, precipitation should taper from north to south, but the Flood Watch remains in place through the evening.
Stay tuned to local forecasts and official emergency channels for the latest on warnings, road closures and safety advisories.
