Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – Strong thunderstorms sweeping across East Tennessee are creating dangerous travel conditions and raising concerns about localized storm damage, flooding and power outages in the Knoxville region.
The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings covering Knox County and several neighboring counties as storms move through the area Monday afternoon and evening. Areas affected include Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Clinton, Maryville, Farragut, Powell, Karns, Bearden, Sevierville and other surrounding communities.
Forecasters say the strongest storms are capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, which can cause damage to trees, roofs, siding and power lines. Residents are being advised to seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows as storms pass through.
In addition to the wind threat, heavy rainfall has prompted flash flood warnings for portions of Knox, Anderson, Campbell, Morgan and Scott counties. The National Weather Service warns that creeks, streams, roadways, underpasses and other low-lying areas could quickly flood as thunderstorms repeatedly move across the region.
While no widespread damage reports had been confirmed in the warning information available Monday evening, meteorologists warned that downed trees and scattered power outages are possible where the strongest storms occur. The weather service specifically highlighted the potential for damage to trees, roofs and siding from strong wind gusts.
The warnings also affect major travel corridors, including portions of Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 through the Knoxville metropolitan area. Officials are urging motorists to use extreme caution and never attempt to drive through standing water covering a roadway.
Emergency officials continue to remind residents of the National Weather Service’s “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” message, noting that most flood-related deaths occur inside vehicles. Even a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle off a roadway.
What Residents Need to Know
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid windows.
- Be prepared for downed trees, scattered power outages and debris on roadways.
- Never drive through flooded roads.
- Monitor local weather alerts for rapidly changing conditions.
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially if storms continue after dark.
(KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (story courtesy of WVLT) – WVLT News is tracking power outages as severe weather moves through East Tennessee.
Staying in the know and preparing for storms is key to staying safe.
Check here for the latest outage information from your provider:
- Appalachian Electric
- City of Alcoa
- City of Maryville
- City of Oak Ridge
- Fort Loudon Electric
- Knoxville Utilities Board
- LaFollette Utilities
- Lenoir City Utilities Board
- Maryville
- Rockwood Electric
- Sevier County Electric System
- South Blount Utilities
- Volunteer Energy Cooperative
