KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — East Tennessee has been pummeled the last few days by storms, and Thursday may be no different. Rain may continue falling in the region, and so flooding concerns may linger across the area. A Flash Flood Watch will be active until around 8 p.m. on Aug. 2.
The watch comes after several days of rain which saturated the soil, resulting in water puddling quickly. Streams and rivers could also grow quickly during storms, and anyone nearby them should watch for rising water levels.
Thursday is also expected to have temperatures rising into the 90s. With the combination of high humidity and rising temperatures, the outside temperature can feel like it's around 105 degrees. As a result, there is a possibility for people to develop heat-related illnesses.
When will the weather impact?
This weather system has been described as "temperamental." It is difficult to accurately model, and so it is difficult to forecast the exact timeframe and locations where people may see storms develop. However, with soil as saturated as it is across East Tennessee, people should stay wary of flooding wherever it can happen.
What's the impact?
Storms can cause decreased visibility on the roads, and while Flash Flood Watches are in effect there is a higher chance of floods covering some parts of major roads. Nobody should drive through flooding — often large puddles may be deeper than they appear, trapping people in their vehicles if they try to go through them.
Drivers should make sure to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles and ensure their headlights are turned on when on the road. The best safety measure is to generally avoid the roads during severe weather.
Gusty winds and small hail are also possible. With the ground saturated from previous storms, it could also be easier for trees to fall — causing damage and potentially taking out power for some communities.
