TENNESSEE — A risk for severe thunderstorms is forecast across parts of Tennessee on Saturday, and the storms could lead to scattered power outages in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk of severe thunderstorms is expected across portions of the Tennessee Valley on Saturday as a storm system moves across the region.
Forecasters say scattered severe thunderstorms are likely from Saturday morning into the evening across areas stretching from Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley and north into the Ohio Valley, including parts of Tennessee.
The primary threats from these storms include damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Damaging winds are often the leading cause of power outages during severe thunderstorms. Strong gusts can knock down trees and power lines, which can leave thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. Tennessee has experienced similar impacts during past severe weather events when strong storm systems moved through the region and caused widespread outages.
If storms organize into larger clusters or produce stronger wind damage, outages could increase quickly in affected communities.
Utility companies often prepare for severe weather by placing repair crews on standby in case outages occur.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and weather alerts throughout the day Saturday as conditions develop.
