Middle TN weather: Severe storms possible Wednesday night; wider threat Thursday

Kirsten Fiscus and Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean
·3 min read
Severe storms are possible Wednesday night and possible into the overnight hours across Middle Tennessee, NWS said.
Severe storms are possible Wednesday night and possible into the overnight hours across Middle Tennessee, NWS said.

Get the latest about Thursday's possible severe weather here.

There is a risk for multiple rounds of severe storms with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service Nashville.

On Wednesday night, the primary threats are damaging winds and isolated tornadoes, mainly west of Interstate 65, NWS Nashville said. Clarksville and parts of Nashville, Williamson County and Maury County are under a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather Wednesday night. The central part of the region is under a marginal risk (level 1 of 5). The Wednesday threat may linger into the overnight hours, forecasters said.

On Thursday, most of the Middle Tennessee region will be under an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather starting in the morning through evening. The main threats Thursday are damaging straight-line winds, localized flooding caused by heavy downpours and isolated tornadoes.

"Have a plan in place now and know where to go in the event severe weather develops," NWS said.

Severe storms are possible Thursday morning through afternoon across Middle Tennessee, NWS said.
Severe storms are possible Thursday morning through afternoon across Middle Tennessee, NWS said.

Nashville officials: Three tornado sirens are offline, awaiting repairs

Three Nashville tornado siren warning systems are inoperable and waiting repairs, a news release from the city's Office of Emergency Management said Wednesday afternoon. Repairs are scheduled for next week.

The sites include:

  • Siren 084 (8146 Coley Davis Rd.)

  • Siren 087 (5141 John Hagar Rd.)

  • Siren 093 (2749 Smith Springs Rd.)

"While these sites are inoperable the other tornado siren sites are working properly," the release said. "Please note you may not hear the sirens indoors if they activate, as the sirens are not meant to be heard inside of homes or buildings."

Follow-up testing will be conducted once the repairs are done, and a public announcement will be made ahead of those test, the release said. The release reminded residents it's important to have multiple ways to get weather alerts — especially if one method is not available or fails.

NWS urges weather awareness

The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to get weather updates.
The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to get weather updates.

There are multiple ways to get weather alerts, including cell phone push alerts from local media and weather apps; social media updates; local news coverage; and NOAA weather radios.

NWS recommends having an emergency kit you can quickly grab in case of an emergency. It should include essential supplies like food, water, flashlights, batteries, medicine, extra clothing and shoes, toiletries and solar-powered chargers for electronic devices.

How to prepare for severe weather in TN:Safe rooms, weather alerts, supplies

"If you get separated from family, make sure you have a place to meet or have an out-of-town contact to let know you are OK," the NWS said.

Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather and make an emergency plan at ready.gov/plan.

Nashville-area weather radar

Nashville forecast

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight. Chance of precipitation is 100%. High: 75; Low: 62

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the day. Chance of precipitation is 100%, dropping off to 50% overnight. High: 69; Low: 32

Friday: Mostly sunny. High: 43; Low: 24

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville weather: Severe storm risk in Middle TN Wednesday, Thursday