KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A line of storms will arrive in East Tennessee Wednesday night. These storms could potentially have strong wind and heavy rain, so people need to be aware of the severe potential for the evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted our area under a level 1 "marginal" risk for the potential of damaging winds with any stronger storms.
When will the weather impact me most?
These storms are expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon and move through the area into the evening up until around 8 p.m.
What's the impact?
The main impacts will be localized flooding from heavy rain, particularly in low-lying areas with poor drainage. Strong winds could also be a factor, so make sure you charge your phone and have a way to receive alerts in the event the weather turns severe enough to knock out power.
Remember, when thunder roars, head indoors!
More information
Anticipate and prepare before weather strikes. It's always good to be prepared just in case.
Have an emergency plan for you and your family ready for the worst-case scenarios -- making sure everyone knows what to do when severe weather strikes, and where to go if they are alone at home or caught on the road.
Be sure to have a good stock of batteries, a few flashlights and charge your cell phone before the storm arrives. It's also a good idea to have a car charger for your phone as well as a portable weather radio to keep track of severe weather updates in your area if power and cell service were to get clogged or completely go out.
In the event of a dangerous storm or tornado, a basement is the best place during severe weather, but not everyone has that option. There are other places to seek shelter and areas to avoid.
First, stay away from rooms with windows. If a strong gust of wind blows through, even without a tornado, it could shatter the glass and send it flying across the room.
Rooms with outside walls also are dangerous. Even without windows, they won’t stand a chance in a tornado.
Don’t even consider an upper-story floor. It will be the next thing to go after the roof.
