Severe weather may impact much of Middle Tennessee on Sunday

A wide swath of Middle Tennessee is at risk of severe weather Sunday and Monday. The National Weather Service is warning that people in the area should remain “weather aware” through Memorial Day.

Nashville, Clarksville, Franklin and other parts of the region are at an “enhanced risk” — also known as “level 3” — for severe weather on Sunday while Murfreesboro and other areas to the south of Nashville are at “slight risk” or “level 2,” according to the NWS.

Many of those counties in “level 3” are under a tornado watch until 3 p.m. Sunday. And some areas — like Clarksville — have already been issued severe thunderstorm warnings for storms that are already moving through the region.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee until 3 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/omyFro7iga

— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) May 26, 2024

“All of Middle Tennessee has the potential to see strong to severe thunderstorms and flash flooding,” the NWS wrote in a situation report issued Sunday morning.

The most serious severe weather risk will occur overnight on Sunday, with a line of storms expected to come through between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., but severe storms could also pop up on Sunday throughout the afternoon and evening.

“The environment will be volatile (Sunday) afternoon. It is very important to not let your guard down today and to be ready to act in the event a warning be issued for your location,” the NWS report said.

Strong to severe storms are possible today, with damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding all posing threats. Remain weather aware today and tonight! pic.twitter.com/mt2lqL2AM5

— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) May 26, 2024

There is an increased risk of tornadoes with those storms, and they could spark flash flooding. A flood watch is in effect for all of Middle Tennessee from 7 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday.

“Heavy rainfall from any storms on Sunday through Monday may lead to flooding, especially in areas around and north of I-40, where 2 to 5 inches of rain has fallen over the last 3 days,” the NWS said.

When severe weather hits, meteorologists warn that Tennesseans should be ready to move to a safe space quickly — like a windowless, interior room or a basement. It’s important to make sure your phone is charged and able to receive alerts. The NWS also has a guide on how to build an emergency kit.